Abstract: A processor may determine that a first repair order (RO) of an existing cluster of ROs (e.g. corresponding to first and second vehicle symptoms and to first and second corrective actions) refers to a first vehicle related to a set of vehicles. The processor may identify ROs that refer to vehicles from the set and may determine among these identified ROs (i) a first relationship between the first symptom and the first action without the first symptom relating to the second action and/or (ii) a second relationship between the second symptom and the second action without the second symptom relating to the first action. The processor may (i) if the first relationship exists, add the first RO to a first different cluster corresponding to the first relationship and (ii) if the second relationship exists, add the first RO to a second different cluster corresponding to the second relationship.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is directed to implementing a broker system to accept confidential information from upstream trading partners, retrieve tokens from the tokenization service, send tokens to the merchant ordering system, and forward confidential information to downstream trading partners. By using a broker system, the merchant ordering system could store and use tokens to identify orders in its system instead of confidential information, which can help protect the confidential information in the event of a security breach. Also, the broker system may provide an amenable solution for the merchant to continue doing business with the upstream and downstream trading partners without causing these entities to substantially change their current processing systems.

Abstract: Techniques for automating a retail transaction are provided. In an embodiment, a customer of a retailer is provided a bill to complete a transaction with the retailer. The bill includes a barcode or a Quick Response (QR) code with details of the bill encoded therein. The customer, using a mobile device, scans the code. The mobile device automatically connects with a mobile transaction service and completes payment details for the customer. The retailer's system is notified that payment was received and the transaction is completed.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for open digital media distribution. According to one embodiment, a system is provided which performs the operations of: creating a profile (e.g., artist or label profile) based on an input from a first party; receiving a digital media upload from the first party, wherein the digital media upload contains media content and the first party has a property interest in the media content; receiving from the first party an assignment of a payment account to the digital media upload, such that money from sales relating to the digital media upload is deposited into the payment account; receiving from the first party a sales parameters associated with the digital media upload; presenting through a computing device the digital media upload for sale to a second party; and selling the digital media upload to the second party through a computing device.

Abstract: An illustrative embodiment of a process for reconciling billing measures to cost factors, comprising receiving, by one or more processors, a set of billing measures from one or more applications and a set of cost factors from infrastructure feeds. Analyzing the set of billing measures and cost factors received, using a set of defined relationships to create analyzed information and generates, by the one or more processors, a set of reports using the analyzed information. Responsive to a determination to update the set of definitions, update the sets of definitions using information from the generated reports.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for executing financial transactions between customers and merchants. An identifier of a financial account is received from the customer at a merchant system. A one-time password is also received from the customer at the merchant system, with the customer having been provided with the one-time password by a mobile electronic device or contactless presentation instrument. A cryptogram is generated to include the identifier of the financial account encrypted using the one-time password. An authorization request is formulated at the merchant system. The authorization request includes the cryptogram and transaction information describing at least a portion of the financial transaction. The authorization request is transmitted from the merchant system to an authorization processor for authorization of the financial transaction.

Abstract: There is provided a system and a method for the generation and management of point-of-sale (POS) electronic payment transaction receipts. The system and method include a POS component that performs a transaction at a location at which a customer and the POS component are physically present together generates content relating to the transaction; and a payment card that identifies a contact address to which an electronic receipt is to be sent. The POS component generates the electronic receipt based on the content relating to the transaction and causes the electronic receipt to be sent to the contact address identified on the payment card. The electronic receipt management system and method are based on payment transaction receipt information across a plurality of merchants, providing customers with an efficient solution for managing their receipts, and allowing merchants to offer better and more targeted recommendations for customers.

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.

Abstract: A transaction account issuer may obtain receive an application for a transaction account which includes a department of defense identification code. The transaction account issuer may verify the DOD ID number with the DOD. The transaction account issuer may embed the DOD ID number in a transaction instrument which is issued to the consumer. The consumer may use the transaction instrument at a DOD point of sale located at a DOD facility. The DOD point of sale may verify with the DOD that the DOD ID number in the transaction instrument is valid. The DOD may notify the transaction account issuer that the DOD ID number is valid. The transaction account issuer may approve transactions which may have otherwise been denied.

