Abstract: A buyer-seller matching system that uses incentives to verify commissions from matching a buyer with a seller. The system can include a repository of information about items for purchase. Items may be located by a user over a network. Each item may be paired with incentive that is awarded if that item is purchased from a designated third party. If the user purchases the item, the seller pays the system an agreed upon fee and also issues the buyer a certification of purchase. The user may then receive the incentive from the system. The system can check to verify that it has received a fee or commission from the seller for bringing the seller a buyer of the item.

Abstract: An augmented reality shopping system in one embodiment includes a store communication network, a memory including program instructions for receiving a product location request, associating the received request with product information stored in a product database, determining the location of the product within the store, receiving shopper location information, determining a route between the determined location of the product and the shopper location based upon the shopper location information, generating route rendering data based upon the determined route, and transmitting the route rendering data through the store communication network. The system further includes a processor operably connected to the store communication network and to the memory for executing the program instructions and a mobile display device operably connected to the processor through the store communication network for rendering an overlay image using the transmitted route rendering data.

Abstract: A kiosk dispenses and receives recorded optical media using an interconnected central server, through an Internet Service Provider. The central server has databases and processing capabilities and is connected to a credit verification system. The databases collect inventory administration information and customer data (e.g., credit card information and email addresses) from the kiosks. The central server initiates credit verification, sends receipts to customers via email and maintains databases for remote inventory control and administration of the kiosk network. A kiosk may identify a recorded disk for automated restocking and perform quality assessment of a recorded disk. The kiosk may provide publishing-on-demand or act as a portal for remotely served advertisements. The kiosk preferably includes a rotatable carousel with a selection of DVDs. A digital camera captures a digital image of a disk barcode and internal software rotates the image to “read” the barcode, to control inventory and access issues.

Abstract: The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for providing an altered shopping experience in a retail store. For example, various devices can be used to provide a stimulus (e.g. a smell or sound) to encourage the customer to purchase a product, to entertain the customer, or to provide information to the customer. Devices can also be provided for creating a forced perspective to give the appearance that an aisle is shorter than it is. Devices can also be provided to automatically identify ingredients in a recipe and identify retail stores that offer the ingredients at the best price, or to accept reservations for particular products in the case of an emergency.

Abstract: Mechanisms are provided to facilitate buying and selling products utilizing social pricing. Sellers initiate sale of a product with volume discounts for a limited time. In other words, the more people that buy a product, the lower the price for the group. Buyers have a real incentive to become prosumers that not only purchase a product but also promote purchase by others. A social pricing system brokers interaction between sellers and buyer groups, and provisions mechanisms to aid promotion of products by consumers utilizing social networks and other online activities.

Abstract: Arrangements involving portable devices (e.g., smartphones and tablet computers) are disclosed. One arrangement enables a content creator to select software with which that creator's content should be rendered—assuring continuity between artistic intention and delivery. Another utilizes a device camera to identify nearby subjects, and take actions based thereon. Others rely on near field chip (RFID) identification of objects, or on identification of audio streams (e.g., music, voice). Some technologies concern improvements to the user interfaces associated with such devices. Others involve use of these devices in connection with shopping, text entry, sign language interpretation, and vision-based discovery. Still other improvements are architectural in nature, e.g., relating to evidence-based state machines, and blackboard systems. Yet other technologies concern use of linked data in portable devices—some of which exploit GPU capabilities. Still other technologies concern computational photography.

