Abstract: This disclosure is directed to, in part, providing a third party with access to at least some information in a user's account maintained by a host. The agent may assist a user in selecting an item, purchasing the item, customizing the item, and/or performing other actions. The agent may interact with the user during the assistance. In various embodiments, the user may provide the agent with a token that allows the agent to gain at least temporary access to at least a portion of the user's account. In some instances, the agent may purchase the item for the user using information in the user's account, such as payment information, shipping address information, and/or other information. The agent may place an item, such as a special order item in a virtual shopping cart or other location, which may be stored with the user's account.

Abstract: The invention discloses a secure data processing method and system, wherein the secure data processing method comprises the following steps of: a security control server receiving a data upload request from a terminal, and obtaining a file feature, an identification code of the terminal and a directory path of a file with the file feature in the terminal comprised in the data upload request; the security control server judging whether the terminal is a trustable machine and/or judging whether the directory path is a credit directory according to the identification code and/or the directory path, and if the terminal is a trustable machine and/or the directory path is a credit directory, adding the uploaded file feature into a security database, or otherwise, not adding it into the security database; the trustable machine is a terminal in which data is considered as secure data. The invention further provides a secure data processing system implementing the foregoing method.

Abstract: A purchase platform redirection (PPR) computing device is provided, the PPR computing device configured to receive a checkout request associated with a transaction initiated at an initial purchase platform by an account-holder. The checkout request includes an identifier of the initial purchase platform and an account-holder account identifier of the account-holder's payment account. The PPR computing device is also configured to determine that the initial purchase platform is not a recommended purchase platform, and determine, using at least the account-holder account identifier, whether the recommended purchase platform is available to the account-holder.

Abstract: A device receive data regarding a project. The device may automatically evaluate the data using a set of analytics tools. The device may communicate with a client device to provide a virtual agent user interface component based on evaluating the data using the set of analytics tools. The virtual agent user interface component may include information identifying a set of alerts relating to the project and a set of recommendations relating to the set of alerts. The device may receive information indicating that a particular recommendation, of the set of recommendations is to be implemented. The device may communicate with one or more other devices to implement the particular recommendation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for configurable trading interfaces that allow a trader to quickly and easily submit trading commands to a trading system are provided. Using these systems and methods, a trader can using various trading interfaces to initiate trading commands, configure various display features and default command settings, and control a level of command entry verification that is provided to protect against inadvertent entry of incorrect trading commands.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for analyzing data in an online professional social network to identify, score, and match users with regard to providing professional services. A graph structure provides an efficient structure for accessing and processing data about service providers in order to create a service marketplace.

Abstract: There is provided systems and method for a voice data processor for distinguishing multiple voice inputs. One or more merchant devices may include or be linked to a voice input and output component, where the component may be used to receive voice input and distinguish between multiple voice inputs. The component may activate in a first direction associated with the merchant to detect merchant voice input that establishes a transaction with a user at the merchant's location. The component may activate a merchant device to establish the transaction based on detecting the merchant voice input and/or through voice recognition of the merchant. Once the transaction is established, the component may then activate in a direction of the user, and may request that the user provide voice input to confirm the transaction and engage in transaction processing. The voice input may also confirm and complete a payment to the merchant.

Abstract: A method of inspecting a user device of a user of a transport system includes obtaining, by a portable inspection device, identification data of a user device of a user of a transport system; generating an inspection result of the user device, by an inspection system, in dependence on the read identification data and an item in a record within a database, wherein the record comprises a plurality of items each relating to entry data of a respective user device of a respective of users of the transport system; and conveying, by the portable inspection device, the result of the inspection.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a social media ecosystem cooperative marketplace. To participate in the social media ecosystem cooperative marketplace, a sharing discount percentage is requested from participating social media merchants. The sharing discount percentage is used to provide lower purchase prices for plural goods and services provided to social media purchasers in the social media ecosystem cooperative marketplace and to support the social media ecosystem cooperative marketplace itself on a global scale for social media purchasers and social media merchants. Social media purchasers are searched for with social media index values and with social commerce connections. Social media purchasers are paid to view advertising or complete surveys for the social media merchants. The social media ecosystem cooperative marketplace is provided on a cloud communications network for mobile and non-mobile devices.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention fill the need of displaying relevant advertisements to members of targeted online groups (or online community groups), whose group members share common interests. The relevant advertisements are provided by advertisers who promote goods and/or services that the targeted online groups are likely to have an interest. The advertisers choose the targeted online groups based on the description of the common interests, focus or background of the online groups, or based on the categories that the online groups are associated. In one embodiment, moderators of the online groups may screen the advertisements before they are displayed on the online group media spaces. By matching interests, focus or background of online groups with products and/or serviced promoted by the advertisers and by moderators screening advertisements, the advertisements displayed would be more likely to be relevant to the members of the online groups.