Abstract: A point-of-sale (POS) system is provided. The POS system may include an adjustable housing configured to receive a computing device. The POS system housing may be adjustable so that a screen of the computing device can be viewed by a merchant and a customer. The computing device may be removable from the housing for use as a mobile POS system. The POS system may also include electronics for accepting various forms of payment and for connecting the computing device to a network.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments relate to techniques for determining the correct item serial number structure, even when information regarding the serial number data and/or structure is lacking. Such techniques advantageously promote data integrity by helping to ensure that the desired data is captured correctly, while also reducing (and sometimes even eliminating) the need to obtain detailed information regarding serial number structure and intelligence that sometimes is guarded by producers/manufacturers. Statistical sampling of collected unknown data formats may be used to help decipher product identification numbers (or other numbers) such as product serial numbers through a repetitive process of scanning a known constant such as the UPC number, followed by a variable number such as a products serial number. Certain exemplary embodiments check serial number against a database containing algorithms to determine if and which algorithm is used to create such serial numbers.

Abstract: Secure exchange of value and associated information in financial transactions involving beneficial offers available for customers is provided. Various offers, including discounts, prepaid amounts, and the like may be purchased by customers for use with various merchants. A third party issuer obtains information from the customer in selling the offers and issues some kind of indicium of value having a representation of the value of the offer associated therein. Record of the indicia are maintained and either transmitted to the merchant or kept by the issuer or associated financial institutions. When the customer redeems the offer by presenting the indicium to the merchant, the merchant may either authenticate the indicium using the records received by the issuer, or establish communication with the issuer for the issuer to authenticate the indicium, either by itself or in cooperation with one or more related financial institutions.

Abstract: An interface and device architecture for a payment device. An interface between a payment application installed in a payment device and one or more value-add applications (such as loyalty programs, transit applications, etc.) that are also installed in the payment device. The API or interface design permits communications and data transfer between the payment application and one or more value-add applications. This reduces (and in some cases may prevent) the need for back-end server processing of data that may be relevant to both a payment transaction and to a function of the value-add application. Similarly, the same or another API or interface may enable communications and data transfer between a value-add application and the payment application.

Abstract: A method of performing a user related operation includes, with an optical reader, reading an encoded on-line address being displayed on a display of a pocket-sized card to be carried by a user; decoding the encoded on-line address; requesting access to remotely stored data using the on-line address, the remotely stored data being related to the user; and, upon the requested access being granted, loading the remotely stored data.

Abstract: An electronic transaction verification system for use with transaction tokens such as checks, credit cards, debit cards, and smart cards that gathers and transmits information about the transaction token and biometric data. Customers can be enrolled in the system by receiving customer information that includes at least a biometric datum, associating the received customer information with a transaction instrument issued to the customers and storing the received customer information and the issued transaction instrument information in a database for future reference.

Abstract: The invention concerns a system for exchanging a ticket with chips and vice versa, applies a ticket or voucher system to a gaming table in a casino and comprises an accounting system.

Abstract: An in-store mobile payment system and method can facilitate the use of a user's mobile device to facilitate payment for products purchased at a store. The user can take a picture of a product being purchased or can take a picture of a bar code for the product. The picture can be taken with the user's mobile device and can be used to identify the product. A payment provider can provide a unique PIN code for the transaction. The user can enter the PIN code into a keypad of the merchant and/or can swipe a card with a card reader of the merchant to complete the transaction. Thus, the user can avoid the inconvenience of waiting in line at a checkout counter and the merchant can reduce the store's overhead by eliminating at least some checkout counters and checkout clerks.

Abstract: A method for utilizing a non-transactable account identifier with a payment token is disclosed. The non-transactable account identifier can have the same format as a primary account number (PAN) and the payment token, but is not used to conduct a payment transaction.

