Patents Issued in July 31, 2014
  • Publication number: 20140214576
    Abstract: A method of updating a cash register system (10) including a cash register program (1) configured to interact with at least one cash register peripheral (4) under the control of a control module (5). The method includes a step of inspection, at the control module (5), of the interactions between the cash register program (1) and the at least one cash register peripheral (4); a step of processing at least one inspected interaction, the processing step being selected from within the group including the reformulation of an interaction, the modification of an interaction, the copying of an interaction, the extraction of data from an interaction, the reorientation of an interaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: BANQUE ACCORD
    Inventor: Benoit Ferlin
  • Publication number: 20140214577
    Abstract: A computer-implemented process aiding a customer scan and rapid checkout process can include monitoring a shopping cart basket weight. The process includes monitoring, in a computerized processor installed to a shopping cart of a customer, a signal from a weight device configured to monitor the shopping cart basket weight. The process further includes automatically generating a basket weight output value based upon the shopping cart basket weight. The basket weight output value includes one of a check against an expected weight of an item from a database, a billing statement total for a bulk good, a check against an expected total order weight to confirm presence of an un-scanned item in the shopping cart basket, and a check against unsafe use of the shopping cart. The process further includes providing a message based upon the basket weight output value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel Bennett Acker, JR., Douglas James Pedley, Richard Neil Cancro
  • Publication number: 20140214578
    Abstract: A client (e.g., an eReader) receives and displays a sample version of content to a user retrieved from a store server. The sample version is a subset of the full version of the content. The client determines a location in the sample content in which to insert a buy page that allows the user to purchase the full version. The buy page may be inserted at a location that minimizes the time the user spends waiting for the full version to be installed on the client. The client uses one or more locating factors to determine the location. The user may interact with the buy page inserted at the determined location to purchase the full version of the content. The client interacts with the store server to conduct the purchase transaction, and seamlessly transitions the user from the sample to the full version of the content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Inventor: Ficus Kirkpatrick
  • Publication number: 20140214579
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a novel approach for shifting or distributing various information (e.g., protocols, analysis methods, sample preparation data, sequencing data, etc.) to a cloud-based network. For example, the techniques relate to a cloud computing environment configured to receive this information from one or more individual sample preparation devices, sequencing devices, and/or computing systems. In turn, the cloud computing environment may generate information for use in the cloud computing environment and/or to provide the generated information to the devices to guide a genomic analysis workflow. Further, the cloud computing environment may be used to facilitate the sharing of sample preparation protocols for use with generic sample preparation cartridges and/or monitoring the popularity of the sample preparation protocols.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: ILLUMINA, INC.
    Inventors: Min-Jui Richard Shen, Charles Hsuan Lin
  • Publication number: 20140214580
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for aggregating multiple customer quoting requirements for product production and distribution to select appropriate production entities. The method includes receiving data from a network of production entities, including production and distribution pricing grids; receiving quoting requirements from a plurality of customers for producing and distributing a plurality of customer designated products that include quoting deadlines; and storing historic information related to the timing and customer requirements of prior completed customer quotes. The method further includes using a processor to aggregate multiple customer quoting requirements by simultaneously using at least the production and distribution pricing grids from the one or more production entities, the customer quoting requirements and the stored historic information to determine if the quoting requirements should be aggregated now or in the future.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Inventor: Marcello Balduccini
  • Publication number: 20140214581
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for managing production capacity. The method includes calculating a baseline of aggregated media product volumes and an associated target cost; using a processor to determine if the current volume of received quoting requirements will produce the baseline of aggregated media product volumes; and calculating adjusted target cost estimates. The method further includes using the communication network to send the quoting requirements and the calculated target cost estimates to a subset of the network of production entities; receiving actual cost estimates based on the calculated target cost estimates from the subset of the network of production entities; calculating customer prices for the plurality of customers for producing and distributing customer designated media products based on the received actual cost estimates; and using the communication network to provide customer prices to plurality of customers for producing and distributing customer designated media products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Inventors: Marcello Balduccini, Joseph Anthony Manico, Kevin Michael Gobeyn
