Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatus where information relating to products and services offered by various vendors may be offered for sale to customers via computing devices owned by those customers. Products and services offered to a particular customer may be related to a product previously purchased by that customer or be related to a product that a customer has access to. In certain instances, a product that a customer has access to may include a tag, such as a circuit, a chip, or printed matter that may provide information to an electronic device of a customer. After the customer's device received the information provided by the product tag, other products or services related to the tagged product may be received by the customer device. Methods consistent with the present disclosure may allow a user of a user device to interact with various different graphical user interfaces when making purchases.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a one-click ordering method for a washing machine and the washing machine. The method comprises: enabling the washing machine to receive a trigger signal; sending an ordering command to a server, wherein the ordering command comprises identity recognition information and an identifier of the trigger signal; and, enabling the server to search for commodity attribute information, consignee information and payment manner corresponding to the ordering command, and generate a commodity order after the server receives the ordering command. When receiving the trigger signal, the washing machine sends the ordering command to the server; after reception of the ordering command, the server automatically generates the commodity order; in such a manner, when a commodity is used up, the preset corresponding commodity may be rapidly purchased on the washing machine.

Abstract: A method and system for enabling a customer to access both an artist profile and associated artist media files for purchase through a Web-based portable store. An artist profile may be hosted on, for example, a web site, SMS/MMS gateway, and a WAP site. A media file may be received from the artist along with a customizable store widget and may be uploaded to the artist's profile. The customer may then purchase a media file through the artist's profile by further accessing the Web-based portable store. The artist's account may be updated to indicate the transaction.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus (300) includes a storage (330), configured to store page images printed on pages of a publication and product information that is related to products included in the page images and is associated with the page images, and a controller (310), configured to determine a page image corresponding to a captured image of a publication captured by an imaging unit (360) by comparing the captured image with the page images and to display product information associated with the determined page image on a display (340).

Abstract: A network of interconnected digital mirrors within a mall. A plurality of digital mirrors are installed in a participating stores, each comprising a digital screen, a video camera positioned to generate video stream of a user in front of the digital mirror, and a microprocessor. A centralized database stores merchandize data of participating stores. A controller is coupled to the mirrors and the centralized database and preprogrammed to perform the operations comprising: receiving the video stream from the video camera of one of the plurality of digital mirrors; identifying a merchandize item within the video stream; activating a recommendation engine to identify a complementary item from the centralized database that is complementary to the identified merchandize item; sending data regarding the complementary item and a store offering the complementary item to the digital mirror for display.

Abstract: The present invention is a trust-based resource sharing method and system for managing resources such as accommodations, automobiles, bicycles, equipment, instruments, tools, furniture, and the like during the lease period, using the Internet and smart home technology. The invention, unlike the existing sharing economy approach (e.g., Airbnb, Uber, and the like) that simply links the owner (or lender) of the resource with the user (or tenant), allows a reliable service transaction between a resource provider (or lender) and a tenant, on the basis of the trust information analyzed through accumulated data collected through IoT sensors. The method and system of the present invention perform resource sharing transaction including procedures of creating and managing a trust grade of a user who uses resources, creating and managing a trust grade of resources, and controlling the use of resources based on the user trust grade and the resource trust grade.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, techniques and mechanisms described herein facilitate the identification of fraudulent request messages. In one example, a request message associated with a user identifier is received at a request server in a request system that includes a plurality of such request servers. An estimated message count value associated with the user identifier is identified. The estimated message count value identifies an estimated number of messages associated with the user identifier that were previously received by the request servers. A response message is transmitted when it is determined that the estimated message count is below a designated threshold.

Abstract: The invention relates to the gathering of information from multiple sources: customer, retailer, and third parties with information affecting commerce. The invention further establishes communication that allows the offering to each customer an instantaneous dynamic price (IDP), reflecting constantly changing conditions in the market and the customer's profile and the retailer's business imperatives and allowing the customer to place bids in lieu or in addition to purchase at the IDP. This increases profit and/or transaction rate and makes the price equitable. The invention allows the processing of data that provides advisory content for retailer. Moreover, the invention creates a partner for the retailer, a partner that drives commerce by offering advice based on accumulated data and offers its own rewards to customers that use the equitable pricing system.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program products are provided for enabling multi-element bidding. One example method includes generating a request for a payment option and a bid, identifying one or more payment entities from which to receive a bid, transmitting the request to the one or more payment entities, and receiving one or bids from each of the one or more payment entities, each of the one or more bids indicative of a bid amount each of the one or more payment entities would be willing to pay for placement of an associated payment option.