Abstract: An exemplary method includes a media content location system 1) detecting a geographic location of a mobile device associated with a user, 2) determining, based on the detected geographic location of the mobile device, that a media content instance designated as being of interest to the user is available for vending at a media content store that is within a geographic vicinity of the mobile device, 3) directing the mobile device to present a graphical depiction of the geographic vicinity of the mobile device, and 4) directing the mobile device to present a graphical object representative of the media content instance within the graphical depiction of the geographic vicinity at a position that corresponds to a geographic location of the media content store. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosed technology relate to systems and methods for beginning and completing a physical store transaction for an item, or items, to be worn. The transaction is directed by a purchaser using in-store indicators, conveyance windows, electronic devices, and/or by an act of moving unique identifiers, attached to items to be worn, electronic devices or the purchaser. The computing system associates electronic identifiers with products, directs storage of products within store inventory holding locations, receives purchaser's requests, directs retrieval and movement of products to store locations where they may be examined and tried by purchasers, and/or completes purchase transactions. The purchaser may complete the buying of the product by walking to the store, taking the item he/she needs and walking out of the store with no additional action (zero-action).

Abstract: A positioning system for determining the location of a portable device includes a radio network. The radio network includes radio network nodes for communicating with the portable device and measuring signal strength from the portable device. The radio network also includes a Near Field Communication node for communicating with the portable device and at least initially providing the portable device with configuration information to enable the portable device to pair with the radio network nodes. The system also includes a positioning server for receiving signal strength information from the radio network, determining a location of the portable device, providing the portable device with a graphical representation of its location within a floorplan, receiving an indication of a desired product from the portable device, determining a location of the product, calculating and providing the portable device with a route from the location of the portable device to the product.

Abstract: A system and method for user goal oriented mapping is disclosed. In some embodiments, an initial user location may be received. One or more user goals may be received. For example, a first product to purchase and a second product to purchase may be received from the user. The system and method may determine locations where the first product and the second product may be purchased. In some embodiments, a notice may be transmitted to the locations where the first product and the second product may be purchased. Directions may be provided from the initial user location to the first and second locations.

Abstract: In one aspect, a user captures an image of a physical object (e.g., of a grocery item, using a smartphone). The depicted object is identified, such as by extracting fingerprint or watermark data from the imagery. Other imagery depicting that object—or depicting related objects—is identified on the web, and is displayed to the user on the smartphone screen. The user may select one or more of these images and direct that they be posted to a social network account (e.g., Pinterest) associated with the user. In another aspect, the user's location is sensed (e.g., an aisle of a department store), and a collection of images depicting nearby products is presented to the user for selection and posting to a social networking service. A great variety of other features and arrangements are also detailed.

Abstract: A method and a system to present a personal shopping experience are provided. A plurality of items assigned to a category inputted by a user is identified. The plurality of items is available for sale at a plurality of corresponding locations within a pre-defined geographical area. A selection of at least one item of the plurality of items, the category, or a region within the pre-defined geographical area is received from a user. A path from a first location corresponding to a first item of the plurality of items to a second location corresponding to a second item of the plurality of items is determined. The path is within the pre-defined geographical area where the system is located. Discount information for the first item and discount information for the second item are identified. A path from the first location to the second location is displayed to the user. Discount information for the first item and the second item are provided to the user.

Abstract: An electronic sign includes a bi-stable display portion to display primary content such as price, type of offer, etc. and another secondary display portion to display secondary content such as enterprise name, logo, eye-catching message, etc. Enterprises are enabled to adhere to their organization's color theme while conveying secondary information. Secondary content may be fixed content or may be selected from a predefined set of content. The presently described electronic sign uses a passive medium to display secondary content along with a bi-stable display for displaying primary content, resulting in an effective, low cost solution.

Abstract: Mechanisms are provided to facilitate buying and selling products utilizing social pricing. Sellers initiate sale of a product with volume discounts for a limited time. In other words, the more people that buy a product, the lower the price for the group. Buyers have a real incentive to become prosumers that not only purchase a product but also promote purchase by others. A social pricing system brokers interaction between sellers and buyer groups, and provisions mechanisms to aid promotion of products by consumers utilizing social networks and other online activities.

