Abstract: In an embodiment, a method comprises: receiving pre-planting data representing a lower bound date value and an upper bound date value of dates for a pre-planting application of fertilizer to an agricultural field; side-dressing data representing a lower bound date value and an upper bound date value of dates for a side-dressing application; fertilizer cost data representing a cost of a fertilizer application; labor cost data representing a cost of applying fertilizer to the field; and expected profit data. Based on the received data, one or more penalty constraints are determined. Based on the received data, a fertilizing schedule is generated. The schedule comprises the one or more valid calendar dates on which fertilizing the agricultural field is recommended and the one or more valid fertilizer amounts to be applied to the agricultural field on the one or more valid calendar dates to maximize a yield from the agricultural field.

Abstract: A system and methods for network-enabled cannabis product delivery, comprising at least a plurality of network-enabled portals for data entry, legality and identification checks, and more, allowing a user to order delivery of cannabis products from local retailers using third-party drivers that register with the system, for compensation, and allowing for feedback and automated communication between a retailer, driver, and customer using the system.

Abstract: A method and system are presently disclosed. The method discloses providing tracking program code to a visitor console, process action data from the visitor console, wherein the tracking program generates the action data based on a webpage of a website displayed on the visitor console, display a three dimensional graphical representation of the website to a user console, display at least one computer generated character interacting with the three dimensional graphical representation of the website, wherein the at least one computer generated character interacts with the three dimensional graphical representation of the website based on the action data.

Abstract: A card reader configured to read a smart card can be detachably connected to a mobile computing device. When the card reader is attached to the mobile device, an application installed on the mobile computing device permits the mobile device to communicate with the card reader in order to process transactions. Security measures can be used on the mobile device to prevent theft of a PIN during software PIN entry of a payment transaction. The mobile device can prevent the keypad or other input interface from displaying feedback. The mobile device can also prevent passcodes from being stolen by displaying media encoded with digital rights management (DRM) and by managing the media and user inputs at a secure server. A mobile device can securely communicate with a card reader for a payment transaction using asymmetric or symmetric encryption.

Abstract: A content server stores digital content including video, audio, image, animation, or text content. The content server receives account permissions governing video access for a restricted account that an authorizing account supervises. The content server also receives a designation by the authorizing account of a delegate account authorized to control video access for the restricted account. The content server receives a request from the restricted account to view a video and determines whether the restricted account may view the video according to the account permission. In response to determining that the authorized account is not authorized to view the requested video, the content server transmits an authorization request to the delegate user, who provides authorization for the restricted account to view the video. In response to authorization from the delegate account, the content server transmits the video to the restricted user.

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: Systems, graphical user interfaces and methods for upgrading from one or more digital media assets to a set of digital media assets over a network are described. A potential purchaser can be notified of available upgrade opportunities that are available for purchase. The potential purchaser can elect to pursue an upgrade opportunity so as to purchase a set of digital media assets. Upon upgrading to the set of digital media assets, the digital media assets within the set of digital media assets are made available to the purchaser. According to one aspect, a graphical user interface facilitates presenting and requesting upgrade opportunities. According to another aspect, equivalency rules and/or eligibility rules can be used to control which sets of digital media assets are available for upgrade by respective potential purchasers.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to net utility determinations based on product replacement and coverage decisions of a customer. In example embodiments, a number of net utility values corresponding to each possible product replacement decision and each possible coverage decision in each of a plurality of time periods is determined. An expected net utility attributable to the customer over the plurality of time periods is then determined based on the determined utility values.