Abstract: Described herein is a method and a system to create an account at a financial institution using a computing machine, in particular an automated teller machine (ATM). The computing machine enables an applicant to submit an application form along with a softcopy of an identification document, for creating or opening a new account at a financial institution. Based on the submitted application form and the softcopy of the identification document, the computing machine transmits the identification information of the applicant to a central server of the financial institution. In case of successful verification, the central server creates the account in real time, and the computing machine presents a confirmation of account creation to the applicant.

Abstract: A specialized mortgage constant calculator may include at least four different modes, each mode associated with a graphical user interface tailored to the mode and displayed on an electronic display. In addition, the mortgage constant calculator may include an adjustable table with a persistent, adjustable frame of reference and other navigational tools that facilitate use of a table that may be far larger than a display area of the electronic display.

Abstract: A method includes generating a blockchain-based letter of credit (“BLC”) relating to a contract for a trade transaction between a seller and a buyer. The BLC defines documentary and supply chain flow payment trigger events. The BLC is stored and accessible via a blockchain. A plurality of documentary flow events related to the BLC are tracked and recorded on the blockchain, and are linked to the BLC. A plurality of supply chain flow events related to a physical status of a good involved in the trade transaction are tracked and recorded on the blockchain. Each of the plurality of supply chain flow events are linked to the BLC. Payment for the contract for the trade transaction is transferred to the seller in response to detecting occurrence of both of the documentary and supply chain flow events corresponding to the respective documentary and supply chain flow payment trigger events.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments may provide an online automobile purchasing experience for a customer. The experience may be provided by, or associated with, a financial institution. The automobile buying experience may be accessible to both customers of the financial institution as well as non-customers. Customers of the financial institution may receive added benefits during and after the experience. Non-customers may have the opportunity to become a customer of the financial institution as part of the experience.

Abstract: A data transaction processing system receives and processes equation-based electronic data transaction request messages. Transmitting equation-based electronic data transaction request messages that represent a large series of discrete values reduces the data transmission to the data transaction processing system. Processing equation-based electronic data transaction request messages instead of a series of discrete values reduces the amount of time need to perform transactions, greatly reducing processing latency. Equation-based electronic data transaction request messages can also be efficiently updated by modifying equation parameters, again reducing the amount of data transmitted to the data transaction processing system.

Abstract: A data transaction processing system receives and processes equation-based electronic data transaction request messages. Transmitting equation-based electronic data transaction request messages that represent a large series of discrete values reduces the data transmission to the data transaction processing system. Processing equation-based electronic data transaction request messages instead of a series of discrete values reduces the amount of time need to perform transactions, greatly reducing processing latency. Equation-based electronic data transaction request messages can also be efficiently updated by modifying equation parameters, again reducing the amount of data transmitted to the data transaction processing system.

Abstract: Example programmable asset systems and methods are described. In one implementation, a financial management system identifies a programmable asset and associates a metadata layer with the programmable asset. The financial management system also associates an asset type layer and a value layer with the programmable asset. The financial management system uses the programmable asset when executing a transaction between two or more parties.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method of managing trading is provided. A first bid for a first instrument is received from a first market maker at a first bid price. A first offer for the first instrument is received from a second market maker at a first offer price, the first offer price being lower than the first bid price. As a result of the first offer price being lower than the first bid price, the first bid price is automatically decreased to match the first offer price, and a first timer having a predetermined duration is started. If the first timer expires and both the first bid and the first offer exist at the first offer price when the first timer expires, a trade between the first bid and the first offer is automatically executed.

Abstract: A method for automatically positioning information related to a commodity on a graphical user interface. Market information is displayed on the graphical user interface. The market information may be presented as a number of indicators, corresponding to particular items of interest, that are associated with a static scale. The scale may, for example, represent price. Upon detecting a predetermined condition, the location of the market information is automatically repositioned.

