Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for offering shopping assistance tools. The tools may be used by developers to create enhanced in-store customer shopping applications. The shopping assistance tools provide in-store navigation, customer assistance, and inventory management services.

Abstract: Given an advertisement placed by a rogue affiliate that takes steps to hide its affiliate ID from affiliate investigators, the affiliate ID may be identified using a step-wise link follower to process the advertisement's target URIs. For each redirection step inclusively between the original target URI and the ultimate destination URI, the current URI is analyzed and requested according to either a trusted request method or a non-trusted request method depending on whether the resource to which the URI refers is known to be a trusted resource. The non-trusted request method is designed to thwart the rogue affiliate's efforts to identify an affiliate investigator as the source of the request.

Abstract: A system, method, and article of manufacture for generating a digital pass is disclosed. The method may comprise retrieving a plurality of identity attributes, and grouping a subset of identity attributes in the plurality of identity attributes to generate at least one digital pass. The method may further comprise grouping a subset of static identity attributes and a subset of dynamic identity attributes to generate a digital pass.

Abstract: A method of providing indications of participating advertisers to a portable user device including detecting a plurality of participating advertisers in a vicinity of the portable user device; determining a relative proximity of the portable user device to each of the plurality of the participating advertisers; rendering an indication of the participating advertisers on the portable user device to convey the determined relative proximity of each of the plurality of the participating advertisers; detecting a change in the relative proximity of the participating advertisers; and changing the rendering of the participating advertisers on the portable user device to convey the detected change in the relative proximity of the participating advertisers.

Abstract: Technologies for targeting listings based on user-supplied profile and interest data are presented herein. In one aspect, user-supplied profile and interest data is received from a user. Targeted business listings are generated for the user based on the user-supplied profile and interest data. The targeted business listings are then provided to the user.

Abstract: A network of collection, charging and distribution machines collect, charge and distribute portable electrical energy storage devices (e.g., batteries, supercapacitors or ultracapacitors). Availability of charged portable electrical energy storage devices available at a collection, charging and distribution machine are communicated to or acquired by a mobile device of a user or a user's vehicle. Once the mobile device of a user or a user's vehicle comes within close proximity of the collection, charging and distribution machine or within a particular area surrounding the collection, charging and distribution machine, the collection, charging and distribution machine or a collection, charging and distribution machine management system communicates an alert (e.g., over a cellular network, short range wireless signal or wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) network) to the mobile device or vehicle indicating how many portable electrical energy storage devices are available at the distribution machine.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer-readable storage device for serving advertisements based on user data using a computer network are provided. In at least one embodiment, a method may comprise receiving a request from a publisher for at least one advertisement, wherein the request comprises user context data. The method may also comprise receiving a permission profile from the publisher corresponding to the user context data, wherein the permission profile defines permissive use of the user context data. The method may also comprise supplementing previously stored data with the user context data and determining at least one advertisement based on the supplemented data and the permission profile.

Abstract: A system and method for syndicating comments received by a gadget that is embedded on different websites using a conversation application. The conversation application includes an authorization module, a code generator, an identity generator, a profile engine, a content parser, a syndication module, an analysis engine, an advertising engine and a newsletter engine. The content parser receives a comment posted by a user from a gadget embedded on a website and identifies the user and the website identifier. The syndication module identifies other websites that include the gadget. The syndication module then syndicates the content on the gadget embedded on the other websites. The analysis engine determines an interest of the user. The advertising engine provides advertisements to the website based on the interest of the user. The newsletter engine generates and sends newsletters to the user based on the interest of the user.

Abstract: A computer system and method that enables the customization and personalization of marketing material for potential students utilizing existing systems to provide students with net price information on the cost of attending an academic institution and supplements the financial information with marketing information that is customized and created for the potential student. The marketing material is unique to each potential student and is generated for each student based on their financial circumstances, personal interests and academic goals.

Abstract: A system, method, and article of manufacture for generating a digital pass is disclosed. The method may comprise retrieving a plurality of identity attributes, and grouping a subset of identity attributes in the plurality of identity attributes to generate at least one digital pass. The method may further comprise grouping a subset of static identity attributes and a subset of dynamic identity attributes to generate a digital pass.

