Abstract: In some implementations, a computing device determines an event timeline that comprises one or more finance-related events associated with a person. A production classifier may be used to determine (i) an individual contribution of each event in the event timeline to a financial capacity of the person and (ii) a first decision regarding whether to extend credit to the person. A bias monitoring classifier may, based on the event timeline, determine a second decision whether to extend credit to the person. The bias monitoring classifier may be trained using pseudo-unbiased data. If a difference between the first decision and the second decision satisfies a threshold, the production classifier may be modified to reduce bias in decisions made by the production classifier.

Abstract: At least some embodiments of the present invention relate to the field of product scanning systems and arrangements used within a retail venue. In an embodiment, the present invention is a data capture system that includes a scanner pod housing a plurality of scanners, each configured to capture product data; a data capture module communicatively coupled to the scanner pod, the first data capture module configured to capture, via a mobile device associated with a customer, customer data; and a server communicatively coupled to at least one of the scanner pod and the first data capture module, the server being configured to, upon the first data capture module capturing the customer data associated with the customer, associate one of the plurality of scanners with at least one of the customer and the customer data associated with the customer, resulting in an associated data capture device.

Abstract: A payment method by a processing server to process payment that is independently performed between a user equipment and a payment channel server is provided. The method includes: generating, by the processing server, a payment order bound to a merchant order generated by a merchant device by determining a corresponding item ID, of a service and/or a product for purchase, that is registered with the payment channel server, the merchant order corresponding to the service and/or the product provided by the merchant device; obtaining, by the processing server, a payment voucher corresponding to the payment order; matching, by the processing server, based on the payment voucher, the merchant order bound to the payment order; and transmitting, by the processing server to the merchant device, based on the matched merchant order, a service/product providing notification for providing the service and/or the product to the user equipment.

Abstract: The invention concerns a table-top charging base having two parallel L-shaped members supporting a charging station therebetween with four screws inserted in proportional facing identical holes. A detachable solar collector is magnetically detachable to one of the two L-shaped members. A detachable price list is also magnetically attached to another of the two L-shaped members. The two L-shaped members each carry a strip trim to support an electronic device safely during recharging. The table-top charging base allows for display of advertisements to consumers in exchange for recharging electronic devices, for example.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a log-in control apparatus has a processor which controls an operation for log-in to an information terminal moving along with a carrier for carrying a commodity to be purchased. The processor detects a state in which the commodity is placed on the carrier, in cooperation with a sensor attached to the carrier. The processor detects the operation for log-in to the information terminal, in cooperation with an input device included in the information terminal. When the processor detects the operation for log-in, in a case in which the processor detects the state in which the commodity is placed on the carrier, the processor judges that the operation for log-in is ineffective.

Abstract: A system and method of automatically detecting pricing loops by generating a price-history database and searching the database for recurring pricing update patterns. If a price update pattern is detected, then the price republishing is blocked until a next event occurs to interrupt the pricing loop. A pricing engine searches the price-history database before publishing a new price. If a past price recurs multiple times over a predetermined time period, then it is saved as a candidate value for a pricing loop. A current price to be published is compared to the candidate value, and if there is a match, then the current price is suppressed.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for presenting advertisements for products and related products for a consumer based on the products being purchased.

Abstract: This application relates to apparatus and methods for automatically determining and providing item advertisements to customers. In some examples, a computing device obtains transaction data identifying in-store and/or online transactions. The computing device determines a distribution of purchased items over a plurality of item categories based on the transaction data. The computing device generates factorization matrices based on applying a machine learning process to the distribution, and generates relevancy scores for the plurality of item categories based on the factorization. The computing device may then select or generate item advertisements for items associated with the item categories based on the generated relevancy scores. The selected item advertisements may be displayed to a customer, for example, on a website.

