Abstract: In one embodiment, the merchant is free to choose the correct sales/marketing method or methods for their products and services and may choose to experiment with different methods and combinations of methods to determine what is best for their business. For example, merchants can focus on product quality, customer service and maximizing profitability and almost anything else that relates to their business without being concerned about whether they have locked themselves into the wrong sales and/or marketing model(s). The same is true for customers. Using the embodiment described herein, a customer (or potential customer) could choose which model they prefer instead of having to go elsewhere (to another merchant) for any preferred model (thereby providing additional analytics and information that can be used comparatively with a high degree of accuracy and repeatability using site standardized metrics).

Abstract: A computer implemented method for providing feedback to a publisher, comprising: responsive to receiving a published message from the publisher comprising an option requesting feedback, comparing the message with subscriber data; and responsive to the publish operation and responsive to determining a matching subscriber associated with the published message, selecting a notification for transmission to the publisher.

Abstract: A system including a user looking for a candidate user for a telematic operation or transaction within a distributed reputation system; making, in addition to requests for information about reputation to trusted users, other requests for information on reputation to the very candidates, such that the selected candidate is selected because the candidate has a criterion of reputation over the other users that is as similar as possible to that of the user who is searching for a candidate. According to the method, a block of reputation-related data is included in a data-collection step, based on the similarity of reputation-related criteria between a user searching for candidates for an operation and the candidates.

Abstract: Methods and systems for recommending a service based on an electronic social media trust model. A user trust network and a service trust network can be constructed and the two separate trust networks can be combined to form a combined trust network. The combined trust network includes an explicit trust and an implicit trust in order to improve the recommendation coverage and consider a latent service rating without suffering noisy data. A trust-oriented random walk model can be conducted on a user node with respect to the combined trust network based on a user search intent and navigation behavior in order to select and recommend a service candidate. A service rating can then be predicted by considering the user ratings with respect to a target service, a propagated trust and an inferred service rating.

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 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: An apparatus and method for identifying and correcting “unfair” ratings about a first user from a plurality of second users is disclosed herein. For each metric upon which the first user has been rated by the second users, a number of factors are considered to determine if the average rating for a given metric is unfair. Identified unfairness is adjusted dynamically so that the composite rating for a metric becomes more “fair.

Abstract: According to embodiments described in the specification, a method, system and apparatus for managing a bid tracking database are provided. The method comprises receiving at least one bid record at an interface, the at least one bid record comprising a bid price, a bid timestamp and a bid item identifier; receiving at least one auction record at the interface, the at least one auction record comprising a winning price, an end timestamp and an auction item identifier corresponding to the bid item identifier; maintaining the at least one bid record and the at least one auction record in a memory; determining whether the bid price matches or exceeds the winning price and whether the bid timestamp matches the end timestamp; and, when the determination is affirmative, writing the bid record to the bid tracking database maintained in the memory.

Abstract: The invention provides an online platform performing as a meeting marketplace through which a client can locate an expert for the purpose of various interactions which generally involve transfer of information and/or services from the expert to the client. Examples include consulting, tutoring, therapy, software support, teaching and guiding. The invention enables the client to negotiate and communicate with experts and to pay for a meeting with an expert.

Abstract: A method for allowing a user to manage at least one of a return or exchange of an ordered item. The method includes hosting an electronic database of information regarding item purchases, providing a user interface to allow a user to specify at least one return/exchange item, performing an authorization verification against the return/exchange of the item, providing to the user an identifier reflective of the authorization, and receiving and accepting the item(s) at the physical location within a predefined time limit.

Abstract: A method for effecting transfer of a payment amount to a merchant during a transaction between a customer and the merchant includes determining, using a processing device, a funds shortfall, accessing a funds sharing network comprising a plurality of users, identifying one or more of the users of the funds sharing network, requesting funds from the identified one or more users, and applying funds received from the one or more users to the funds shortfall. In some embodiments, identifying one or more of the users includes determining whether one or more of the users are indebted to the customer, determining levels of connection between two or more of the users and the customer, and developing a hierarchy of users based on the indebted users and the levels of connection.