Abstract: A content server stores digital content including video, audio, image, animation, or text content. The content server receives account permissions governing video access for a restricted account that an authorizing account supervises. The content server also receives a designation by the authorizing account of a delegate account authorized to control video access for the restricted account. The content server receives a request from the restricted account to view a video and determines whether the restricted account may view the video according to the account permission. In response to determining that the authorized account is not authorized to view the requested video, the content server transmits an authorization request to the delegate user, who provides authorization for the restricted account to view the video. In response to authorization from the delegate account, the content server transmits the video to the restricted user.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for expanding the storage capacity of one or more DVRs in a household by attaching them to a shared network storage device are described. Recorded content is encrypted in at least some embodiments on a per customer basis rather than on a per DVR basis allowing content to be moved between devices at a customer premise and played back by any of the devices at the customer premise where the content was recorded. Network congestion delays are avoided by allowing a user to specify when content is to be locally available at a DVR and moving the content prior to the specified time, if necessary, to the local storage device in the DVR. DVRs can access, decrypt and display content stored on the network storage device that was recorded by another DVR in the same household.

Abstract: A device includes a memory for storing digital media, a transfer module, and a processor. The media includes first data that associates the media with the device, second data authorizing the device to play back the media, and third data authorizing the device to transfer a copy of the media. A transfer includes transfer data identifying the copy uniquely relative to the device. The processor implements instructions to receive a request to transfer a copy of the media to a peer device, create a copy of the media that includes the first data and the transfer data, and direct the transfer module to transfer the copy to the peer device and send a transaction record including the first data and the transfer data to a server.

Abstract: A method for verifying the age or location of a player of an Internet-based lottery game entails providing lottery tickets for purchase by players at an authorized retail location, the lottery tickets having a game authorization code that is entered by the initiate play of the Internet-based lottery game on an internet enabled device. The age of the player is verified at the retail location and a separate verification password is entered via a terminal that is in communication with to the lottery system central computer, with the password linked to the game authorization code. Upon initiating play of the game via a web site, the player enters the verification password separately from the game authorization code. An Internet game server communicates with the lottery system central computer to ensure that the entered verification password corresponds to the linked verification password prior to permitting play of the Internet-based lottery game.

Abstract: A method and a system are disclosed for providing a lottery ticket using a mobile phone, the method comprising receiving a ticket request sent by a user using the mobile phone, the ticket request comprising data associated with the lottery ticket and, if the user is allowed to purchase the lottery ticket, providing a lottery ticket comprising a first part and a second part, the first part for qualifying the user to an instant draw and the second part for qualifying the user to a scheduled draw wherein the scheduled draw is unrelated to the instant draw.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention generally relate to trademark searching and notification systems. More specifically, various embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods for informing requesters about trademarks similar to a provided input. Some embodiments of the present invention provide for a proactive system in which users are notified of similar trademarks before using specific term(s) and users proceed after understanding which trademarks actually exist and what areas those trademarks actually entail, and possibly being notified of newly applied trademarks and modified trademarks at later times that are similar to the specific term(s) being used.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and products are disclosed for enhancing a shopping experience that include: determining, by a self-checkout terminal, that a shopper invoked a help event; selecting, by the self-checkout terminal in dependence upon the help event, a shopper assistant to assist the shopper; and providing, by the self-checkout terminal to the shopper, distinguishing information identifying the shopper assistant.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed for implementing electronic commerce transactions via a data network. A regulated item selected by a customer is identified. The regulated item may correspond to an item which satisfies predetermined criteria, indicating that the regulated item is prohibited from being purchased by the customer. Action is then taken to prohibit the purchase of the selected item, via the data network, by the customer. According to one embodiment, the action taken to prohibit the purchase of the regulated item is automatically implemented at a server system configured to implement electronic commerce transactions between an on-line merchant and the customer. According to a specific implementation, the predetermined criteria correspond to regulations which restrict sales of the regulated items to persons in a particular jurisdiction based upon certain criteria such as, for example, time of day, day of week, age of the customer, type of product being sold, etc.

Abstract: A distributed network transaction system and method includes a central exchange computer connected via the Internet (world wide web) to multiple remote computers associated with, for example, individual brokers. A central database is provided with the exchange computer and each remote computer can have a respective database for information that the individual brokers was to maintain separate from the system. E-commerce transactions are conducted by the system, which performs a number of transaction-related functions, such as pushing tickets up to the system for sale, purchasing tickets online, shipping, web site-related and bookkeeping. The system and methodology accommodate price event functions where non real-time tickets can be sold and the orders filled with tickets acquired on the system.