Abstract: Exemplary methods, apparatuses, and systems receive, from a first user device associated with a first user, location data representing a current physical location of the first user. A request for the current physical location of the first user is received from a second user device associated with the second user. In response to the received selection, the current physical location of the first user based upon the shared location data is transmitted to the second user device. A selection of a third party service is received from the second user device. The current physical location of the first user is transmitted to a server associated with the third party service within a request for the third party service to send the a service or product to the current physical location of the first user.

Abstract: An method and system for handling service interdependencies in an ontology-based emergent environment that prompts service partners to provide both service type information and service parameters through a partner-portal so that the registered services can be classified into ontologies which allow parameters and rules to be associated with each registered service. The ontology modification information is generated by identifying an interdependency, manifesting the interdependency, generating new rules and parameters, and adding the new rules and parameters to the relevant service categories within the ontology database. The service partners are asked about these new parameters when registering a service.

Abstract: A system and method for data usage management in an electronic device is provided. The method includes tracking an estimated cost of a download in a currency set by a user, determining the estimated cost of the download in the currency set by the user, displaying the estimated cost of the download, determining application data usage, implementing notifications of the data usage, and displaying the data usage, wherein a widget or an application is used to display the data usage.

Abstract: A method of modifying a requisition within approval and budgetary constraints by a procurement organization may include receiving the requisition from a requesting organization, where the requisition may comprise one or more lines, each having been approved by the requesting organization. The method may also include receiving a change to be applied to a first line associated with a first budget allocation, where the change may be received from a buyer in the procurement organization, and the change may be associated with a second budget allocation. The method may additionally include determining that the change violates a threshold, sending the change to the requesting organization for a second approval, receiving, from the requesting organization, an indication as to whether the second approval is granted, and creating a purchase order based on the indication as to whether the second approval is granted.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods, systems, or apparatuses relating to data processing and more particularly to methods, systems, or apparatuses to process, create, or transmit, one or more messages relating to goods or services.

Abstract: According to the invention, a content delivery network (CDN) for delivering content objects from a content provider to a recipient is disclosed. The CDN includes a dynamic pricing engine and a second web location. The dynamic pricing engine is coupled to a first web location. The first web location, which is associated with a content provider, allows the recipient to order a content object. The delivery quote is solicited by the first web location for delivering a content object one or more times. The second web location delivers the content object to a recipient system of the recipient. The second web location is associated with the dynamic pricing engine. The dynamic pricing engine automatically produces the delivery quote, which is affected by at least one of the content object or a web location of the recipient system.

Abstract: A machine may be configured as a vehicle identification machine to identify a model of a vehicle based on an image that depicts a dashboard of the vehicle. As configured, the machine may receive an image of the dashboard, where the image depicts a layout of instrumentation within the dashboard. The machine may identify the layout of instrumentation by processing the image. For example, the machine may process the image by determining a position of an instrument within the layout of instrumentation, determining an outline of instrument, or both. The machine may access a data record that correlates a model of the vehicle with the identified layout of instrumentation and, based on the data record, identify the model of the vehicle. The machine may then provide a notification that references the vehicle, references the identified model of the vehicle, or references both.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an effective, user-friendly approach to help a buyer of a car, truck, boat, or other vehicle to get a firm quote from a dealer on a vehicle that the buyer wants, and is financially qualified for, without the hassle and time expense involved in traditional vehicle sales. Embodiments of the present disclosure also help link dealers with buyers who are pre-qualified and motivated to purchase a vehicle, thus helping to eliminate the wasted time, money, and opportunity costs dealers often devote to customers who are not interested in purchasing, and/or who do not financially qualify to purchase, a vehicle.

Abstract: One variation of a method for quoting manufacture of a part during construction of a virtual model of the part within a computer-aided drafting engine includes: receiving a quote file specifying a current manufacturing schedule and a pricing structure for a manufacturing facility; at a first time, in response to insertion of a first three-dimensional virtual geometry into the virtual model, calculating a manufacturing quote for the part based on the first three-dimensional virtual geometry and the quote file; displaying the manufacturing quote; at a second time succeeding the first time, in response to insertion of a second three-dimensional virtual geometry into the virtual model, updating the manufacturing quote based on the second three-dimensional virtual geometry and the quote file; and, at a third time succeeding the second time, submitting a form of the virtual model to the manufacturing facility for manufacture of the part.