Abstract: Various systems and methods are described for conducting and staging money transfer transactions from a vehicle. The systems and methods may include using a wireless transmitter on board the vehicle for wirelessly communicating with a money transfer system. Also, a user-input device integrated with the vehicle's navigation system, entertainment system, and/or climate system may be used. Using the wireless transmitter, the user-input device may interface with the money transfer system. Also, one or more identity authentication devices may be integrated with the vehicle that collect information to authenticate a user's identity.

Abstract: A print system includes a digital camera serving as an information device for storing image data, order reception servers adapted for accepting a print order from a digital camera and connected to the digital camera over a network, and a registration center server for managing the information in an order reception server which can accept a print order from the digital camera. When the digital camera sets up communication with the order reception server, the digital camera inquires the URL of the order reception server of the registration center server over the network. The registration center server sends the URL of the order reception server which can accept a print order from the digital camera to the digital camera. The digital camera sets up communication with the order reception server of the URL acquired from the registration center server.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods and systems for performing a payment transaction. A method for performing a payment transaction may include receiving purchase information from a merchant and associating the purchase information with an identifier. The method may also include transmitting the identifier to the merchant and receiving the identifier from a wireless device of a customer. The wireless device may obtain the identifier by receiving a code from a merchant device and by interpreting the code. The method may additionally include associating the identifier with the purchasing information, determining a payment account associated with the customer, transmitting a request to a payment service provider system to provide funds for the payment transaction, and receiving an authorization from the payment service provider system to provide the funds. The method may additionally include transmitting a confirmation of the authorization to the merchant.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to methods and systems of splitting collaboration on event metrics for a supplier to respond to based on functional role. The method includes establishing review groups. Each of the review groups includes at least one user. The method further includes associating bid factors to one or more of the review groups, displaying each of the bid factors in accordance with the association of the bid factors with each of the review groups, receiving rankings for each of the bid factors from each of the review groups associated with the bid factors, receiving answers to each of the bid factors from at least one supplier, ranking each of the answers to the bid factors. and correlating the rankings for each of the rankings of the bid factors and the rankings of the answers to generate a score for the at least one supplier.

Abstract: A method of generating notifications related to availability of media content is provided. The method includes receiving a watchlist subscription including a request to monitor for availability of media content. The method also includes detecting a change in the availability of media content based on the subscription, and if a change is detected, determining an access right and transmitting a notification of the change in the availability of the media content. The metadata of the media content is used in the subscriptions to determine when to generate notifications. The media content may include a media article, media selection, live content, or a theatrical media release.

Abstract: A method for providing certified feedback information on a transaction entity (e.g., seller, purchaser, and/or object (e.g., good, service)) involved in a transaction between a seller and a purchaser.

Abstract: A system is described to facilitate online transactions via mobile communications, including a plurality of converters to interface with a plurality of controllers in different formats for delivery of premium messages, and a common format processor coupled with the plurality of converters in a common format to send the premium messages. The common format processor receives a web request from a mobile phone, in response to a user selection within a mobile application executed separately from a browser application on the mobile phone, provides a web page in response to confirm a pre-defined purchase, transmits at least one premium message to the mobile phone using a first converter to obtain funds for the pre-defined purchase, and communicates with the merchant to make the pre-defined purchase on behalf of the user.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for verifying a commercial transaction between a card-holder, a merchant, and a credit card company. The card-holder makes a purchase with the merchant using a full credit card number. The merchant submits a transaction approval request for approval with the credit card company. The credit card company executes conventional credit approval of the transaction approval request, as well as verifies the transaction approval request with the card-holder. An approval is sent to the merchant only after the transaction approval request is both conventionally approved by the credit card company and verified by the card-holder. The card-holder, or the credit card company, may initiate verification of the transaction approval request.

Abstract: An online auction website has anti-counterfeiting measures. The website requires a seller of an item to input information about the product for sale, including at least a brand of the product and a product identification code. If the brand code and product identification code are not entered, the website does not allow the seller to post the item for sale. If entered, the brand and the product identification code are included in the listing on the online auction webpage that advertises the product for sale during the auction period. Verification may be performed on the item to determine its authenticity. The verification process includes comparing the listed brand and product identification codes with a plurality of authentic brand and product identification codes. When the brand and product identification codes are determined to be counterfeit, the listing is terminated and the sale of counterfeit items is prevented.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a content open licensing system for an application store which is included in or is linked to an application store and a method thereof, and more particularly to an open type licensing system and a method thereof which sells an application through the application store and can distribute profit to a copyright holder and a program developer after the program developer for developing the application for the application store easily obtains a license for content copyright (including a portrait right) of a character and the like to be used for the application and develops the application.