Abstract: A method for validating payment information for an online transaction is provided. A payment server can receive two representations of the same payment information. The payment information can be validated if it is determined that the two representations match. If there is no match, or the payment information is otherwise invalid, the payment information can be repaired based on a trusted representation of the payment information, such as stored payment information or an image of an associated value token. Payment information can be received via one or more communication channels, and can be provided by one or more consumer devices. A merchant service provider can validate payment information and handle transaction processing on behalf of a merchant.

Abstract: The PRODUCT RECALL PLATFORM APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS (“PR Platform”) transforms recall initiation request, product identifier and purchase processing request inputs via PR Platform components into recall notification message outputs. In some embodiments, the PR Platform receives a purchase processing request including a plurality of product identifiers and preselects product identifiers that qualify for purchase processing based on at least one purchase processing rule. The PR Platform facilitates querying of a product recall database to determine if the preselected product identifiers match recalled product identifiers in the product recall database. If at least one of the preselected product identifiers match the recalled product identifiers, the PR Platform retrieves a recall message associated with the at least one of the preselected product identifiers and notification preferences associated with the purchase processing request.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for providing assistance to a user of a product in diagnosing faults in the product. During operation, the system receives, at a help server, data associated with current and/or past operation of the product; performs an optimization to determine a sequence of diagnostic actions that is expected to maximize a net benefit to the user. The sequence of diagnostic actions includes one or more actions that require the user to perform at least one task, and performing the optimization involves accounting for costs to the user for performing the at least one task and savings to the user for correcting the faults. The system then interacts with the user, which involves presenting the sequence of diagnostic actions to the user.

Abstract: A permitting system for controlling devices in a system includes a permit issuing agent that receives a command to be sent to a device. Based upon at least one attribute of the command, the permit issuing agent identifies one or more business logic modules that is pertinent to the command. Each business logic module has a respectively different set of business rules associated with it. Each identified business logic module determines whether the command complies with the business rules associated with that module. If the command is determined to comply with the business rules of all of the identified business logic modules, the agent issues a permit for the command, and the permit is sent to the device for execution of the command.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for generating customized marketing messages using automatically generated customer identification data. In one embodiment, real-time data for a customer is received from a set of cameras associated with a retail facility to form detection data. The customer is automatically identified using the detection data to form customer identification data. Automatically identifying the customer occurs without human input. A customized marketing message is generated for the customer using the customer identification data.

Abstract: A Click Conversion Score (CCS) is a tool to provide a new “Ad-Exchange” for connecting Publishers and Advertisers in the Pay-per-Click advertising market. The CCS provides checks and balances into the Ad-Exchange by assessing the quality of traffic each Publisher provides Advertisers using an adaptive, multi-dimensional profiling system. This assessment is directly used in the charges billed the Advertisers. The score is adaptive, and highly dependent on the conversion feedback loop provided by Advertisers. A CCS system scores each Click and each resulting Conversion an Advertiser receives from the Ad-Exchange. In the preferred implementation, the score reflects a ratio of the measured conversion rate for a Publisher's traffic with the “expected” conversion rate based upon Advertisers histories.

Abstract: A method for comparing purchase patterns includes matching multiple products purchased by a base company to multiple leaf nodes in a taxonomy tree to obtain multiple matching leaf nodes. The taxonomy tree is a hierarchical classification of products. The method further includes assigning, to each of the matching leaf nodes and to each parent node of the matching leaf nodes, a point value to obtain multiple point values, creating, for the base company and by a computer processor, a base feature vector including the point values, and calculating, by the computer processor, a similarity score between the base feature vector of the base company to a test feature vector of a test company. The method further includes providing, in response to the similarity score satisfying a similarity threshold, a recommendation.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides an energy-asset control system for utilizing an energy asset to provide one of more modes of operation services. The system includes an economic optimizer configured to identify at least one mode of operation opportunity based on current and/or future market conditions; a prognostics module configured to perform a prognostic analysis associated with the mode of operation opportunity for the energy asset using an existing model, and determine a confidence level associated with the prognostic analysis; and an operation controller. The economic optimizer is further to configured to, in response to the prognostics module determining the confidence level exceeding a predetermined threshold, determine an expected profit of the mode of operation opportunity based on outcomes of the prognostic analysis; and optimize, over a predetermined time period, a usage of the energy asset based on the expected profit of the mode of operation opportunity.

