Abstract: In an embodiment, preference information, corresponding to a first invitee from an invitees list for an event and permission by the first invitee to obtain the preference information from a data source is received. The preference information is usable to determine a sentiment of the first invitee towards an aspect of the event. The information about the first invitee is collected from the data source. A sentiment analysis is performed using Natural Language Processing (NLP), on the information, producing the preference information of the first invitee. the preference information of the first invitee is aggregated with preference information of a second invitee in the invitee list to form an aggregated preference. A list of items needed to satisfy the aggregated preference is created.

Abstract: Aspects of real time communications for carrier operations are described. In one embodiment, a shipping or operations schedule may include information associated with containers awaiting disposition at a materials handling facility. Based on a schedule of vehicles expected to arrive for loading or unloading the containers, for example, one or more move plan messages may be generated and forwarded to carriers. When a carrier starts a loading or unloading operation at the materials handling facility, messages from the carrier, such as load start, move update, or load complete messages may be received. The messages may be used to update the shipping or operations schedule in an ongoing fashion. Further, a display may be generated based on the updated shipping or operations schedule. By reference to the display, it may be possible to identify holdups, backups, errors, or other problems in loading and/or unloading operations at the materials handling facility.

Abstract: A method for determining a welding sequence including a plurality of welding operations is disclosed. The method includes steps of determining a population of welding sequences based on a set of user-generated constraints, and simulating welding for at least one welding sequence in the population of welding sequences to obtain a multi-objective dependent distortion model of the at least one welding sequence. The method further includes steps of comparing a merit value of the multi-objective dependent distortion model for the at least one welding sequence with one or more predetermined criteria, and outputting a set of welding sequences as potential welding sequences based on the comparison between the merit value and the multi-objective dependent distortion model.

Abstract: A system and method for processing electronic devices to determine removal of customer personal information (CPI). An electronic device is connected to a test device. A number of electronic devices including the electronic device are received for determining that the CPI is removed from a number of sources. The number of electronic devices include a number of makes and models of electronic devices. A determination of whether CPI is included on the electronic device is made. An identification of the electronic device is recorded in response to determining that CPI is included on the electronic device. The CPI is cleared form the electronic device in response to determining that the CPI is included on the electronic device. The identification of the electronic devices and metadata is reported in response to determining the CPI was included on the electronic device.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for providing account holders with a reward based on similar rewards previously obtained through other accounts. The method includes identifying, using one or more computer processors configured to access an account database, an eligible account based on eligibility criteria, wherein the eligible account is associated with an account of an account holder stored in the account database; receiving identifying data that identifies the eligible account; associating a customer identifier with the identifying data from the eligible account; for each customer identifier, receiving confirmation data associated with a separate account of the account holder, wherein the confirmation data comprises a reward variable; validating, using one or more computer processors, the confirmation data; and rewarding the eligible account with a matching variable, wherein the matching variable is approximately equal to the reward variable.

Abstract: Methods, systems, computer program products, and apparatus relating to an item inventory and item replacement are provided. In one embodiment a method for automatic processing of an insurance claim is provided. The method comprises (a) receiving one or more item indicators, each item indicator associated with an item in an insurance claim for an insured party; (b) for a particular item indicator of the one or more item indicators, automatically identifying an item listing associated with the particular item indicator from an item inventory, the item listing identified based at least in part on the particular item indicator; and (c) indicating the item listing as a replacement item for the particular item. Indicating the item listing as a replacement item for the particular item comprises adding the item listing to an electronic shopping cart.

Abstract: Prior ordering history of a product is examined to determine an historical ordering quantity distribution for a product. A customer specified, to-be-purchased quantity of a product is then compared against the determined historical ordering-quantity frequency distribution for the product. When the customer specified, to-be-purchased quantity of the product falls below a certain probability threshold determined using the historical ordering-quantity frequency distribution, or is otherwise suspicious, the customer is notified of a suspected error in the provided product order quantity and/or asked to verify if the provided product quantity is correct.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for updating a sequence of services. The systems may perform the methods to establish a network communication with the user terminal; obtain, from the user terminal, an identification associated with a user account registered with the system; obtain a current sequence of the plurality of services associated with the identification; determine whether a condition for updating the current sequence is satisfied, when the condition for updating the current sequence is not satisfied, send the current sequence of the plurality of services to the user terminal; and when the condition for updating the current sequence is satisfied, determine an updated sequence of the plurality of services displayed on the display of the user terminal.

