Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are provided herein to facilitate negotiation between consumers and merchants for promotions. In one embodiment, a method for generating promotion impressions is provided which includes receiving, via a user interface, a request for a promotion, wherein the request comprises one or more indications of consumer preferences for the promotion and causing transmission of the request to a promotion and marketing service. The method further comprises receiving an impression comprising promotion data for one or more merchants based at least in part on the one or more indications of preferences. The method further comprises receiving, via the user interface, a selection of a promotion to purchase wherein the promotion is selected from the promotion data in the impression. The method further comprises transmitting the selection of the promotion to purchase to the promotion and marketing service.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a neuromorphic architecture for unsupervised feature learning using memristive synapses realized using phase-change devices. A spiking neural network architecture for unsupervised pattern learning and a spike-based learning algorithm compatible with phase-change synapses is described, and a feature-learning algorithm capable of performing a sequence of set operations on input patterns is provided. A learning rule for the extraction of certain features of the input that is compatible with spiking neurons and synapses with spike-based plasticity is also provided. The system enables enhanced pattern- and feature-extraction capabilities in neuromorphic systems.

Abstract: A real-time messaging platform allows advertiser accounts to pay to insert candidate messages into the message streams requested by account holders. To accommodate multiple advertisers, the messaging platform controls an auction process that determines which candidate messages are selected for inclusion in a requested account holder's message stream. Selection is based on a bid for the candidate message, the message stream that is requested, and a variety of other factors that vary depending upon the implementation. The process for selection of candidate messages generally includes the following steps, though any given step may be omitted or combined into another step in a different implementation: targeting, filtering, prediction, ranking, and selection.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a system that enables funds automatically transferred into the system from one or more funding sources in anticipation of such funds being used in association with various system components.

Abstract: Provided are an auction method and server that enable a seller and bidders to determine the price of a product at their own discretion by enabling the bidders to participate in a bid between the lowest price offered by the seller and the highest price of the product, and give benefit to both the seller and successful bidders by applying the successful bid price of a lowest successful bidder to all the successful bidders as a sale price.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reserving products, events, or services that have limited availability are provided. A product reservation system may be used to announce the availability of limited availability products. The announcements may be at times unknown to consumers. Consumers may participate in a product drawing session to submit one or more reservation requests for limited availability products being offered during the session.

Abstract: Systems and methods for very fast grouping of “similar” SQL queries according to user-supplied similarity criteria. The user-supplied similarity criteria include a threshold quantifying the degree of similarity between SQL queries and common artifacts included in the queries. A similarity-characterizing data structure allows for the very fast grouping of “similar” SQL queries. Because the computation is distributed among multiple compute nodes, a small cluster of compute nodes takes a short time to compute the similarity-characterizing data on a workload of tens of millions of queries. The user can supply the similarity criteria through a UI or a command line tool. Furthermore, the user can adjust the degree of similarity by supplying new similarity criteria. Accordingly, the system can display in real time or near real time, updated SQL groupings corresponding to the newly supplied similarity criteria using the originally computed similarity-characterizing data structure.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to a system for automatically and dynamically facilitating various transactions via a hyperlocal marketplace. A smart home system, for example, may track all perishable items within the home. Any items expected to have a surplus may be offered for sale to other homes in the hyperlocal marketplace. Any items expected to have a shortage may be identified and made known to the other homes in the hyperlocal marketplace. Bids may be made on the shortage items that may be offered for sale by the marketplace.

Abstract: A system controls a transaction from initiation to completion using live vendor inventory database and purchaser entered parameters from a mobile application. A network interface receives parameters entered by the subscribers through the mobile application on the subscriber mobile device and receives inventory updates from vendor systems, the inventory updates including at least a vendor price and identifying information. The system communicates with an accounts server to confirm subscriber funds and place a hold on subscriber funds equal to the required subscriber price and implementing a matching algorithm to detect matching results by determining if any vendor prices and identifying information satisfy any required subscriber prices and descriptions. The system transmits an alert to the subscriber mobile device with matching results, receives a selection from the subscriber of at least one of the matching results, conducting payment processing for the matching result and closes the transaction.

