Abstract: Systems and methods for dispensing compositions, such as beverages, are provided. A beverage dispenser may be configured to receive input corresponding to a selection of a beverage, and in response, a graphical representation of the beverage at a display device. The beverage dispenser may receive additional input corresponding to an adjustment of an amount of an ingredient of the selected beverage, and in response, the graphical representation of the beverage may be updated. The graphical representation of the beverage may include graphics depicting the beverage container, the volume of liquid in the beverage container, and the adjusted ingredient.

Abstract: An information provision device according to one embodiment includes an evaluation request unit, an evaluation registration unit, an estimation unit and a presentation unit. The evaluation request unit transmits an evaluation interface for a recipient to evaluate a given gift given to the recipient to a recipient terminal. The evaluation registration unit stores an entered evaluation as evaluation information into an evaluation storage unit. When a next giver gives a next gift to the recipient through a giver terminal, the estimation unit estimates candidate items for the next gift at least from given gifts based on evaluations indicated by the evaluation information corresponding to the recipient. The presentation unit transmits candidate information indicating the estimated candidate items to the giver terminal and thereby presents the candidate items to the next giver.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing behavior feedback to members of a social network service are described. In some example embodiments, the systems and methods access information associated with positive feedback events for a member of a social network service, identify activities associated with the positive feedback events that were performed by the member of the social network service, and perform an action based on the identified one or more activities performed by the member of the social network service. For example, the systems and methods may display and/or update a dashboard that tracks and provides information associated with a member's status and interactions inside and outside of the social network service, may provide recommendations to other members that identify activities determined to generate positive feedback events for the members, and so on.

Abstract: A system and method for the multiple selection of digitally stored objects and the link-tokens of each selected object for simultaneous presentation and examination of the selected objects with their associated linked objects and information, including organized array presentation for graphical thumbnails that represent the selected objects, as well as sub-framing, which allows intelligent partitioning of information associated with an object.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable media for item classification using customer-visible attributes are disclosed. A plurality of terms are determined that describe a plurality of items in a marketplace. Individual ones of the items are classified in a hierarchical taxonomy comprising a plurality of classifications, and individual ones of the terms correspond to individual ones of the classifications. A description of a new item is received. The description of the new item comprises a plurality of customer-visible terms. One or more of the plurality of classifications in the hierarchical taxonomy are selected for the new item. The one or more classifications are selected for the new item based at least in part on automated matching of individual ones of the customer-visible terms to individual ones of the terms that correspond to individual ones of the classifications.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided using combined technologies for social networking interactions using tracking, predicting, and implementing online consumer communications, browsing behavior, buying patterns, and advertisements and affiliate advertising and communications, for online coupons, mobile services, products, goods & services, entertainment shopping, auctions, bidding, bidding behavior, bidding results for targeting and filtering of promotions, online coupons, mobile services, products, goods & services, penny auctions or online auctions, advertisements and affiliate advertising or services on a three dimensional geospatial platform using geospatial mapping technology, company-local information, social networking, and social networking communities (“PGS-GM-CL/I-SN”).

Abstract: A system and method of browsing electronic catalogs from a plurality of merchants. The electronic catalog system emulates the portability and usability of a traditional paper and ink catalog, especially when realized on a tablet or mobile device. Product data feeds from multiple merchants are collected and processed to build a product database. A server retrieves product data and serves it to users browsing the electronic catalogs. Users can request more detailed information and order products through the server and merchant websites. Users communicate with the server and merchant websites either through a standalone software application or via a standard web browser. Merchants are able to update the contents of their electronic catalogs through a merchant portal.

Abstract: A gaming machine, such as a video slot or video poker machine located in a casino or other gaming environment, may be configured to provide simultaneous play by both an in-person player and one or more remote players. Session identifiers may be assigned to the gaming machine that correspond to the game session of the in-person player and the game session of any remote players.