Abstract: A computer receives a first set of geographic restrictions on the sale of an item from a seller. The computer receives an offer for purchase of the item from a buyer, wherein the offer includes geographic information of the buyer. The computer determines whether the geographic information of the buyer satisfies the first set of geographic restrictions on the sale of the item. Based on the determination of whether the geographic information of the buyer satisfies the first set of geographic restrictions on the sale of the item, the computer determines whether to transmit the offer for purchase of the item to the seller.

Abstract: A system and method for performing lottery ticket purchase with a mobile phone include receiving an SMS message sent by a user using the mobile phone, the SMS message including data associated with the lottery ticket to purchase; obtaining data associated with a position of the mobile phone, the data associated with a position of the mobile phone comprising an identification of a cell tower receiving the SMS message; determining if the user of said mobile phone is allowed to purchase the lottery ticket, the determining including checking if the identification of a cell tower receiving the SMS message matches one of a list of allowed cell towers and if the user is registered and performing the purchase if the identification of a cell tower receiving the SMS message matches one of a list of allowed cell towers.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed for implementing electronic commerce transactions via a data network. A regulated item selected by a customer is identified. The regulated item may correspond to an item which satisfies predetermined criteria, indicating that the regulated item is prohibited from being purchased by the customer. Action is then taken to prohibit the purchase of the selected item, via the data network, by the customer. According to one embodiment, the action taken to prohibit the purchase of the regulated item is automatically implemented at a server system configured to implement electronic commerce transactions between an on-line merchant and the customer. According to a specific implementation, the predetermined criteria correspond to regulations which restrict sales of the regulated items to persons in a particular jurisdiction based upon certain criteria such as, for example, time of day, day of week, age of the customer, type of product being sold, etc.

Abstract: Systems and methods for distributing limited edition digital artwork in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed.

Abstract: Generating a structured data object is disclosed. A plurality of pieces of content from a website is extracted at an Internet browser application associated with a client side. A structured data object is assembled, at the Internet browser application associated with the client side, using the plurality of pieces of content extracted from the website. Extracting and assembling includes performing one or more scripts, wherein at least some of the one or more scripts is/are provided to the Internet browser application associated with the client side by an entity that is not associated with the website.

Abstract: Among other things, information is maintained that associates competitors with respective territories for which the competitors have rights that are to be exclusive relative to other competitors for items associated with the territories. A user can enter, through a user interface, an expression of interest that can be associated with one of the territories. In response to the expression of interest, a user is automatically enabled to interact with the competitor that has the exclusive right to the territory, without automatically enabling the user to interact with a competitor that does not have the exclusive right.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of selling replacement parts for a product over a computer network including providing a plurality of product manufacturer selection options for a customer to select from, receiving a manufacturer selection of one of the product manufacturers, providing a plurality of product selections for the customer to select from, receiving a product selection of one of the products, providing a schematic illustrating a plurality of component parts of the product with associated reference identifiers, receiving a selection of at least one of the component parts, providing a description of the component part selected, including at least one name for the component part and at least one part number for the component part.

Abstract: Systems and methods for transformation of submitted listings are described. An example system comprises a policy module to receive a listing describing an item for sale and to determine that the listing does not comply with one or more marketplace policies of a marketplace. The marketplace publishes listings describing items for sale, and the one or more marketplace policies are based on item characteristics or listing characteristics. A presentation module, responsive to the determination that the listing does not comply with the one or more marketplace policies, transforms the listing according to the one or more marketplace policies and publishes the transformed listing in the marketplace.

