Abstract: A system for tracking an authenticated item is provided. The system includes an authentication device affixed to the item. An item registration system receives authentication device data from the authentication device and associated item data and stores the authentication device data and the associated item data. An owner registration system receives owner registration data after a buyer has acquired the item. A buyer verification system receives the authentication device data, the associated item data and the owner registration data and stores buyer verified data if the associated item data correlates to the owner registration data, such as if the external tag number or event data entered by the owner matches external tag number or event data for the item.

Abstract: A contact information database, including records such as those stored in a personal address book, is applied to evaluate the reputation of a user and/or conduct fraud or spam detection. A number of different factors selected for reputation/fraud prediction value can be used in a statistical model to evaluate reputation of an individual based on an identifier, such as an email address. The factors can include information useful in predicting the reputation of an individual, such as in how many address books the email address or other information appears, whether emails have been previously sent to that email address, whether any such emails have been returned as undeliverable, and so forth. These factors can be used to create a vector including scores for the user on the various factors, which can be stored in a vector database and updated regularly as the information changes. The information in the vector database can be accessed by parties for use in reputation evaluation, fraud detection, etc.

Abstract: Apparatus for coordinating a rule-based relationship between a bank, a vendor and a merchant is provided. The apparatus may include a first receiver configured to receive an employee identification number input into a graphical user interface (“GUI”). The apparatus may additionally include the first receiver being configured to receive a billing account number input into the GUI. The apparatus may also include a processor configured to determine if the billing account number includes a number of consecutive, identical digits. The processor may further be configured to determine if the number of consecutive, identical digits is equal to or greater than a threshold number of consecutive, identical digits.

Abstract: Techniques for controlling visibility settings of data entities (for example but not limited to item listings, items, products and services, stock keeping units (SKUs) reviews, collections, lists, adverts, etc.) on a networked commerce system are described. According to various embodiments, a seller specification of an item is received, via a user interface, in connection with a request to post item information on a networked commerce system. Entity visibility compliance rules regarding the online sale of items in one or more regions are then accessed. Thereafter, the item specified by the seller is determined to be subject to a particular entity visibility compliance rule in a particular region. An entity visibility setting may then be adjusted for that item information throughout the networked commerce system in that particular region, based on the particular entity visibility compliance rule.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for processing an error in an item listing are described. An error report from a reporting user of the item listing may be obtained. The error may be reported to an authorized user associated with the item listing. The error may be corrected by a reporting user, may be automatically corrected, or may be corrected by an authorized user associated with the item listing.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed towards assessing the condition of tangible property that is loaned, leased, borrowed, or otherwise placed in the trust of another person. A first condition of the property may be documented and possession of the property may be transferred to a first party. A user may employ a mobile device to capture, acquire, and/or provide data documenting the condition, where the documenting data includes at least image data. Subsequently, possession of the property may be transferred to a second party and a second condition of the property may be documented. A variance between the first and the second condition may be determined by comparing the data documenting the first condition to the data documenting the second condition. Any damage, destruction, alterations, and/or modifications to the property that occurred during the time period that the first party had possession of the property may be determined based on the variance.

Abstract: A device, system, and associated methods for the management of firearms for locating, tracking, monitoring, indentifying discharge, and related management tasks are disclosed. In one embodiment, a firearm is disclosed having a processor adapted for storing information and receiving and acting upon command and a location monitor adapted to provide specific geographic location information. The processor and location monitor can be integrally formed in a single electronic device. The firearm also includes a connectivity port and a connectivity cable. The system can also include a monitoring station and a configuration computer. In at least one embodiment, a firearm utilizes a processor and a GPS monitor for locating, tracking, monitoring, indentifying discharge, and related management tasks.

Abstract: A method and system for providing access to a service. An identification for identifying a tag and information for accessing a service are formed. The service can utilize the identification for accessing the service. A second identification for identifying a person or a group of people is formed for the service to use, and the two identifications are associated with each other for easy access to the service.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and a method for using a trusted device to browse e-books. The system comprises an author end, a user end, an electronic bookstore unit, and a data storage unit. In the cloud system, an e-book author can set the authorization mechanism about e-book sale and downloading to protect their copyrights and to upload the e-book by the electronic bookstore unit. The user also can browse e-books by assigned electronic apparatuses to protect purchase rights from being illegally copied. The e-book is an encrypted file, so the user has to use the identification code of the certified electronic apparatus as a decrypted key to decrypt the e-book file for reading.

