Abstract: A method of using an escrow service within a services exchange medium allows a buyer to deposit asset for a project into escrow. The asset is released to a service provider once the project is completed and approved by the buyer. The buyer and the service provider are able to ascribe escrow status to the project before starting the project. The buyer is able to upon posting the project. The service provider is able to while bidding on the project even if the buyer had not ascribe the escrow status to the project upon posting. The escrow service includes a tax filing feature and a dispute assistance feature. The tax filing feature issues 1099 U.S. federal tax forms on behalf of U.S. buyers to the I.R.S. after each tax year. The dispute assistance feature facilitates discussion between the service provider and the buyer to foster a resolution of a dispute.

Abstract: An information display apparatus includes a display unit configured to display first content and a part of second content that is a moving image in an overlapping manner. The information display apparatus includes a change unit configured to change a displayed area of the second content while reproducing the second content in a case where an area in which the first content is displayed is selected by a user.

Abstract: An online services system provides monitoring of user interaction with third-party content. The monitoring is performed by a script in a web page provided by the online services system, which script provides a timer invoked when the browser leaves the online services system's page for a page comprising third party content. When the online services system serves the page, the browser reads the HTML to render the page, including the script with the timer. When the user leaves the online services system page, the timer begins, and when the browser returns to a page provided by the online services system, the timer ends and duration information from the timer is provided to the online services system. Applications include measurement of the quality of interaction between users and a third party advertisers, in which time spent viewing third party content is a proxy for the quality of the interaction.

Abstract: An analysis device including a substitution unit for substituting each event in an impulse-like event series with rectangular windows; a dividing unit for dividing the event series timewise at least at one transition point in the rectangular windows; a state vector generation unit for generating a state vector corresponding to the state of the rectangular windows in response to each of the divided time periods; and an analysis unit for performing Poisson regression using the state vectors corresponding to the time periods. A method comprising computer-executable steps is provided that substitutes each event in the inputted event series with rectangular windows; divides the event series timewise at least at one transition point in the rectangular pulses; generates a state vector corresponding to the state of the rectangular pulses in response to each of the divided time periods; and performs a Poisson regression using the state vectors corresponding to the time periods.

Abstract: A multi-tenant system stores data for customers. The multi-tenant system presents user interfaces allowing users associated with the customers to perform analysis of data stored for the customer. The multi-tenant system determines recommendations for subsequent user actions that can be performed by a user in a context. The context includes a report being analyzed, a type of visualization of the report, one or more interactions performed by the user with the report, and so on. The multi-tenant system presents one or more widgets based on the recommendations that allow the user to perform the recommended action. The multi-tenant system may determine a recommendation based on past interactions of a subset of users of the multi-tenant system, for example, users associated with a type of industry, users having a particular role in an organization, or a level of experience of the user with analysis of data.

Abstract: Methods and systems for maximizing the proportion of renewable energy relative to the total energy used during the charging of electrically powered vehicles are described. The methods and systems contemplate the acquisition, by a TSP, of data pertaining to the renewable energy mixture, i.e. the ratio of energy produced from renewable sources to energy produced from non-renewable sources, of the energy provided by one or more utility companies. Renewable energy mixture forecasts and information pertaining to charging and use of one or more vehicles are used to generate schedules for charging one or more electrically powered vehicles such that the use of renewable energy in vehicle charging is optimized.

Abstract: Various systems, methods, and apparatuses are described for determining feedback to a polling statement. One example method may comprise generating a barcode associated with a response to a polling statement. The example method may further comprise enabling display of the barcode for receiving feedback on the polling statement via scanning of the barcode. Another example method may comprise generating a barcode associated with a response to a polling statement. The other example method may further comprise receiving feedback on the polling statement based at least in part on at least one individual scanning the barcode. Similar and related methods, apparatuses, systems, and computer program products are also provided.