  • Publication number: 20140214582
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for adjusting a customer catalog for the production and distribution of visual media products based on system capacity. The method includes using a communication network to receive data including production pricing grids, distribution pricing grids, and production capacity thresholds from a network of visual media production entities; and receiving quoting requirements from a plurality of customers for producing and distributing visual media products selected from an on-line catalog. The method further includes using a processor to calculate system capacity, an aggregation of customer orders, and initial customer pricing for the aggregation; calculating adjusted pricing based upon system capacity; and updating the catalog with the adjusted pricing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Inventors: Kevin Michael Gobeyn, Joseph Anthony Manico, Marcello Balduccini
  • Publication number: 20140214583
    Abstract: A data distribution system, method and a computer program product therefor. Computers share resources with organizations in multiple locations. At least one selling agent supports organizations in each location. The selling agent placing offers to sell selected organizational data in an auction marketplace. At least one buying agent supports organizations in said each location. The buying agent selectively places bids responsive to offers to sell data and. A data discovery service provisioned on the computer(s) identifies potential buyers of organizational data and notifies respective buying agents of data available from other organizations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Marcos Dias De Assuncao, Timothy Lynar, Marco Aurelio Stelmar Netto, Kent Steer, Christian Vecchiola
  • Publication number: 20140214584
    Abstract: A system and method designed for conducting bidding at auctions. The system may include an information server with a database for holding bid information; one or more wireless controllers with an application program for translating operations of a user into bid information that is transmitted to the information server; and a data communication network for providing wireless communication along at least part of the path between the wireless communicator and the information server. The method may include using the system including the application program generating data signals with bid information based on actions of the use on the wireless communicator. The actions translated by the application program may simulate some bidding behaviors common to live auction environments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Inventor: Johann Dorfi
  • Publication number: 20140214585
    Abstract: Systems and techniques for telepresence assisted item transport facilitation are described herein. Telepresence data about a physical space can be received where the physical space includes a plurality of transport items for a client. The telepresence data can be interacted with to permit evaluation of the plurality of transport items. A normalized evaluation of the plurality of transport items can be stored based on the interaction with the telepresence data. A set of transportation quotes can be generated for members of a set of transportation vendors for the plurality of transport items. The set of transportation quotes can be presented to the client.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Moveline Group, Inc
    Inventors: Frederick Cook, Kelly Eidson
  • Publication number: 20140214586
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods, systems, and computer program products for providing configuration recommendations as part of a sales process. One computer-implemented method includes determining that a general recommendation engine (GRE) is available to make a GRE configuration recommendation for a selected software application, generating, by operation of a computer, the GRE configuration recommendation for the selected software application based upon GRE-applicable recommendation data and recommendation rules, determining that a private recommendation engine (PRE) is available to make a PRE configuration recommendation for the selected software application, determining that the PRE is permitted to make the PRE configuration recommendation based upon analyzed coordination rules, and generating, by operation of a computer, the PRE configuration recommendation for the selected software application based upon PRE-applicable recommendation data and recommendation rules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: SAP AG
    Inventors: Ulrike Muench, Nadim Razvi, Marco Sachs
  • Publication number: 20140214587
    Abstract: Disclosed in one embodiment is a method implemented in a computer system in which a customer reports physical characteristics, in which the customer is instructed how to perform measurements of the customer or in which a device measures the customer, in which the reported customer measurements are evaluated through use of a measurement model, in which a full set of measurements may not be required based on measurements already provided, and in which the reported customer measurements are evaluated for reliability. The method also scales the customer's measurements to a pattern, obtains the fulfilled pattern from vendors, and then fulfills the customer order.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Indochino Apparel Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Richard ROHM, Luke BORNN, Pavel BAKHILAU, Erik WALLE
  • Publication number: 20140214588