Abstract: A personalization system includes a preprocessing component configured to receive a request from a user over a communications network and generate a request key using predefined attributes of the request. A categorization component is configured to map the request key to a subset of domain-dependent vocabulary. An augmentation and buffer component is configured to augment the request with the subset of domain-dependent vocabulary mapped to the request key by the categorization component and to buffer request sequences in queues according to sequence identifiers. An embedding model component is configured to update an embedding model using the buffered request sequences. A personalization component is configured to provide a personalization using the updated embedding model.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system stores profiles for parties to the negotiation, each profile specifying values for one or more parameters negotiated, the values reflecting a desirable outcome of the negotiation for the associated party. A matching server accesses an offer from a first party containing values for one or more of the parameters negotiated and computes a distance between the offer values and the profile values of a second party. If the distance is acceptably small, the server causes the offer to be accepted by the second party to conclude the negotiation. If the distance is not acceptably small, the server automatically modifies one or more values in the offer such that the distances between the modified offer and the profiles of the first and second parties are acceptably small simultaneously and causes the modified offer to be accepted by the first and second parties to conclude the automatic negotiation.

Abstract: Embodiments of a computer-implemented method and system pertaining to drive through grocery pickup are described. In one example, a computer-implemented method receives geographic information about a user. The geographic information indicates that the user is within a predetermined area associated with the physical store. The method also determines whether there is a pending remotely placed order for a user account associated with the user in a database associated with the physical store. In response to a determination that there is the pending remotely placed order for the user account associated with the user in the database, the method transmits order information to a computing device of the physical store. The order information includes one or more items in the pending remotely placed order. The method also determines a current location of the user. The method further causes a delivery of the one or more items to the current location.

Abstract: A system receives item data describing one or more items added to an item list by a user. The item list may include one or more items. The system communicates the item list to a group of additional users designated by the user and the system then receives member data from one or more members of the group of additional user, wherein the member data is about the one or more items in the item list. The item list is then updated based on the received member data.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to apparatuses and methods configured for automatic learning and/or optimizing an order of items appearing in a sequence. Particular embodiments employ an engine to recognize sequences (e.g., lists of items) repeatedly encountered by a user. Examples of such sequences can include grocery lists, and emails present in an in-box. The engine then references available metadata associated with the sequence and its items, in order to present the user with an optimized sequence tailored to one or more criteria. Examples of available metadata can include sensed location information (of the user and/or other entities), temporal information, contextual influences, historical actions by the user, and/or general population habits (e.g., as may be determined via crowdsourcing). Certain embodiments may further generate a modified sequence based upon suggestions afforded by metadata associated with the sequence.

Abstract: A system and method for creating a watchlist of products relating to any type of item/service/event for which any type of purchase may be made by a user. The system permits a user to access a website and identify items of the website that are of interest and other users (or friends) and associate one or more users with one or more items in the watchlist. The system stores the identified items and friends in a watchlist for later retrieval, review, transmission or action by the user. The system may periodically inform the user of any changes to the items of interest or any changes in purchases made by the users friends to items in the watchlist. Items may alternatively be added from multiple websites, multiple emails or automatically by the system.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments described herein relate to digital downloading jukebox systems of the type that typically include a central server and remote jukebox devices that communicate with the central server for royalty accounting and/or content updates. More particularly, certain exemplary embodiments relate to jukebox systems that have revenue-enhancing features such as for example, music recommendation engines and bartender loyalty programs. Such innovative techniques help to both increase per jukebox revenue as well as keep jukebox patrons engaged with the jukebox.

Abstract: A card server that provides a card object to a mobile computing device in response to receiving a card request from the mobile computing device. The mobile computing device can utilize the card object to display an application card at the mobile computing device. The application card may include one or more list components. A list component may include multiple items. The card object may specify the items in the list component. Additionally, the card object may specify a display order for the items in the list component. The display order may indicate a sequence in which the items are to be rendered. The card server can determine the display order for the items based on user preferences associated with a user of the mobile computing device, and/or a search history of the user.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described herein for securely analyzing transaction data of a user. A server computing device establishes a secure connection with a client device, which transmits transaction data to the server. The server establishes a hierarchy of nodes to profile a user's purchase history. The hierarchy includes a plurality of article nodes and category nodes. The server creates a new article node instance corresponding to the transaction data, the new article node storing descriptive properties of at least one item purchased by the user determined from the transaction data. The server links the new article node instance to at least one of the category nodes by classifying the descriptive properties of the item purchased with respect to relationships defined by the hierarchy. The server generates and transmits an event trigger to remind the user of a follow-up action and authenticates the client before the trigger is delivered.