Abstract: Among other things, embodiments of the present disclosure enables corporate entities to connect with each other and enables social networking interactions, credibility rating, identity verification, and/or business transactions between the corporate entities.

Abstract: A digital content marketplace filter engine may be configured to identify a communication between a digital content marketplace client and a digital content marketplace server. An analysis engine may be configured to review the communication against a digital content marketplace policy. A response engine configured to block, allow or modify the communication to conform to the digital content marketplace policy.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, an avatar engine having a controller to retrieve a user profile of a user, present the user an avatar having characteristics that correlate to the user profile, detect one or more responses of the user during a communication exchange between the avatar and the user, identify from the one or more responses a need to engage in an e-commerce transaction, engage in a commercial exchange with a merchant system according to the e-commerce transaction, identify a commercial status of the e-commerce transaction from the commercial exchange with the merchant system, and present the user by way of the avatar the commercial status of the e-commerce transaction. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Electronic transactions employing prior art approaches of digital certificates and authentification are subject to attacks resulting in fraudulent transactions and abuse of identity information. Disclosed is a method of improving electronic security by establishing a secure trusted path between a user and an institution seeking an electronic signature to verify a transaction before any request for signature and completing electronic transaction activities occurs. The secure trusted path providing the user with a predetermined portion of the request from the institution for a signature upon a personalized device that cannot be intercepted or manipulated by malware to verify that the request as displayed upon the user's primary computing device is valid.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a gas station can be used to prevent deceptive practices, such as a gas station that deceives a refueling amount or supplies inferior fuel. The gas station monitoring system includes: at least one telematics terminal that collects refueling information and transmits the refueling information to the outside; a credit card company server that transmits payment information of a gas station to the outside; a traffic information providing server that transmits traffic information including a position of the gas station to the outside; and a telematics server that determines the gas station to be a dishonest gas station that deceives a refueling amount by comparing information that is transmitted from the at least one telematics terminal and the payment information.

Abstract: A client captures at least one identification indicator of an individual arriving at a threshold representing themself as a vendor of an organization. The client extracts vendor indicia and organization indicia from the captured identification. The client sends a query comprising the organization indicia to an identification service. Responsive to the client receiving a response from the identification service with a network address of a particular identity verification service associated with the at least one organization indicia, the client sends a query comprising the vendor indicia and the current location of the threshold to the particular identity verification service. Responsive to the verification client receiving a response from the particular identity verification service indicating that the user is validated, the client notifies the user that the individual is validated as the vendor of the organization.

Abstract: A networked service for providing secure access to an online marketplace by sellers and buyers. A secure member server interacts with an online classified advertisement website to allow for a selling member of the website to interface securely with a prospective buying member. Various methods are taught that allow the members to interact without exchanging personal information that could possibly be used in a fraudulent manner.

Abstract: Techniques are described for automatically identifying and inhibiting suspect electronic communications between users, such as for electronic communications that may reflect fraudulent activities by one or more of the users or that are otherwise inappropriate for one or more reasons. In some situations, the communications may relate to transactions in which the users are involved, such as for users that are buyers and sellers of items interacting via one or more electronic marketplaces. The communications may occur via a communication mechanism provided by an electronic marketplace that acts as an intermediary between the sender of a communication and the one or more intended recipients of the communication. The automatic identification of suspect communications that may be inappropriate includes automatically assessing the communications in one or more ways, and identified suspect communications and any associated inappropriate user activities may be inhibited in various ways.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and computing system for defining a domain name for purchase. A proxy for the domain name is defined. Validating information for the purchaser is defined. The authenticity of the purchaser is confirmed based, at least in part, upon the validating information. An online presence is automatically generated at the domain name.

Abstract: A system and method for conducting electronic business between buyers and sellers is provided. The system and method disclose a means for at least one buyer to request and receive online bids from one or more sellers of a particular product according to a price curve or price schedule. A price schedule or curve for a product defining a product's unit price as a function of the volume of product ordered. Upon receipt of a plurality of bids from sellers, a buyer can then select a seller-supplier based at least in part on the price schedule.

Abstract: Aspects and examples are disclosed for facilitating and signaling market transactions between providers of products or services and clients that consume or otherwise use the products and services. In one example, a processing device of a server system receives, via a data network, data from a computing system describing attributes of a client that uses the computing system. The processing device can verify at least some of the received data to generate a client profile for the client. Based on verifying the data in the client profile, the processing device can notify one or more providers of a product or service that the client is interested in the product or service. Notifications to providers of the product or service can maintain the anonymity of the client. Notifications to the providers can also identify a client type, the client's propensity to purchase or access certain products or services, etc.