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for configuring products, such as branded promotional products, where products may be divided into items and processes. Item parameters and process parameters may be separately specified and linked together to create a unique product where a product identifier (e.g., SKU) may be dynamically created when the product is sourced, quoted, ordered or otherwise accessed. For example, an item may involve a product to which an imprint or logo is to be affixed. A process may involve a screening printing process or other process for affixing a customer's artwork, logo or identifier. In addition, the method and system of the present invention may be applied to other applications, such as office supplies, furniture, aviation supplies, marine supplies, interior design, beauty salon and spa supplies, medical office supplies, restaurant and bar supplies, gift shops and clothing boutique, and other industries where products and services may be ordered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Inventor: David VERCHERE
  • Publication number: 20140214589
    Abstract: A computer-implemented process is described and includes employing a shopping list that is accessible on a hand-held communications device, the shopping list including desired items for purchasing from a retailer. The hand-held communications device is employed at the retailer to capture information associated with a selected product. The information associated with the selected product is compared with the desired items contained on the shopping list accessible to the hand-held communications device. Upon correlating the selected product with one of the desired items contained on the shopping list, the shopping list is updated to indicate the desired item has been acquired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas James Pedley, Richard Neil Cancro, Joel Bennett Acker, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140214590
    Abstract: Health related attributes of a consumable product can be used to propose substitutes for the product. A computer-implemented method to propose substitutes includes receiving from a user an original shopping list comprising the consumable product, determining health related attributes for the product, generating a proposed healthy choice substitute for the product based upon the health related attributes, and displaying the proposed healthy choice substitute to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
    Inventors: Stuart Argue, Anthony Emile Marcar
  • Publication number: 20140214591
    Abstract: A system, method and article of manufacture for displaying products in association with a merchant business. The merchant is provided with code, such as code for a carousel-like display, for integration with the merchant's business, for displaying products. The merchant integrates the code into his or her business, such as by installing the code on the merchant's website. A listing of the products offered by the merchant is received by an ecommerce system. Upon query related to a product offered by the merchant, a listing of products related to the queried product is provided by an ecommerce system. Those related products are compared to the products offered by the merchant. The related products that are not the same as or equivalent to products offered by the merchant are communicated for display in association with the merchant's business by the code. The displayed related products may be purchased from sellers on the ecommerce system via the business.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: eBay Inc.
    Inventor: Vijayachandra Sriram Kotinaga
  • Publication number: 20140214592
    Abstract: A technical solution for online recommendation. Determining, according to the first user's behaviors in the online decision process, which phase of the online decision process the first user is presented in, wherein the online decision process is divided into a plurality of phases depending on a decision conversion rate; selecting recommended items to be provided to the first user according to one or more second users' historical behavior records, wherein the one or more second users are users who are presented in one or more phases having a higher decision conversion rate than the determined phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Miao He, Jin Feng Li, Fei Liu, Tao Qin, Chang Rui Ren, Bing Shao
  • Publication number: 20140214593
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices, including computer program products, for custom fitting services are disclosed. Relevant expert rules for product selection and fit are applied to a customer's unique physical characteristics as well as skill level in an applicable sport. A disclosed custom fitting tool is operable to show manufacturer photos or video assets of one or more products while a customer is trying on or comparing products in a retail store. Custom e-mail or text messages may be sent directly from the tool itself. The tool may also advantageously include a strike rate process, a personalized smart product recommendations process, and a codification process. The disclosed inventions advantageously increase sales, increase customer satisfaction, increase upsells, allow for more efficient use of a salesperson's and customer's time, and provide for other benefits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Inventor: David Craycraft
  • Publication number: 20140214594
    Abstract: A recommendation appliance, system and method are provided for generating and deploying additional web page content or functionality (e.g., retail recommendations) to an existing web page server system. For example, the present invention may be embodied as a reverse proxy server that is inserted as an intermediate network node between a web server and the end users accessing the web server. In this position, the recommendation appliance can introduce recommendation messages to web pages generated by the web server without requiring any modification to the code or architecture of the web server. In addition, the appliance may separately track the transaction activities of end users who receive recommendation messages and the transaction activities of end users who do not receive recommendation messages, so that a comparison of the effectiveness of the recommendations may efficiently be demonstrated without requiring any modification to the code or architecture of the web server.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Versata Development Group, Inc.