Abstract: A method and system for regulating access by an access program to a data object residing in a storage system, which may be used to protect against data theft in a storage server. The storage server receives, from a client node, a certificate request for a certificate pertaining to access of the data object by the access program. The storage server validates the certificate request and in response, generates the certificate and transmits the certificate to the client node. The certificate request and the certificate each include a signature of the access program and an identifier of the data object. The storage server receives from the client node an I/O request for access of the data object by the access program. The storage server determines whether the I/O request is valid or invalid and processes the I/O request with privileged handling or degraded handling, respectively.

Abstract: A system includes circuitry that receives a request for, and generates, individual terminal identification information. The individual terminal identification information identifies a terminal device with respect to other terminal devices and is used when accessing data associated with the individual identification information. Individual terminal identification information is recorded with the individual identification information.

Abstract: Mobile device based systems and methods are provided for combined delivery system that will allow shoppers to search and pay for their purchases, redeem coupons and earn reward points via the web or a mobile device or portable device to engage in social networking integration & mobile: services, payment, wallet, express checkout, money transfer, social media widgets, keywords, coupons, instant messaging marketing, voting, eCards, short codes, commerce, shopping, push content, geo-mobile, and geo-social services (collectively referred to as “Mobile Services”) with access to advertisements, daily deal coupons and free or discounted printable coupons, products & services, clickable advertisements & mobile advertisements by geo-target location from merchants, business owners, B2B business directory, retailers and major brands around the world, in combination with geospatial website for a multidimensional representation of information and/or scalable versions of web content associated with entities pro

Abstract: A technique, method, apparatus, and system to provide sports and sporting events related, integrated social networking, real time geospatial mapping, geo-target location based technologies including GPS and GIS and multiple points of interest, receiving current location of user's electronic or mobile device and multiple points of interest, cloud-type configuration storing and handling user data across multiple enterprises, generating user behavior data and ad links, promotions (“social/geo/promo”) links on a website for sports and sporting events related products, goods, gambling, and/or services, including sports related social/geo/promo data sets for user customized visual displays showing 3D map presentations with correlated or related broad or alternative categories of social/geo/promo links to be displayed with web page content for view and interaction by an end user.

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: A method of handling requests for service by client applications. The method comprises receiving a client request by a proxy application from a client application, where the client request identifies the client application, a business transaction type, and a business transaction service platform, reading a mapping configuration file by the proxy application, where the mapping configuration file maps signatures comprising a client application identity, a business transaction type identity, and a business transaction service platform identity to an action, the action comprising one of executing a stubbed out function on the messaging middleware platform and performing a business transaction on a business transaction service platform, based on reading the mapping configuration file, building a business transaction request by the proxy application, and sending by the proxy application the business transaction request to the business transaction service platform identified in the client request.

Abstract: A technique, method, apparatus, and system to provide related and integrated social networking, real time geospatial mapping, geo-target location and multiple points of interest, receiving current location of user's electronic or mobile device and multiple points of interest, cloud-type configuration storing and handling user data across multiple enterprises, generating user behavior data and ad links, promotions (“social/geo/promo”) links on a website for any product, good or service, including social/geo/promo data sets for user customized visual displays showing 3D map presentations with correlated or related broad or alternative categories of social/geo/promo links to be displayed with web page content for view by an end user.