Abstract: A computerized system (10) and method for integrating trade executions among multiple market participant types is disclosed. The system (10) includes a client system (14) that provides a user interfact (150) for inputting an order for the execution of a trade and a server system (12) in communication with the client system (14). The server system (12) accepts the order for the execution of the trade from the client system (14). The server system (12) then routes the order to a trade execution location (30) of one market participant type selected from among multiple market participant types such as the market participant types of ECNs, market makers and exchanges. The server system (12) has direct and indirect access to the ECNs and the market makers and has indirect access to the exchanges, thereby integrating trade executions among multiple market participant types.

Abstract: A method includes determining a plurality of payments to be paid from an account over a future period of time. Each of the plurality of payments is associated with at least one due date within the future period of time. The method further includes determining estimated incoming payments to the account for each day of the future period of time. The method further includes determining recommendations for each of the plurality of payments including a specific recommended date within the future period of time on which to pay each of the plurality of payments. The recommended date for each of the plurality of payments is different from the due date of each respective payment. The recommendations are configured to keep the account cash flow positive based on amounts of the plurality of payments and the estimated incoming payments, while satisfying the due date of each of the plurality of payments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a computationally implemented method designed to solve the complex problems related to accessing accurate, organized and current insurance policy information of a subject or client by a service provider or user, such as a clinician, and to record services or treatments rendered to maintain accurate reporting as well as request reimbursement from the insurance agency(s) of the subject or client for treatments or services covered by the associated insurance policy.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for processing insurance payments associated with catastrophic events. The system includes one or more processors configured to receive information about a catastrophic event triggering insurance payment along with a deductible payable by the policyholder. The system further includes one or more processors configured to receive information about the policyholder electing to participate in a deductible installment plan, and to advance on behalf of the policyholder of a payment up to the amount of the deductible. A computer record is generated comprising data about the policyholder, the covered property loss, the amount of the deductible, and the repayment schedule. One or more processors are configured to periodically update the record to reflect pertinent insurance deductible payment events, the completion of each step in a sequence of steps associated with payment events in the deductible installment plan.

Abstract: An online system receives content items from publishing users for presentation to other users. When selecting content for presentation to users, the online system accounts for amounts of compensation from publishing users when presenting content items. To prevent publishing users from exploiting content selection by the online system to obtain disproportionate presentation of their content items relative to other publishing users, the online system generates an estimated amount of revenue from various publishing users from presenting their content items. The online system compares an amount of compensation received from a publishing user to the estimated amount of revenue from the publishing user, and generates clusters of content items from the publishing user for review if the amount of compensation is at least a threshold amount less than the estimated amount of revenue.

Abstract: A blockchain of transactions may be referenced for various purposes and may be later accessed by interested parties for ledger verification and information retrieval. One example method of operation may include extracting obligation data from one or more of documents and rules, identifying transaction data from one or more blockchain transactions, creating one or more transaction contexts based on the transaction data, comparing the obligation data to the transaction data to identify whether the one or more transaction contexts are subject to the obligation data, and creating a notification including a current compliance status between the transaction contexts and the obligation data.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of instructing an annex operation linked to the execution of a main transaction in a bank payment system including at least two distinct client devices and a third party device connected to an annex operation managing system, that is configured to carry out a main transaction between the two client devices. After having received from the third party device, in the annex operation managing system, information relative to the execution of the main transaction between the two client devices, at least one rule for executing the annex operation is identified according to at least one first information item of the received information. The annex operation is then executed according to the at least one identified rule and according to at least one second information item of the received information, that is distinct from the first information item.

Abstract: A charge calculation apparatus includes: a consumed amount acquisition section that acquires an amount of a consumable consumed for printing in a first period; a carried-forward amount calculation section that calculates a carried-forward amount of the consumable on a basis of the consumed amount and a base amount of the consumable for the first period; and a charge calculation section that calculates an amount of money charged for printing on a basis of the carried-forward amount. The consumed amount acquisition section acquires a second consumed amount that is an amount of the consumable consumed for printing in a second period that is posterior to the first period. The charge calculation section calculates the amount of money charged for the second period on a basis of the second consumed amount, a second base amount that is a base amount of the consumable for the second period, and the carried-forward amount.