Abstract: A media management system that generates expected audience of a promo schedule for each promotional campaign planned for an upcoming time-frame, acquires historical data for the promotional campaigns for the time-frame, and generates a plurality of values associated with a promotion impact measure for each of the promotional campaigns based on the acquired historical data and the expected audience. Inventory unit needs are determined for each of the promotional campaigns that corresponds to a promotion inventory utilization of a plurality of inventory utilization types, based on at least the generated plurality of values. The determined inventory units for each of the promotional campaigns are utilized to dynamically allocate inventory from a defined amount of inventory units among each inventory utilization types to meet a plurality of defined parameters for the defined amount of inventory units for one or more specified durations until an end of the upcoming time-frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods that provide a user interface for use with an electronic trading system. The interface notifies the user that the price at which he or she may have attempted to trade has changed and presents the user with the opportunity to submit, modify or cancel the trade command. The user may configure the trading system to enable such a notification based on the time span for the price change, the number of increments of the price change, a combination thereof or any other appropriate consideration for protecting against the occurrence of erroneous price entries. Subsequent trade commands, such as those entered by third parties, may be used to validate prices and execute trades at these prices.

Abstract: A media management system that handles a plurality of deals for a plurality of advertisers and a plurality of promotional campaigns, receives input and/or parameters for each of the plurality of deals that corresponds to an upfront inventory utilization type and commercial operator break (COB) inventory utilization type, of a plurality of inventory utilization types. Reserve inventory units for each of the plurality of promotional campaigns that corresponds to a promotion inventory utilization type of the plurality of inventory utilization types, are determined for a specified upcoming time-frame. Inventory units from a defined amount of inventory units are dynamically allocated among each inventory utilization types of the plurality of inventory utilization types to meet a plurality of defined parameters for the defined amount of inventory units for one or more specified durations until end of the specified upcoming time-frame.

Abstract: A system and method for mapping of text events from multiple sources with camera outputs is provided. The system includes a CCTV keyboard for assigning each surveillance camera to one or more zones containing one or more point of transaction devices; a capture section for receiving data: from one of the one or more transaction devices when the capture section receives a data request command from the CCTV keyboard; and a CCTV switching system for displaying video: from the at least one or more surveillance cameras and data from the transaction device. The method assigns each surveillance camera to one or more zones containing one or more transaction devices; receives data: from one of the one or more transaction devices when the data request command is received; and displays video from the at least one or more surveillance cameras and data from the transaction device.

Abstract: Computer-implemented methods, non-transitory, computer-readable media, and computer-implemented systems for self-service checkout counter checkout. One computer-implemented method includes: obtaining, by using a camera, an image of at least one product placed on a checkout counter; performing image segmentation on the image to obtain at least one image region; identifying a product code included in a code region in an image region of the at least one image region; determining, based on the product code, a product category of a product associated with the product code; and determining a price of the product based on the product category.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are provided for enabling mobile device-based item acquisition and tracking. One exemplary method performed on a mobile device comprises entering a wireless scan mode, detecting a signal from a tag associated with an item in a first area and in proximity to the tag, presenting information associated with the tag, and adding the information to a list. The method further comprises detecting a second tag in a second area, and sending the list to a second device. A second exemplary method performed by a processing terminal comprises receiving the list from a mobile device, entering a wireless scan mode, detecting a signal from a tag associated with an item in proximity to the tag, determining whether the item associated with the detected tag is present on the received list, and enabling the mobile device to complete a transaction to purchase the item.

Abstract: A retailer system responds to a request to view an electronic product offerings publication by using data indicative of a geographic location to select from a plurality of retailer locations at least one retailer location and by retrieving inventory related information for the selected at least one retailer location. The retrieved inventory related information is then used to select product offerings from a repository of product offerings whereupon an electronic product offerings publication container is populated with the product offerings selected from the repository of product offerings. The populated electronic product offerings publications container is then returned to the requester as the requested product offerings publication.

Abstract: A merchant point-of-sale (“POS”) system architecture is provided. The POS system architecture may include a POS terminal including a POS receiver, a virtual display and a transmitter, and a transaction processing network including a network receiver and processor. The network receiver may be configured to receive a payment authorization request. The virtual display may be configured to display selectable options. The options may be displayed prior to processing the payment authorization request. The selectable options may include a first and second option. The first option may be to apply a merchant-funded rewards program network to the payment authorization request. The second option may be to continue to apply the default issuer funded rewards program network to the payment authorization request. When the first option is selected, a processor may be configured to terminate the issuer funded reward program network and activate the merchant-funded rewards program network.