Abstract: A network computer system provides a service instruction to a computing device. The service instruction can include offers, such as a service request to pick up and transport a user, and recommendations, such as a movement recommendation encouraging the service provider to relocate to another geographic area. The network computer system remotely monitors the computing device to receive a current position of the computing device as the service provider travels within a geographic area. The network computer system remotely monitors the computing device to receive a service state of the service provider. The network computer system periodically determines whether the service provider is making progress towards a target of the service instruction based on the current position of the computing device and a set of progress conditions, including determining whether the service provider satisfied the set of progress conditions in response to a change in the service state.

Abstract: A method and system are described for determining a location of a consumer within a retail establishment, or other geographical proximity. The method and system use a portable computing device (“PCD”) such as, but not limited to, a mobile phone. The system and method may leverage existing infrastructure, such as wireless routers, to assist the PCD and a remote server in communication with the PCD to determine a location of a consumer in possession of the PCD within a retail location. The system may comprise a PCD running a geo-network discovery (“GND”) module, a server running a service set identifier (“SSID”) verification and rules (“V/R”) module, a telecommunications network, and a wireless router configured to broadcast a unique SSID.

Abstract: A method and a system for generating a search query to extract one or more relevant messages from a plurality of messages shared over a computer network. The method includes extracting a plurality of keywords and information pertaining to a plurality of customers from the plurality of messages. Further, the method identifies a set of influential customers from the plurality of customers based on a first score and a second score. The method further includes extracting a set of influential keywords from a first set of messages based on a first number of occurrences of the plurality of keywords in the plurality of messages within a pre-defined time interval. The method further includes generating the search query that includes at least the set of influential customers and the set of influential keywords.

Abstract: A token file is received from an e-Commerce platform having a veracity grade capability. An off-line transaction is made using the token which records events of the transaction. Subsequently, the token re-enters the e-Currency platform and transfers the recorded off-line events. The platform rebuilds the token's past state based upon the state of nearby tokens and the recorded events, so that additional transactions can be rated, including a veracity grade.

Abstract: A request amount acquiring unit, a supply speed acquiring unit, and a supply time period determining unit are provided. The request amount acquiring unit acquires information related to a request amount of a consumable, the request amount determined based on a location of a device which uses the consumable, the supply speed acquiring unit acquires information related to the supply speed of a supply candidate which can supply the request amount of the consumable based on (i) information related to a suppliable amount of the consumable and (ii) information related to a supply speed of the consumable of each of one or more supply candidates which can supply the consumable, and the supply time period determining unit determines a supply time period based on the request amount and the information related to the supply speed of each of the supply candidates which can supply the request amount of the consumable.

Abstract: There is provided a computer system for conducting auctions over a computer network, comprising: a posting system operable to post on the computer network information describing each lot of a plurality of lots that are available for bidding by a plurality of bidders, each lot including at least one item; a bid receiving system for receiving a bid relating to at least a portion of a lot of the plurality of lots, characterized in that the posting system is operable to define an n-dimensional matrix, where n is at least 2, wherein the matrix comprises the plurality of lots, and wherein the posting system is operable to post the matrix on the computer network. A computer-implemented method relating to the computer system, and a computer-readable medium containing instructions for implementing the computer-implemented method, are also provided.

Abstract: A computer implemented continuous dual auction system consisting of a computer, server, and a process for creating a real-time, or substantially real-time, online marketplace for the sale of goods and services. The process includes the input of information from a seller about a certain good or service for sale, including but not limited to a price desired and a price the seller is willing to accept. The process also includes the input of information from a buyer about a certain good or service desired, including but not limited to a price a buyer is willing to pay for such a good or service. The process also can include the input of credit card information for validation and guaranty purposes in allowing the buyer and seller to post a bid or offer, respectively, into the continuous dual auction system's real-time, or substantially real-time, online marketplace.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and techniques to access and decode vehicle information are provided. The method includes generating a request for a manufacturer server to transmit an option code to a central server based at least on a vehicle identification number received from a client device. The method further includes decoding, at a decoding module operating at the central server, the option code to generate an option that is present on a vehicle referenced by the vehicle identification number. The decoding includes mapping, by the decoding module and based on a conversion mapping, the option code to the option accessed at an option code database in communication with the central server and the decoding module. The decoding further includes generating option data including the option. The method further includes transmitting the option data to the client device for display at the client device.