    Inventors: James Singh, Neil C. Thier, Chris Hyams, Thomas W. Wilbur
  • Publication number: 20140214595
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method is disclosed herein. The method includes the step of receiving, with a processing device of a commerce server, one or more shopping list signals from an electronic computing device to establish a shopping list of a plurality of items offered for sale in a retail store. The method also includes the step of receiving, with the processing device, one or more consumer signals from a first augmented reality device and a second augmented reality device. Each augmented reality device can be worn by a consumer as the consumer shops in the retail store. The method also includes the step of transmitting, with the processing device, a first procuring signal containing data associated with the shopping list to the first augmented reality device and a second procuring signal containing data associated with the shopping list to the second augmented reality device, such that the consumers can cooperatively shop for items on the shopping list.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
    Inventors: Stuart Argue, Anthony Emile Marcar
  • Publication number: 20140214596
    Abstract: A computer-implemented process aiding a customer scan and rapid checkout process can include monitoring a shopping cart basket weight. The process includes monitoring, in a computerized processor installed to a shopping cart of a customer, a signal from a weight device configured to monitor the shopping cart basket weight. The process further includes automatically generating a basket weight output value based upon the shopping cart basket weight. The basket weight output value includes one of a check against an expected weight of an item from a database, a billing statement total for a bulk good, a check against an expected total order weight to confirm presence of an un-scanned item in the shopping cart basket, and a check against unsafe use of the shopping cart. The process further includes providing a message based upon the basket weight output value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel Bennett Acker, JR., Douglas James Pedley, Richard Neil Cancro
  • Publication number: 20140214597
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method is disclosed herein. The method includes the step of receiving, with a processing device of a commerce server, one or more shopping list signals from an electronic computing device to establish a shopping list of a plurality of items offered for sale in a retail store. The method also includes the step of transmitting, with the processing device, a first item signal to an augmented reality device worn by a consumer within the retail store. The first item signal corresponds to one of the plurality of items. The method also includes the step of receiving, with the processing device, one or more movement signals from the augmented reality device worn by the consumer corresponding to movement of the consumer. The method also includes the step of changing, with the processing device, from transmitting the first item signal to transmitting a second item signal different from the first item signal in response to the step of receiving the one or more movement signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
    Inventors: Stuart Argue, Anthony Emile Marcar
  • Publication number: 20140214598
    Abstract: Embodiments for completing a purchase transaction without a customer having to move or touch an item within a retail store are disclosed. The embodiments include generating a shopping list of items the customer desires to purchase via scanning identifiers associated with the items, waypoints of the items, and a checkout waypoint to deliver the items.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel Bennett Acker, JR., Douglas James Pedley, Richard Neil Cancro
  • Publication number: 20140214599
    Abstract: Embodiments for determining a completing a purchase transaction at a waypoint where a customer is located within a retail store are disclosed. The embodiments include determining waypoint of the customer, receiving waypoint data including the location of the customer positions within the retail store and a shopping list identifying items that the customer desires to purchase, and completing the purchase transaction for the items at the waypoint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel Bennett Acker, JR., Richard Neil Cancro, Douglas James Pedley
  • Publication number: 20140214600
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method is disclosed herein. The method includes the step of storing locally, at an augmented reality device worn by a consumer, a shopping list of products that a consumer desires to purchase in a retail store. The method also includes the step of identifying, with a processing device of a commerce server, a location within the retail store of a product on the shopping list and a location of the consumer within the retail store. The method also includes the step of transmitting, with the processing device, directions from the location of the consumer to the location of the product, the directions being transmitted to an augmented reality device worn by the consumer in the retail store. The method also includes the step of receiving, with the processing device, a video signal from a camera of the augmented reality device as the consumer moves through the retail store.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
    Inventors: Stuart Argue, Anthony Emile Marcar
  • Publication number: 20140214601