Abstract: In one embodiment one or more service provider work product of a knowledgebase can be processed according to one or more methods. A knowledgebase can be provided that includes a work product of one or more service provider. According to one method one or more work product of a knowledgebase can be processed.

Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques for utilizing sensor data to automatically determine the results of events within a system. Upon receiving sensor data indicative of an event, the techniques may analyze the sensor data to determine a result of the event, such as that a particular user associated with a user identifier selected a particular item associated with an item identifier. Contents of a virtual shopping cart of the user may be maintained based on this automated analysis of sensor data. In some instances, when a confidence level associated with a result is less than a threshold, the sensor data may be sent to a client computing device for analysis by a human user. Further, when the result of an event changes from a first result to a second result, other events already processed may be reprocessed to ensure accuracy of the results.

Abstract: An on-demand ecosystem (ODE) computing device for integrating on-demand delivery services with purchase transactions is provided. The ODE computing device receives item data from a registered merchant, and receives availability data from at least one registered carrier. The ODE computing device further provides a searchable interface that enables a user to search for item data from the registered merchant, and receives a selected item from the user via the searchable interface. The selected item is offered for sale by the registered merchant and includes a selected pick-up location. The selected item is to be delivered to the user from the selected pick-up location. The ODE computing device also allows either the registered merchant or the user to select one of the at least one registered carriers, and processes a payment transaction for the selected item including an item price and a delivery fee.

Abstract: A social environment is provided by creating an object in response to recognition of an entity in a portion of web content, wherein the object represents the entity, the object is associated with a type selected from a set of types, and the type is associated with a schema selected from a set of schemas, where the social environment includes a set of objects including the object, wherein the objects are instances of corresponding types in a rich system of predefined types, the schemas are associated with the types, metadata is associated with the objects, and there is at least one relationship between at least two objects selected from the set of objects, where the set of objects and the metadata are extensible, such that extensions provided by a first user are available for use by a second user. In one example, metadata provided by a first user is only available to a second user having a relationship with the first user.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for tracking sharing of an electronic content. An exemplary method may include receiving a request to access content associated with a web address by a user. Based on a unique identity assigned to the user and the web address, a unique tracking web address may be generated. This tracking web address may be shared with additional users. As other users request content associated with the tracking web address, information regarding the sharing of the electronic content may be determined and stored, allowing for tracking of sharing behavior of users.

Abstract: In some implementations, a computing device determines an event timeline that comprises one or more finance-related events associated with a person. A production classifier may be used to determine (i) an individual contribution of each event in the event timeline to a financial capacity of the person and (ii) a first decision regarding whether to extend credit to the person. A bias monitoring classifier may, based on the event timeline, determine a second decision whether to extend credit to the person. The bias monitoring classifier may be trained using pseudo-unbiased data. If a difference between the first decision and the second decision satisfies a threshold, the production classifier may be modified to reduce bias in decisions made by the production classifier.

Abstract: A shelf life monitoring system for perishable products of different types comprises a low-temperature display cabinet, a point of sale terminal, and a server, connected through a network. During the storage, the server can determine whether the storage condition required for a perishable product is the same as the storage condition of the low-temperature display cabinet which the perishable product is stored. The server can further determine whether the low-temperature display cabinet is operating normally, and issue alerts as to potential reductions in shelf life of the perishable product when abnormal conditions occur. The server can also periodically check for any life-expired food and notify the point of sale terminal to identify and process a life-expired product in certain ways.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer-usable medium are disclosed for the automated management of financial resources. Manufacturer item data is received and processed to parse a manufacturer item identifier and any associated product item identifiers, which are then added to a repository of budget category, manufacturer item, and purchase item data if they are not already present. Purchase item transaction data is received and processed to parse individual purchase item identifiers (IDs) and their associated purchase item data. The purchase item data corresponding to the purchase item identifier, which in turn corresponds to a manufacturer item identifier, is then associated with a default or user-defined budget category identifier. If a user decides to modify existing purchase item ID and budget category ID associations, then a purchase item ID association is selected, followed by the selection of a target budget category ID.

Abstract: A media system that is accessible over a network, which includes a user interface module implemented by a server computer and accessible by a plurality of user computers operated by a plurality of users over the network and is operative to respond to user requests for web pages or other selections of content, where user inputs of one or more collections can be obtained.