Abstract: To enable a user such as a store manager to easily grasp movement of persons at a location within a monitored area, a PC for analyzing the movement of persons within the monitored area is provided with a measurement condition setter that causes a user to perform an input operation of specifying a measurement area in a region in the monitored area and specifying an entry zone and an exit zone of a person relative to the measurement area, and sets the measurement area and the entry and exit zones as a measurement condition; a traffic line acquirer that acquires traffic line information of each person detected; a moving person detector that detects, in the measurement area, persons matching movement patterns defined by the entry and exit zones; and a screen generator that generates output information representing a state of movement of persons in relation to the measurement area.

Abstract: A yield management system for dynamically enhancing visibility of yield rates realized for one or more recovered assets is provided. The system is configured to retrieve disposition data associated with a plurality of activities undertaken with handling and processing of one or more recovered assets for disposal thereof and comprising at least one component of disposition cost. Based thereon the system calculates a yield rate for each of said one or more recovered assets, compares said calculated yield rate to one or more market yield rates to identify one or more discrepancies, and if discrepancies exist, generate an indication thereof. A conservation logistics system is also provided, which calculates an index value along a consolidated index scale, compares said index value to one or more pre-determined goals so as to identify one or more discrepancies, and if discrepancies exist, facilitates implementation of one or more conservation logistics initiatives.

Abstract: The invention provides for tracking and rewarding commuters according to their contribution to unclogging roads by opting for alternative Transport forms and improving their health and the health of the environment. In particular, the invention relates to commuters who travel under human power to and from their place of work and who sign up as subscribers to a managed system that tracks their travel events, compares data gathered about the event with other events and determines whether or not the event qualifies as a commute, in which case an account of the user is credited. When the accumulated credit in the account reaches a threshold amount, the user qualifies for receiving a reward such as by means of a value token.

Abstract: A computer program product for a micro commerce ad includes displaying an advertisement in a banner ad. The banner ad includes characteristics conforming to banner ad market standards. The banner ad is configured to display in a banner ad slot of a publisher webpage. The computer program product includes receiving visitor input within the banner ad from a visitor. The computer program product includes performing a transaction within the banner ad to process the visitor input.

Abstract: If a customer has picked up a product from a display shelf, a display device displays first sales promotion information. In an information providing system, if the customer has not been attracted to the product and has returned the product to the display shelf, the display device displays second sales promotion information, which is different from the first sales promotion information. By displaying the different pieces of sales promotion information using the display device provided near the product, it is possible to promote the product to the customer in two different ways, thereby stimulating the customer's desire to buy the product and reducing loss in opportunities to sell the product.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods that recognize audio queries and select related information to return in response to recognition of the audio queries. The technology disclosed facilitates easy designation of aggregate user experience categories and custom audio references to be recognized. It facilitates linking and returning of selected information in response to recognition of audio queries that match the designated aggregate user experience categories or custom audio references to be recognized.

Abstract: A method for generating an SMS business message for processing by a software application includes: a data collection interface accepting outgoing instructions and outgoing data from said software application; a message encoding engine encoding said outgoing instructions and outgoing data from said software application; using an encoding template to generate the SMS business message as a categorized SMS message formatted for processing by a data processing system; and a dispatcher runtime processor processing said SMS business message for transmission over a network to a recipient.

Abstract: According to an aspect, a method for creating or improving customer preference profiles includes providing a decision coupon to a customer with two or more promotional options directed to related items selected to ascertain a purchasing preference associated with the related items through selection of one of the promotional options. A selection of one of the promotional options is received and an indication of the selected promotional option is stored in a purchasing preference profile for the customer. The indication of the selected option is used to update an affinity for a product or product category for the customer within the customer's purchasing preference profile.

Abstract: According to an aspect, a method for creating or improving customer preference profiles includes providing a decision coupon to a customer with two or more promotional options directed to related items selected to ascertain a purchasing preference associated with the related items through selection of one of the promotional options. A selection of one of the promotional options is received and an indication of the selected promotional option is stored in a purchasing preference profile for the customer. The indication of the selected option is used to update an affinity for a product or product category for the customer within the customer's purchasing preference profile.