Abstract: This invention allows the owner of a mobile device capable of two way telecommunications such as a mobile phone to have said device remotely evaluated using an electronic connection and obtain a firm price for said mobile device. More particularly, the owner of a mobile phone may obtain a firm price for said mobile phone before sending said mobile phone to a mail in location.

Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for allowing buyers to place intended purchase offers and rewarding them whenever they receive counter offers from sellers even before they make the purchases. The invention allows prospective buyers of goods or services to communicate their intended purchase offers, to display their offers on the apparatus for sellers to see and to allow sellers to accept or and counter offer. Buyers get rewarded whenever they receive offers from sellers. The apparatus in the invention consists of a central controller to process purchase offers and counter offers, a database to store information about buyers, sellers, their purchase offers and counter offers, an interface for buyers and an interface for sellers.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system that allows operators to compile and optionally compare prices across multiple suppliers. The system and method may be based on operator preferences and may be designed to execute orders from a single database and operator interface. The system and method also facilitate the ability to compare pricing and track historical variations and trends across like products and across a plurality of suppliers by a data mapping structure.

Abstract: There is provided a method for generating a quote of a first service provider, the quote being personalised to a particular customer. The method comprises: capturing (110, 120) from the particular customer a document (10) from a second service provider that is directed towards the particular customer; extracting information (130) on the particular customer from the document; generating (140, 150) the quote based upon the extracted information; and electronically communicating (160) the quote to the particular customer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for facilitating delivery of a service associated with a product are disclosed. In general, in an embodiment, a retail website receives a product selection and jobsite information indicative of an intended end-use location of the product where the associated service is needed. The website then solicits bids for the service and allows the user to select a winning bid. If the user selects a bid, the website facilitates delivering the service associated with the selected product.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an effective, user-friendly approach to help a buyer of a car, truck, boat, or other vehicle to get a firm quote from a dealer on a vehicle that the buyer wants, and is financially qualified for, without the hassle and time expense involved in traditional vehicle sales. Embodiments of the present disclosure also help link dealers with buyers who are pre-qualified and motivated to purchase a vehicle, thus helping to eliminate the wasted time, money, and opportunity costs dealers often devote to customers who are not interested in purchasing, and/or who do not financially qualify to purchase, a vehicle.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an effective, user-friendly approach to help a buyer of a car, truck, boat, or other vehicle to get a firm quote from a dealer on a vehicle that the buyer wants, and is financially qualified for, without the hassle and time expense involved in traditional vehicle sales. Embodiments of the present disclosure also help link dealers with buyers who are pre-qualified and motivated to purchase a vehicle, thus helping to eliminate the wasted time, money, and opportunity costs dealers often devote to customers who are not interested in purchasing, and/or who do not financially qualify to purchase, a vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for custom-fitting a service solution to consumer requirements are provided. A method for custom-fitting a service solution to consumer requirements, comprises acquiring a request for the service solution from a consumer via a conversational interface, and issuing a query to a service knowledge base to obtain a set of service knowledge representation items from the service knowledge base and analyzing each service knowledge representation item to determine whether a custom-fit service solution can be developed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for custom-fitting a service solution to consumer requirements are provided. A method for custom-fitting a service solution to consumer requirements, comprises acquiring a request for the service solution from a consumer via a conversational interface, and issuing a query to a service knowledge base to obtain a set of service knowledge representation items from the service knowledge base and analyzing each service knowledge representation item to determine whether a custom-fit service solution can be developed.