Abstract: A system for connecting and exchanging information between owners of an asset or product, manufacturers of the asset or product, servicers of the asset or product and experts on the asset or product. Each member is provided with a digital asset/product object corresponding to the asset/product that they own, customized to its classification within its industry and that stores a record of specific information for the asset or product that a customer owns. Information about that asset or product and configurations remains up to date via two-way exchange of data with other systems or data entries. Private groups and collaborations are created and managed based on asset or product classification and company. Members can share information, socialize in private and public groups, and access knowledge of subject experts and manufacturers directly or through group feeds.

Abstract: A method of directing participants during a social networking event includes the step of accessing a participant database that includes a plurality of records, each record including a participant identifier and associated participant attributes. A social networking instance is generated that links participant identifiers based on participant attributes, to define matched participants for meeting during the social networking event. Meet up directions are sent to the matched participants.

Abstract: A photo booth system including a photo booth, a management service, and a sharing system is described herein. The system is configured to capture photographs and promotional data from end users, edit the photographs, and to allow the end users to share the edited photographs on one or more sharing sites.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for allowing a user to view network contacts of other users when visiting an environment of a different organization. A visitor requests to view a profile of a user while the visitor is visiting the environment or tenant space of a different organization. The organization of the visitor is obtained. Furthermore, the organization and network contacts of the user whose profile is requested to be viewed are obtained in response to validating the visitor's organization. The requested profile is then displayed to the visitor containing the accessible network contacts (if any) of the user based on whether the user and the visitor belong to the same organization.

Abstract: An activity management system is configured to allow users to access multimedia content where the multimedia content is divided in to segments. While a user is viewing or interacting with the multimedia content, the user can submit one or more activities (e.g., comments, questions, replies, or reactions) using a graphical user interface. The system is operable to electronically link the activity provided by the user with the particular segment of multimedia content in which the activity was captured by the system. The system is also configured to determine a sentiment score for particular multimedia content, one or more segments of the particular multimedia content, a user, a group of users, or an organization. The sentiment score may be related to a general mood (e.g., confused, happy, bored) of the user when viewing one or more segments of particular multimedia content.

Abstract: An activity management system is configured to allow users to access multimedia content where the multimedia content is divided in to segments. While a user is viewing or interacting with the multimedia content, the user can submit one or more activities (e.g., comments, questions, replies, or reactions) using a graphical user interface. The system is operable to electronically link the activity provided by the user with the particular segment of multimedia content in which the activity was captured by the system. The system is also configured to determine a sentiment score for particular multimedia content, one or more segments of the particular multimedia content, a user, a group of users, or an organization. The sentiment score may be related to a general mood (e.g., confused, happy, bored) of the user when viewing one or more segments of particular multimedia content.

Abstract: An activity management system is configured to allow users to access multimedia content where the multimedia content is divided in to segments. While a user is viewing or interacting with the multimedia content, the user can submit one or more activities (e.g., comments, questions, replies, or reactions) using an interface. The system is operable to electronically link the activity provided by the user with the particular segment of multimedia content in which the activity was captured by the system. The system is also configured to throttle the number of activities that are displayed to a user for any given segment based on (1) viewers linked to the user (e.g., groups, social media groups, etc.), (2) viewers that influence the user, (3) viewers selected by the user, (4) viewers that cause the user to be engaged with the multimedia content, and (5) a threshold number of activities set by the viewer or the system.

Abstract: An activity management system is configured to allow users to access multimedia content where the multimedia content is divided in to segments. While a user is viewing or interacting with the multimedia content, the user can submit one or more activities (e.g., comments, questions, replies, or reactions) using a graphical user interface. The system is operable to electronically link the activity provided by the user with the particular segment of multimedia content in which the activity was captured by the system. The system is also configured to determine a sentiment score for particular multimedia content, one or more segments of the particular multimedia content, a user, a group of users, or an organization. The sentiment score may be related to a general mood (e.g., confused, happy, bored) of the user when viewing one or more segments of particular multimedia content.