Abstract: A system for controlling lighting devices at one or more light-enabled facilities includes a processor in communication with a portable electronic device. The processor is configured to transmit a set of available scenes for one or more gateway controllers to the portable electronic device, receive a light operation request comprising a selected scene and a time duration from the portable electronic device, determine whether the portable electronic device is authorized to cause a gateway controller associated with the selected scene to implement the light operation request, and if the portable electronic device is authorized to cause the gateway controller associated with the selected scene to implement the light operation request, transmit the light operation request and an authorization token to cause the gateway controller to activate at least one lighting device according to the selected scene and the time duration to the gateway controller associated with the selected scene.

Abstract: A system and method host an electronic marketplace in which the initial product prices are set by the selling party and the final purchase price is determined by the time between product posting and payment from a buyer. Gamification is implemented using purchasable powerups to allow users to manipulate the prices during a product listing. The seller has two options for the increment or decrement rate of the price of the product: automatic or manual. In the automatic incrementation, the system increments or decrements the final price by cross-referencing the time and the product seller's inputted choice of UP or DOWN at the time of posting. In the manual incrementation, the seller selects the speed in which the price is increased or decreased from the start to the end of the product listing based on the seller's inputted choice of UP or DOWN at the time of posting.

Abstract: In various example embodiments, a system and method for providing price guidance for sellers and buyers are presented. The system receives a present item listing and accesses a set of historical item listings. The system generates a price guidance model for the present item listing and generates a set of prices for the present item based on the price guidance model. The system then causes presentation of the set of prices on a client device.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for optimally provisioning tasks to machine instances. The machine instances can correspond to cloud providers and can be part of a multi-cloud. The machine instances can each have various resources available. The task can be received from a user including a job profile. A ranking can be determined for the machine instances. Based on the ranking, the task can be provisioned to one or more of the machine instances.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, method, and program product is disclosed for continuous bidding portal. A method includes posting a listing for an item for sale to a plurality of auction platforms. Each of the plurality of auction platforms incompatible with one another such that each auction platform is unable to communicate with a different auction platform. A method includes receiving a notification from an auction platform of the plurality of auction platforms in response to an auction event associated with the listing. A method includes updating information for the listing on one or more different auction platforms of the plurality of auction platforms in response to receiving the notification.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments, there are provided mechanisms and methods for facilitating dynamic customization of reporting tools in an on-demand services environment in a multi-tenant environment according to one embodiment. In one embodiment and by way of example, a method includes importing, by a database system, a first application from a computing system associated with a third-party entity, where the first application is associated with the third-party entity and first one or more reporting forms of a plurality of reporting forms. The method may further include integrating, by the database system, the first application with a second application to generate an integrated application, where the second application includes a local application and is independent of the first application. The second application may be associated with second one or more reporting forms of the plurality of reporting forms.

Abstract: A search application can return results including item listings posted to a website. An item listing can be posted to the website in a first format for a first time period and posted to the website in a second format for a second period of time. Responsive to a query for an item, results can be displayed in both the first format and the second format in a user interface.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for assigning values to objects includes receiving a plurality of values for each of a plurality of base objects including a first and second base object; receiving a plurality of values for a first composite object associated with the first and second base objects; generating and storing in the memory a solution set including combinations of values of the first and second base objects; for each combination in the solution set, generating first transaction results by computing transactions between the values of the first and second base objects; comparing each of the first transaction results to a first range of values including the values of the first composite object; and removing, from the solution set and from the memory, the combinations of the values of the first and second base objects corresponding to the first transaction results that are outside of the first range of values.