Abstract: A method and system to automate payment for a network-based commerce transaction provide a buyer an option to enable an automatic payment service, wherein automatic payment service automatically provides payment to a seller upon a termination event of a network-based commerce transaction. Payment information of the buyer is provided to a network-based payment system upon the occurrence of the termination event.

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 set of computer-executable instructions. The set of computer-executable instructions is configured to connect a user over a network to an exchange and a service provider through the exchange. The set of computer-executable instructions is also configured to allow the user to negotiate a transaction by means of the exchange with the service provider. The set of computer-executable instructions is further configured to allow the exchange and user to enter into a sales contract. The set of computer-executable instructions is additionally configured to receive a payment from the user for deposit hold until completion of the transaction. The set of computer-executable instructions is moreover configured to release the user deposit payment to the exchange.

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.

Abstract: A service center receives a request for posting a message from a mobile device over a network, the request identifying a first discussion forum and a second discussion forum, the message pertaining to a product previously registered with the service center by a user. The message is transmitted to a first server hosting the first discussion forum over the network, together with first credentials retrieved from a database associated with the service center. The first credentials are to allow the first discussion forum to authenticate the user in order to post the message on the first discussion forum. The message is also transmitted to a second server hosting the second discussion forum over the network, together with second credentials retrieved from the database. The second credentials are to allow the second discussion forum to authenticate the user in order to post the message on the second discussion forum.

Abstract: Generally, embodiments of the invention are directed to methods, computer readable medium, servers and systems for enabling merchants to use hosted order pages (HOPs) and/or silent order posts (SOPS) and thereby avoid handling payment information and the costs associated Payment Card Industry (PCI) compliance, while at the same time utilize third-party fraud detection screens and thereby avoid costs associated with fraudulent transactions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and system for providing an international electronic payment service using mobile phone authentication. A payment method using an IPN server is selected, and results of verification of the product are relayed to a PG company server in a first country “A.” A user in country A enters primary authentication information, and a mobile communication company server performs primary authentication. The mobile phone of the user is then notified of an OTP, and the PG company server in country A receives the OTP and performs secondary authentication. The IPN server vicariously processes a payment between the PG company server and the mobile communication company server, and notifies a PG company server in a second country “B” of results of payment. The mobile communication company server sends paid money to the PG company server in country A, and the PG company server gives money corresponding to product price to the seller.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for verifying a commercial transaction between a card-holder, a merchant, and a credit card company. The card-holder makes a purchase with the merchant using a full credit card number. The merchant submits a transaction approval request for approval with the credit card company. The credit card company executes conventional credit approval of the transaction approval request, as well as verifies the transaction approval request with the card-holder. An approval is sent to the merchant only after the transaction approval request is both conventionally approved by the credit card company and verified by the card-holder. The card-holder, or the credit card company, may initiate verification of the transaction approval request. The transaction approval request can also be automatically verified if one or many pre-verification criteria is/are satisfied by data contained in the transaction approval request.

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: A methodology, system and business model are disclosed for facilitating a fully automated buyer's auction in which the major types of transaction costs are significantly reduced by providing the buyer and the sellers with near-perfect information about one another, including information about buyer preferences and competing sellers' offers. The system implements a buyer's auction with multidimensional bidding that minimizes market intelligence, search, bargaining and transaction execution costs and thus creates more competitive, frictionless markets. Buyers and sellers can efficiently conduct the buyer's auction within a unified environment, thereby minimizing buyer integration costs as well. The buyer's auction generates commercially marketable proprietary information and a revenue stream for the auctioneer providing such a service.

Abstract: An internet accessible computer system to conduct business to business operations among a plurality of buyer companies and a plurality of seller companies. In one embodiment, the system includes at least one seller client system, at least one buyer client system, at least one computer server coupled to a database for storing data, and a network connecting said at least one seller client system and said at least one buyer client system to said at least one computer server.