Abstract: A context-aware mobile banking system determines a location of a user of the mobile device, identifies at least one product of interest to the user based at least in part on the determined location of the user, determines based on the determined product of interest, information corresponding to the product of interest, and presents the information corresponding to the product of interest to the user. In some embodiments, the system retrieves user budgeting information including a plurality of budget categories each having an associated budget amount and an associated remaining amount indicating an amount remaining in from the budget amount, determines a budget category from the plurality of budget categories associated with the product of interest, and determines the budget amount and remaining amount associated with the determined budget category. The system then may present information corresponding to the remaining amount and the budget amount to the user.

Abstract: A system, method, and article of manufacture for generating a digital pass is disclosed. The method may comprise retrieving a plurality of identity attributes, and grouping a subset of identity attributes in the plurality of identity attributes to generate at least one digital pass. The method may further comprise grouping a subset of static identity attributes and a subset of dynamic identity attributes to generate a digital pass.

Abstract: A system, method, and article of manufacture for generating a digital pass is disclosed. The method may comprise retrieving a plurality of identity attributes, and grouping a subset of identity attributes in the plurality of identity attributes to generate at least one digital pass. The method may further comprise grouping a subset of static identity attributes and a subset of dynamic identity attributes to generate a digital pass.

Abstract: One or more purchasers among a group of purchasers that compose a market base can be redirected to an online store for purchase of products, in response to a selection of a unique sponsorship link associated with a particular user. One or more purchases made through the online store by the purchaser(s) can be automatically tracked via the unique sponsorship link. Thereafter a commission can be automatically transmitted to an account associated with the particular user, when the purchase(s) is made through the online store by the purchaser(s). The particular user can thus be paid automatically (e.g., once a month, periodically, etc) for any purchases made from anyone who visits the online store via the unique sponsorship link and purchases products via the online store.

Abstract: The present invention provides techniques that may be used in connection with or as part of an online advertising auction-based exchange. Techniques are provided in which reserve prices, which may set minimum amounts for winning bids, are randomized. For a set of one or more auctions during a time period to which a single reserve price would otherwise apply, one or more randomized reserve prices may instead be applied. Use of randomized reserve prices can smooth otherwise abrupt responses resulting from advertiser bid modifications, and lead to desirable marketplace characteristics or marketplace optimization.

Abstract: A business object model, which reflects data that is used during a given business transaction, is utilized to generate interfaces. This business object model facilitates commercial transactions by providing consistent interfaces that are suitable for use across industries, across businesses, and across different departments within a business during a business transaction. In some operations, software creates, updates, or otherwise processes information related to a point of sale transaction business object.

Abstract: Certain aspects of a method and system for location based hands-free payment may include a network that comprises a plurality of mobile devices and a plurality of point of sale devices. A first mobile device may determine its location coordinates and communicate them to a selected point of sale device. An authorization to execute a payment transaction may be triggered on the first mobile device when it is within a defined proximity of the selected point of sale device. In another embodiment of the invention, a first point of sale device may determine the location coordinates of a selected mobile device and trigger a notification based on a generated geo-fence when the selected mobile device is within a defined proximity of the first point of sale device.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a cash register, that includes an input unit and is connected with a cash processing apparatus having a power control unit for turning on or off the power supply of each unit, comprises a power-on unit which turns on the power supply of the cash processing apparatus using the power control unit after the category of a commodity is input through the input unit.

Abstract: A payment facilitating system for use with a mobile communicator and a point of sale (POS) terminal, the system including a Near Field Communication (NFC) financial transaction communication link between the mobile communicator and the POS terminal, the NFC financial transaction communication link being operative to communicate NFC data for use in a financial transaction, a non-NFC financial transaction communication link between the mobile communicator and the POS terminal, the non-NFC financial transaction communication link being operative to communicate non-NFC data for use in the financial transaction, and a transaction effector operative to complete the financial transaction using both the NFC data communicated directly between the mobile communicator and the POS terminal over the NFC financial transaction communication link and the non-NFC data communicated directly between the mobile communicator and the POS terminal over the non-NFC financial transaction communication link.

Abstract: A user activity, which may be a credit card transaction or an on-line access, is approved based on the user's location at the time of the transaction or access. If the transaction or access is denied, the user may call or send a text message to the authorizing entity to permit the authorizing entity to determine the user's location. Then, the authorizing entity transmits a request to locate the user and receives location data indicating the location of the user in response thereto. If the user location is within a predetermined proximity to the location of the user activity, the user activity is authorized.