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method is disclosed herein. The method includes the step of receiving, with a processing device of a commerce server, one or more shopping list signals from an electronic computing device to establish a shopping list of a plurality of items offered for sale in a retail store. The method also includes the step of receiving, with the processing device, one or more signals from an augmented reality device worn by a consumer as the consumer shops in the retail store. The method also includes the step of determining, with the processing device, that an item from the shopping list has been placed in a shopping container from the one or more signals received from the augmented reality device. The method also includes the step of modifying, with the processing device, the shopping list in response to said determining step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
    Inventors: Stuart Argue, Anthony Emile Marcar
  • Publication number: 20140214602
    Abstract: The present invention provides a prepayment system that uses a smart phone or similar device to present a unique graphic identifier to the retail individual that can quickly allow that retail individual to match purchasers with purchased items. The ability to work visually at a greater distance and in noisy environments can significantly reduce the point of exchange queue and improve the customer experience.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Tappr, Inc.
    Inventors: RYAN SCOTT KONICEK, Nicholas Errol Gartmann, Richard James Allen, III
  • Publication number: 20140214603
    Abstract: An ecommerce cost optimization system includes: a display including information identifying an item; a quantity selection tool; a delivery location selection tool; an optimized offer presentation tool that provides at least one optimized option through the display component, wherein the at least one optimized option is optimized based on the selected delivery date and the selected delivery location; and an order placement tool to place an order from amongst the options provided by the optimized offer presentation tool. A method of providing optimized offer for non-stock item transactions through an ecommerce application includes receiving a user selection including a selected delivery date and a selected delivery location and determining an optimized offer based on analysis of the possible combinations of a production schedule and a delivery schedule for the selected quantity and delivery location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Inventors: Michael Wenger, Bret Bonnet
  • Publication number: 20140214604
    Abstract: A welding-type device has a wireless communication unit to transmit wireless signals comprising at least identification information or location information. The information may be transmitted either automatically or in response to request signals. Such a welding-type device may be configured to communicate with other welding-type devices, a monitoring device, or both. A wireless communication system has at least one welding-type device, at least one wireless communication assembly, and at least one monitoring device and is capable of assisting a user in locating particular welding-type devices, monitoring inventory, preventing theft of welding-type devices, and scheduling preventive maintenance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Bruce Patrick Albrecht, Darryl Grant Harvey, James F. Ulrich, Sundaram Nagarajan
  • Publication number: 20140214605
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method is disclosed herein. The method includes the step of receiving, with a processing device of a commerce server, a signal from a consumer transmitted through an augmented reality device worn by the consumer. The method also includes the step of confirming, with the processing device, the signal contains a query from the consumer. The method also includes the step of retrieving, with the processing device, a proposed answer to the query. The method also includes the step of transmitting, with the processing device, the proposed answer to the augmented reality device. The method also includes the step of verifying, with the processing device, the proposed answer is accepted by the consumer. The method also includes the step of prompting, with the processing device, the consumer to resubmit the signal if the query is not confirmed in the confirming step or if the proposed answer is not accepted in the verifying step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
    Inventors: Stuart Argue, Anthony Emile Marcar
  • Publication number: 20140214606
    Abstract: A mobile terminal (200) obtains image data related to a product posted on a flier (300) by imaging and sends the image data related to the product to a shopping management server (100). Upon reception of the image data related to the product from the mobile terminal (200), the shopping management server (100) determines the product by analyzing the image data related to the product, obtains at least one of inventory information and sales information of the product, and sends at least one of the inventory information and the sales information of the product to the mobile terminal (200). The mobile terminal (200) combines computer-graphics image data indicating at least one of the inventory information and the sales information of the product sent from the shopping management server (100) with an image of the flier in real space and presents the combined image, thereby solving the problem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: NS SOLUTIONS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Noboru IHARA, Kazuhiro Sasao, Masaru Yokoyama, Arata Sakurai