Abstract: Freight quoting processes for obtaining a freight quote and informing a freight company about customer satisfaction related to a quoted price for a customer-selected freight delivery are disclosed. At least one freight quoting process includes (i) receiving a set of user credentials for accessing a customer account, (ii) receiving a request for a freight quote, (iii) transmitting a freight quote to a confirmed communication account of the customer, and (iv) receiving a selection of a decision among several possible decisions associated with the freight quote item. The several possible decisions include a decision to accept the freight quote, a decision to decline the freight quote, a decision to request a re-quote of the freight quote, and a decision to make payment for the freight quote from an existing account. The freight quoting process further includes transmitting a re-quoted freight price to the customer.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for combined social behavior tracking, online surveillance and web bot software technologies via a mobile device or computer for tracking online consumer behavior and data, cookies, embedded advertisements, predicting online consumer behavior, buying patterns by monitoring online activities, online communications, search inquiries, social networking, social plugins, social applications, advertisements, purchasing, behavior, and buying patterns, consumer address books and contact lists, blogs, chat rooms, friends, acquaintances and strangers, instant messaging, text chat, internet forum, service providers, travel and hospitality, real estate, educational services, ancillary services (as defined herein) and delivery system for behavior targeting and filtering of coupons, mobile services, products, goods and services, advertisements and service providers and related company information on a three dimensional geospatial platform using multi-dimensional and scalable geospatial mapp

Abstract: A technique, method, apparatus, and system to provide educational related, integrated social networking, real time geospatial mapping, geo-target location based technologies including GPS and GIS and multiple points of interest, receiving current location of user's electronic or mobile device and multiple points of interest, cloud-type configuration storing and handling user data across multiple enterprises, generating user behavior data and ad links, promotions (“social/geo/promo”) links on a website for educational related products, goods, and/or services, including educational related social/geo/promo data sets for user customized visual displays showing 3D map presentations with correlated or related broad or alternative categories of social/geo/promo links to be displayed with web page content for view and interaction by an end user.

Abstract: The present disclosure extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for providing item reviews to an online customer from third party sources during a shopping session on a retail website.

Abstract: An entertainment access system is provided that enables a user to request and receive status reports that present current information concerning a wide variety of items pertaining to the user's devices, entertainment content and usage rights in a standard, predictable and consistent manner that enhances rather than hinders the user experience. In some illustrative examples, the user can request the status report from one of his devices that is registered with the entertainment access system. The entertainment access system responds by collecting and formatting the status information so that is can be conveniently displayed or otherwise rendered on the registered device. For instance, if the request is received from a cell phone device, which generally has a relatively small screen, the information may be presented in a relatively abbreviated format.

Abstract: According to various exemplary embodiments, an electronic text message is received from a source telephone number, the electronic text message including content describing a product item. A seller of the product item is identified, based on the source telephone number, and the product item is identified, based on the content included in the electronic text message. Thereafter, a draft version of an item listing is automatically generated, where the item listing lists the product item as being for sale by the seller on a marketplace website.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods, computer program products, and systems for a predictive approach to contract management. In one embodiment, acceptable contract parameters are predicted based, at least in part on historic data and specified thresholds of identified contract parameters. Predicting acceptable contract parameters can help reduce negotiation cycles.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for providing shopping recommendations. Amounts and timing of user purchases are recorded and analyzed to determine consumption rates for various products. A list of recommended products is generated for a user including previous purchases. Expected runout dates for products may be determined based on previous purchases and consumption rates. The list of recommended products may be prioritized based on expected runout dates. A listing of products may be presented with one or both of validation and alternative indicators associated with items of the list. A validation indicator indicates that the product satisfies a criteria and an alternative indicator indicates that an alternative product satisfies the criteria better than the product.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems, methods, and computer-readable media related to facilitating item searching and linking transactions functionality in mobile commerce. In some embodiments, a user device may receive an identification of an item from a user. The user device may receive one or more search parameters. The user device may facilitate a search for the item based at least in part on the identification of the item and the one or more search parameters. The user device may insert the item into a lifecycle shopping list. The user device may store the lifecycle shopping list.

Abstract: An online system stores information identifying interactions by online system users with content provided by a third party system. The third party system includes a tracking mechanism in content that specifies one or more interactions with the content. When a user performs a specified interaction with the content via a client device, the tracking mechanism communicates information describing the performed interaction from the client device to the online system. The online system retrieves information identifying the user from the client device and stores the information describing the performed interaction in association with the information identifying the user.