Abstract: A method for distributing media content in which a distribution platform within a telecommunications network is used to promote future content releases to consumers and to distribute the content to their remote terminals as streams or downloads, provided that consumers and/or advertisers aggregately commit enough revenue to meet a predetermined revenue target, the meeting of which is a prerequisite for distribution.

Abstract: A system, method, and article of manufacture for generating a digital pass is disclosed. The method may comprise retrieving a plurality of identity attributes, and grouping a subset of identity attributes in the plurality of identity attributes to generate at least one digital pass. The method may further comprise grouping a subset of static identity attributes and a subset of dynamic identity attributes to generate a digital pass.

Abstract: A method and system in which a profile associated with a profile owner is created, wherein at least a portion of the profile is not publicly accessible. A service request associated with the profile is created. A clearance request is received from a vendor, the clearance request containing clearance request data. The clearance request data is transmitted to the profile owner. A response associated with the clearance request data is received from the profile owner. The vendor is permitted to access the portion of the profile that is not publicly accessible when the response grants access permission to the vendor; and the vendor is restricted from access to the portion of the profile that is not publicly accessible when the response denies access permission to the vendor.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for transmitting streams of data. The present invention also relates to generating packet watermarks and packet watermark keys. The present invention also relates to a computerized system for packaging data for transmission to a user. The system may utilize computer code to generate a bandwidth rights certificate that may include: at least one cryptographic credential; routing information for the transmission; and, optionally, a digital signature of a certificate owner; a unique identification code of a certificate owner; a certificate validity period; and pricing information for use of bandwidth. The present invention also relates to an electronic method and system for purchasing good and services by establishing an account whereby a customer is credited with a predetermined amount of bandwidth usage, and then charges are assessed against the account in an amount of bandwidth usage which corresponds to the agreed upon purchase value for the selected item.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are disclosed to provide dynamic content to users of online payment service providers without requiring users to log in or otherwise actively engage the payment service providers. In one example, a method of providing dynamic content includes providing a client device with access to an online marketplace over a network. The method also includes facilitating transmission of a user identifier stored by the client device to a payment service provider. The method further includes receiving dynamic content from the payment service provider in response to the user identifier. In addition, the method includes serving the dynamic content to the client device over the network.

Abstract: A service overlay network (SON) service providing apparatus and method are provided. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the SON service providing apparatus is entrusted with element services from an element service provider, sells the entrusted element services to a composite service developer so as to enable the composite service developer to use the element services. In addition, the SON service providing apparatus receives a composite service developed by the composite service developer, and provides the composite service in response to a request from a service user.

Abstract: A system for peer-to-peer commerce includes electronic wallets 14 for storing electronic token files 12. The electronic tokens can be passed from wallet to wallet without oversight of a third party. At any time, the owner of a token can verify the validity of a token for a fee, but such verification is not needed to conduct commerce. The electronic tokens include a field which can be used to restrict tokens to a specific purpose or to prevent use on specific goods and services.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for selling and buying items at auction using information about the purchase of items via an online shopping mall website. In order to sell and buy used items, a used item seller does not need to separately provide pieces of information about used items, and can perform a transaction for the used item using only a minimum number of inputs or actions, thus saving temporal and material costs caused by the disposal of used items. As a result, the present invention can offer convenience to the sellers of used items and can allow the buyers of used items to reasonably fix the states or prices of their desired used items and purchase relevant used items.

Abstract: A business object model, which reflects data that is used during a given business transaction, is utilized to generate interfaces. This business object model facilitates commercial transactions by providing consistent interfaces that are suitable for use across industries, across businesses, and across different departments within a business during a business transaction. In some operations, software creates, updates, or otherwise processes information related to a customer requirement business object.