  • Publication number: 20140214607
    Abstract: A global currency for crowdsourcing which comprises stored credibility values for every buyer (of human intelligence) and seller (of human intelligence) in a crowdsourcing system is described, creating an ecosystem where buyers and sellers are interdependent on each other. This dependence is the property of a global currency of credibility, where a buyer's credibility is a function of the credibility of the sellers who engaged with HITs published by the buyer, while the credibility of a seller is a function of the credibility scores associated with the HITs, which in turn is dependent on the buyer's credibility. The credibility scores are updated with every HIT completion and propagated through a network that connects HITs with buyers, sellers and platforms, as well as sellers with other sellers and buyers with other buyers. Buyers and sellers can bid, auction and refer HITs as a function of their credibility scores.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Gabriella Kazai, Samuel Gavin Smyth, Natasa Milic-Frayling
  • Publication number: 20140214608
    Abstract: Embodiments for determining whether the activity of a customer within a retail store violates a business rules are disclosed. The embodiments include a customer performing actions within a retail store via a mobile computing device, generating at least one business rule, and comparing the customer's actions with the business rules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas James Pedley, Richard Neil Cancro, Joel Bennett Acker, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140214609
    Abstract: A computer-implemented process is useful for inspecting a shopping cart in preparation for a rapid checkout from a retail store, the shopping cart including items scanned for purchase by the customer during a shopping trip in the retail store. The process includes monitoring, within a computerized server, an initiation of a rapid checkout by the customer and generating, within a computerized processor, an inspection list for a store employee based upon the initiation. The inspection list includes a summary of items scanned by the customer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas James Pedley, Richard Neil Cancro, Joel Bennett Acker, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140214610
    Abstract: A method and system is provided for evaluating an application manufacturer's credibility to produce or maintain a mobile device application. The method includes gathering information about an application manufacturer, wherein the information includes at least one of: (i) publicly available information about the manufacture; (ii) private information provided by the manufacturer; and (iii) source code information for the application developed by the manufacturer. With the computer system, the gathered information is stored in a manufacturer profile, which includes a plurality of attributes of the manufacturer. The computer system uses the manufacturer profile to calculate a score for the manufacturer, which is then used to calculate an application risk score associated with applications produced or maintained by the manufacturer. The risk score reflects, at least in part, the credibility of the manufacturer to produce or maintain the mobile device application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Inventors: Sean Moshir, Kevin K. Moshir, Ali A. Khanban, Shayan Mashatian
  • Publication number: 20140214611
    Abstract: One embodiment is directed toward a process for a merchant inspection, where a guaranteed shopping server inspects online merchants to ensure they are reliable, financially stable, and committed to providing a great online shopping experience to the buyer/user. Next, this service monitors merchants on a regular basis, to ensure they deliver on their terms of sale, thus assuring purchasers of an overall safe online experience. Next, the guaranteed shopping service provides, a guarantee for added peace of mind for the purchaser. In accordance with one embodiment, a guarantee is provided to the buyer including ID theft protection, a purchase guarantee and a lowest price guarantee. As with other type of guarantees, certain restrictions and terms may apply. If a buyer does experience a problem with an online merchant, a benefit claim can be made and once the claim is validated, guaranteed shopping coverage can apply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: buySAFE, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Elton GRASS, Michael John BEVERIDGE, Robert Thomas KODEY, Shane Allen LUNDY, Marc MOREL, Kenneth Nathan QUAM
  • Publication number: 20140214612
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method is disclosed herein. The method includes the step of receiving, with a processing device of a commerce server, a help request signal from a first augmented reality device worn by a current consumer considering an item for purchase in a retail store. The method also includes the step of searching, with the processing device, a consumer database wherein the consumer database contains purchase histories for a plurality of past consumers. The method also includes the step of identifying, with the processing device, a past consumer in the consumer database who purchased the item. The method also includes the step of transmitting, with the processing device, a communication request signal to a second augmented reality device worn by the past consumer containing data indicative of a request that the past consumer communicate with the current consumer about the item. The past consumer can assist the current consumer in considering the item for purchase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