Abstract: An information processing device, including: an operator for a user to perform a specification operation of specifying an arbitrary mode from among a plurality of modes; and a processor which starts, at a predetermined timing, update processing of obtaining update data for updating a predetermined program or execution data of the program from a predetermined external terminal and updating the program or the execution data based on the obtained update data when a predetermined mode is specified in accordance with a specification operation of the mode performed to the operator by the user, wherein when a specification operation of specifying another mode instead of the predetermined mode is performed to the operator by the user during the update processing, the processor switches to the another mode after the update processing is finished.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed that enables purchasers to purchase gas online for future delivery. The invention requires the purchaser prepay for online purchases or have been extended credit accepted by an oil company. The prepayments are credited to the purchaser's account. For each retail gas delivery, the oil company handles the online gas purchase transaction and reimburses the retail gas station owner for the online purchase. Specifically, the oil company reimburses the retail gas station owner for the taxes and profit on the gas delivered to the purchaser and also replaces the amount of gas delivered. In this way, the retail gas station owner is made whole for each delivery. Oil company also benefits with increased gas sales, increased profit and increased cash flow. Various embodiments of the invention are contemplated. The invention may require a purchaser to select a location of a retail gas station, a selected grade of gas or a combination of both.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for purchasing contents of a virtual shopping cart are disclosed. Automatic checkout settings are received from a user, the automatic checkout settings include an automatic checkout time and an item substitution behavior setting. The user adds an item to the virtual shopping cart associated with the user. In response to the item substitution behavior authorizing substitution of items in the virtual shopping cart, availability of a substitute item that qualifies as a substitute for the item is determined. The substitute item qualifies as the substitute for the item based on the substitute item being an equivalent to the item. The item is replaced by the substitute item in the virtual shopping cart based on the availability of the substitute item. The contents of the virtual shopping cart are automatically purchased at the automatic checkout time and in accordance with remaining automatic checkout settings.

Abstract: A data processing system defines products that a service provider may offer to customers. A completed product definition may include product definitions, price definitions, discount definitions, and commitment definitions. Each of the definitions may be employed as a re-useable component building block for establishing completed product definitions.

Abstract: A service provider may receive item price information and/or point of sale (POS) transaction information from a plurality of merchant devices associated with a plurality of merchants. The service provider may categorize the plurality of merchants according to the types of items offered by the respective merchants, and may further categorize the merchants according to the locations at which they conduct business. The service provider may subsequently determine a price recommendation or other pricing information for a particular item offered by a particular merchant. A merchant device of the particular merchant may present the pricing information in a user interface that enables the merchant to view projected sales at various different price points. Further, the merchant may be able to specify one or more factors used for determining the recommend price, such as a desired business model, a desired clientele, a desired profit margin, or the like.

Abstract: A user causes a portable device (information processing device) to approach one PC (communication apparatus), and the PC transfers to the portable device by means of NFC unique connection information, such as a password, required for communication connection. Also, the user causes the portable device which has obtained the connection information to approach another PC. The portable device transfers connection information unique to the one PC to another PC by means of NFC. Another PC uses the obtained connection information to execute communication connection with the one PC. Thus, connection information required for communication connection is transferred among a plurality of PCs so as to easily execute communication connection among the plurality of PCs.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an app provides a geolocation-limited marketplace limited to a pre-defined period of time. The geolocation-limited marketplace is accessible only by the users in a predefined geographical area. Typically, the predefined geographical area is limited to an area small enough for a user to walk from one end to the other in a short period of time. The pre-defined period of time is of some limited length of time that may occur at a pre-defined interval. In some instances, the period of time is one hour.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving digital transaction using Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP). The method includes determining to whether an alert related to a task is sent to a registered individual, on a condition that the alert related to the task should be sent, generating an email message, wherein the email includes at least one mailto link and a form for the registered individual to complete, transmitting the email message to the registered individual, receiving a response email from the registered individual, authenticating the email message and decoding a token, and updating an information database.