Abstract: Computer-based systems and methods for discovering neighborhood clusters in a geographic region, where the clusters have a mix of venues and are determined based on venue check-in data. The mix of venues for the clusters may be based on the social similarity between pairs of venues; or emblematic of certain neighborhood typologies; or emblematic of temporal check-in pattern types; or combinations thereof. The neighborhood clusters that are so discovered through venue-check in data could be used for many commercial and civic purposes.

Abstract: Methods and systems for receiving purchase transaction data and identifying the purchase transactions that qualify for customer rebates. In an embodiment, a transaction clearing computer of a payment processing network receives the purchase transaction data from a plurality of acquirer financial institutions. A rewards system computer of the payment processing network identifies individual purchase transactions that qualify for customer rebates pursuant to rewards programs and based on the purchase transaction data, and then initiates crediting of rebate amounts from acquirer financial institutions to payment card accounts of cardholders at issuer financial institutions. The rewards system computer also initiates charging of the rebate amounts to merchant accounts of merchants associated with the individual purchase transactions that qualified for customer rebates.

Abstract: In one example of smart appliance registration, a system comprises an electric device that is configured to transmit a unique identifier upon activation, a smart meter that is configured to receive the unique identifier and to further transmit the unique identifier, and a monitoring entity configured to receive the unique identifier from the smart meter for device-specific profiling.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a profile/content system generates, accesses, and/or serves a compilation profile for targeting content to identifiable communication devices (“ICDs”). The compilation profile can include data associated with a user of an ICD, and the profile/content system obtains the data from multiple data sources. The data sources can include a particular ICD and can also include particular applications running on the ICD and other data sources such as web sites and data aggregators that store data associated with the IDC user. The profile/content system can operate in a variety of modes depending upon a type of request received by the profile/content system. Exemplary modes are: (1) a direct content provision mode, (2) an indirect content provision mode, and (3) a compilation profile provision mode. In at least one embodiment, in the direct content provision mode, the profile/content system receives a request for content directly via an ICD.

Abstract: A method of advertisement display which includes: identifying a plurality of users; identifying a possible destination location for each of the users; identifying speed and possible route information for each of the users; identifying common destination locations among the plurality of users; clustering the users into groups of users having similar destination locations; identifying an advertisement specific to at least one of the clusters; and displaying the advertisement on an advertisement display. Also disclosed is a service method and computer program product.

Abstract: A location-based information system and method therefor, which is responsive to the user's selection of geographic zone and parameters. A proprietary app (application) is installed in a mobile device of the user, which insures that a connection to the user from a caller is based on the user's defined zone and other parameters without the disclosing the exact location of the user. Various embodiments of the invention provide an option for user-to-user location-based connection without depending on a remote server.

Abstract: Methods, and systems, including computer programs encoded on computer-readable storage mediums, including a method for obtaining information about advertisement slots on resources (e.g., web pages). The method includes receiving a request to provide content for display in an ad slot of a web page presented on a user device; determining that parameter data specifying a parameter of the ad slot is not included in the request, the parameter being an indicator of a relative position of the ad slot on the web page; in response to determining that the parameter data is not included in the request, providing content to display in the ad slot to fulfill the request, the content including a tag configured to determine the parameter of the ad slot; receiving the parameter of the ad slot determined by the tag; and storing the parameter of the ad slot in a database.