Abstract: A method of managing on-line user data in a table-level distributed database system is disclosed. At a loading interface, a load request from a client device specifying a new or updated data table, which has been populated in a distributed file system, is received. The load request also specifies a location in the distributed file system and a schema of the data table. The loading interface creates new records in a metadata store, and each new record specifies a mapping between the data table and a particular instance that is to load such data table. Each record also specifies the location and schema for such data table. Based on the new records, each instance also loads the data table. Each instance publishes, in the metadata store, load status specifying that loading of the data table is complete so that such data table can be queried by a query client.

Abstract: A method for minimizing a physical queue for a first guest attraction, the method including storing a guest identifier corresponding to a guest in a first virtual queue, wherein a position of the guest within the first virtual queue is associated with an estimated wait time for the first guest attraction, updating the first virtual queue when the position of the guest within the first virtual queue is changed, providing a notification to the guest to enter the physical queue when the position of the guest in the first virtual queue is less than or equal to a threshold position of the first virtual queue, removing the guest identifier from the first virtual queue in response to an indication to dequeue the guest from the first virtual queue, storing the guest identifier in a second virtual queue corresponding to the physical queue, and removing the guest identifier from the second virtual queue in response to an indication that the guest is exiting the physical queue.

Abstract: Methods, devices and program products are provided which comprise the under control of one or more computer systems configured with specific executable instructions. The methods, devices and program products provide an image of an item for display, and the item is comprised of a plurality of components. The methods, devices and program products receive a selection of a component of interest from the plurality of components of the item, and obtain a component-level rating associated with the component of interest.

Abstract: A parking lot management system and method may include capturing image data and time of entry of a vehicle entering the parking lot and transmitting the image data and time data to a remote networked computer system. A vehicle identification is determined from the image data. Time and image data of the vehicle exiting the parking lot is determined and transmitting the remote networked computer system. A parking violation is determined due to a parking time period expiring without the vehicle exiting the lot prior the parking period expiring. A violation notice is communicated to the person associated with the vehicle identified to be in violation. A parking kiosk adjacent the parking lot can be provided. The kiosk is coupled to the remote networked computer system and is configured to set parking time, calculate payment and receive payment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sharing information regarding a purchase result between a plurality of clients and receiving at least one of an application and content from a server based on the shared information regarding the purchase result. The method includes receiving information regarding a purchase result of the at least one of the application and the content from a second client; transmitting the information regarding the purchase result and device information of the first client to a server providing the at least one of the application and the content; and receiving the at least one of the application and the content from the server in response to the transmission.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a merchant virtual storefront to a customer device include a system provider device that receives, through communication over a network with a merchant device that is located at a merchant physical location, a request to establish a merchant virtual storefront from the merchant device. The system provider device also determines the merchant physical location associated with the merchant device. The system provider device analyzes the request to establish the merchant virtual storefront including determining a merchant offering. The system provider device thus generates the merchant virtual storefront that includes the merchant offering and the merchant physical location. In addition, the system provider device provides the merchant virtual storefront to a customer device.

Abstract: In one example, a data collection module collects product data over a network, identifies that the product data is related to a particular product, and stores the product data and an association between the product data and the particular product in a database. An instant messaging engine receives a request for the product data after the product data is stored in the database and an interpreter module identifies, in response to the request, the request to correspond to the particular product and retrieve the product data based on the association between the particular product and the product data. The instant messaging engine transmits, using an instant messaging protocol, a response to the request, the response including the product data.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein simplify ordering of products from online shops. This may involve an agent server receiving captured contents of a product webpage from a client device and autonomously deriving product information therefrom. Alternatively, the agent service can receive a web address corresponding to a product webpage, and the agent server can visit the product webpage and capture its contents. The agent server then uses the derived product information to autonomously control ordering of the product for the user from an online shop, without requiring that the user have an account with the online shop, without requiring that the user enter personal and payment information in a check-out webpage of the online shop, without requiring that the user select a buy or shopping cart button associated with the online shop, and without requiring the online shop utilize an API to enable the agent server to interact with the online shop.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to techniques generating a database of virtual families for real-time generation of part numbers for configurable products. For instance, certain example embodiments may include receiving a search request for part numbers and determining virtual families including entities matching the search request. The number of matching products matching the search request and the part numbers may be determined based on the virtual families and the independent groups stored in the virtual families that match the search request. The part numbers may be determined based on allowed characters, number and/or symbols for the part number positions defined in the independent groups of the virtual families including the entities matching the one or more configurable properties of the user input search request. Facet counts for the configurable product may also be determined based on the results of the user input search request.

