Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for protecting privacy of parties to electronic transactions, such as transactions conducted through a GSM network. An anonymity service provider receives orders directed from its subscriber to a recipient for goods or services, along with information about its subscriber. The anonymity service provider relays the order to the recipient but withholds information about the subscriber, as the subscriber directs. The recipient receives payment for the good or service by way of a voucher from the anonymity service provider.

Abstract: A system and method for dispensing a key from a key kiosk disposed at a realtor's office near a real property based on a showing appointment scheduled with a showing scheduling system. The appointment, including a date and time, as well as an authorized user is communicated from the showing scheduling system to the key kiosk. The user then authenticates herself or himself to the kiosk at the appropriate time, and the key is dispensed. The kiosk authenticates the user by scanning a QR code or using the physical location of the user. The kiosk will not dispense the key if the user has a different key that is checked out, but not returned yet. The key can be returned to the kiosk where it is dispensed, or a different key kiosk. The kiosk also dispenses a single common key when the user shows multiple properties.

Abstract: A method and a system for managing an online shop use an instant messaging system to allow an auxiliary account to log in and manage an online shop of a primary account user. The primary account user creates an online shop in an online shop server, and associates itself with one or more auxiliary accounts in an instant messaging system. Upon authorization by primary account user to allow an auxiliary account to manage the online shop, the system records an authorization relation between the auxiliary account and the primary account. The authorization relation may be recorded in the instant messaging system. Based on the recorded authorization relation, the system allows a user of the authorized auxiliary account to manage the online shop system through the instant messaging system. An instant messaging server serving for this purpose is also disclosed.

Abstract: Method and device for processing a payment are disclosed. The method is performed at a user device and includes: receiving a user instruction for starting a payment through a pre-set payment platform; selecting a respective loading process from a plurality of loading processes for invoking a payment application, wherein: the plurality of loading processes include two or more of: (1) a first loading process for invoking the payment application immediately in a foreground process, (2) a second loading process for simulating at least one payment interface of the payment application in the purchase application before loading the payment application in the user device, and (3) a third loading process for completing the payment using simulated payment interfaces of the payment application without loading the payment application in the user device.

Abstract: Concurrent first and second uses of a consumer's credit card are made during a POS transaction to effect information sharing. The first use includes conventionally executing a primary transaction, while the second use includes a presentation to the consumer at POS with information sharing opt-in and/or privacy notices from the consumer's financial institution.

Abstract: A method, system, GUI, apparatus, and computer readable media for enabling a customer to access both an artist media file as well as the associated artist are provided. An artist profile may be hosted on, for example, a web site, SMS/MMS gateway, and a WAP site. A media file may be received from the artist along with artist contact links and may be uploaded to the artist's profile. A request to access the media file and/or the artist may be received from a customer. The customer may then be enabled to access the media file and/or artist. The artist's account may be updated to indicate the transaction.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a communications module that establishes a verbal communication between a customer service representative of a company and a customer through an electronic device in the possession of the customer. An identification module receives an identifier that alerts the customer service representative and/or a computer system of the company that the customer has a customer profile stored electronically. The customer profile includes information to identify the customer. An ID confirmation module receives an identification confirmation in response to identifying information input by the customer matching the information to identify the customer in the customer profile. The identity of the customer is confirmed electronically while masking sensitive information from the customer service representative. A notification module sends a message to the customer service representative indicating that the ID confirmation module received the identification confirmation.

Abstract: In a networked storage system, a request for placing a workload for is received by a management console that determines a plurality of subset of resources for responding to the workload. Each subset of resources includes at least two different but related resource types that can be used for processing the workload. A penalty index for each subset of resources is then determined. The penalty index of each resource is based on a supply parameter that indicates a maximum capability of the resource, a threshold value that indicates a capability level beyond which no load is added to the resource and a criticality factor that indicates an importance of each resource to the networked storage system. The workload is then assigned to a subset of resources with the least penalty index.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for conditioning wireless information flow in a wireless network. The system may include a processor that stores a digital key in a mobile device machine readable memory location designated for an optional WIFI frame field. The digital key may have a length (e.g., in bits) that is equal to a standard-specified length of the optional field. The digital key may have a length that is different from (e.g., longer or shorter than) the standard-specific length of the optional field. The optional field may include an IEEE 802.1Q virtual local area network (“VLAN”) address, tag or field or any other suitable optional WIFI-related field. The key may correspond to a user flow conditioning database record that corresponds to an individual having access to the processor. The record may be used to provide service to the user.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for using transaction data to provide information to a customer, the information being provided in response to a request from the customer so as to assist the customer in decisioning. The method may comprising inputting transaction data regarding a plurality of transactions effected at a plurality of merchants; inputting a request for information from a requesting customer, the request including parameters related to the request; performing processing based on both the transaction data and the request for information, the processing including generating a response to the request; and outputting the response to the requesting customer. The request and processing may relate to identifying activities of similarly situated persons vis-à-vis the requesting customer, based on the transaction data. The request may relate to identifying an optimum merchant to secure purchase of a target item.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for a similarity service. Multiple samplings of user accounts are randomly selected from a pool of user accounts. Interaction history data for each of the user accounts is used to determine item similarities corresponding to each of the user account samplings. The item similarity data is aggregated to determine similar items.

Abstract: A checkout apparatus including a self-checkout unit having a product identification device, a payment identification device, a microprocessor and a point-of-sale system configured to allow a touchless speed tender transaction. The invention also includes an apparatus and method for offering a mode-driven and/or customer-driven checkout transaction.