Abstract: A system can include a memory that can store a fuse load database including a list of fuses, a list of loads each designed to be coupled to at least one fuse from the list of fuses and a list of current values each corresponding to a load from the list of loads. The system can also include an input device configured to receive a selection of a fuse from the list of fuses. The system can also include a modeling processor coupled to the memory and the input device. The modeling processor can determine one or more loads from the list of loads that are designed to be coupled to the selected fuse. The modeling processor can also generate load summary data corresponding to a sum of the current values that correspond to the one or more loads.

Abstract: Visitors that abandon electronic or computer-generated forms before completing and submitting the form are lost to business entities. Data obtained from abandoned electronic or computer-generated forms is used to identify these lost visitors. Sometimes a unique script embedded on the webpages scrapes the data from the forms. The obtained data is further utilized to market or remarket to the lost consumers by sending personalized messages via a preferred communication medium.

Abstract: The present invention provides a network server with enhanced graphics and improved methods for displaying articles offered for purchase, to allow a purchaser to fully evaluate the article while shopping “on-line.” In a particular embodiment, a virtual showroom associated with the network server may be provided, for displaying first and second articles. A first electronic image representing the first article and a second electronic image representing the second article may also be provided. The second article may be complementary to the first article, such that the second article may be worn in conjunction with the first article. In another embodiment, a user may have the option to overlay the first electronic image with the second electronic image. In a particular embodiment, the second electronic image may include an at least partially translucent depiction of a substantial portion of the second article.

Abstract: A method for searching Web pages that begins with the identification of query criteria entered into a search provider. A set of Web pages that satisfies the query criteria are determined. Then, a page ranking is ascertained for each Web page in the set. The Web pages are presented in order by page ranking. The page ranking is based upon at least one relevancy factor that includes a browsing-time factor. The browsing-time factor can be calculated from browsing behavior exhibited by users, who provided similar query criteria. The set of users from which the browsing-time factor is calculated can include a current user, a set of users sharing characteristics with the current user, and/or a general set of users. Browsing behavior can include time spent at a Web page, where the browsed Web page is a page that was previously presented as a search result for the similar query criteria.

Abstract: A system that displays geographic data is disclosed. During operation, the system receives a query to be processed, wherein the query is associated with a set of geographic regions. Next, the system uses a late-binding schema generated from the query to retrieve a set of data points from a set of events containing previously gathered data. Then, for each data point in a set of data points, the system identifies zero or more geographic regions in the set of geographic regions that the data point falls into. Finally, the system displays the set of geographic regions, wherein each polygon that defines a geographic region is marked to indicate a number of data points that fall into the polygon.

Abstract: Various embodiments of system and method for catalog image generation include a method. The method comprises, while a first person is using a mobile device to scan an item in a store, capturing one or more first images of the item from the mobile device and selecting one of the one or more first images. In the method can further comprise uploading the one of the one or more first images to an online catalog for the store and providing instructions to display the one of the one or more first images to a second person. Other embodiments of related methods and systems are also provided.

Abstract: A system and method provides a user of a network-based commerce system drag and drop functionality that allows a user to purchase goods from a network-based transaction system through the use of links and images.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for obtaining feedback associated with specific segments of a work. In some embodiments, a content provider may make one or more segments of the work available to commentators to provide feedback associated with a particular segment. The feedback may include ratings and/or comments. In some embodiments, feedback scores may be calculated using the feedback. Alternatively or additionally, content providers and/or other commentators may evaluate feedback provided by commentators. These evaluations may be used to calculate a commentator reputation score. Some feedback scores may be based at least in part on commentator reputation scores. In some embodiments, comparisons of feedback may be generated. For example, the comparisons may be based at least in part on feedback associated with one or more segments that is filtered based on demographic criteria that divide commentators into groups.