Abstract: An activity management system is configured to allow users to access multimedia content where the multimedia content is divided in to segments. While a user is viewing or interacting with the multimedia content, the user can submit one or more activities (e.g., comments, questions, replies, or reactions) using a graphical user interface. The system is operable to electronically link the activity provided by the user with the particular segment of multimedia content in which the activity was captured by the system. The system is also configured to determine a sentiment score for particular multimedia content, one or more segments of the particular multimedia content, a user, a group of users, or an organization. The sentiment score may be related to a general mood (e.g., confused, happy, bored) of the user when viewing one or more segments of particular multimedia content.

Abstract: A personalized QR or other machine-readable code is presented by a user at an establishment where a selection of items is presented to users. In a preferred embodiment the machine-readable code is printed on or attached to a wearable accessory such as a bracelet or necklace, but could also be carried on a card, for example. The personalized QR code is created based on a person's individual preferences or restrictions. In the food/restaurant example, it is personalized based on the person's allergens. The establishment is provided with a device configured to read the QR code presented by the user and process the individual preferences so as to only present to the user a list of a subset of the available items, all of which meet the user's preferences and/or restriction requirements.

Abstract: Indexing of mortgage documents is faster and simpler for auditing purposes. An electronic mortgage application often contains or references a collection of many separate electronic mortgage documents. Indexing data describing the individual electronic mortgage documents and/or the electronic mortgage application may be hashed and integrated into a blockchain. Any auditor receiving the blockchain may thus perform a reverse lookup to generate an index describing the sections and/or pages within the electronic mortgage application. Moreover, the auditor may also verify a current version of the index to an original version created at creation.

Abstract: A method of performing analysis-based conflict mediation is performed by executing computer-executable instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The method provides an analytic hierarchy process (AHP), that is stored on a computing device. The method of the present manages a conflict-mediation profile that includes client accounts. Each of which is associated to one of the opposing parties to the mediation process. The method uses mediation criteria, mediation demands, and business objectives and user-supplied importance values as the inputs for the AHP. The AHP generates weights that quantify how emotional and logical the opposing parties are. This analysis is used to rank the parties' desired outcomes and to present the parties with a set of resolutions which are logically based and mutually beneficial.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a method of machine representation and tracking of contract terms over the lifetime of a contract including a step of defining an object model having object model components. Object model components are associated with other object model components where the object model components have object model component types. Further, words of object model components are evaluated to identify whether the words contain one or more core attributes pertaining to details of the contract terms. From the object model components, and the terms they contain, prevailing terms of the contract are evaluated, stored and updated as changes are made to the object model components.

Abstract: Methods, systems and non-transitory computer readable media for automated workflow management for sleep quality are presented. A subject in a resting state is monitored using one or more sensors for acquiring one or more physiological parameters. A phase of sleep of the subject at a specific time using the physiological parameters is detected and inferred. Further, a recuperative benefit of the detected sleep phase is estimated. Additionally, it is determined is if an activity in a patient care workflow scheduled proximate to the specific time hinders sleep of the subject. The patient care workflow is then automatically reconfigured if scheduled activity hinders patient sleep, if the determined recuperative benefits exceed a designated threshold and/or if a proposed reconfiguration satisfies one or more designated criteria accounting for both restorative benefits to the patient and objectives of competing care delivery activities for both a given patient and a department.

Abstract: An example method to screen one or more individuals at a non-law enforcement facility includes generating a first request at an access point. The first request includes one or more identifying information for the one or more individuals. The access point is associated with, located at, and/or located near the non-law enforcement facility. The access point includes a first communication transceiver. The method also includes, with the first communication transceiver, transmitting the first request to at least one communication server that is not under law enforcement only control. The method also includes, with the first communication transceiver, receiving at least a portion of a local result of a search of at least one local database.

Abstract: A shelving system includes customer shelves, and a top shelf is positioned generally above the customer shelves. The top shelf and a back room are not accessible to the public, but the customer shelves are accessible to the public. First scans of the top shelf and second scans of the customer shelves and back room inventory values for the selected product are obtained. A determination is made as whether there is inventory of the selected product in the back room. When there is available space on the top shelf, when the available space is within a predetermined distance of the location, and when there is inventory of the selected product in the back room, instructions are transmitted to an automated vehicle to cause the automated vehicle to selectively move at least some of the selected product from the back room to the top shelf.