Abstract: A method is provided for selecting eligible nodes and item assignments to those nodes for fulfillment based on satisfaction of a reward constraint and fulfillment cost. This method includes several steps, including determining by a computer processor of the fulfillment engine whether each of the plurality of assignments to the plurality of nodes satisfies a reward constraint based on a first customer loyalty reward level of the plurality of customer loyalty reward levels, identifying by a computer processor of the fulfillment engine one or more satisfactory assignments to nodes by identifying which of the one or more assignments is both associated with an order fulfillment cost that is less than the maximum fulfillment cost and satisfies the reward constraint and automatically generating by a computer processor of the fulfillment engine a node order assignment assigning the current order to the one or more satisfactory nodes.

Abstract: A personal food inventory system (PFIS) allows for storage of food items in a personal inventory associated with a user account, as well as tracking of food items consumed by the user account. The PFIS is linked to an application for communicating between an account user and the PFIS items that are received into the personal inventory and items consumed or otherwise removed from the personal inventory. The PFIS is linked to one or more preferred vendors for easy entry of items into the personal inventory. The PFIS also provides recommendation of dishes the account user can prepare based on the personal food inventory and/or a vendor inventory associated with the preferred vendor. The PFIS further provides user notifications for items nearing their expiry date. The PFIS also provides notification to the account user regarding usage of the personal food inventory system by tracking consumption.

Abstract: There are provided systems and methods for merchant item and service return processing using wireless beacons. A merchant may include a returns and customer service area at a merchant location for use in providing refunds, exchanges, or other services related to items sold by the merchant. The merchant location may include a wireless beacon at or nearby the area. The beacon may provide communication services with a device for the user. Using the beacon, the merchant may be informed that a user has arrived at the area and pull up a receipt and/or transaction history for the user with the merchant. The merchant may also be informed about past returns by the user that may assist the merchant in preventing fraud. Moreover, the merchant may also view similar items to the item purchased by the user for use in exchanges, which may include item delivery and/or availability information.

Abstract: Optimized delivery of locally applicable Internet content to users. A cache of locally applicable Internet content is maintained in a local content server, based upon a monitoring of locations of users requesting Internet content. Requests for Internet content are received from user equipment through a wireless network base station, and served from the local content server, which is logically proximate to the wireless network base station. The caching of locally applicable Internet content may be maintained on a layered basis. Secure action request receipt and corresponding performance, and item condition alerts are also described.

Abstract: In some embodiments, methods and systems of detecting and monitoring shoplifting of products by individuals at a retail facility include sensors coupled to a product and located at a fixed threshold distance relative to each other. The sensors are configured to generate an alert signal indicating that the fixed threshold distance between the first and second sensors has been altered. An alert sensor positioned in the product stocking area of the retail facility is configured to receive the alert signal from one or both of the product sensors. A central computing device at the retail facility is configured to determine the alert sensor that received the alert signal, and to activate a video camera in order to acquire a photo or video of the portion of the product stocking area of the retail facility associated with the alert sensor that received the alert signal.

Abstract: Disclosed are a tag for managing laundry and a method of classifying and transferring laundry using the same. The tag for managing laundry includes a tag portion, a box number portion, a laundry number portion, and a barcode part. The tag portion includes another tag portion and is attached to each piece of laundry classified by customer. The box number portion for distinguishing between the laundry shops is formed by printing a unique number on one surface of each of the tag portions. The laundry number portion for checking the number of pieces of laundry left by customers is formed by printing the number of pieces of laundry left by the customers on one surface of the tag portion. The barcode part for facilitating transfer of laundered laundry from the laundry plant to the laundry shops is formed by printing a barcode including information of the box number portion and the laundry number portion on one surface of the tag portion.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatuses for generating sales data reports. One approach is provided for receiving time information, simulation information, and forecast parameters to generate on the fly revenue and profitability reports for past historical data and future forecasts.