Abstract: The invention relates to operating a Machine-Type Communication (MTC) device for communication with a cellular radio network. A transmission is made from the MTC device to the cellular radio network to register the MTC device with the cellular radio network. The transmission includes a message from the MTC device to the cellular radio network, identifying the MTC device as an MTC device to the cellular radio network. Also, the MTC device has an associated HPLMN. An instruction is received at the MTC device from the network not to make a transmission from the MTC device for accessing the network. The instruction specifies a criteria for the MTC device's HPLMN or preferred list of networks. The MTC Device compares the criteria with the HPLMN associated with the MTC device and avoids making a transmission to access the network for a period of time based on the result comparing step.

Abstract: A method and associated system for processing a search query to retrieve product information and offers that are customized for an end user. An electronic planogram including expected locations of a product in a retail store is generated. A received communication includes a query object, an approximate location of the product in the retail store, and a database search query. From a comparison between the approximate and expected locations of the product, an electronic message is generated to communicate, to employees of the retail store, that the product is misplaced in the retail store. The database search query is performed for retrieving product information offers that are customized for the end user. The query object and the electronic planogram are used to identify products that have been misplaced, maintain adequate inventory levels to meet customer demands, and track the location of products within the retail store.

Abstract: An electronic shopping cart of a user is presented in a first interface during checkout, such as one allowing scrolling through representations of items in a shopping list in a first direction. On selection of an item, a second interface is displayed of a “shelf” for the selected item, the shelf including related items such as might be located on a same shelf as the selected result in a retail location. The second interface may allow scrolling in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Items in the second interface may be selected and either added to the electronic shopping cart or used to replace the selected item.

Abstract: A video cell phone messenger that provides caller ID streaming with sound and/or video, and provides a virtual greeting that users get when a call or text. A customized message is sent as part of an outgoing communication to another user who is being contacted by the user, in place of a numerical caller ID. The phone also sends text messages, and a second picture and sound forms a second customized message for texts.

Abstract: Implementing website navigation includes deriving a confidence level for at least one leaf node of a website navigation category diagram using historical user operation data; generating one or more navigation hierarchical structure diagrams based on the website navigation category diagram; determining a searching cost associated with each of the one or more navigation hierarchical structure diagrams; determining the navigation hierarchical structure diagram associated with the lowest searching cost; and implementing at least in part a website navigation mode using the navigation hierarchical structure diagram associated with the lowest searching cost.

Abstract: A method for requesting an object by means of a client system, which is coupled to a server system operatively via a communications network is provided, wherein a server means of the server system receives via the communications network a request message from an electronic document displayed at a client system, the request message comprises at least a first parameter, which identifies a user of the client system, and a second parameter, which identifies the requested object, the server means evaluates the parameters of the received request message, wherein data for the first parameter assigned to the user and data for the second parameter assigned to the object are determined, wherein the respective data are stored in a storage means of the server system, and after a successful evaluation, the requested object is provided for transmission to the user.

Abstract: Technologies are described herein for extracting quotes from customer reviews for a collection of items in order to provide salient comments for a particular item and/or upsell the collection. Individual sentences contained the customer reviews regarding the collection of items are parsed into a collection of sentences. A list of topics is generated from the collection of sentences, and each sentence in is assigned to one or more of the topics. A number of the topics from the list of topics are identified as related to the particular item, and quotes are extracted from the sentences assigned to the identified topics to be displayed as customer reviews of the particular item. Similarly, a number of topics in the list of topics are identified as related to a customer satisfaction with the collection of items, and quotes are extracted from the sentences assigned to the identified topics to be displayed in conjunction with an offer to upsell the collection of items.

Abstract: An online media station can be automatically generated based on a user's media preference data. Media preference data can include a user's media item purchase history. The media preference data is analyzed and media preference clusters are generated from the analyzed media preference data. Generated media preference clusters are ranked based on a predetermined set of ranking rules. The top ranked media preference clusters are selected dependent upon the user's number of slots available for customized media stations. One or more media station seeds are selected from each media preference cluster selected based on a set of predetermined selection rules. An algorithmic media station is automatically generated from the one or more media station seeds and provided to an electronic device of the user.