Abstract: Systems and methods for allocating resources in a transportation system are disclosed. A vehicle of the transportation system may be dispatched by one or more processors; first and second portions of the vehicle are allocated to first and second groups of users. A parameter of the first group of users may be tracked at a first location. Part of the second portion of the vehicle may be reallocated to the first group of users, in real-time, when the tracked parameter of the first group of users exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: Examples described herein generally relate to rendering virtual reality images on a computer device including an integrated first graphics processing unit (GPU) and a discrete second GPU. The second GPU can receive first pose information of a head mounted display (HMD) connected to a video port associated with the first GPU. The second GPU can render a virtual reality source image from an application based on the first pose information. The computer device can transfer the virtual reality source image from the second GPU to the first GPU. The first GPU can receive second updated pose information of the HMD. The first GPU can adjust the virtual reality source image based on the second updated pose information. The computer device can display the adjusted virtual reality image on the HMD via the video port. The virtual reality source image may be divided into portions for pipelining among the GPUs.

Abstract: Examples described herein generally relate to rendering graphics using a graphics processing unit (GPU) in a computing device. A synchronization object associated with a wait event can be created, wherein the wait event indicates a time offset before a timed event associated with a display device of the computing device. A plurality of rendering instructions for the GPU can be stored in a buffer, wherein the plurality of rendering instructions can be received from an application before a release of the synchronization object. Release of the synchronization object can be detected based on occurrence of the wait event, and the plurality of rendering instructions can be sent from the buffer to at least a portion of the GPU based on detecting the release of the synchronization object.

Abstract: A multi-user virtual reality and/or augmented reality cluster system enabling the projection and tracking of users in a simulated environment is described. The disclosed cluster system enables both timely user action display in the first person and a timely view of a user's action by other participants of the simulation. The cluster system integrates motion capture cameras, distributed computing, and tracking devices to provide a simulation which seems lifelike to all participants and observers.

Abstract: A mechanism is described for facilitating ray compression for efficient graphics data processing at computing devices. A method of embodiments, as described herein, includes forwarding a set of rays to a ray compression unit hosted by a graphics processor at a computing device, and facilitating the ray compression unit to compress the set of rays, wherein the set of rays are compressed into a compressed representation.

Abstract: A method and a client are provided. The method includes determining a first parameter according to a detected first operation, the first parameter being used for indicating a cut-out area. A first image corresponding to the cut-out area is obtained according to the first parameter. Recognition is performed on the first image, and based on a recognition result, recommendation information associated with the first image is obtained. A second operation of selecting target information from the recommendation information is detected, and the selected target information is added to the first image to generate a second image.

Abstract: Methods and systems for processing video data are provided. In one example, a first video bitstream can be obtained, which can include video frames of a spherical representation of 360-degree video data. Two-dimensional pixel coordinates of a pixel location of a planar surface of a geometry can be determined. The planar surface can be part of a plurality of planar surfaces of the geometry. Two-dimensional normalized coordinates can be determined for the pixel location based on an adaptation parameter and the two-dimensional pixel coordinates. Three-dimensional coordinates of a sample point of the spherical representation of the 360-degree video data can be determined based on the two-dimensional normalized coordinates. A pixel value for the pixel location of the planar surface of the geometry can be determined based on the sample point, and a second video bitstream can be generated that includes pixel values determined for pixel locations of the plurality of planar surfaces of the geometry.

Abstract: Methods and systems for processing video data are provided. For example, a video bitstream can be obtained that includes a video frame of a spherical representation of 360-degree video data. The video frame can include a planar surface of a geometry, and the planar surface can include a plurality of pixels. Three-dimensional coordinates of a target point of the spherical representation can be determined. A planar surface of the geometry to which the target point is to be mapped can also be determined. The planar surface can be determined based on the three-dimensional coordinates of the target point. Two-dimensional coordinates of a mapping location on the planar surface to which the target point is to be mapped can be determined based on the three-dimensional coordinates of the target point and an adaptation parameter. A pixel value can then be generated based on one or more pixels associated with the mapping location. The pixel value can be assigned to the target point.