Abstract: A real time management system for marketing to customers and vendors with customer purchasing and preference data in specific consumer markets including restaurant, retail, travel, hospitality, entertainment, and combinations thereof. The management database allows the consumer to make Precision Purchasing™ transactions, reservation transactions, and Precision Gifting™ transactions via a web-based interface, POS based touch screen interface, and mobile device-based interface. The consumer profile database is comprised of mainly consumer inputted preference and consumer purchase data which is stored into each customer profile and can be accessed/verified with a GPS recognition of the customer's phone, biometric hand or finger scan, access card, retinal scan, password, key fob, or other terminal kiosk, touch screen, or mobile application of the like. Consumers may also gift dollars to each other's account using the customized, consumer authorized Precision Gifting™ system.

Abstract: The present invention is a methodology for the delivery of freshly prepared food to a plurality of vehicle-operating consumers. Freshly prepared foods means foods that have, in some manner, recently been transformed into an edible or consumable format. Thus, when frozen ice cream is scooped into a cone, it is freshly prepared; when a frozen or cool item is microwaved to cook it or to merely heat it up, it is freshly prepared; when coffee is taken from an urn or coffeemaker and put into a cup, it is freshly prepared; when soda is dispensed from a dispenser or cooler, it is, in accordance with the present invention, freshly prepared; when frozen pizza is heated, it is freshly prepared, etc.

Abstract: A shopper is presented with a customized online store whose inventory is defined by the shopper. In one embodiment, specification of the inventory is conducted in a bricks and mortar store—either during checkout, or by the shopper walking the aisles and scanning items with a barcode scanner pen or the like. The inventory may be defined—at least in part—by scanning items in the shopper's home. A variety of other novel features are also disclosed.

Abstract: An identification of a customer and identification of a webpage to be transmitted to the customer from a first data system are received. Message content is selectively inserted from at least one second data system for the identified customer into the identified webpage. The first data system is thereafter notified to transmit the webpage from the first data system to a computer system associated with the identified customer. Message content may be generated by the at least one second data system relating to the customer's interaction with the at least one second data system. Selective insertion and notification may be achieved by a message system. The transmission of the customer/web page identification to the message system and the transmission of the identified web page to the customer may be achieved by the first data system.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system comprising: a communications device, comprising: a memory comprising logic and a user-configured data structure; and a processor configured with the logic to: receive real-time information corresponding to a plurality of purchasable products located in a store, the real-time information received from a node located proximal to the purchasable products; match product information stored in the data structure with the received real-time information; and identify to a user a location within the store of a product with the stored product information that matches the received real-time information.

Abstract: Representing activity in an online store is disclosed. Information associated with the activities of a second visitor to the store is received. An indication of the presence of a first visitor at the store is also received. The activities of the second visitor are displayed to the first visitor.

Abstract: A system, sometimes called ShakyPlanet™ presents a collection of interactive digital objects, one of which is sometimes called ShakyGlobe™. The presented digital objects may be part of a series of eCollectibles™. A specialized and centralized communication and database system, sometimes called ShakyStore™ offers the sale of objects to buyers qualifying on the basis of various variables, such as being within a predefined geographic area or issuing a purchase request within a predefined time period. Additional conditions to purchase may include a willingness to pay more than standard established costs, purchasing before all units are sold and submission to the terms of sale that facilitate the collectable attributes of the objects. Each object is uniquely marked to identify its owner by registration with the communication and database system, which is the sole authority for the transfer ownership of the objects, the recording of ownership changes and for the authentication of the objects.

Abstract: A computerized method provides information of local products using a server. Information of various products published by one or more product vendors is stored into a product database. When a user accesses the server using a client device, a location of the user is acquired and a geographical area where the user is located is determined. Products local to the determined geographical area are searched from the product database, and are displayed on a user interface for the user to select his/her favorite. When one of the searched products is selected, purchasing addresses of the selected product are searched from the product database and the nearest purchasing address to the user is determined. One or more routes from the user to the nearest purchasing address are calculated according to an electronic map, and are displayed on the user interface.