    Inventors: Stuart Argue, Anthony Emile Marcar
  • Publication number: 20140214613
    Abstract: Providing prioritization of user online access to an online commerce site. Third party applications using API function calls to access an online commerce site are restricted to specific services by an access rule. An access rule defines which API server on the online commerce site a specific third party application may access when using a specific API function call. In this way, the operator of the online commerce site may prioritize server access per service level agreements based on a specific third party application and API function call.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Inventors: Scott Leahy, Alon Cohen
  • Publication number: 20140214614
    Abstract: A system for transacting business applications among a prospective buyer, a provider, and a third-party partner includes a server including one or more processors and memory storing one or more programs, the one or more programs including instructions to: provide for display of an interface of an online store of business applications, the online stored being accessible by the prospective buyer, the provider, and the third-party partner; in response to receiving a request for a business application from the prospective buyer, retrieve a profile of the prospective buyer; identify information of users who have similar profiles to the profile of the prospective buyer based on purchase history; analyze the purchase history of the identified users; determine a configuration of the business application based on the analysis; and provide the configuration of the business application to the prospective buyer as a recommendation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: SAP AG
    Inventors: Nadim Razvi, Marco Sachs, Ulrike Muench
  • Publication number: 20140214615
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, are provided for an intelligent, continuously active purchasing assistant. The method may include receiving at least one customer specification from at least one potential customer of an expression of an interest in a purchase, the expression of the interest in the purchase comprising at least an interest lifetime; receiving a customer geolocation; receiving at least one supplier specification from at least one supplier of an inventory item; creating a continuous, real-time distribution channel comprising at least one match of the at least one customer specification and the at least one supplier specification of the inventory item, wherein the real-time distribution channel is sustained during the interest lifetime; and conducting an exchange wherein the inventory item is made available to the at least one potential customer. Related apparatus, systems, methods, and articles are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Inventor: Alexander Greystoke
  • Publication number: 20140214616
    Abstract: Paper catalog pages can be optically scanned to produce “fingerprints” identifying those pages. Database records for products featured on those pages can be mapped to the pages' fingerprints. Later, a customer's mobile phone's digital camera can photograph a paper catalog page. A software application can determine a fingerprint for that page based on the photograph. The phone can transmit this fingerprint over networks to a server. The server can match the transmitted fingerprint to a fingerprint stored in the database. The server can transmit, back to the phone, information retrieved from the database records that are mapped to the matching fingerprint. For example, the information can pertain to current prices and inventories of products featured on the page. For another example, the information can pertain to updated models of obsolete products featured on the page. The phone can present this current, catalog-external information to a customer that took the photograph.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Catalog Data Solutiions
    Inventors: John Cameron Major, David Henry Begin, JR., Aaron Martin Smith, Richard Duane Bjorn
  • Publication number: 20140214617
    Abstract: A computer system-implemented method comprises using a process in execution on a processor of a computer system to access, from a database and/or from product information pages on a first retailer's e-commerce site, product description information and pricing information for a product sold by the first retailer. Using a robot module, product description information and pricing information for a non-identically identified product that is offered for sale by a second retailer is accessed via an electronic communication network. Product matching rules with parameters that are adjustable by product are implemented and accessed to automatically determine whether or not an exact feature match exists between the product and the non-identically identified product. Upon determining an exact feature match, a data output linking the product and the non-identically identified product is generated automatically, the data output for being accessed by a price comparison process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: 360PI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dominic Pierre PLOUFFE, James Harold REED, Matthew Steven KITCHING
  • Publication number: 20140214618