Abstract: Techniques for responding to content requests that originate from remote computing devices are provided. In one technique, a content request that includes a viewer identifier of a user that requested web content and a contextual entity identifier of an entity that is referenced in the web content is received. In response to receiving the content request, based on the viewer identifier, first profile data about a viewer associated with the viewer identifier is retrieved. Also, based on the contextual entity identifier, second profile data about the entity is retrieved. Based on the first profile data and the second profile data, a content delivery campaign is identified. Particular content to deliver is determined based on the content delivery campaign. The particular content is sent to a computing device that initiated the content request.

Abstract: The present system and method provides a unique and fast-paced method of auctioning multiple units concurrently. An auction group is created within the server, being made up of a plurality of, preferably homologous, units. All units within the auction group are concurrently auctioned in a primary auction, with each unit being bid upon within cooccurring separate sub-auctions within an auction period. Each bidding user has the opportunity to bid within one or more sub-auctions. Upon receiving a high bid within a particular sub-auction, a high bid period for that sub-auction is initiated, within which a counterbid must be received or the unit within that sub-auction will be awarded to the high bidding user. The sub-auctions may individually end prior to the expiration of the auction period. Successive primary auctions can be initiated, so that the user may obtain one or more units within each primary auction.

Abstract: A method comprises transmitting, by a merchant web-client, a signal using a low energy consuming device, wherein the signal may be received by a transaction account holder web-client, wherein the signal may carry content associated with a merchant, and wherein the merchant is associated with the merchant web-client, and/or receiving, by the merchant web-client, a response from the transaction account holder web-client, wherein the response may be transmitted by the transaction account holder web-client to the merchant web-client using the low energy consuming device. The content may comprise an advertisement associated with an item offered for sale by the merchant.

Abstract: A method and system for a seller auction dashboard and reserve price lowering are described. The system generates a dashboard presentation that displays real-time information about each of a seller's auctions including a current price, reserve price, and an indicator of whether the latest bid was set by a prospective buyer or the seller masquerading as a buyer. The dashboard also indicates which auctions are below their reserve prices and displays reserve price suggestions and success probabilities based on qualitative and quantitative metrics.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for sorting elements, such as bids in an auction environment or marketplace for the display of an advertisement on a web page. According to one implementation, a plurality of elements may be received over a network. For example, the plurality of elements may comprise a plurality of bids, each of which may include, for example, a bid price, a bid allocation, and a bid target. The received set of elements may be recursively partitioned into a plurality of element subsets. For example, the element set may be partitioned about a pivot selected from a sample set of elements chosen from the element set. A subset of elements may be identified from the element set as eligible elements (e.g., bids eligible for selection as a winning bid). Once the set of eligible elements has been identified, the recursive partitioning of elements may be terminated.

Abstract: An information provision device includes a reception unit that receives a display request for a product from a terminal of a user; an access-history acquisition unit that refers to an access-history storage unit that stores therein an access history indicating a purchase history or a viewing history of a product, and identifies a product that the user has ever purchased or viewed; an image extraction unit that extracts an image containing the product indicated by the display request and the product identified by the access-history acquisition unit from an image storage unit that stores therein a product combination image; and a transmission unit that transmits information including the image extracted by the image extraction unit to the terminal.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for calculating input-output relationships using, for example, spline functions. In accordance with one implementation, a computer-implemented method is provided that includes determining at least one price-volume point comprising a price and associated volume, transforming the price, and using the transformed price to calculate values along a spline function to obtain a price-volume curve weight factor. The method further includes transforming a second price, calculating values along the spline function and the first derivative of the spline function using the transformed second price to obtain a volume estimate and volume rate at the second price, and recalculating the spline function based on the calculated price-volume curve weight factor, volume estimate, volume estimate and volume rate.