Abstract: An inventory control system. The inventory control system includes a terminal, wherein the terminal is configured to allow a user to enter a sale of an item. The inventory control system also includes a cabinet. The cabinet is configured to store the item and is in electronic communication with the terminal. The cabinet dispenses the item in response to the sale.

Abstract: Method, systems, and apparatus for mirroring a storefront to a social media site. A social media interface system mirrors an online or offline storefront of a merchant to an account of the merchant on a social media site. The system receives a copy of an electronic message from a user device of the merchant. The system parses the copy of the message and determines that the message is related to the item and related to an online store or physical store of the merchant. The system then inserts a tag into the copy of the message, the tag linking the message to an online storefront of the online store or an offline storefront of the physical store. The system posts the copy of the message, including the tag, in the account of the merchant on a social media site.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system to provide the details about an item and in-store navigation to the item. A user may leverage the present invention to capture an image using camera device to analyze and determine more details about it. The present invention may leverage the deep learning techniques to analyze the given image to determine a plurality of items presented in the image. In one embodiment, the present invention highlights a plurality of items from the image to allow user to select an item. Once user chosen an item from the highlighted objected from the image, the present invention provides more detailed information about the item along with related items to the chosen item and provides a list of stores that may have the item. In another embodiment, the present invention provides the in-store navigation to the chosen item presented in the chosen store.

Abstract: Certain dual roll dispensers and methods of dispensing sheet product are provided. In one example, the method includes receiving, by the controller, a first trigger from at least one motion sensor. The method includes determining an active product being dispensed by the dispenser, and powering, in response to the first trigger, a measurement device configured to measure an amount of the active product dispensed by the dispenser. The method also includes receiving, from the measurement device, dispense event information associated with the measured amount of the active product dispensed by the dispenser during a dispense event, and storing the dispense event information.

Abstract: A method of operating a power generator comprises receiving, a fault code corresponding to an operating condition of the power generator being outside of an acceptable range. A generator controller determines a cost of increased maintenance or repairing damage associated with overriding the fault code and maintaining existing power output from the power generator through the operating condition. A cost of a utility fine or contractual penalty associated with shutting down the power generator is determined in response to the fault code. The generator controller compares the cost of the utility fine or contractual penalty associated with shutting down the power generator with the cost of increased maintenance or damage repair to the power generator associated with overriding the fault code and maintaining existing power output through the operating condition. In response to the comparing, the fault code is overridden continuing operation of the power generator.

Abstract: A computer server for a network-based transaction system is coupled to a kiosk via a data communications network. The kiosk includes a computer processor, an input device, an electronic display unit, a plurality of compartments, and a data communications port. The computer server receives input from a seller of an item. The input includes a listing of the item for sale on the network-based transaction system. The server identifies an available compartment from the plurality of compartments based on the size of the item for sale. The available compartment is configured to receive the item for sale from the seller. The server transmits an identification of the available compartment to the seller via the electronic display unit, and enables access to the available compartment by the seller.

Abstract: One aspect of the application provides a cueing device. The device is configured to alert a user to a perishable item associated with the cueing device based on one or more cueing parameters indicative of an urgency of the perishable item and a context for alerting the user to a status of the perishable item. The device includes a visual output capable of providing multiple levels of visual alert. The device further includes an input capable of receiving, from the user, an acknowledgement to an alert, or a cueing parameter. The device further includes one or more sensors configured to detect environmental characteristics affecting the perishable item. The device further includes a wireless communication interface.

Abstract: A method of implementations includes determining, by a processing device in a management platform, an occurrence of an inventory event in a computing environment managed by the management platform, wherein the computing environment comprises a plurality of managed objects, and invoking a relationship handler to obtain identifying attributes for a target managed object corresponding to the inventory event. The relationship handler is further to update the identifying attributes and relationship attributes corresponding to the target managed object in an inventory tree maintained by the management platform, the relationship attributes comprising an identification of affiliations between two or more managed objects and for each managed object affiliated to the target managed object, and schedule a job in a message queue to update each of the attributes for the managed object, the detailed attributes comprising attributes of the managed object that are not identifying attributes or relationship attributes.