Abstract: A system and method for locating a product within a store are disclosed. The system and method include a database for indexing at least one location of substantially each product within the store. The database includes information related to substantially each product. The system and method include a local device suitable to receive information related to a product to be located within the store. The local device is coupled to the database and identifies at least one product to locate from a comparison of the received information to the information included in the database. The system and method include a location engine that provides the location within the store of the identified at least one product.

Abstract: Ranking and optimizing trips for several items to be purchased is described. In one embodiment, a method for ranking shopping trips includes receiving geographic location information, receiving a product item identifier for products to be purchased, searching inventories of one or more retailers for the products to be purchased and compiling search results, generating one or more shopping trips based on the search results and a compilation metric, ranking the one or more shopping trips according to a least cost metric, and displaying the ranked shopping trips. In other aspects, ranking and optimizing shopping trips further comprises calculating at least one of a total cost for the products to be purchased, a distance and time estimate for each of the shopping trips, a time cost for each of the shopping trips, and a transportation cost for each of the shopping trips.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems, apparatuses, and methods for determining the location of a mobile merchant, and performing further processing based on the determined location. Transaction data for a transaction conducted by a mobile merchant is electronically received at a server computer. The server computer determines a location of the mobile merchant based on the transaction data, and performs further processing based on the location of the mobile merchant.

Abstract: The system refers a prospective customer to one or more prospective dealers. It identifies those dealers closest to the customer and gives preference to those with which the customer has had a previous relationship. A database stores customer contact information and information related to dealer locations. Using a computer, the prospective customer is prompted to enter some personal information. A database query checks for matching data in the customer contact database. A search of the dealer locations nearest to the customer is then performed. Results are combined and the display recommends at least one dealer location, giving preference to those locations where there has been a prior relationship.

Abstract: A mobile-enabled system, methods and interfaces for merchants and consumers to identify, search for and match products based on color. The mobile platform provides a number of additional features to enhance shopping experiences, including features which display and/or direct a user to products within a store, by color or other user preferences. These features are enabled by accessing and downloading a combination of store schematics, planogram data, and inventory management systems data.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cost-based fulfillment tie breaking are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method may include receiving an indication of an order for an item stocked in a plurality of fulfillment centers, where a difference between a cost of fulfilling the order with one of the plurality of fulfillment centers and a cost of fulfilling the order with another one of the plurality of fulfillment centers is within a specified amount. The method may also include selecting a given one of the plurality of fulfillment centers to fulfill the order based, at least in part, upon expected costs corresponding to inventory positions that would result from fulfilling the order with each of the plurality of fulfillment centers.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include systems, methods, and computer-program products that provide for a unique directional wayfinding system. In one embodiment of the invention, products are received from the user, such as a shopping list or wish list. The system determines the location of the user, determines the location of the product in the business, determines a route from the user to the product, and provides instructions to the user along the route. In an embodiment, the system identifies and/or confirms the product when the user reaches the product. In at least one embodiment, the systems, methods, and computer-program products provide functionality for the visually-impaired to assist in everyday shopping for products in businesses.

Abstract: Mechanisms are provided to facilitate buying and selling products utilizing social pricing. Sellers initiate sale of a product with volume discounts for a limited time. In other words, the more people that buy a product, the lower the price for the group. Buyers have a real incentive to become prosumers that not only purchase a product but also promote purchase by others. A social pricing system brokers interaction between sellers and buyer groups, and provisions mechanisms to aid promotion of products by consumers utilizing social networks and other online activities.

Abstract: Mechanisms are provided to facilitate buying and selling products utilizing social pricing. Sellers initiate sale of a product with volume discounts for a limited time. In other words, the more people that buy a product, the lower the price for the group. Buyers have a real incentive to become prosumers that not only purchase a product but also promote purchase by others. A social pricing system brokers interaction between sellers and buyer groups, and provisions mechanisms to aid promotion of products by consumers utilizing social networks and other online activities.