Abstract: A gating module for use in a lighting system comprising at least one sensor module each comprising at least one sensor and a lighting network comprising at least one luminaire, the gating module configured to: receive sensor data obtained by the at least one sensor module; receive an input signal; determine based on the input signal and predetermined rules stored in a memory which parts of the sensor data are to be supplied to at least one luminaire controller for use in controlling the at least one luminaire; and only supply the determined parts of the sensor data to the at least one luminaire controller.

Abstract: A method and system for providing distributed network access point installation and management. A network provider installs and/or operates a plurality of access points at locations of a retail entity. Each access point may provide services such as Internet access, and/or content such as audio, video, text, and/or graphics, among other types of services. A carrier, such as a telephone or cable company, may compensate the network service provider for installation and operation of the access points. The carrier may in turn charge its subscribers for network access at the retail entity locations. A plurality of different carriers may provide compensation and allow respective subscriber access. The network access points may be configured to allow each carrier to present a point of presence to its subscribers at the retail entity locations. The installed network may also provide service for retail entity back office functions.

Abstract: A system and method for an interactive, computer-assisted on-line auction wherein at least one array of images of objects for auction are scrolled on a display device so that a viewer can view the objects, obtain detailed information regarding objects of interest an submit bids on those objects the viewer desires to purchase. The objects in the array can be sorted into rows and columns by criteria such as manufacturer, type of good, or time until which bids are accepted. The system can include an array for objects that can currently be bid upon and another array for objects that can be bid upon at a future time. Certain objects of interest to a viewer can be selectively rotated for three-dimensional viewing by clicking on an appropriate button.

Abstract: Efficient cloud service capacity scaling is disclosed. For example, a plurality of services are configured to execute on a plurality of isolated guests, each service being in a real-time latency tolerance or a retriable latency tolerance. A first service in the real-time latency tolerance is added to a scheduling queue while second and third services in the retriable latency tolerance and execute in the plurality of isolated guests. A scheduler determines that a current computing capacity of the plurality of isolated guests is below a minimum capacity threshold. The scheduler determines whether to elevate the second and/or the third service to the real-time latency tolerance. The scheduler determines to, and then elevates the second service to the real-time latency tolerance. The scheduler determines not to elevate the third service, which is then terminated, freeing computing capacity. The first service is then executed in the plurality of isolated guests.

Abstract: Techniques are provided that can be used in advertising campaign management in connection with auction-based online advertising. A tool is provided, for use by advertisers or advertising campaign managers, for being provided with, in connection with specified parameters, an indication of a competitive bid and a non-competitive bid. The tool may also provide an actual, estimated, or projected bid, which may be associated with an advertising campaign or a portion thereof, for comparison with the competitive bid and the non-competitive bid. The tool may allow assessment of a competitive bid landscape and help allow determination of an optimal bid.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to generate audience measurement data from population sample data having incomplete demographic classifications are disclosed.

Abstract: A database load tool includes a user interface, a retrieval engine, an authorization engine, and an update engine. The a user interface receives a request to add to a database a first table comprising a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns. The retrieval engine retrieves an authorization table from the database. The authorization table is separate from the table and indicates a plurality of users who are authorized to edit the database. The authorization engine determines whether the plurality of users includes the user. The update engine: generates a first Structured Query Language query to create in the database a second table; generates, for each row of the plurality of rows, a second Structured Query Language query to add that row to the second table; and communicates the first and second Structured Query Language queries.

Abstract: This present disclosure discloses techniques for establishing social network service (SNS) relationship. According to the techniques, online payment information of the first user and/or the second user are obtained from the database of the online transaction platform. Using this online payment information, it is determined whether the first user and the second user know each other. If they do, a message to establish an SNS relationship establishment is sent to the first user. The message contains personal information of the second user and allows the first user to decide whether to establish the relationship. The techniques therefore improve security and success rates in establishing SNS relationships.