    Abstract: A computer-implemented process can be implemented to provide a customer with nutritional information about an item to be purchased. The process includes monitoring a scan of the item to be purchased within a processor of a portable computerized device. The process further includes automatically referencing a remote database to identify nutritional information for the item to be purchased and displaying the nutritional information to the customer upon a display of the portable computerized device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas James Pedley, Richard Neil Cancro, Joel Bennett Acker, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140214619
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method for using a mobile computing device corresponding to a user to purchase a product being offered for sale by a user includes, when the mobile computing device has selected an item indicating the product, obtaining item information related to the item. Item display data is generated based on the item information and transmitted to the mobile computing device. The item display data prompts the mobile computing device to display the item information and an operational input in a graphical user interface of the mobile computing device. A command is received in response to a prescribed number of actions input by the user to the operational input. The command causes a purchasing server to perform one or more operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Neil Cancro, Douglas James Pedley, Joel Bennett Acker, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140214620
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method in a system that makes it possible for a service provider to provide product related information services to a mobile terminal in a store. The system comprises reading means in the mobile terminal configured to read a unique tag identity from an identity tag in an electronic shelf label, wherein the unique tag identity is different from a product id. Transmitting means in the mobile terminal is configured to transmit the unique tag identity from the mobile terminal to a tag identity server. Finding means in the tag identity server is configured to find in the tag identity server a meta data associated with the unique tag identity. In the tag identity server transmitting means is configured to transmit the meta data from the tag identity server to the mobile terminal. Displaying means in the mobile terminal configured to display the product related information services using the meta data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: PRICER AB
    Inventors: Nils Hulth, Fredrik Tjerneld
  • Publication number: 20140214621
    Abstract: A method for pushing information includes obtaining first commodity information including the predetermined characteristic information selected by customers on an e-commerce website; obtaining second commodity information with the same predetermined characteristic information as that of the first commodity information; extracting at least two predetermined attribute information from each of the second commodity information; pushing the second commodity information with the same predetermined characteristic information as that of the first commodity information according to the at least two predetermined attribute information, to make the pushed information meet customers' requirements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: TENCENT TECHNOLOGY (SHENZHEN) COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventor: Shaobo LI
  • Publication number: 20140214622
    Abstract: To provide product information to a user. A product information providing system 10 is a system in which a product information providing device which provides product information and a product information outputting device which receives the product information from the product information providing device to output are connected to each other through a communication line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Inventor: Kazuo Kaneko
  • Publication number: 20140214623
    Abstract: A computer-implemented process can be implemented to provide a customer with information about an item to be purchased. The process includes monitoring, within a processor of a portable computerized device, a scan of the item to be purchased, automatically referencing a remote database to reference a list of ingredients in the item to be purchased. The process further includes cross-referencing, within the processor, the list of ingredients to a shopping profile of the customer and Fdisplaying an alert to the customer upon a display of the portable computerized device based upon the cross-referencing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Neil Cancro, Douglas James Pedley, Joel Bennett Acker, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140214624
    Abstract: The disclosure generally describes computer-implemented methods, software, and systems for comparing costs of vacation components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Google Inc.
    Inventors: James Carter, Rodney S. Daughtrey
  • Publication number: 20140214625
    Abstract: A method and a system to facilitate finding a product (e.g., camera) and corresponding product accessories are described. A list of product combinations may be retrieved from a database. Each product combination may include a product and at least one product accessory respectively supplied from one of product suppliers and one of product accessory suppliers. The list of product combinations may be ranked based on a sum value of a product value/price ratio of the product and a product accessory value/price ratio of the at least one product accessory in each product combination. A display on a machine may cause a presentation of the list of product combinations to a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: eBay Inc.
    Inventor: Maode Mao