Abstract: The present disclosure identifies and/or delivers tailored content based upon a service dialog. For example, the systems may receive a request for tailored content, facilitate a service dialog to obtain information related to the request, and communicate a plurality of tailored content based upon the information related to the request. Further, the systems may identify tailored content based upon a consumer profile, communicate the tailored content to a web client, and/or receive a selection of the tailored content. Further still, the systems may modify a magazine (e.g., content that is presented electronically) based upon tailored content.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to generating and managing an advertising campaign based on a third-party listing. In particular, an identifier associated with a listing posted over a third-party service from a user of the third-party service is received. Listing data for the listing is retrieved from the third-party service using the identifier associated with the listing. Thereafter, an advertising campaign is automatically generated based at least in part on the retrieved listing data. In one aspect, generation of the advertising campaign includes generating an advertising creative using the retrieved listing data. Subsequently, an advertising opportunity is selected according to the generated advertising campaign. Following the selection, an advertisement based on the advertising creative is provided to a content provider associated with the advertising opportunity.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system for publishing an aggregate rating indicator based on a plurality of discrete rating indicators associated with a rated entity. The method includes searching a plurality of repositories containing the plurality of discrete rating indicators associated with the rated entity. The method may include retrieving a first rating indicator, a second rating indicator, and a third rating indicator. At least one of the first rating indicator, the second rating indicator, and the third rating indicator may be a fraudulent rating indicator. The method may include filtering out the fraudulent rating indicator from among the first, second, and third rating indicators, wherein the fraudulent rating indicator is determined based on a combination of parameters. The method may include aggregating the first, second, and third rating indicators after filtering out the fraudulent rating indicator such that the aggregation results in an aggregate rating indicator.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing direct shipping to mobile subscribers are disclosed. A customer ordering system receives an order request, retrieves subscriber information requested by an advertiser, and populates an order form with the retrieved information. The information can be reviewed, edited, and/or confirmed, and the order can be passed to an order fulfillment entity. Networks and devices for providing the disclosed systems and methods are also disclosed. Exemplary computer-readable media storing corresponding instructions are also disclosed. A device that executes the instructions can perform the disclosed methods and/or provide the functionality of the disclosed systems.

Abstract: Methods and systems for enabling access to listing performance data, used in conjunction with a search engine to order search results, are described. Consistent with some embodiments, a listing performance data engine module processes API commands received from client computing systems. The data engine module processes the API commands to identify and communicate relevant listing performance data that is used by a listing performance algorithm to assign a listing performance score to item listings satisfying a search request. The listing performance data provides sellers who have items listed for sale an insight as to how their item listings are performing in comparison to other item listings.

Abstract: A licensing service is disclosed that can be used in a virtual environment. A master license can be used by the licensing service to maintain a pool of licenses associated with a customer number. Multiple ephemeral licenses can be issued from the pool. The ephemeral licenses can have a short duration to ensure periodic renewal of the ephemeral licenses during the life of the master license. Tighter control of the licenses ensures that the ephemeral licenses are only used during the life of the master license. Additionally, autoscaling is promoted through the use of the license pool, which can adapt according to actual use.

Abstract: Methods and systems for enabling peer-to-peer systems are disclosed. The server system includes one or more processors, memory, and one or more programs stored in the memory. The server system receives from a first peer to peer node in a plurality of peer to peer nodes, a request for item information associated with one or more items. The server system converts the requested item information into a format useful for the peer-to-peer network. The server system transmits the requested item information to the first peer-to-peer node for persistent storage such that other peer-to-peer nodes in the plurality of peer-to-peer nodes can search for item information within the peer-to-peer network. The server system receives an authentication request from a second peer-to-peer node that is used to authenticate a transaction between a first user associated with the second peer-to-peer node and a second user.

Abstract: Techniques for product recommendation involve receiving, from a user, a request for recommendation of a product matching one or more characteristics specified in the request. In response to the request, a product may be identified for recommendation, at least in part by searching an ontology in which the identified product is represented as matching at least one of the characteristics specified in the request. The ontology may further include at least one link to at least one natural language product review providing supporting evidence that the identified product matches the at least one characteristic. At least a portion of the at least one natural language product review may be retrieved using the at least one link in the ontology, and presented to the user in support of a recommendation of the identified product, in response to the request.