Abstract: A system and method for processing an electronic device. The electronic device is identified. User instructions associated with the electronic device are retrieved utilizing a testing system. The user instructions are communicated from the testing system for performing cosmetic inspection of the electronic device, customer personal information (CPI) analysis of the electronic device, software analysis of the electronic device, validation and restoring of default content software and settings, and functional testing. Verification information is received from a user of implementation of the user instructions.

Abstract: Techniques are provided herein for utilizing an inventory engine to optimize the selection of a set of items to be stored as inventory at a storage location. A candidate set of items may be identified based at least in part on a selection model. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the selection model may be based at least in part on a capacity of the storage location and a threshold time duration by which purchased items of the set of items are to be transported from the storage location to a purchaser. A plurality of probability values corresponding to the candidate set of items may be determined. An optimal set of items may be determined based at least in part on the candidate set of items and the plurality of probability values.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for generating forecasts and replenishment plans. Some embodiments commence upon receiving point-of-sale data, then receiving distribution-level order data in a second data format. The first point-of-sale data comprises an item identifier and a first date or first date range, and the distribution-level order data comprises the item identifier and a second date or second date range. The originators of the order data are determined using address identifiers (e.g., network location identifiers). The received data is combined wherein at least a portion of the point-of-sale data is combined with at least a portion of the distribution-level order data to generate a combined forecast for the item. Further processing includes receiving an inventory model parameter and combining at least a portion of the first point-of-sale consumption data with at least a portion of the distribution-level order data to generate a replenishment plan for the item.

Abstract: Systems and methods for powering sensors on a shelf and using the sensors to detect attributes associated with physical objects are discussed. A handheld device can be coupled to a docking station which can be mounted on a supporting surface on of a shelf for supporting one or more physical objects. Sensors can be disposed on, in or about the supporting surface of the shelf. An electric circuit between the handheld device and the sensors can be powered to selectively energize or de-energize the sensors in response to the docking station coupling with the handheld device.

Abstract: Techniques are described for providing access to and use of laundry machines that are managed and controlled in a laundry service. A transceiver of a mobile device may receive a beacon signal emitted from a laundry machine, the beacon signal identifying the laundry machine. Based on a received strength of the beacon signal the mobile device may determine that it is within a threshold distance of the laundry machine, and the mobile device may communicate a request for use of the laundry machine during a predetermined period of time (e.g., one or more cycles). In some cases, the mobile device may present a user interface that enables a user to request use of laundry machine(s), access information describing a status of laundry in laundry machine(s), request additional service(s), and so forth.

Abstract: An online merchants to third party warehouse providers broker and order fulfillment system is coupled with different third party warehouse providers that each operate one or more third party warehouses and a plurality of online merchants that use the services provided by the third party warehouse providers.

Abstract: An electronic trading system (ETS) implements risk mitigation methods for orders and quotes associated with a market participant on the ETS. The methods determine a measure of risk associated with one or more trading positions. One of the methods globally counts the number of breaches of risk thresholds associated with a trading symbol and market participant across all matching engines on the ETS over a rolling time period, and if this global risk counter exceeds a maximum, disables all further trades by the market participant on the ETS. Another method limits the number of automatic re-enablements that a market participant can request in response to prior breaches of risk thresholds that resulted in disabling any further trading by the market participant on the ETS.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for transmitting documents via a computer network. An intermediate destination module is configured to identify a particular intermediate destination for interaction data, where the intermediate destination module comprises a database, where the database includes intermediate destination data records, where an intermediate destination data record includes an identification of a particular intermediate destination and data submission process steps for the particular intermediate destination.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a system includes one or more computers configured to implement by executing instructions on one or more processors a platform-agnostic transaction-related communication system. The transaction-related communication system includes one or more receiving modules for receiving a first item of financial transaction information from a customer-facing interface, and receiving a second item of financial transaction information from a merchant-facing point-of-sale interface. In some embodiments, the transaction-related communication system includes a point of sale server for rendering in a common internal format the first item of financial transaction information from the customer-facing interface, and rendering in the common internal format the second item of financial transaction information from the merchant-facing point-of-sale interface.