Abstract: The invention provides a a method for tailoring food and/or beverage products to consumer requirements, comprising the steps of providing to a target person a set of a plurality of different food product samples of the same food product category, each product sample having at least two organoleptic properties, and the food product samples differing from each other with regard to at least one organoleptic property, wherein each organoleptic property is present, preferably in differing strengths, in at least two food product samples, receiving liking values representing a liking for the consumed product samples from the target person, via a first communication interface designed for electronic communication, and computing a target person-specific prioritization ranking as to the organoleptic properties by a computing system, functionally connected to the first communication interface preferably via a network and designed for computing the prioritization ranking, the prioritization ranking being compiled by comp

Abstract: Methods, systems, and associated software for facilitating gifting via online transactions. A method for buying and delivering a gift from an online store is divided into three distinct processes. First, a gift giver selects one or more gift items from the online store and purchases a gift certificate including gift redeeming information used for redeeming the gift item(s). Second, the gift giver transfers the gift redeeming information to a gift recipient of choice. Third, the gift recipient redeems the gift items based on the gift redeeming information received. The gift recipient also is enabled to provide delivery information during the redemption processes, thereby ensuring the redeemed gift(s) is/are delivered to a correct and preferred location. Meanwhile, the gift giver does not need to know the gift recipient's exact delivery information.

Abstract: A method of providing user customization of a retractable pet leash is provided. The method includes verifying user-provided access code information using a processor that receives the user-provided access code information over the Internet. An image is received from the user after the user-provided access code information is verified using the processor. The image is processed using image processing module according to a specification corresponding to dimensions of the retractable pet leash forming a processed image. A customized object is provided by printing the processed image.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and structure for provisioning information within a network which employs an intermediary, such as an intermediary provisioning server, to automatically distribute and maintain provisioning information between network components such as marketplace and vendor server computers and customers.

Abstract: An embodiment of a method for providing technical support service includes generating a plurality of problem resolutions that are determined to resolve an identified technical problem; attributing weights to each of said plurality of problem resolutions according to frequency of use; and in response to a request to resolve said identified problem, selecting a problem resolution from among said plurality of problem resolutions based at least in part on said attributed weights.

Abstract: A system receives item data corresponding to an item list from a user. The item list may include one or more items. The system communicates the item list to a community group associated with the user and the system then receives member data from one or more members of the community group, wherein the member data is associated with the one or more items on the item list.

Abstract: Providing social product recommendations is disclosed, including: determining product information of interest to a target user; retrieving a plurality of product reviews associated with the product information of interest, wherein the plurality of product reviews is generated by a plurality of reviewer users; determining evaluation values corresponding to the plurality of product reviews; determining friendship dimension values between the plurality of reviewer users and the target user; and determining a recommendation value for a product associated with the plurality of product reviews based on one or more evaluation values corresponding to the product and weights associated with the one or more evaluation values, wherein the weights are determined based at least in part on friendship dimension values corresponding to those of the plurality of reviewer users associated with those of the plurality of product reviews associated with the product.

Abstract: A method for tailoring food and/or beverage products to consumer requirements, comprises providing to a target person a set of different food product samples of the same food product category, each product sample having at least two organoleptic properties, and the food product samples differing from each other with regard to at least one organoleptic property, wherein each organoleptic property is present in at least two food product samples; receiving liking values representing a liking for the consumed product samples from the target person, via a first communication interface designed for electronic communication; and computing a target person-specific prioritization ranking as to the organoleptic properties by a computing system, functionally connected to the first communication interface and designed for computing the prioritization ranking, the prioritization ranking being compiled by computing, for each of the organoleptic properties, a liking score for the corresponding organoleptic property.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically generating a naturally reading narrative product summary including assertions about a selected product. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of determining at least one attribute associated with said specific product; selecting an alternative product based on said at least one attribute; and generating a naturally reading narrative including assertions about the specific product and a recommendation of the alternative product.