Abstract: Techniques are provided that include using a collaborative arrangement between a first entity associated with a physical location, such as a physical store or residence that has or sells one or more products of a first product type, and a second entity, such as a Web site offering for purchase products of the first product type. According to some such arrangements, if, for example, a user purchases a product from the Web site after the user evidently made a visit to the physical location, or received a display or demonstration of a product of the first product type at the physical location, then revenue or value resulting from the purchase may be split or shared between entities including the first entity and the second entity.

Abstract: A method for using a fuel distribution network. The method including receiving a fuel reservation request (FRR) from a fuel network user interface module (FNUIM), obtaining a physical location of the FNUIM, determining a user associated with the FRR, and obtaining a list of fuel stations using the physical location and information associated with the user. The method further includes sending, to FNUIM, a list of fuel stations, receiving, from the FNUIM, a selection request specifying a fuel station from the list of fuel stations and a fuel reservation amount specifying an amount of fuel, sending a backend service provider (BSP) reservation request to the fuel station, where the BSP reservation request comprises the fuel reservation amount, and sending a confirmation message comprising a reservation expiration time to the FNUIM.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product that is capable of determining respective merchant behaviour scores and consumer behaviour scores. Merchant locations (e.g. point of purchase or other geographic or virtual locations), in association with which merchants and consumers conduct transactions, can be used to enhance behaviour scoring capabilities. A merchant location may be attributed a merchant behaviour score such as one determined in accordance with consumer behaviour/financial/risk metrics of consumers who conduct transactions with the location. A specific consumer may be attributed a consumer behaviour score determined in accordance with the respective merchant behaviour scores of locations with which the specific consumer conducts transactions.

Abstract: Methods and system for determining reputation information are provided. The method includes analyzing transactional and non-transactional information for an alias associated with an entity and determining reputation information for that alias. The reputation information is transferrable across multiple domains. A user can request the reputation information about an entity prior to doing business with that entity. The reputation information is generated for merchants as well as users. The system can generate transaction risk score for every transaction to be conducted between two or more aliases. The system includes an alias identity and reputation validation server computer that receives inputs from various external systems and generated reputation information based on the inputs. Additionally, every individual user/merchant can manage his profile within the reputation database and enter some information manually.

Abstract: A method for purchasing a domain name registration. A user conducts a search to determine if a domain name is available. If it is already registered, the user can make an anonymous offer through a third party to the present registrant to purchase the domain name registration. The offer is certified by the third party by verifying that a financial instrument provided by the user has available funds that are at least sufficient to pay the offer amount for the domain name.

Abstract: Enabling web management of print usage for a user(s) and/or printer device(s). A central management unit can interact with a plurality of accounts (e.g., prepaid accounts; and/or postpaid accounts), which are associated with users and/or printers—to predict printing activities and regulate printer supplies.

Abstract: Some examples provide systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products for evaluating participants in a market platform based on the performance of the participants in transactions using the market platform. These evaluations may result in ratings being assigned to the participants, where the rating provides an assessment of the desirability of contracting with the particular party. For example, a rating may provide an estimate of the likelihood that a buyer will comply with the commitment level of their committed pricing agreement, or a rating may provide an estimate of how likely a supplier is to deliver ordered goods in a timely manner and at an agreed-upon price. Implementations may further allow for configuration of a rating engine to provide a unique rating designed for a particular contracting party.

Abstract: A system and method for scoring one or more residential appraisers includes a server system and a software module. The software module provides a score in the range of 300 to 800 and includes the one or more residential appraisers' license revocation information, suspension information, one or more verifiable negative source lists information, one or more legal public records information, a selected one of one or more MARI questions and one or more occurrences information, negative online information, a plurality of E and O information, a number of years of experience, a plurality of license and accreditation information and being on a top 25 lenders list information.

Abstract: Consumer contractor connector apparatuses, methods and systems transform consumer project information, selected items, desired bids, milestones met, milestone payment request, accepted jobs, bid selection, and contractor information inputs via CCC various components into project payment outputs. The CCC may receive consumer project information from the consumer and retrieve contractor profiles to determine at least one contractor that has been prequalified as capable of performing the project and as having obtained a bond commensurate in amount with an estimated project value. The CCC may retrieve a bid from the at least one contractor and retrieve consumer feedback including an accepted bid. Funds can be obtained from the consumer through an escrow account created with the funds. When a milestone is indicated as completed and the consumer accepts that the milestone was properly completed, a determined portion of the funds can be released to the contractor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a technology for purchasing an item to purchase automatically and jointly by using the internet, in particular to a purchasing system and a method thereof on the internet which is capable of economizing human and material resources and lowering the unit cost of an item by performing all processes from a notice of tender to an ordering automatically on the internet and purchasing an item required for many companies and establishments jointly.