Abstract: A testing device, system, and method for removing customer personal information (CPI). The testing device includes a user interface for communicating information and receiving user input. The testing device also includes interfaces operable to communicate with the one or more electronic devices. The testing device also includes a memory configured to store a libraries providing information for removing CPI from electronic devices including a number of makes, models, and configurations.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method facilitates battery replacement in a smart-home system. The method includes measuring, by one or more smart-home devices, at least one characteristic of a first battery in one of the smart-home devices, and determining from the at least one characteristic, whether replacement of the first battery is warranted. If replacement is warranted, the method sends an electronic order to a supplier for a replacement battery. The method further includes reading, by one or more of the smart-home devices, a machine readable code that accompanies a shipment of the replacement battery, embodying information from which an identity of the first smart-home device can be determined; determining, based at least in part on the information, a location of the first smart-home device; and providing, by one or more of the smart-home devices, visual and/or audible information to guide a user to the first smart-home device.

Abstract: Perishable medical product management systems, perishable medical product management methods, and perishable medical product resale methods are described.

Abstract: An image recognition apparatus includes a memory, an interface and a processor. The memory stores identification information obtained from code information attached to the objects and image information on the objects used for object recognition, the storage storing the identification information and the image information for each of objects to be recognized. The processor which controls to: extract a target object region including an object therein from a photographed image; extract code information in the target object region and recognize the identification information based on extracted code information; and recognize the object based on an image of the target object region and image information on each object, if the processor fails to recognize the object based on the code information.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) system for monitoring a space is disclosed. The system may include a controller connected with a plurality of RFID readers, where each reader can detect data signals from a plurality of RFID tags attached with objects. The objects may be part of an object category. The system may also have a database connected with the controller that records a time when the data signal is received from each tag in the plurality, and the data contained in the data signal from each tag in the plurality. The system may include a processor that can perform an inventory analysis of the objects based on a confidence probability curve. This curve may be a decaying function that may be based on various probabilities. Methods for using the confidence probability curve are also disclosed.

Abstract: A storage apparatus for a refrigerator and/or freezer contains a storage element for storing goods, a detection device for detecting whether the storage element is occupied by goods and an illumination device for illuminating the storage element and goods stored on the storage element and/or a storage region for the goods, which storage region is formed by the storage element. A control device is provided for actuating the illumination device depending on the result of the detection process in respect of whether the storage element is occupied by goods. The storage apparatus allows a user of the refrigerator and/or freezer to be made aware, in a simple manner, of goods possibly being stored for an excessively long time.

Abstract: Past order history of a user of an electronic marketplace may be obtained, the past order history indicating at least one-previously delivered item. A particular item of the item type may be selected based at least part on an expiration date associated with the particular item and one or more replenishment dates associated with the previously-delivered item. An automated order may be generate that cases the selected item to be shipped to the user.

Abstract: Exemplary methods, apparatuses, and systems receive a browsing request to view an item offered by a first third party retailer. An estimated inventory value for the item at the first third-party retailer is retrieved. The estimated inventory value is maintained using a combination of a history of purchases of the item and a history of inventory values for the item received from one or more third party retailers. A representation of the item as being available for purchase is transmitted to a user device based upon the estimated inventory value for the item. In response to receiving a request to initiate a purchase of the item, a request for a current inventory value for the item is transmitted to a retail server. The purchase of the item is initiated in response to determining the item is available based upon the received current inventory value.

Abstract: A transporting system includes a first rail including a first region and a second region, the first region being a region where the first rail extends linearly and the second region being a region where the first rail is curved. A second rail includes a third region, separated from the first region, and a fourth region overlapping the second region, wherein the first and second rails merge at a joining location that includes the second region and the fourth region. Optical lines are disposed in the second region and the fourth region, wherein the optical lines are parallel to each other in the fourth region. A first transporting unit travels on the first rail. A second transporting unit travels on the second rail. A first controller controls the traveling of the first and second transporting units using light transmitted or received through the optical lines.

Abstract: Aspects and embodiments are directed to systems for determining counting accuracy of products, including retail products. The system for determining counting accuracy can interface with other inventory systems to access or receive information on inventory of the retail products. The inventory information can include, for example, numbers of units in inventory, shelf space accorded to respective products, package size (i.e., number of units available per package), retail value, margin value, among other options. The system can manage physical counts made on respective products. In some examples, the system can determine a value associated with physically counting inventory of respective product(s), for example, as a function of a number of units on-hand, time since the product has been counted, and a presentation value. Responsive to determining the value associated with physically counting the respective product, the system triggers a physical count or can prohibit a physical count of a product.