Abstract: The invention is systems and methods for transferring items with restricted transferability. Initially, the systems and methods wait for a first consumer to make a request to transfer an item after having purchased the item from a provider. The systems and methods then send a request to transfer the item to the provider. This request may indicate inducements to the provider to authorize the transfer. If the transfer is authorized, the systems and methods then present information regarding the item to other consumers. This information may be presented as part of a bidding interface or as part of an advertising interface. Once the second consumer submits a winning bid for the item when the information is presented in a bidding interface, or an acceptable offer when the information is presented in an advertising interface, the transfer of the item can then be completed with or without the assistance of an intermediary.

Abstract: A refrigerant life cycle management and compliance tracking and monitoring system and method for maintaining large quantities of refrigerant stored and transported in bulk tanks and containers. The system is customizable and can be used to store, track and compile regulatory and status information about a refrigerant being transported in tanks and any other data relevant to the quality, status or custody of a tank and its contents. The system and method allow access to database information by compliance officers and inspectors for required regulatory reporting. The system and method are accessible through a web browser or mobile application.

Abstract: A refrigerant life cycle management and compliance tracking and monitoring system and method for maintaining large quantities of refrigerant stored and transported in bulk tanks and containers. The system is customizable and can be used to store, track and compile regulatory and status information about a refrigerant being transported in tanks and any other data relevant to the quality, status or custody of a tank and its contents. The system and method allow access to database information by compliance officers and inspectors for required regulatory reporting. The system and method are accessible through a web browser or mobile application.

Abstract: Items are sold via a wireless mobile telecommunications network in which multimedia presentations describing items offered for sale are broadcast for reception by wireless mobile devices. Users of the devices can transmit responses indicating requests to buy the items or bid for them in auctions.

Abstract: A computer program accessible on a website displays a virtual warehouse containing representations of a number of virtual items corresponding to specific physical item counterparts owned by and to individuals having identities stored by the program. The physical items optionally are drums containing chemicals. A method for executing a sale of an item on the website includes the steps of providing a website which displays a virtual location containing representations of a number of virtual items corresponding to specific physical item counterparts; two potential users becoming registered program users as one of a buyer user and a seller use; the seller user moving the virtual item from a first virtual location displayed on the website to a second virtual location displayed on the website, and thereby putting the item up for sale; and the buyer user searching the website for virtual images of desired items.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and computer program products are provided for monitoring compliance in reporting unclaimed property. The method is capable of identifying both potential non-reporters and potential under-reporters. In this regard, potential under-reporters may be identified as a result of a multilevel review that may take into account the recent reporting history, both in terms of frequency and the type and quantity of unclaimed property that has been reported. The potential non-reporters and potential under-reporters may then be further evaluated, such as by means of an audit or other follow up procedure, to insure compliance.

Abstract: A print system is capable of processing a print order of image data through a network. The print system includes an information device operable to store image data, and an order reception server connected to the information device through the network. The information device sends print information specifying print content including image data to be printed to the order reception server with which a communication is established prior to a formal placing of a print order. The order reception server, when completing a reception of the print information, recognizes that the print order is completed, provides an order number for identifying the print order, and sends the order number to the information device.

Abstract: Systems and methods to provide a live video-based marketplace negotiation platform in the context of time limited online trading and commerce is described. Embodiments may include an interactive market place where transactions may be negotiated between buyers and sellers in a secure and entertaining manner. In an example, an online trading platform may match potential sellers and buyers based on any of a variety of criteria, and allow sellers and buyers to negotiate a deal in a limited time frame. Negotiations may be performed in real-time over a text, voice, or video communication interface that may include descriptions, images, or videos of a product offered by a seller.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, transmitting registration information over a network to a registration server for registration of first media content housed in a physical medium where the first registration information is associated with a purchase of the first media content from a point of sale device of a retailer and responsive to the registration, obtaining authorization for electronic access to second media content provided by a media source, where the second media content is associated with the first media content. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A distributed network transaction system and method includes a central exchange computer connected via the Internet (world wide web) to multiple remote computers associated with, for example, individual brokers. A central database is provided with the exchange computer and each remote computer can have a respective database for information that the individual brokers was to maintain separate from the system. E-commerce transactions are conducted by the system, which performs a number of transaction-related functions, such as pushing tickets up to the system for sale, purchasing tickets online, shipping, web site-related and bookkeeping. The system and methodology accommodate price event functions where non real-time tickets can be sold and the orders filled with tickets acquired on the system.