Abstract: There are provided systems and method for three-dimensional (3D) eyeglasses modeling from two-dimensional (2D) images. A service provider, such as a payment provider, may access 2D images of a pair of eyeglasses, such as images from a front perspective and a side perspective of the eyeglasses. The contours of the eyeglasses may be extracted, such as the contours of the main features (e.g., the bridge, lens aperture, side and ear frame sections, and other important features). The contours may be processed to determine a curve that best fits the features. Additional features may be extracted, such as color, design, writing (e.g., a brand name on the frame), hinges, or other sub-feature of the frame. Utilizing this information, a 3D model of the pair of eyeglasses may be constructed by scaling the size of the lens curves, bridge, and/or arms and applying a texture.

Abstract: A method of making an article of footwear is disclosed. The method includes the steps of designing an article of footwear via a website, converting a footwear representation into a set of two-dimensional portions, printing the two dimensional portions onto a sheet material, cutting and assembling the two dimensional portions into a finalized article of footwear. The method further includes a step of shipping the article of footwear to a pre-designated shipping address. Systems for receiving an order for a customized article of footwear are also disclosed.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to curation of cloud services that can be included a cloud solution tailored to an organization or an environment thereof. In one aspect, the cloud services can include software applications, professional services, managed network services, and/or infrastructure services. In one aspect, curation of a cloud service can be based on fitness of the cloud service for the organization or the environment thereof. In another aspect, the curation of certain cloud services can be refined based on feedback associated with such services.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for surfacing local inventory. A location of a client device is determined based at least in part on a user-specified location associated with the client device or a geolocation technology using an identifier associated with the client device. It is determined that the location is within a region served by local deliveries from a materials handling facility. A first product and a second product that are stored in the materials handling facility are identified. While both the first and the second products are available for local delivery from the materials handling facility in the region, the first product is unavailable for delivery from the materials handling facility outside the region, but the second product is available for delivery from the materials handling facility outside the region. Data encoding a listing of products, including the first and second products, is sent to the client device.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments relating to generating media item recommendations based upon determining a beats per minute value. A media recommendation application determines a beats per minute value based upon the activity of a user. The media recommendation application then identifies one or more media item candidates having a number of beats per minute within a predefined delta of the beats per minute value. The media recommendation application then filters out the media items possessed and information associated with the user to identify a subset of the media item candidates to surface as recommendations.

Abstract: Methods set forth herein relate to processing of information and data objects associated with products such as experiences. According to one exemplary implementation, an illustrative method of computerized information processing may involve automated computerized processing including generating display interfaces that are automatically customized and populated as a function of identifiers or variables associated with products, and performing processing associated with selecting, fulfilling and providing notification regarding selected products. Further, as a function of such computerized processing of identifiers and variables, graphical information may be automatically presented and updated to the user and to an individual associated with the experience such that fully-automated processing regarding the experiences is provided there between.

Abstract: A system and method of presenting selectable checkout options for an item listing on a single page. A single page for an item listing is caused to be displayed on a device. The single page comprises a selectable item identifier for an item and a plurality of selectable checkout options for the item. The plurality of selectable checkout options comprises different types of selectable checkout options. An indication of a selection of the item identifier and an indication of a selection of one of the selectable checkout options are received. A visual representation of the selection of the selectable item identifier and a visual representation of the selection of one of the selectable checkout options are causes to be displayed on the single page. A visual representation for each of the selected checkout options are displayed as being attached to the visual representation of the selected item identifier.

Abstract: A physical item with an affixed identification tag may be distributed to a user of a mobile computing device with an included reader device capable of reading an identifier stored on the identification tag. An association between the physical item and the identifier may be stored. When the mobile computing device is brought into proximity with the tagged physical item, a further association between user and identifier may be stored. The user's mobile computing device may be caused to display a digital application store user interface customized based on associations between the identifier, the physical item, and the user.