Abstract: Method, systems, and apparatus for integrated online and offline sales management. A system manages both offline and online transactions and inventory in an integrated environment. An offline transaction is a sale at a point of sale (POS) system, e.g., at a typical “brick and mortar shop” physical store. An online transaction is a sale using an online store, e.g., an online shopping cart and checkout system accessed by a web browser or other application. An online store can be converted to offline store, and vice versa. An inventory management system can receive an input from a merchant device of merchant designating an item carried by the merchant as an item to be sold at the physical store, at the online store, or both. The inventory management system can modify a record of the item to respond to the input.

Abstract: A method, system, and medium are provided for processing multiple items for retail sale via a single retailer action. Upon scanning a machine-readable marking that is associated with multiple items provided by various vendors, a marking identifier associated with the machine-readable marking is recognized. The marking identifier corresponds with each price of the multiple items. Each price of the multiple items is presented to a consumer for payment that can be disbursed to the appropriate vendors.

Abstract: A social networking system maintains various groups that each include one or more users and maintains information describing interactions by users with the social networking system. Based on interactions with the social networking system by the user, the social networking system determines a time interval when the user most frequently interacts with the social networking system. Additionally, the social networking system selects various content items provided to groups including the user based on amounts of interaction with content items provided to groups including the user by other social networking system users. During the time interval when the user most frequently interacts with the social networking system, information identifying a set of the selected content items is presented to the user via the social networking system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present application relate to a method for publishing merchandise information, a device for pushing information, and a computer program product for publishing merchandise information. A method for publishing merchandise information is provided. The method includes receiving a merchandise information publishing request from a user terminal, the merchandise information publishing request including page information of the merchandise information, determining an image and a first link for a merchandise corresponding to the page information based on the page information, relating the image and the first link for the merchandise, relating a second link of the merchandise to the first link of the merchandise, and publishing the determined image and the first link for the merchandise.

Abstract: A system for processing user events from a platform having a plurality of users comprises: an input configured to receive user events of the platform, each of which is associated with an identifier of one of users of the platform; a plurality of event processors for processing the user events; an event allocator configured to allocate the user events to the event processors based on the user identifiers associated with the events; and a total count generator. Each of the user events is assigned to one of the event processors, and the event allocator is configured to allocate all of the user events associated with that user identifier to that same event processor. Each of the event processors is configured to generate, from the user events allocated to it, a local user count indicating a number of unique user identifiers associated with those user events.

Abstract: A device, system, and method for determining a location of micro digital signage devices includes generating and transmitting a unique identifier corresponding to each micro digital signage device. Each micro digital signage device is to display its corresponding unique identifier and capture an image of other micro digital signage devices located on an opposite side of an aisle. The captured images are to be stitched together to generate a composite image. The unique identifiers of the micro digital signage devices are to be identified and the location of each micro digital signage device is to be determined using a known location of one of the micro digital signage devices as a reference. Each micro digital signage device identified from the composite image is to clear its corresponding unique identifier from display.

Abstract: A wireless provider system can manage services provided to a plurality of electronic wireless devices based upon geo-fenced spaces defined by respective sets of points in space. A wireless provider system can provide wireless access service to the plurality of electronic wireless devices. The wireless provider system can detect that a particular electronic wireless device of the plurality of electronic wireless devices is within a particular geo-fenced space. In response to this detecting, the system can identify at least one service associated with the particular geo-fenced space. The wireless provider system can, in response to the identifying, modify the wireless access service provided to the wireless device by attaching the at least one service to the particular electronic wireless device.

Abstract: A wireless provider system can manage services provided to a plurality of electronic wireless devices based upon geo-fenced spaces defined by respective sets of points in space. A wireless provider system can provide wireless access service to the plurality of electronic wireless devices. The wireless provider system can detect that a particular electronic wireless device of the plurality of electronic wireless devices is within a particular geo-fenced space. In response to this detecting, the system can identify at least one service associated with the particular geo-fenced space. The wireless provider system can, in response to the identifying, modify the wireless access service provided to the wireless device by attaching the at least one service to the particular electronic wireless device.

Abstract: An email payment gateway configured to enable users to receive @PAY offers using print media quick response (QR) codes. A consumer views an advertisement or product having packing with a QR code and scans the QR code. Scanning the QR code generates an email addressed to the email payment gateway requesting information on the product, which is sent to the email payment gateway. The email payment gateway receives the email and responds to the consumer with an email that includes information on the products in the advertisement. Included in the email from the email payment gateway is a button enabling the recipient to purchase the relevant item. The button preferably includes a mail-to hyperlink as that generates an outgoing email reply requesting to purchase the product.