Abstract: Approaches for distributing content produced from a plurality of creative entities by way of collectable virtual goods. At a content platform, tiered pricing data that defines for each of a plurality of content producers a sequence of tiers is stored. Each tier may be associated with a different price and a particular number of virtual goods. The content platform may identify a next available virtual good for purchase from a particular content provider based on how many virtual goods associated with the particular content provider have already been purchased. The visual appearance of the virtual good may be based upon how many virtual goods of the content producer have already been purchased. Upon receiving payment for the virtual good, the content platform provides ownership of the virtual good to the purchaser to entitle the purchaser to receive restricted content provided by the content producer associated with the virtual good.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for a vehicular regionally regulated electronic platform allowing for a plurality of users to interface with said platform to effect various regulatory services, such as parking. The platform may also be used by enforcement authorities to implement enforcement regimes with increased efficiency and maximizing revenue.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, transmitting registration information over a network to a registration server for registration of first media content housed in a physical medium where the first registration information is associated with a purchase of the first media content from a point of sale device of a retailer and responsive to the registration, obtaining authorization for electronic access to second media content provided by a media source, where the second media content is associated with the first media content. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An electronic business transaction system is provided for a product purchaser to purchase a product from a product supplier, and for a product delivery service provider to deliver the product to an address of the product purchaser or a product receiver. The product purchaser instructs an identification code and the product to the product supplier without disclosing a name and the address of the product purchaser or the product receiver. A terminal of an information administrator identifies the name and the address of the product purchaser or the product receiver according to the identification code of the product purchaser or the product receiver. The terminal of the information administrator instructs the name and the address of the product purchaser or the product receiver to the product delivery service provider without disclosing the identification code of the product purchaser or the product receiver, so that the product delivery service provider delivers the product.

Abstract: An approach is provided for creating and managing pricing models and subscriptions for packages. As used herein, the term “package” refers to a logical entity that has one or more member applications, where each of the member applications provides one or more services. One or more pricing models may be assigned to a package and made available to subscribers and the pricing models assigned to a package may be changed. Users may subscribe to one or more packages and incur charges based upon the pricing models assigned to the packages to which the users subscribe. Embodiments include providing a graphical user interface for service providers to create and manage packages, define pricing models and to manage pricing model assignments for packages. Embodiments also include providing a graphical user interface for subscribers to view available applications and packages in a “marketplace” and to subscribe to packages and manage their subscriptions.

Abstract: Systems and methods for supporting regulatory requirements for the distribution of controlled and non-controlled items such as, for example, non-controlled prescriptions (Rx), medical devices, and controlled substances in countries such as the United States and Canada, are provided. The systems and methods incorporate a license verification module that is configured to perform license validation for a particular order placed for a controlled and/or non-controlled item. In certain embodiments, the license verification module compares order data to historically sorted data and if one or more discrepancies exist, validation is unsuccessful. The license verification module may further query a third party database for updated license information upon validation failure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for communicating a purchase request to a dealer immediately. A Data Center system has a system database accessible to a plurality of dealers. A potential buyer submits a purchase request over a computer network to the Data Center system. The purchase request may include product identification data and buyer location information. The Data Center system identifies at least one appropriate dealer to receive the purchase request. The Data Center creates a purchase request record from the data and information provided in the purchase request. The Data Center then communicates the purchase request to the appropriate dealer by immediately storing the purchase request record into the system database such that the purchase request is accessible only to the at least one identified dealer. The purchase request becomes available to the at least one identified dealer immediately upon the creation of the purchase request record.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a system and method for digital rights management with delegated authorization for content access are described. Such embodiments may include a runtime component configured to receive protected content. The runtime component may be configured to submit a request for a delegation token to a first entity, such as a content merchant or some other entity. The runtime component may be configured to receive the delegation token from the first entity. The runtime component may also be configured to submit a request for a content license for the protected content to a second entity, such as an access coordinator or some other entity. The submitted request may include the received delegation token. The runtime component may be configured to receive the content license from the second entity. The runtime component may also be configured to provide access to the protected content in accordance with the received content license.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention generally relate to systems and methods for identifying suspicious orders for controlled substances based on performing checks on a received order using historical information on previous orders. According to various embodiments, these checks may include: (1) comparing the order quantity for the received order with the order quantity history for the customer who placed the order for the controlled substance; (2) comparing the order quantity and the days since the last order was shipped to the customer for the same controlled substance with the order quantity history and the days between orders for the particular customer and controlled substance; (3) comparing the order quantity with order quantity history for orders received by customers of the same type for the controlled substance; and (4) comparing the order quantity with order quantity history for any customer for the particular controlled substance.