Abstract: A system and architecture for enhancing search results generated by an Internet search engine, so that those search results include enhanced buyer-oriented information, is disclosed. According to one aspect, a list of search results generated by an Internet search engine comprises one or more search results that are associated with one or more URLs in a set of URLs. For each such URL, seller-specific information, which may be based on and/or comprise ratings that are associated with registered selling entities that are associated with that URL, is presented in association with that URL's corresponding search result in the list of search results. A user who submitted query terms, based upon which the list of search results was generated, can use the presented rating information to determine which of the search results to investigate further.

Abstract: The system provides templates which assist shelters in creating customized pet adoption applications and automatically scans responses to reject or flag applications with certain answers. The system tracks the application process, automatically assigns staff to review applications, maintains applicant denied/accepted lists, facilitates transfer of adoption documents, provides updated application status information, sends accepted applicants medical and other service related messages, provides animal transfer information and preforms automatic background checks. The system calculates estimated pet care costs and provides for instant pet registration at external registries. A software application for smartphones/tablets allows scanning of implanted GPS microchips, tracking of animal locations, proximity detection and identification of emergency rescue services proximate the location of the animal.

Abstract: Techniques are described for automatically identifying and inhibiting suspect electronic communications between users, such as for electronic communications that may reflect fraudulent activities by one or more of the users or that are otherwise inappropriate for one or more reasons. In some situations, the communications may relate to transactions in which the users are involved, such as for users that are buyers and sellers of items interacting via one or more electronic marketplaces. The communications may occur via a communication mechanism provided by an electronic marketplace that acts as an intermediary between the sender of a communication and the one or more intended recipients of the communication. The automatic identification of suspect communications that may be inappropriate includes automatically assessing the communications in one or more ways, and identified suspect communications and any associated inappropriate user activities may be inhibited in various ways.

Abstract: A shipping insurance service application has an electronic marketplace platform interface, a shipping insurance module, and an insurance provider module. The electronic marketplace platform interface communicates with at least one electronic marketplace application. The shipping insurance module provides a shipping insurance policy to a seller of the corresponding electronic marketplace application and processes a claim from the seller of the corresponding electronic marketplace application based on the shipping insurance policy. The carrier module obtains the shipping insurance policy from an insurance provider among a plurality of insurance providers.

Abstract: A method and system to automatically qualify a party to participate within a network-based commerce transaction is described. The system receives information from a first party. The information relates to an item to be transacted via a network-based commerce system. The system is further to receive, from a second party, a request to be qualified to transact the item via the network-based commerce system. The system is further to transmit, to the first party, a communication comprising information relating to the second party. The system is to further receive, from the first party, a response corresponding to the automatically generated communication and, responsive to receipt of the response, to automatically perform an authorization process based on the response.

Abstract: A system and method for assisting a user in the checkout process for purchasing multiple items on the Internet is provided. The system and method server directs the user through the checkout process for purchasing each of the multiple items, either by way of directing the user to each vendor's website, or by way of a single checkout at the server. The system and method may also include means for presenting the user with coupons and rebate information available for the items, and for applying loyalty cards and redemption points or bonuses specific to the vendors that the user has selected for purchasing the items.

Abstract: A method for conducting an inspection of an asset on a computing device is provided. One or more processors prompt a user to enter inputs, including an input that is indicative of a type of asset that is being inspected. Based, at least in part, on the type of asset, instructions are provided that are specific to the type of asset for the user to follow in performing the inspection. User input corresponding to each of the instructions are received, and a report is generated based on the received user inputs.

Abstract: A system and method for searching for and/or purchasing multiple items on the Internet is provided. The system identifies a plurality of purchasing alternatives based on predetermined criteria and allows the consumer to select from among the purchasing alternatives to purchase the desired items.

Abstract: Systems and methods for associating mnemonic devices with media content are disclosed. An embodiment can include providing, with a processor, a primary content media source, and connecting a secondary image to the primary content media source by generating an association between the secondary image and the primary content media source, the secondary image adapted to visually depict a mnemonic representation of content of the primary media source. The method can also include storing the association between the secondary image and the primary media source in a third media item (e.g., a Memory Palace), and causing the secondary image to be displayed as a virtual layer of the primary media source in response to a request.