Abstract: There are problems in retail chains and stores directly affecting the sales volume and business results: —sales items are not visible enough on the store shelves, —other items, matching the ones the customer is looking for, are insufficiently noticed, —there is not enough personalised approach, —customers cannot find adequate items by themselves, —customers have no record of the items bought, especially record of purchases through various retails chains, —customers are reluctant, and—the sales increase potential is not focused on the point of shopping i.e. stores, but rather on Internet sales. Yet, most shopping decisions are made in stores, and not on the Internet. These problems are solved by the multimedia system for shopping process management (300) that utilises hardware and software components.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for providing an application list. The method includes: a mobile terminal records and processes information on a user's usage of third party applications to obtain history data about the third party applications, matches the history data about the third party applications with application information in a database of an application store, forms a third party application selection list from the matched result, and pushes the content of the third party application selection list to a display interface of the application store on the mobile terminal. An apparatus for providing an application list is also provided.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for scheduling processing of an order for goods at a provider location obtains an arrival estimate for when a user associated with the order is expected to arrive at the provider location and uses the arrival estimate to schedule processing of the order. Processing may be scheduled so that completion of order processing is expected to substantially coincide with arrival of the user at the provider location. The method may also obtain an order completion estimate for when processing of the order is expected to be completed and use both the arrival estimate and the order completion estimate to schedule processing of the order. The method may update one or both of the arrival estimate and the order completion estimate. The method may be executed by a networked mobile wireless telecommunication computing device of the user, or by a data processing system associated with the provider.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a content open licensing system for an application store which is included in or is linked to an application store and a method thereof, and more particularly to an open type licensing system and a method thereof which sells an application through the application store and can distribute profit to a copyright holder and a program developer after the program developer for developing the application for the application store easily obtains a license for content copyright (including a portrait right) of a character and the like to be used for the application and develops the application.

Abstract: Aspects of this invention disclose a system for providing a purchaser specified product search engine, including providing storage circuitry comprising a database of products, storing product data in the database, receiving from a prospective product purchaser, product data of a desired product to purchase, accessing the database of products and comparing the product data to product data in the database, and determining a probability that the product data matches product data stored in the database. Other aspects may include a data processing apparatus providing a purchaser specified product search engine, including storage circuitry comprising a database of product data, processing circuitry configured to receive purchaser specified product search inquiry data, accessing the database of product data, and comparing the purchaser specified product search inquiry data to the product data; and determining a probability that the prospective purchaser product data matches the product data stored in the database.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for using an optimized order plan including freight allowance and expense per shipment. Further, an notification of non-compliance is sent to purchasing when purchasing attempts to initiate an order outside of the optimized order plan. Additionally, a compliance reporting system reports the actual shipping results as compared with the optimized order plan.

Abstract: An apparatus for real-time online search processing for a user over inter-connected computer networks uses a request and a push signal, otherwise known as a “Ping”. These two items allow the system to deliver advertisements to the end user without requiring personal information from the use. The Request form allows the user to detail what they are looking for and the system repeatedly runs a search looking only for new postings. The system does not require or obtain personal information. The system provides in effect a “set-and-forget” function.

Abstract: A method is presented that enables the creation of an alternative data plan by third party enterprises for mobile network end users. The method includes purchasing data transport bundles from one or more network service providers through an exchange, and either alone or with other enterprises, developing the alternative data plan for offer to end-users to consume data transport from the data transport bundle or bundles. The alternative data plan may be offered to the end user for free or the end user may be charged for use of the ADP based on the number of transactions, file type. The ADP may be billed to the user by the network provider or the ADP may be pre-purchased from the creator of the ADP.

Abstract: A digital image of the object is captured and the object is recognized from plurality of objects in a database. An information address corresponding to the object is then used to access information and initiate communication pertinent to the object.

Abstract: A business object model, which reflects data that is used during a given business transaction, is utilized to generate interfaces. This business object model facilitates commercial transactions by providing consistent interfaces that are suitable for use across industries, across businesses, and across different departments within a business during a business transaction. In some operations, software creates, updates, or otherwise processes information related to an accounting data collection for legal reporting business object.

Abstract: A business object model, which reflects data that is used during a given business transaction, is utilized to generate interfaces. This business object model facilitates commercial transactions by providing consistent interfaces that are suitable for use across industries, across businesses, and across different departments within a business during a business transaction. In some operations, software creates, updates, or otherwise processes information related to a financial plan, a financials notification, a bank directory entry file and/or a direct debit mandate business object.

Abstract: A location-based payer charging system includes a charging database including at least one transportation charge element associated with a transportation provider. A system provider device in the location-based payer charging system is coupled to a network and the charging database. The system provider device is operable to receive first location data from a payer device over the network in response to the payer device entering a first transportation area, and then receive second location data from the payer device over the network in response to the payer device exiting a second transportation area. The system provider device will then determine a payment amount using the first location data, the second location data, and a transportation charge element retrieved from the charging data, and send an instruction to charge the payment amount to a payer account that is associated with the payer device.