Abstract: A product management system is disclosed. The product management system comprises a product detection device disposed on a product display rack and configured to detect presence/absence of a product on the product display rack, a wireless communication device disposed on the product display rack and configured to wirelessly transmit information about the presence/absence of the product detected by the product detection device, a relay device to relay communications between the wireless communication device and a network, a product management device to store and display the information transmitted from the wireless communication device via the relay device and the network, and a terminal device capable of wireless communications with the wireless communication device and configured to travel with a shopper.

Abstract: Marketing and sales promotion support is provided to a plurality of participating brick and mortar establishments by maintaining on a server a database of customers' shopping behavior. When a customer enters the premises of one of those establishments, promotional offerings are pushed from the server to a wireless mobile device, such as a smartphone, in the possession of the customer, the content of the offerings being determined from information in the database related to the customer's prior shopping behavior. The customer behavior during the current visitation is used to update the database information related to him.

Abstract: Methods, articles, and systems for enabling the return of a misplaced device to a rightful user of the misplaced device are described herein. The misplaced device is configured to communicate with a misplaced device server, indicating to the misplaced device server that the misplaced device has been found. The misplaced device server is configured to provide the misplaced device and a returning user currently in possession of the misplaced device with information describing how to return the misplaced device to the rightful user. The misplaced device server is also configured to communicate with the rightful user, indicating to the rightful user that the misplaced device has been found.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods and systems are provided that allow a user to upload inventories, view inventories in the proximity of the user, and/or facilitate transactions over a user device in a simple manner. In an embodiment, a method for transactions comprises loading, by a server at a remote location, an application on a user device of a user, wherein the application allows the user to upload an inventory comprising one or more items and/or services offered for sale by the user, as well as to view on the user device other inventory offered for sale by one or more other users as the user comes into proximity of the one or more other users, and wherein an inventory list maintained at the user device is constantly updated with the other inventory viewed by the user device. The method also comprises receiving, by the server at the remote location, transaction information associated with conducting a transaction in connection with the inventory list over the user device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided herein for a plurality of users to barter, exchange, or trade goods and/or services with each other. One item may be exchanged for one or more items in a given barter transaction. Conversely a plurality of items may be exchanged for another plurality of items in a given barter transaction.

Abstract: A portable device which assists shoppers. The device identifies items of merchandise, and retrieves information about the items from a remote location. The items can be identified based on their labels, by image recognition, by their location, by the shopper, or by other approaches. This additional or enhanced information about the items can then be overlaid on the real-time display of the portable device, such that the shopper has access to said information and can associate it easily to the relevant items.

Abstract: A multi-faceted, tier-driven, loyalty-based commerce selector that promotes brand and retailer loyalty is provided. The innovation leverages brand and retailer loyalty in lieu of price comparison shopping as is the focus of most other e-commerce experiences. Brands or retailers can be selected for exclusive shopping, and recommendations can be provided where brands or retailers are yet-unselected. Various interfaces and communications systems can be employed to deliver customized shopping experiences based on selected retailers and user preferences in order to shift from price to relationships as the driver of transactions.

Abstract: A method, system and computer readable medium are capable of identifying information to display. The method includes identifying a location of a display device. The method includes identifying, in response to a user input, places within a predetermined distance of the location of the display device. The method includes identifying current information about items or services available at the identified places. The method includes displaying, on the display device, the current information about the items or services available at the identified places within the predetermined distance of the display device.

Abstract: A system and method for the aesthetic design of a modular assemblage, comprising means for providing a client graphic user interface for receiving an input for defining parameters of the modular assemblage, and for presenting an image of the defined modular assemblage; communicating a code to a server representing the defined parameters; at the server, in dependence on the communicated code, defining a set of graphic elements corresponding to the defined modular assemblage; communicating the graphic elements from the server to the client; and displaying, at the client, the graphic elements received from the server to represent the defined modular assemblage.

Abstract: In the disclosed video display tag, a processor is wirelessly connected to a remote server. A video display screen and a motion sensor are coupled to the processor. The processor is configured to update the display screen in real-time with information relating to availability and/or character of a select product. Also included is a transmitter that sends the updated display screen information to remote users. The processor activates in response to a signal from the motion detector indicating that a human being is nearby the system.