Abstract: A system and method that transfers data from scanned documents and document images directly into a spreadsheet. The user can construct a map that associates data types in the input scanned document with an area in the spreadsheet. The user can also use pre-stored maps that have previously been constructed by the user or by someone else. The map may be stored as an XML file in a hidden sheet of the spreadsheet or in a separate file. During use, the user selects a map, scans the document, parses the document to extract the data types and associated data, and transfers the parsed data to the spreadsheet in accordance with the selected mapping.

Abstract: A vertically integrated retail system includes an embedded storefront adapted to operate in a distributed manner through independent units embedded in different web sites or content in other host applications. Each unit of the embedded storefront enables a user to purchase goods, services, or other entities without leaving the host application. The units are modules that may be inserted into a web page, application, game, or other electronic media. Units can include product content such as video or animation, images, text, audio, music, or any other type of interactive or non-interactive electronic content. A user may receive virtual currency, virtual goods (such as virtual items or enhancements within a game application), or other rewards for completing transactions using the unit in the host application. Units may be embedded in host content via hyperlinks included in the content or through an application programming interface of a host content provider.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for adjusting prices for goods and services offered using a computer network. In one embodiment, data relating to goods and services offered over the computer network by a number of entities using the computer network are stored in a database, communications are monitored, using the computer network, to identify an interest of a user, and this interest of the user and the data in the database are used to identify one of the entities to offer a specified product or service to the user. Information is obtained relating to a price for the specified product or service, and this information and the data in the database are used to determine an adjusted price for the specified product or service. In one embodiment, the information the user has about a price for the specified product or service is used to determine the adjusted price.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for realizing a short URL service are provided. According to a long URL, a short URL and long URL information are generated and stored. The long URL information contains the long URL and an information ID, and the information ID corresponds to the short URL via a pre-set corresponding mechanism to provide a corresponding relationship there-between. When a target long URL is acquired based on the short URL, the long URL in the long URL information is obtained as the target long URL according to the corresponding relationship between the short URL and the information ID. The target long URL obtained according to the short URL is updated by updating the long URL in the long URL information.

Abstract: A method for safely and efficiently requesting transportation services through the use of mobile communications devices capable of geographic location is described. Individual and package transportation may be provided. New customers may be efficiently serviced, and the requester and transportation provider locations may be viewed in real time on the mobile devices.

Abstract: A shelf code in a machine readable format, such as on a QR code on a printed card, is provided where bulk merchandise displayed in a bin. When the bin is stocked from a case bearing a case code, the case code is associated with the shelf code. Lot-specific and lot-independent information previously associated with the case code is then linked to the shelf code. Consumers scan the shelf code with a mobile device to establish a communication channel to access the linked information. Retailers and producers use the channel to reach the consumer, and to solicit feedback from the consumer at a known time and location. A mobile device can also be used to associate quality assessments of merchandise to the shelf code. Analysis of consumer ratings and quality inspection assessments that are tied to time and location can provide valuable insights to both producers and retailers.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to systems and methods for tracking differential changes in conformal data input sets. A database can store sets of operational data, such as financial, medical, climate or other information. For given data, a portion of the input data can be known or predetermined, while for a second portion can be unknown and subject to interpolation. The interpolation engine can generate a conformal interpolation function and interpolated input sets that map to a set of target output data. The operator can access a view of known (or interpolated) input data to view one or more series of interpolated input data, and analyze the differential between those interpolated values. The operator can for instance apply a constraint or filter to view only those interpolated series whose maximum marginal difference for any variable is less that a given threshold, such as ten percent, and graphically navigate between different series.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a POS terminal apparatus comprises a first interface and a control section. The first interface receives image data obtained by capturing a commodity purchased by a customer. The control section extracts a commodity belonging to a first group from a plurality of pre-registered commodities, compares feature amount of each commodity in the first group with that of an object in the image data, and compares, if a commodity corresponding to the object in the image data is not in the first group, feature amount of a commodity not belonging to the first group with that of the object.