Abstract: Disclosed is an approach for managing a transition from the first site to a destination merchant site and a deep link state. A method aspect includes receiving an interaction from a user with an object associated with an advertisement for a product, the advertisement being presented via a first site presented within a browser, transitioning the user from the first site to a destination merchant site in a deep link state. The transitioning process includes retrieving data from the browser and using the data from the browser to enable the user to transition from the first site to the destination merchant site in the deep link state. The deep link state enables the user to purchase the product via an interaction with a purchase object without manually entering payment account data or user address data. The deep link state can enable a “one click” purchasing experience after the transition from the first site.

Abstract: Techniques for generating and updating a video may be provided. For example, a video may be used in association with providing information about an item. Based on user interactions related to how users may view the video and decisions of users to order the item, the video may be updated. Updating the video may include rearranging segments of the video, modifying a length of a particular segment, or editing content of the particular segment.

Abstract: A method and an associated system for ordering a spectacle lens by a wearer (1), said method involving steps of: selecting (S1) a spectacle frame by the wearer (1); capturing (S2) a picture showing partially a face of said wearer (1) wearing the selected spectacle frame, at a picture capturing side (10) so as a position of said spectacle frame with respect to the wearer face is extractable from said picture; obtaining (S3.1) a three dimensional shape of the selected frame at said picture processing side (20); processing (S3) said picture for obtaining the position of said spectacle frame with respect to the wearer face at said picture processing side (20); and ordering (S6) to a lens manufacturing side (40) spectacle lens complying with said frame shape, said extracted frame position, and wearer data, wherein said wearer data comprises at least a prescription for the wearer (1).

Abstract: Methods for generating and sharing a virtual body model of a person, created with a small number of measurements and a single photograph, combined with one or more images of garments. The virtual body model represents a realistic representation of the users body and is used for visualizing photo-realistic fit visualizations of garments, hairstyles, make-up, and/or other accessories. The virtual garments are created from layers based on photographs of real garment from multiple angles. Furthermore the virtual body model is used in multiple embodiments of manual and automatic garment, make-up, and, hairstyle recommendations, such as, from channels, friends, and fashion entities. The virtual body model is sharable for, as example, visualization and comments on looks. Furthermore it is also used for enabling users to buy garments that fit other users, suitable for gifts or similar.

Abstract: A system includes one or more memory devices storing instructions, and one or more processors configured to execute the instructions to perform steps of a method for providing an interactive virtual environment. The system may receive environmental data, and augment the environmental data by adding virtual environmental data. The system may then provide this virtual environment to two or more devices. The system can then receive user input, and modify the virtual environment in response to those inputs.

Abstract: A method for designing and customizing a furniture product on a screen of a computer comprising displaying a plurality of rectangular parallelepiped spaces as a plurality of part member spaces on a screen, assembling the plurality of part member spaces on the screen such that the plurality of the part member spaces form a furniture product, providing a part member face-correlation between a face of the first part member space and a face of the second part member space that is in parallel with the face of the first part member space, moving the face of the first part member space by a predetermined distances in a perpendicular direction to the face, and displaying a three-dimensional image of the furniture product on the screen after the alteration of dimensions of the part member spaces.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing healthcare service provider accounts receivable relative to insurance revenue cycles and/or consumer debt revenue cycles are described. The systems and methods include a web-based electronic infrastructure for a service provider (e.g., medical, dental, etc.) revenue cycle. The dental revenue cycle of an embodiment comprises a direct insurance revenue cycle (DIRC), a dental consumer debt revenue cycle (DCDRC or Patient Financing System (PFS)), and a combined dental insurance and consumer debt revenue cycle running under and/or in association with a processing system embodied in an electronic dental finance platform (eDentaFi) platform.