Abstract: A plurality of relationship is determined, each relationship being between a first entity and a different one of a plurality of other entities. For each of the plurality of relationships, a rating for a characteristic of the relationship is determined. Then a rating is assigned to the first entity based on the ratings for the characteristic of each of the plurality of relationships.

Abstract: A platform facilitates buyers, sellers, and third parties in obtaining information related to each other's transaction histories, such as a supplier's shipment history, the types of materials typically shipped, a supplier's customers, a supplier's expertise, what materials and how much a buyer purchases, buyer and shipper reliability, similarity between buyers, similarity between suppliers, and the like. The platform aggregates data from a variety of sources, including, without limitation, customs data associated with actual import/export transactions, non-public shipper records, and facilitates the generation of reports as to the quality of buyers and suppliers, the reports relating to a variety of parameters that are associated with buyer and supplier quality.

Abstract: Trust levels are associated to each of a plurality of entities related to a first entity. S trust level is calculated for the first entity based on the associated trust levels to each of the plurality of entities related to the first entity. The trust level for the first entity is used to evaluate a potential transaction involving the first entity.

Abstract: A characteristic value for a characteristic of a first participant in a game is rated. Then characteristic values for characteristics of one or more participants associated with the first participant in the game are rated. An individual rating is provided for the first participant based on the characteristic value for the characteristic of the first participant. A community rating is provided for the first participant based on the characteristic values for the characteristics of the one or more participants associated with the first participant.

Abstract: An expertise level in a first field of a first user is determined. Then expertise levels in the first field of users related to the first user are determined. An expertise designation is assigned to the first user based on the expertise level in the first field of the first user and the expertise levels in the first field of users related to the first user.

Abstract: A graphical indication of a characteristic is assigned to each of a plurality of entities. A graphical indication is assigned to a first entity based on the graphical indications of the characteristic of each of a plurality of entities associated with the first entity. Then the graphical indication is assigned to the first entity on a display.

Abstract: In various exemplary embodiments, a system and method to provide customized combination packages is disclosed. The method includes receiving a selection of a plurality of items from a potential buyer, the selection of the plurality of items creating a customized combination package. Available transaction history for past transactions of similar items to the items of the customized combination package is provided to the potential buyer. An offer from the potential buyer is then received and provided to a seller selling the plurality of items for consideration.

Abstract: Methods and system for determining reputation information are provided. The method includes analyzing transactional and non-transactional information for an alias associated with an entity and determining reputation information for that alias. The reputation information is transferable across multiple domains. A user can request the reputation information about an entity prior to doing business with that entity. The reputation information is generated for merchants as well as users. The system can generate transaction risk score for every transaction to be conducted between two or more aliases. The system includes an alias identity and reputation validation server computer that receives inputs from various external systems and generated reputation information based on the inputs. Additionally, every individual user/merchant can manage his profile within the reputation database and enter some information manually.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining a reliability of a transaction involving an account identifier identifying a chargeable account are disclosed. An account identifier identifying a chargeable account is received at a data receiving unit of a verification system. Then a reliability indicator of at least one stored personal detail associated with the chargeable account is determined, the at least one stored personal detail usable to verify at least one candidate personal detail. Then the reliability indicator is caused to be used to verify identity of a user.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus of business reviews claiming in a geo-spatial environment are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes generating a community network of user profiles, each user profile to include an associated specific geographic location of the user, at least a portion of the specific geographic locations associated with a business, associating a first user with a first user profile having a specific geographic location associated with a business at the specific geographic location, enabling the first user to claim the first user profile (e.g., may include verifying an email address, a business license, and/or a utility bill), and generating for the first user a promotion-related activity associated with the business at the specific geographic location after the first user claims ownership of the first user profile.

Abstract: A method is provided of anonymizing an interaction between a user entity and a service provider node wishing to provide a service to the user entity in dependence upon characteristics of the user entity determined or revealed as a result of the interaction, the method comprising: assigning the user entity to at least one set, each set comprising as members a plurality of user entities sharing a characteristic associated with that set; ensuring that the intersection of the at least one set comprises at least a predetermined minimum number of user entities; and providing to the service provider node information relating to the or each characteristic associated with the at least one set, the information being for use at the service provider node in providing a service to the user entity that is appropriate in view of the characteristics of the user entity but insufficient to identify the user entity.