Abstract: A method of handling negotiations between a seller of an item and prospective buyers of the item is disclosed. A first offer for the item is received. The first offer includes a first item price and a first item quantity. A second offer for the item is received. The second offer includes a second item price and a second item quantity. It is detected that a first prospective buyer submitted a payment corresponding to the first offer before a second prospective buyer submitted a payment corresponding to the second offer. Based on an item quantity of the seller being less than the first quantity plus the second quantity, the seller is notified that the seller has an obligation to provide the first item quantity of the item to the first prospective buyer, but not the second quantity of the item to the second prospective buyer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, method and computer program for negotiating online transactions. The method includes obtaining a price for an item from one or more sellers. A buyer can make possibly dissimilar offers for one or more of the items. If all offers are less than all the prices for those items, the offer is rejected and a seller can negotiate the price for reoffer to the buyer. If the offer is at least as high as one of the prices, a transaction is processed between the buyer and a seller. If the offer meets the price of more than one seller, the seller to transact with may be determined based on a prioritized list from the buyer.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is provided that includes executing instructions stored on a computer-readable medium. The method includes receiving lead information from a computing device and generating a lead listing based at least in part on the received lead information. The method further includes identifying at least one retailer based on the received lead information and at least one buying preference associated with each retailer of a plurality of retailers, transmitting the lead listing to the identified at least one retailer, and receiving at least one bid from the identified at least one retailer.

Abstract: A system and method for aggregating demand is provided. At least one seller may sponsor a deal room to aggregate selling goods/services from a plurality of buyers. The demand aggregation system can include a dashboard for allowing the at least one seller to set up DealRooms, price curves, offers, products, customers, and/or customer groups, for example. The dashboard can include a plurality of wizards for configuring such information. The demand aggregation system can also include seller displays for notifying buyers of changes in prices relative to ship dates and times of order. The demand aggregation system can also include a predictive modeling and reporting function. An algorithm is employed to utilize product information to post a probability chart on a product price point.

Abstract: An optimization server optimizes a shopping list. The server receives a shopping list including a plurality of items to purchase. The server determines a discount to the price of one or more of the plurality of items, a sentiment score for one or more of the plurality of items, and a sentiment score for a retailer of one or more of the plurality of items. The server groups the plurality of items into a plurality of sub-lists, transmits the plurality of sub-lists to a respective plurality of retail servers, and receives a plurality of bids in response. The server generates optimized shopping lists based at least on the discount, the sentiment scores, and the plurality of bids. The server regenerates at least one of the optimized shopping lists based at least on a dynamic discount condition, a dynamic price condition, or a dynamic inventory condition.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic, computer implemented portal among service providers and service seekers. The system and methods allow the service seeker to post an electronic submission for services or the service provider to post an electronic submission for services to be provided. The system provides a non-negotiable functionality, which allows parties to instantly contract. In one variation, the service seeker may create a sufficiently detailed submission which can be answered by a service provider. In a second variation, the service provider may create a sufficiently detailed submission to perform services, which can be answered with a non-negotiable, binding legal acceptance from a service seeker. The system also provides a negotiable functionality, in which parties can negotiate aspects of the offer.

Abstract: A method and system for auctioning an auction item in a multi-attribute auction. A winning bid is selected by determining a secret value function indicative of acceptable combination of attribute values for the auction owner. The auction owner computing device or the auction server generates alternate combinations of attribute values based at least in part on the secret value function. To generate the alternate combinations of attribute values at least some of the combinations of attribute values are perturbed so as to hinder the bidders from deriving or finding the secret value function. The auction server informs the bidders, via a bidder interface of a client computing device, about the alternate combinations of attribute values and required biding directions. The bidder can offer a bid in a next round based on the alternate combinations of attribute values, in a progressive manner and without knowledge of the secret value function.

Abstract: A system includes a receiving module to receive a purchase inquiry for a cloud computing service from a consumer in a first currency. A pricing module is used to price-out the cloud computing service from a provider where the cloud computing service is provided in a second currency. A reconciliation module reconciles the purchase of the cloud computing service in the consumer's geographical location and currency with the provider's location and currency.

Abstract: A computer system receiving audiovisual information, geographic information, and a seller term from a seller computer, said audiovisual information disclosing a seller offer at a seller location captured via said seller computer, said geographic information associated with said location, said audiovisual information associated with said geographic information, said system providing said audiovisual information to a buyer computer for an acceptance of said offer via said buyer computer, said system conditioning said acceptance upon said buyer computer being geographically positioned in compliance with said term based on said geographic information.

Abstract: A comprehensive platform for merchandising intellectual property (IP) and conducting IP transactions is disclosed. A standardized data collection method enables IP assets to be characterized, rated and valuated in a consistent manner. Project management, workflow and data security functionality enable consistent, efficient and secure interactions between the IP Marketplace participants throughout the IP transaction process. Business rules, workflows, valuation models and rating methods may be user defined or based upon marketplace, industry or technology standards.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating real estate transactions that is configured for receiving property information from a listing service or data feed, presenting a property information display on data communication devices for each property; generating a unique transaction actuator in each property information display, and responsive to selecting a unique transaction actuator, generating an offer form with an offer transmittal actuator, wherein the offer form includes a plurality of data fields relating to an offer to purchase property that are populated with the property information for the specific property associated with the selected unique transaction actuator.