Abstract: A computer system for a pricing and auction process allows private enterprise firms to establish an individual price for each consumer paying in to support delivery of the same units of a public good. The process solicits bids from individuals who value a public good, while reducing each individual's incentives to free ride, thereby increasing their incentives to bid or offer a payment that approaches their full value for each, successive unit of the good. Examples include farmers selling the services of land for wildlife habitat, farmers altering production processes to reduce pesticides and nutrients and increase local water quality, particularly during transition from technologically intensive farming to organic farming, or businesses established to help neighborhoods and communities become carbon neutral in a global economy. The process benefits profit or non-profit organizations supporting conservation such as wetland and salt marsh restoration or restoration of endangered species habitat.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for facilitating transfer of an available liquor license on a wide area network that includes, in operable communication, a buyer system, a seller system and a liquor license transfer system, the method including: a) the liquor license transfer system displaying on the buyer system a listing of the available liquor license and at least one comparable; b) the liquor license transfer system receiving an offer for the available liquor license and validating the offer; c) the liquor license transfer system generating and transmitting a notification of the offer to the seller system; and d) upon the liquor license transfer system receiving an acceptance, the liquor license transfer system retrieving one or more electronic forms required to effectuate transfer of ownership of the available liquor license and auto-populating the forms with information relating to the buyer system and the seller system.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the methods and apparatuses request an application; detect a user requesting the application; detect a profile associated with the user; and grant permission to access the application based on an access parameter.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, transmitting registration information over a network to a registration server for registration of first media content housed in a physical medium where the first registration information is associated with a purchase of the first media content from a point of sale device of a retailer and responsive to the registration, obtaining authorization for electronic access to second media content provided by a media source, where the second media content is associated with the first media content. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system of import and export trading is provided. The system and method includes a selection module, an import duty confirmation module, a database, and a displaying module. The selection module is configured for choosing basic information of commodity from lists of property choices provided by a website and submitting the choice to a server. The import duty confirmation module is configured for confirming HS code and duty rate corresponding to the commodity according to the choice. The database is configured for storing information of commodities, HS codes and rate of import duties. The displaying module is configured for displaying commodities provided by sellers to buyers for choosing. The sellers and buyers are in different countries or regions, when a buyer chooses one commodity, the server will provide corresponding import duty to the buyer according to the quantity of commodities and the duty rate.

Abstract: A Controlled Substance (CS) ordering system that includes: 1) a client interface operable to be hosted on an Internet site, the client interface operable to receive an order for a controlled substance; 2) a first server operable to support the client interface and post a signed order to a second server; 3) the second server, the first server and the second server operable to communicate securely within a secure zone, the second server protected from external communications by the first server, the second server operable to perform signature validation functions, including checking a revocation list via the external agency validation server, and then securely posts the results back to the first server; 4) a secured database server wherein signed validated orders are posted for fulfillment and reporting; and 5) an interface with an external agency validation server, the second server operable to establish an LDAP connection to the external agency validation server.