Abstract: Merchants are classified according to their reliability in shipping purchased products when promised. A merchant trustworthiness evaluator (MTE) automatically gathers data from users about purchases online from a merchant, including an order identifier and an estimated ship date. In one embodiment, the MTE collects data from customers about their purchases through the use of a conversion pixel, transmitted to the customer by the merchant at the time of purchase. The MTE obtains shipment information from the merchant or shipment carrier once an order has been shipped. The MTE correlates the shipment data with the order data and compares for each order the estimated or promised and actual shipment dates. The MTE scores merchants and classifies each merchant based on its score. Merchant classifications can then be provided to prospective customers.

Abstract: Merchants are classified according to their reliability in shipping purchased products when promised. A merchant trustworthiness evaluator (MTE) automatically gathers data from users about purchases online from a merchant, including an order identifier and an estimated ship date. In one embodiment, the MTE collects data from customers about their purchases through the use of a conversion pixel, transmitted to the customer by the merchant at the time of purchase. The MTE obtains shipment information from the merchant or shipment carrier once an order has been shipped. The MTE correlates the shipment data with the order data and compares for each order the estimated or promised and actual shipment dates. The MTE scores merchants and classifies each merchant based on its score. Merchant classifications can then be provided to prospective customers.

Abstract: A system providing seller pre-qualification during the matching phase of an electronic commerce transaction includes a directory structure comprising multiple hierarchically organized product classes, each product class categorizing multiple products and defining one or more attributes of the products categorized in the product class. The system also includes one or more pointers for each product class, each pointer identifying a seller database in which product data enabling a product transaction is stored for products categorized in the product class. The system further includes a search interface configured to communicate a search query for product data only to one or more seller databases associated with sellers having seller attribute values matching the specified seller attribute criteria, these seller databases being identified by the one or more pointers associated with the selected product class.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including systems and computer program products, for a services architecture design that provides enterprise services having supplier relationship management functionality at the level of an enterprise application. The design includes a set of service operations, process components, and optionally deployment units. Suitable business objects are also described.

Abstract: Systems and methods for distributing user-generated content are disclosed. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention may allow content to be generated by a user at a manufacturer's site with respect to a corresponding product and this content distributed to one or more retailers who sell that product such that the user-generated content may be incorporated into the retailer's site or brick and mortar location in conjunction with that product to allow consumers shopping at that retailer to access or view such user-generated content.

Abstract: A method and system for customizing web sites for visitor to increase the likelihood a visitor becomes deepens the relationship with the web site or becomes a customer is disclosed. A progression level design defines levels and conditions for moving between those levels. At each level, the web site is customized in predetermined ways commensurate with that level. Information on the visitor is gathered to evaluate their level and possibly upgrade or downgrade that level. Reports detail flow of visitors between levels for various time periods. Where that flow is not desired, the progression level design can be changed by adding, removing or changing levels and conditions.

Abstract: A new physical currency and any electronic token thereof is exchangeable for tangible goods or intangible services and has a value that is stabilized by an underlying stock portfolio or other asset having intrinsic value, the short term market value of which is arbitrated directly or indirectly by a central value bank.

Abstract: A service server can be operated in a more practical rate structure by extending the storage period and/or reducing the recording fee for information having a high utilization factor, or increasing the recording fee for information with a low utilization factor among the information stored in the service server.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for using a financial transaction card number system of a payment processing network as part of offer and gift distribution, verification and redemption systems. In an embodiment, a method receives indication of acceptance of an offer from a consumer and initiates processing of consumer payment using a financial transaction card number associated with the consumer. The method sends an intelligent transaction card (ITC) number to be used with a redemption code to purchase products or services contained in the offer. In another embodiment, a system generates and redeems a dynamic gift by requesting a gift code based on controls for the gift. Upon receiving indication that the gift has been redeemed, the system receives the gift code and authorization from a merchant and checks validity of the gift based on the controls. The system approves the gift redemption if the redemption is within the controls.