Abstract: A system includes a proposal engine configured to present quotes and/or proposals to customers at a network site.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing instant, real-time quotes for mixed product/service solutions, such as home improvement products, and allowing for fair price comparisons.

Abstract: A user is provided an interface to specify input corresponding to a set of requested terms for soliciting a transfer of a particular digital content item. The set of requested terms are determined from the input. A determination is also made as to whether the user has a right to transfer the particular digital content item. An offer is published for the user that includes the set of requested terms.

Abstract: A server receives a request for a deal from a client device of a merchant, the request for a deal including a merchant identifier. The server then accesses merchant information based on the merchant identifier, the merchant information including a merchant category and a merchant location. Additionally, the server obtains a set of candidate deals based on the merchant category and merchant location. The server then obtains historical information for each candidate deal, the historical information corresponding to one or more conversion rates of the candidate deal when the candidate deal was previously offered by one or more merchants. Next, the server determines a predicted conversion rate for each candidate deal, based on the historical information for the respective candidate deal and selects a deal based on the predicted conversion rates for the set of candidate deals.

Abstract: A system, device and method involve the management of formulas. In one embodiment, the formulas are buildable through the selection of mathematical components. A formula list facilitates formula management.

Abstract: A dealer to dealer tool allows a dealer to post a car for sale with specific details, or search for a car with specific details, using an app or IVR system and thus untethered from computers, though a computer option is provided. A human operator response system is included as an alternative. The device requires any interested party to meet the minimum price, which may be hidden or posted. The device of the invention allows extra services such as dealer to dealer networking for advice, news, data updates, social purposes and more. If a vehicle does not change owners it is quickly timed out to a Hot List system, then a bulletin board, and then blacklisted until it has a new owner. A dealer signs up and enters a profile of vehicles and/or price ranges of interest, also listing other dealers they do not wish to work with.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a non-transitory computer storage medium, for providing reverse auctions for goods and services in real-time. In one aspect, a method includes storing profile information associated with a plurality of information sources, each source associated with a category. A request for information from a user including information associated with a good or service sought is analyzed to identify information sources as responsive to the request based on a comparison of the good or service sought and each information source's associated category. Responses are solicited from the identified information sources. In response, a set of responses from at least a subset of the identified information sources is received, which are then ranked based on a comparison of the particular response to the request for information, and at least a subset of which are presented to the user based on the ranking.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and computing system for defining a shipping inquiry for moving a specific piece of heavy equipment from a starting location to a destination location. One of a plurality of shipping inquiry submission options is selected, wherein the plurality of shipping inquiry submission options includes: at least one direct submission option that submits the shipping inquiry to a single preferred service provider, requesting that the single preferred service provider fulfill the shipping inquiry; and at least one bid submission option that submits the shipping inquiry to a predefined group of service providers, requesting that the members of the predefined group of service providers submit competitive bids for fulfilling the shipping inquiry.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and computing system for initiating a shipping inquiry for a specific piece of heavy equipment having a defined manufacturer/model. A logistics database is accessed to obtain at least one logistics criterion for the specific piece of heavy equipment, wherein the at least one logistics criterion defines one or more logistical characteristics for the specific piece of heavy equipment. The at least one logistics criterion is identified to the user.

Abstract: In an electronic negotiation system, a web server stores seller information characterizing an offer. The electronic negotiation system provides for sending and receiving buyer and seller information regarding the offer where the information exchanged includes buyer and seller interest in the offer and a versatility in at least one of the seller defined parameters characterizing the offer. These electronic exchanges may be characterized as occurring in near real-time.

Abstract: A method is provided. User input data corresponding relocating a plurality of items is received at a user interface. An initial cost for the moving company to relocate the plurality of items is determined. Availability data is requested. The availability data indicates whether moving resources of the moving company are available for use during a time frame for relocating the plurality of items. Resource utilization of moving resources of the moving company during the time frame is determined based at least in part on the availability data. A determination is made whether the resource utilization meets a predefined threshold. The initial cost is modified based on whether the resource utilization meets the predefined threshold. A determination is made whether the user accepted the modified initial cost. The relocation of the plurality of items is scheduled by reserving at least some of the moving resources during the time frame.