Abstract: Techniques provided herein relate to electronic authentication on public systems. A backend system receives at least one electronic data action request from a publicly available client system that is shared amongst a plurality of users. At least a portion of the primary authentication information is received from a secondary device separate from the publicly available client system. The electronic data action request is authenticated by determining if the primary authentication information matches expected primary authentication information that is expected to complete the electronic data action request. Performance of the electronic data action request is facilitated when the primary authentication information matches the expected primary authentication information.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to modeling resource allocations. A data model may be provided to an activity modeling engine. The activity modeling engine may be employed to provide an activity model based on the data model, such that the activity model may include activity objects that each may be associated with bills-of-materials (BOMs). Resource allocations from source activity objects to target activity objects may be provided based on the BOMs, such that the resource allocations may be modeled using unit values defined by the BOMs. A report visualizing the activity model may be provided and presented on a hardware display.

Abstract: In response to a selection of a program, a board image display control section sets program related information associated with the selected program in a displayable state. An execution start managing section starts the program in response to reception of a request to start the program, the program related information associated with the program being set in the displayable state. A stop and end managing section ends an already started program when a given condition is satisfied at a time of starting the program by the execution start managing section. A setting of program related information associated with the ended program is maintained in a displayable state even after the program is ended by the stop and end managing section.

Abstract: An environment is established in which a variety of participating entities, including but not limited to auction houses, manufacturers, third party product and service providers, individuals, etc., can interface and benefit from the vast amount of data that is naturally collected or assimilated in the process of evaluating products to be introduced to an auction line.

Abstract: A method for backing up and restoring search service applications (SSAs) is provided that backs up an SSA topology extensible markup language (XML) file to a backup system. The method then backs up an SSA search topology XML file to the backup system and backs up SSA databases to the backup system. An application programming interface (API) is queried to discover internet information services (IIS) virtual directories associated with the SSA. Discovered IIS virtual directories associated with the SSA are backed up to the backup system IIS configuration data, IIS metabase data and registry data for the SSA are also backed up to the backup system. A similar process is utilized to restore this data to enable the recovery of an SSA.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, circuits, systems and associated computer executable code for detecting the presence of a mobile computing device in a specific area. Included are means for receiving a message from the mobile device including a coarse location indicator, determining that the received coarse location indicator is in proximity with one or more local (e.g. retailer) stations, and causing at least one of the one or more local stations to transmit a mobile device specific poling signal to the device.

Abstract: A multi-level approach for generating suggestions and/or recommendations associated with one or more items is provided. A group of related items may be identified, for example, by generating a collaborative filtering graph or other graph that includes items and connections between the items. Description data associated with items included in the group may be evaluated in order to determine respective keywords associated with the items and/or a list of common keywords representative of the group of items or a subset of the group of items. Based at least in part upon the list of common keywords, at least one suggestion may be generated.

Abstract: A system, an apparatus, a device, a method, and computer readable medium are disclosed. In an example, a server may be configured at least to perform identifying a consumer associated with a device, generating a consumer vector comprising a consumer interest score for each of a plurality of items, generating a second vector, selecting a subset of the plurality of items, and adjusting at least two visual attributes of each item in the subset for display in a graphical user interface based on the consumer vector and the second vector.

Abstract: An electronic negotiation system is set forth. The system includes a first processor adapted to generate and send at least one unsolicited electronic offer from a registered buyer electronic device via a subscriber network device to at least one of a registered seller electronic device and a seller electronic device. The subscriber network device is adapted for operative communication with the first processor and at least one of the registered seller electronic device and the seller electronic device adapted to receive the unsolicited electronic offer. The first processor selectively incorporates screenshot information from a seller URL, which includes any data from the seller URL, in which the unsolicited electronic offer is selectively incorporated and sent to the seller electronic device, or the at least one unsolicited electronic offer is sent to the registered seller electronic device having registered user data stored in the data storage device.

Abstract: Example dynamic pricing systems and methods are described. In one implementation, a method receives an indication of an occurrence of a first event unrelated to a particular customer. The method also receives an indication of an occurrence of a second event unrelated to a particular customer. Based on the first event and the second event, the method determines whether to adjust a price associated with a particular item. If the method determines that the price associated with the particular item needs adjustment, a new price for the particular item is determined based on the first event and the second event.