Abstract: A customer purchasing workflow management functionality related to a customer account hosted by a vendor system is presented on a client computing device in a dashboard page. The system allows a customer to visualize purchasing workflows and processes by authorized purchasers and by authorized approvers, including the spending and approval limits associated with each, and the relationships therebetween. The system further provides for editing of the stored information comprising the purchasing workflows and processes.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 15, 2013
Date of Patent:
July 4, 2017
Assignee:
W.W. GRAINGER, INC.
Inventors:
Andre Luis Wilman Rego, Julie A. Dierwechter, Craig Millman, Arlen James Young, Ezio Enrico Magarotto, Bryan David Anderson
Abstract: A noninstrusive system and method of scanning an object having component parts includes a vendor based data repository of component parts and a matching processor to receive a scanned image representative of the assembled object and to provide suggested and/or matched component parts for purchase from the vendor.
Abstract: A system and method for managing the delivery of goods. The system and method particularly provides for manifesting and controlling route-based delivery of orders or packages from a vendor to one or more locations accessible by customers. The locations may include automated, self-service vending machines and/or will-call lockers, under the control of a system (ideally centralized and automated) that can receive and actively manage manifest information.
Abstract: A system and method uses an image manipulating application to define in an object image a plurality of discrete cells. Predefined image information is substituted for image information in selected ones of the plurality of discrete cells to form a translated version of the object image. The translated version of the object image may then be provided to an image recognition capable search engine to obtain search results.
Abstract: A system and method uses an image manipulating application to define in an object image a plurality of discrete cells. Predefined image information is substituted for image information in selected ones of the plurality of discrete cells to form a translated version of the object image. The translated version of the object image may then be provided to an image recognition capable search engine to obtain search results.
Abstract: A system and method uses one or more images provided to an image recognition capable search engine to obtain search results. The image recognition system may use one or more image match algorithms to create one or more possible product match sets. In the event multiple product match sets are created, the search results may be limited to product that appears in one or more of the plural possible product match sets.
Abstract: An example data center server rack may generally include a cabinet, a mounting fixture, and a trough. The mounting fixture may support one or more server units that are received within the cabinet. The trough may be attached to a sidewall of the cabinet. Openings in a sidewall of the cabinet may correspond to openings in a sidewall of the trough such that cables coupled to the one or more server units may be routed into the trough. The trough may include a bracket disposed between its sidewalls, with the bracket including one or more power strips. By routing the cables into the trough, the serviceability of and airflow through the data center server rack are improved. To prevent the diversion of airflow into the trough, boots may be secured at openings through which cables pass, with the boot covering a portion of the cables.
Abstract: A system and method for allowing a consumer to quickly access product information and/or commerce functionalities as related to one or more products that are associated with an electronic document, such as a web page, that is currently being viewed by the consumer in an electronic document viewing program, such as an Internet browser.
Abstract: A noninstrusive system and method of scanning an object having component parts includes a vendor based data repository of component parts and a matching processor to receive a scanned image representative of the assembled object and to provide suggested and/or matched component parts for purchase from the vendor.
Abstract: An assembly for holding and displaying books, or items having a book-like structure includes a book attached to a hinged book-holding device, which displays the book in various positions. The hinge allows the book to move in at least two positions, a first standing position and a second, inclined position. The disclosed book-holding system also comprises a stabilizing mechanism that, when activated, provides a broader structural base. Thus, when the book is inclined and opened, the stabilizing mechanism holds the entire system steady so it does not tilt open.
Abstract: A system and method uses one or more images provided to an image recognition capable search engine to obtain search results. The image recognition system may use one or more image match algorithms to create one or more possible product match sets. In the event multiple product match sets are created, the search results may be limited to product that appears in one or more of the plural possible product match sets.
Abstract: A bookholder apparatus adapted to support a plurality of pages of reading material and to be slidable across a support surface includes a front cover, a back cover, and a spine operable coupled to the front cover and the back cover. The bookholder allows the container to be moved between an open position and a closed position, wherein the plurality of pages are supported within the container. A plurality of roller elements are mounted to an outer surface and within a perimeter of at least one of the front cover, the back cover, or the spine to allow the bookholder to slide and/or roll across a support surface.
Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for optimizing prices for products and services based on consumer survey data, or at least based on the principle that non-flat prices such as $0.99, $3.95, $49.99, for example, create negative impressions about merchants. The system may retrieve a current price from a database and identify a price class or a price range to which the current price corresponds. The system may then execute a pricing process that is associated with the identified price class or price range. The pricing process computes an offer price that a majority of consumers will perceive as being more fair than the current price.
Abstract: A system determines if functionality offered via a Web site is being underutilizing by a user, e.g., not being using at all or not being using with some desired degree of regularity. When it is determined that the functionality offered via the Web site is being underutilized by the user, the system provides to content of the Web site a cue, e.g., audio and/or visual, for directing the attention of the user to the functionality offered via the Web site.
Abstract: A system and method uses an image manipulating application to define in an object image a plurality of discrete cells. Predefined image information is substituted for image information in selected ones of the plurality of discrete cells to form a translated version of the object image. The translated version of the object image may then be provided to an image recognition capable search engine to obtain search results.
Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for personalizing messages that are sent to a recipient when a user of a website wishes to “share” a particular webpage or content thereof with the recipient. The apparatus and methods, which are founded on non-transitory computer readable media, involve using information available about the recipient as well as information about a product or service displayed on the webpage to identify supplemental content to include in the message to the recipient regarding the shared webpage. The recipient's prior browsing and purchasing histories with the website, as well as the purchasing tendencies of other customers, may be particularly helpful in identifying relevant supplemental content.
Abstract: A user associates a supply chain event with a personalized message. The system causes the personalized message (or a link thereto) to be sent to a recipient using a selected dissemination method when the supply chain event occurs.