Abstract: A method for processing a life insurance facultative case summary submission over a network between a ceding company and a reinsurer. Initially, a facultative case summary submission is received by the reinsurer from the ceding company via the network. Thereafter, a facultative decision is rendered by the reinsurer based on the received facultative case summary submission. Because the information is summarized and sent electronically or via voice message, less information is processed in a faster period of time thereby rendering quicker decisions than when the complete case history is submitted to the reinsurer for review.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system and method are described for generating a finance attribute. In one embodiment, the systems and methods retrieve raw tradeline data from a plurality of credit bureaus, retrieve industry code data related to each of the plurality of credit bureaus, determine one or more tradeline leveling characteristics that meet at least one pre-determined threshold, and generate a finance attribute using the selected leveling characteristics.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for confirming trade actions are disclosed. An example method includes displaying a trade action cell corresponding with a trade action, receiving an initiation command, determining that the trade action was initiated based on the initiation command, receiving a confirmation command, wherein the confirmation command is a selection of the same trade action cell, and executing the trade action based on reception of the confirmation command.

Abstract: Various techniques are disclosed for offloading the processing of data packets that contain financial market data. For example, incoming data packets can be processed through an offload processor to generate a new stream of outgoing data packets that organize financial market data in a manner different than the incoming data packets. Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the offloaded processing can be resident in an intelligent switch, such as an intelligent switch upstream or downstream from an electronic trading platform.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide a block placing tool for building a user-defined algorithm for electronic trading. Certain embodiments provide for receiving by a block placing tool a selection of one or more blocks. Certain embodiments provide for receiving by a block placing tool a mapping definition including a mapping between block types and/or attributes. Certain embodiments provide for placing blocks based on a selection of blocks and a mapping definition.

Abstract: A user interface for an electronic trading exchange is provided which allows a remote trader to view in real time bid orders, offer orders, and trades for an item, and optionally one or more sources of contextual data. Individual traders place orders on remote client terminals, and this information is routed to a transaction server. The transaction server receives order information from the remote terminals, matches a bid for an item to an offer for an item responsive to the bid corresponding with the offer, and communicates outstanding bid and offer information, and additional information (such as trades and contextual data) back to the client terminals. Each client terminal displays all of the outstanding bids and offers for an item, allowing the trader to view trends in orders for an item. A priority view is provided in which orders are displayed as tokens at locations corresponding to the values of the orders. The size of the tokens reflects the quantity of the orders.

Abstract: A distributed trading platform comprising: a first participant system of a liquidity provider configured to determine a first order that is stored in a first order management system; a central system configured to determine a plurality of second orders based on the first order, an aggression level and market data; and a second participant system of a liquidity taker configured to determine that a contra order is stored in a second order management system, determine a single second order of the plurality of second orders that the liquidity taker is qualified to view based on a third quantity of the contra order, and populate a second trader interface with information soliciting submission of the contra order to the distributed trading platform for matching with the single second order.

Abstract: Three fully automated systems and methods for a security-based deferred compensation incentive plan, wherein the plan includes as a first element a long investment position in a security issued by the awarding company (sponsor security), such as its own equity shares, as a second element a short investment position in a plurality of securities that are distinct from the sponsor security, and which are economically related and statistically correlated to the sponsor security (peer securities), wherein the quantities of peer securities in which a short investment position is established are determined via a disclosed computer implemented statistical procedure, and as a third element a long investment position in at least one investment asset that is freely chosen by the deferred compensation plan participant out of a menu made available via a computerized user interface.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing textual messages which are integrated with one or more digital attachments is described. These systems and methods are useful in the electronic filing and processing of, for example, image data, and of textual data associated with the image data. One particular application of these systems and methods would be for the electronic filing and processing of dental x-rays with patient claim forms.

Abstract: An automated system allows users to request one or more insurance quotes through a self-service and/or agent-service communication channel. The system includes an interface that may receive user data from a remote or local system or application. A front-end application or system selectively passes a user's data to a record keeping system. A quote server or a quote processor generates one or more insurance quotes that are customized to the user's price and/or coverage preferences. A recommendation engine recommends one or more insurance coverages based on the information known about that user and in some instances, based on information known about others. The recommendation engine may call attention to selected insurance coverages that do not include a coverage feature or match a recommended coverage level.