Abstract: A code system for preventing fraud in trading and at the same time a safe payment method for business and consumer. The code system of the present invention ensures security and control for the contracting parties regarding the previously defined attributes of the goods and the payment including all decisional steps of the transactions as well as of the reverse transactions in case of complaint. The contracting parties act complementary, money and goods or money and services are never at the same time under control of one contracting party.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are presented for facilitating account-based transactions. In an embodiment, the method includes associating a first person with an account, associating a second person with the account, receiving a request from a third party to authorize a transaction between the second person and the third party, determining a first communication address of the first party, and contacting the first party. The process also includes determining that the first person desires to communicate with the second person, determining a second communication address of the second person, initiating a communication between the first person and the second person, and receiving a signal from the first person that authorizes the transaction or declines the transaction.

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 method for enforcing parental-control policies on user-generated content may include identifying a web document with user-generated content and identifying a set of links in the web document that relate to the user-generated content in the web document. The method may also include identifying a target web document for each link in the set of links and determining a parental-control rating for each link in the set of links based on the target web document. The method may further include generating a composite rating of the web document based on the parental-control rating of each link in the set of links. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable-storage media are also disclosed.

Abstract: Under the present invention, a customer will login to a secure computer infrastructure and initially be polled and/or provide some input relating to an integrated IT solution that is desired. The customer can then make selections for hardware and/or software components desired for the integrated IT solution. The present invention will analyze the selections and verify whether each of the selected components is of similar quality to one another. If not, the customer can be alerted. The present invention will also make recommendations for services that best match the selected components. The integrated IT solution will then be finalized based on the components and services selected by the customer. Once the solution has been finalized, a corresponding contract(s) can be developed/generated, approved and executed within the secure computer infrastructure.

Abstract: The present disclosure involves a method of conducting a transaction. In one aspect, the method includes: displaying a media program on a media display device; indicating, while the media program is being displayed, an item associated with the media program is available for purchase; receiving authentication information of a prospective purchaser of the item; and completing a purchase of the item in response to the authentication information. In another aspect, the method includes: receiving, from a media display device, a user authentication request that contains user login credentials; granting the user authentication request in response to the user login credentials; and sending an authentication permission to the media display device; wherein the receiving and the sending are each performed such that the user login credentials and the authentication permission are sent through one or more intermediate hops without being inspected by any of the intermediate hops.

Abstract: A method by which potential buyers are identified includes receiving a description of an item a potential buyer intends to purchase within a particular time, determining a reward for the potential buyer based on intent data, providing the reward to the potential buyer and applying a penalty to a financial account of the potential buyer if the potential buyer does not purchase the item within the particular time period. The system includes a controller coupled to at least one input device with the controller operable to compute a reward offer. The controller includes circuitry, or software, configured to compute and apply a penalty if the potential buyer does not purchase the item within the particular time period.

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for generating consumable orders for document processing devices and for verifying approved source consumable usage in document processing devices, in which a customer computer receives electronic reports from the devices and from these ascertains whether particular devices will need replacement consumables and also whether non-program consumable products are being used in particular devices. If a replacement will be required, the customer computer presents a proposed order to the customer via prompting content customizable by a reseller. The customer can then accept, modify, or reject the proposed order, and any accepted or modified order is forwarded to an account manager system for automatic placement for consumable shipment from a manufacturer or distributor.

Abstract: A system or method that assesses a transaction request from a client to identify characteristics that are likely to indicate fraudulent behavior, based on data associated with the request and the client, including client data that is obtained from a social network, such as Facebook. The assessed characteristics may include the client's social profile, including number and status of friends, likes, and virtual account status, as well as parameters associated with the connection used for the transaction, such as IP and email addresses, country of origin, and language. A database is maintained that includes records associated with IP and e-mail addresses, users' characteristics and past redemptions, and the like. Specific criteria, limits, and responses may be defined for each particular class of transaction.

Abstract: A system to detect outlying behavior in a network-based marketplace automatically collects attribute information for a first plurality of sellers that includes a first seller, and stores the attribute information in a storage device. The system computes peer information associated with a second plurality of sellers using a computer system, wherein the first plurality of sellers includes the second plurality of sellers, and wherein the peer information is automatically computed from the attribute information for the second plurality of sellers. The system compares the peer information associated with the second plurality of sellers with attribute information for the first seller for the purpose of automatically detecting outlying behavior by the first seller.