Abstract: Destination information, which includes as a retrieval condition an address of a destination spot, is received externally. Under the received retrieval condition of the address, a spot retrieval is performed with reference to own map data to thereby acquire a specified spot and second coordinates data indicating the specified spot. When the received destination information includes first coordinates data indicating the destination spot, it is determined whether a direct distance between a first spot indicated by the first coordinates data and a second spot indicated by the second coordinates data is equal to or less than a threshold value. When the direct distance is equal or less than the threshold value, the second spot is displayed as a destination on a map. When the direct distance is greater than the threshold value, the first spot is displayed as a destination on a map.

Abstract: A system and method for managing merchandise information include acquiring merchandise information of a plurality of merchandises, and setting a plurality of categories and multi-level sub-categories to classify the merchandises. The system and method further include calculating a relative coefficient between a selected merchandise and each of the other merchandises in a same category as the selected merchandise, selecting related merchandises by comparing calculated relative coefficients with a threshold value, and linking the related merchandises to the selected merchandise.

Abstract: Methods and systems for operating an online marketplace for the sale of goods and services associated with self-help moving and relocating are described. A customer enters an online marketplace where vendors offer services and goods relating to moving and relocating, specifically in the “do-it-yourself” moving field. The venue for the online marketplace is an Internet web site or a site on a computer network and is operated by a host that determines which vendors will be listed on the site. Once in the marketplace, the customer can view informational content on numerous vendors providing services relating to moving and relocating. Based on the estimates provided by the marketplace as well as reviews, ratings, customer feedback, and background information on the vendors, the customer selects a vendor and “prepays for” the vendor's services on the marketplace. The customer is then provided a confirmation code.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed herein for generating contextualized live auction feeds. The method of generating contextualized live auction feeds comprises receiving context data from a user. The method further comprises utilizing the context data received from the user to search auctions. The method, in one embodiment, includes generating contextualized live auction feeds for an auction based on the context data.

Abstract: An Internet-based computer-assisted supply-chain management system (SCMS) replaces the archaic commerce systems presently in use. It coordinates just-in-time distribution of items purchased by consumers from a plurality of merchants whereby the inventory in the distribution pipeline is reduced to inventory in transport. It uses regional distributions centers and neighborhood order aggregation facilities for an efficient transfer of items to consumers. Consumers can pick up aggregated orders at an order aggregation facility or have them delivered to a residence. The SCMS phases out conventional checkout registers in favor of web browsers with automatic transaction execution. Retailers can operate with little or no inventory. Window shops facilitate promotion of items and help consumers make selections and decisions with respect to purchases they may be contemplating.

Abstract: An Internet-based computer-assisted supply-chain management system (SCMS) replaces the archaic commerce systems presently in use. It coordinates just-in-time distribution of items purchased by consumers from a plurality of merchants whereby the inventory in the distribution pipeline is reduced to inventory in transport. It uses regional distributions centers and neighborhood order aggregation facilities for an efficient transfer of items to consumers. Consumers can pick up aggregated orders at an order aggregation facility or have them delivered at a residence. The SCMS phases out conventional checkout registers in favor of web browsers with automatic transaction execution. Retailers can operate with little or no inventory. Window shops facilitate promotion of items and help consumers make selections and decisions with respect to purchases they may be contemplating.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a configuration system for configuring and ordering a chemical separation system, which configuration system comprises a configuration tool, a database comprising data relating to chemical separation hardware modules and the linkage of said hardware modules. Said configuration system enables a user in real-time to obtain a customized configuration of the chemical separation system. The present invention also relates to a method of selling a customized chemical separation system using said configuration system. The present invention system and method considerably shorten the time required for customizing a chemical separation system.