Abstract: Product order and shipping information received via email messages is automatically aggregated for ready user review. Once the user is authenticated, authorization to access their email mailbox is obtained and the email message headers of their entails are analyzed to identify those messages of interest. The bodies of the email messages of interest are parsed to extract the product order and shipping information which is stored and presented for display to the user typically grouped by individual product thus greatly simplifying user review of orders. The aggregated product order and shipping information can be augmented with additional information such as shipping status, delivery status, a product image, and/or a last date that the product can be returned.

Abstract: Selecting a first silhouette image of an item at a client machine displays a plurality of silhouette images representing aspects of the item such as style, length type and sleeve type. Selecting any of those aspects allows a server to search a database for listings of similar items that have those aspects. Concurrently selecting one or more of the images representing those aspects and one or more sizes, allows a server to search a database for listings of similar items that have those aspects and those sizes.

Abstract: A website that presents a user interface that displays images of products to a user. The product images that are displayed are of products that are recently trending or popular as determined by data derived from one or more sources. Each product image is displayed without the price of the respective product and without text naming, describing or identifying the respective product. Therefore, the user interface is constructed to focus on the trending products themselves so that the user interface is clean and uncluttered, allowing customers to focus on the trending products for possible purchase.

Abstract: Systems, gateway computers, and methods for using a gateway abstraction layer and application platform interfaces for conducting service transactions are disclosed. A gateway abstraction layer computers can receive service requests in multiple message formats or communication protocols, transform those service requests into other message formats to process the service using one or more networks or third-party service providers. The results of the service request can then be translated back to the message format in which the original service request was received. The gateway abstraction layer can be maintained using update messages received from service providers.

Abstract: A digital bank branch system is provided for associating a customer communicating over a network with a banking host system with a physical bank branch. The digital bank branch system includes at least one computer memory storing customer information and instructions and at least one computer processor accessing and executing the stored instructions to perform multiple steps. The steps may include associating each customer with a local bank branch, the association accomplished based on at least one of a customer address, a physical customer location and a customer selection of the local bank branch. The system may further provide a local branch information area at a web address, the local branch information area accessible over the network including information relevant to the local bank branch.

Abstract: There are provided systems and methods for wireless beacon connections for providing digital letters of credit on detection of a user at a location. A payment provider may authorize use of one or more wireless beacons at a merchant location. When a user arrives at the merchant location, the user may be checked in through a communication device in possession of the user. Once checked in to the merchant location, the payment provider may determine and amount of credit to extend to the user based on the user's credit worthiness (for example, their credit rating, asset to debt ratio, etc.). The payment provider may then generate a letter of credit, which the payment provider may limit in use by time, location, etc. The payment provider may communicate the letter of credit to the user for use at the merchant location.

Abstract: A system and method for determining and presenting likely option strategies based on inputs is disclosed. An assets input is accepted where the asset input indicates an underlying asset for which options are available. Additional inputs may be accepted to further narrow the list of possible strategies. The system may attempt to predict and display the most likely option strategies based on the inputs.

Abstract: A directed order process and related market center are disclosed, wherein a market center grants permission to order sending firms to send directed order flow to participating designated market makers. Such designated market makers create a virtual guarantee order book for each permissioned order sending firm. If an order sending firm sends a directed order to the market center that is marketable against a virtual guarantee order, then the market center automatically pairs the orders in a two-sided directed cross order instruction, which executes against any superior trading interest in the marketplace first before crossing.

Abstract: An electronic exchange system network includes a trader site having an automated trading system capable of submitting orders to an exchange site. The automated trading system determines whether an order should be submitted based on, for example, the current market price of an option and theoretical buy and sell prices. The theoretical buy and sell prices are derived from, among other things, the current market price of the security underlying the option. A look-up table stores a range of theoretical buy and sell prices for a given range of current market price of the underlying security. As the price of the underlying security changes, a new theoretical price may be indexed in the look-up table, thereby avoiding calculations that would otherwise slow automated trading decisions. In addition, a system of checks may be conducted to ensure accurate and safe automated trading.