Abstract: Described is a system and method for assisting users in properly placing and/or positioning items at inventory locations within a materials handling facility. In one example, a placement location may be distinguished for the user through use of illumination or other techniques to assist the user in quickly identifying the proper location at which to place the item. Likewise, a proper position of the item may be presented to the user to assist the user in properly positioning the item at the placement location.

Abstract: A System with mechanisms that allows for creating, storing and resuming a session without being bound by time is proposed here. In a system that allows for communication between parties when one side of the party has an account with the system whereas others who are trying to reach this party do not, creating a session and allowing for the same users to come back to resume the session is proposed. Resuming the Session by any of the associated users to the session is supported. This session can be operated through various applications such as voice, video and chat and be accessed in various networks such as the internet and telephone network as well as across devices such as web browser, smart device apps and mobile phones with SMS capability. The system proposed supports porting and reusability of the session across networks, applications and devices.

Abstract: Methods for tracking and analyzing transaction data relating to the sales of automotive parts, and automatically generating and sending comprehensive reports thereof at a pre-determined frequency. In particular, a processor generates a report having analyzed sales performance data and sending the report to a recipient at a pre-determined frequency. The report having sales performance data can include key sales performance metrics, performance ratings, and inactivity alerts. The processor also generates a report having business development activity data and sending the report to a recipient at a pre-determined frequency. The report having business development activity data can include a compilation of previously performed business development activities, upcoming business development activities, and prospect status.

Abstract: Features are disclosed for accurately authenticating a delivery agent for unattended delivery of an item. The systems and methods described confirm the location of the delivery agent and proximity to the delivery location using short range wireless communications between a monitoring device at the delivery location and a communication device associated with the delivery agent. Access may also be conditioned on user specified “do not disturb” rules indicating when remote access is authorized. The authentication may be dynamically assessed such as based on a type of item being delivered.

Abstract: A method for management entity operations includes parsing a request to collect data for an entity in a communications system, the parsing to produce a parsed request and dependency information related to the request, and generating sets of model elements in accordance with context tokens and content tokens derived from the parsed request, the content tokens including extrinsic metadata and intrinsic metadata of the parsed request. The method also includes generating a platform-neutral description of results of the request from an optimized graph derived from the sets of model elements, executing the request to collect the data as requested, and storing the data as collected.

Abstract: A computer system for defining attributes associated with attended delivery/pickup locations is described. In various embodiments, the system is configured to enable an authorized user (e.g., a manager of an attended delivery/pickup location) to define certain attributes of a particular attended delivery/pickup location. In some embodiments, the system is configured to verify that the particular user is authorized to define the one or more attributes associated with the particular attended delivery/pickup location (e.g., by checking a list of one or more authorized users). Once the one or more attributes are defined, in one or more embodiments, the system is configured to accept or reject parcel delivery requests based at least in part on the attributes. In further embodiments, the system is configured to facilitate a return of a particular item to a retailer via the attended delivery/pickup location.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and other embodiments are disclosed that are configured to generate replenishment parameters for use by an external replenishment system. In one embodiment, sales statistics are generated for an item based at least in part on historical sales data for the item. A determination is made as to if demand forecast data is available for the item. If demand forecast data is not available, an order-point value for the item is generated based at least in part on the sales statistics. If demand forecast data is available, demand forecast statistics are generated and the order-point value is generated based at least in part on the sales statistics and the demand forecast statistics. An order-up-to-level is generated based at least in part on the order-point value.

Abstract: The present invention provides a computer system and method for facilitating a transaction between a buyer and a seller. The seller is one of multiple available providers of a product and/or service. Initially, the buyer sends out an order, and the order is automatically verified. A seller is then determined based on at least one desirable characteristic of that particular seller. Then, the order is automatically translated into a format understandable by the desired seller. The order is communicated to the desired seller and the status of the order is later communicated to the buyer.