Abstract: The disclosed technology provides an electronic storefront to present product information in real-time. In some embodiments, a website can comprise a widget that provides an electronic storefront in real-time to present data relating to product information. For example, a website developer can be provided with a snippet of computer code for generating a JavaScript hook or widget, thereby obviating the need for the developer to produce his own customized computer code for the storefront, which can cost time and money.

Abstract: A remote item-purchasing device and method. The method includes entering identification information for a physical item for sale by a seller into a mobile item-purchasing device. The method also includes, in response to entering the identification information for the item for sale into the mobile item-purchasing device, electronically obtaining, via the mobile item-purchasing device, a purchase price for the item for sale. The electronically obtained purchase price is utilized as a guide price for purchasing the item for sale from the seller.

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

Abstract: An example system includes a display, a communication circuit, a memory storing a shopping program, and a processor in communication with the display, the communication circuit and the memory. The processor is configured to execute the shopping program to access a product database including product information, to process inputs supplied to the system to generate a shopping list comprising one or more products from the product database and to provide guidance information on the display relating to product location in a store of the products on the shopping list.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for determining the locations of parts in a warehouse. The method comprises the step of generating for each part an associated designator having first and second components, including the steps of, for each of the parts, (i) determining the first component of the associated designator based on physical dimensions of the part, and (ii) determining the second component of the associated designator based on a pick velocity of the part. These designators are used to identify locations in the warehouse for the parts. In a preferred embodiment, the first components of the designators are used to determine the distances of the identified locations for the parts from an entrance/exit of the warehouse, and the second components of the designators are used to determine the heights of the identified locations for the parts in the warehouse.

Abstract: A shipment origin location for a product purchased by a customer is predicted. A merchant evaluator receives information from a user about a purchase transaction completed by the user with a merchant for a product, including the user's location. When the product is shipped, the merchant evaluator receives tracking information about the shipment. The merchant evaluator determines from the tracking information a point of origin for the shipment and updates its records to reflect the shipment origin point for that merchant and product, given the user's location. As the merchant evaluator compiles similar data for many products shipped by many merchants to many destinations, the merchant evaluator develops a searchable index, enabling a prediction to be made about a shipment origin point for a particular product from a particular merchant, given the location of the user ordering the product. A time-in-transit prediction can also be made.

Abstract: Various systems and methods are described for conducting and staging money transfer transactions from a vehicle. The systems and methods may include using a wireless transmitter on board the vehicle for wirelessly communicating with a money transfer system. Also, a user-input device integrated with the vehicle's navigation system, entertainment system, and/or climate system may be used. Using the wireless transmitter, the user-input device may interface with the money transfer system. Also, one or more identity authentication devices may be integrated with the vehicle that collect information to authenticate a user's identity.

Abstract: The present application provides a solar canopy station having a processor. The processor receives requests for delivery of goods or services and transmits the delivery request to a provider along with information regarding the processor location. The provider provides the requested goods or services. The station also is provided with a mechanism to couple the solar canopy to a battery, which may be a vehicle battery such as an electric car or electric scooter. The solar canopy would provide electrical energy either directly to the battery or through a power conditioner and, optionally, a storage facility. The solar canopy, storage facility, or power conditioner may be provided to power equipment associated with providing services such as, for example, power refrigeration units or freezer units to allow delivery of perishable and frozen goods.

Abstract: In a store information presentation system which is connected to perform communication with a plurality of game machines installed in stores, a server and a user terminal which transmits position information to the server, each of the plurality of game machines transmits installation information including a game machine code used to individually identify the game machine and a store code used to individually identify the store to the server, the server manages the game machine code and the store code, specifies the store closest the position represented by the position information received from the user terminal with reference to the game machine list and the store list and transmits store information of specified store to the user terminal, and the user terminal presents a user with the store information received from the server.