Abstract: A method for cross-platform synchronization of contacts in a multi-platform environment is disclosed. The method includes: acquiring a contact to be associated with an account in a social platform; acquiring an account of a friend associated with the contact in the social platform, and binding a phone number of the contact with the associated account of the friend in the social platform; and uploading the phone number and the account in the social platform bound together to a server. When it needs to view social information of a contact, the above method can simplify user operation, reduce time spent for operation in the mobile terminal and increase the battery life of the mobile terminal. Furthermore, a device for cross-platform synchronization of contacts in a multi-platform environment is also disclosed.

Abstract: A portable device which assists shoppers. The device identifies items of merchandise, and retrieves information about the items from a remote location. The items can be identified based on their labels, by image recognition, by their location, by the shopper, or by other approaches. This additional or enhanced information about the items can then be overlaid on the real-time display of the portable device, such that the shopper has access to said information and can associate it easily to the relevant items.

Abstract: Systems and related methods facilitating secure payments are discussed herein. Some embodiments may provide for a system including a payment gateway server, a tokenizer server and a detokenizer server. The payment gateway server may receive payment card data from a merchant device and provide the payment data the tokenizer server. The tokenizer server may be configured to generate one or more tokens based on the payment data and provide the one or more tokens to the payment gateway server. During payment processing, the payment gateway server may be configured to provide the one or more tokens to the detokenizer server configured to determine the payment data based on the one or more tokens to facilitate completion of a financial transaction. In some embodiments, the one or more tokens may be stored for subsequent payments. Furthermore, some embodiments may provide for secure promotion redemptions in addition or alternative to payments.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for adding at least one advertisement to a personal communication and providing additional communication data to a recipient that interacts with the advertisement. A sender network device communicates with an advertising application operating on a Web site to generate a personal communication containing at least one advertisement, where the at least one advertisement is selected from a palette of advertisements. In one embodiment of the present invention, the sender has control over advertisements that are displayed together with the personal communication by allowing the sender to delete (or remove) an advertisement from either the at least one advertisement or the palette of advertisements. If a displayed advertisement is interactive, and the advertisement is interacted with, the advertising application will provide the recipient with additional communication data in a format that can be understood by the recipient network device.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for direct manipulation of a triangular distribution of information. The system includes a graphical user interface for receiving user inputted values. The system further includes a data calculator for generating estimates based on the user inputted values, and for generating curves for display on a grid based on at least one of, the user inputted values and the estimates. The graphical user interface respectively receives the user inputted values based at least on a current position of a pointer on the grid. The graphical user interface is capable of applying a direct manipulation to at least one of the user inputted values and the estimates, such that a result of the direct manipulation is displayed on the grid and enters triplets corresponding to an expected value, an upper bound for the expected value, and a lower bound for the expected value.

Abstract: A transaction arbiter system and method is disclosed which incorporates a merchant function database under control of a transaction arbiter that permits merchants to interact in an automated way with bids generated by other merchants. Rather than utilizing fixed price schedules as taught by the prior art, the present invention permits each merchant to define a set of functions which describe how the merchant will respond to a customer request-for-quote for a given product or service. These merchant functions interact with both the customer request-for-quote and the results of other merchant functions to generate a dynamic real-time bidding system which integrates competition among merchant bidders to achieve an optimal consumer price for a given product or service.

Abstract: A method is provided for managing a social network of devices. The method provides a non-transitory memory, a network interface, and a social network application. Network-connected local devices create user accounts in the social network and populate a user profile listing device characteristics. Some examples of device characteristics include model and serial number. A central server is then able to access the user profiles in the social network, and cross-reference user profiles to a first device characteristic. The central server sends queries via the social network to selected local devices matching the first device characteristic and receives responses to the queries via the social network from the selected local devices. Further, the central server may maintain a database, stored in a central non-transitory memory, of queries and responses cross-referenced to the local devices. A system is also provided for managing devices using a social networking application.

Abstract: An intelligent search and interface customization system including innovative methods of processing user requests and optimizing search results is disclosed.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for protecting privacy of parties to electronic transactions, such as transactions conducted through a GSM network. An anonymity service provider receives orders directed from its subscriber to a recipient for goods or services, along with information about its subscriber. The anonymity service provider relays the order to the recipient but withholds information about the subscriber, as the subscriber directs. The recipient receives payment for the good or service by way of a voucher from the anonymity service provider.

Abstract: A registration system receives a registration to participate with an organization and a merchandise purchase order from a participant. The registration and merchandise order is processed in a single shopping cart transaction by the organization. Provision of merchandise and order fulfillment is performed by a merchandise supplier of the merchandise that ships the merchandise ordered directly to the participant. Merchandise supplier is compensated through a separate agreement with the organization.

Abstract: A method of providing a level of certification of an attribute of an item is disclosed. A requirement is determined for a level of certification for an attribute of an item. A notification is provided of an evidence item that is to be submitted to evaluate the level of certification of the attribute of the item. The evidence item is received. The level of certification of the attribute of the item is determined based on the received evidence item.

Abstract: A user interface to register merchants. The user interface is configured to allow a merchant to search and identify a set of transaction parameters that are used in authorization and/or settlement messages of payment transactions initiated for a store of the merchant and allow the merchant to obtain a store identifier representing the set of transaction parameters. The store identifier, for example, can be used to label offers of the store of the merchant. Thus, whether or not an authorization or settlement message transmitted in the payment processing network for a payment transaction is for the store can be determined based on whether or not the transaction parameters in the message match with the set of transaction parameters represented by the store identifier.

Abstract: A method for categorizing a use scenario of a product is disclosed. The method includes extracting, from a text describing the use scenario of the product, at least one feature tuple capable of characterizing the use scenario and performing a latent semantic association analysis on the at least one feature tuple to obtain a latent topic sequence for the use scenario. Further, the method includes determining a product scenario category to which the use scenario belongs according to the latent topic sequence for the use scenario. Additionally, a corresponding apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, methods, and computer program products are disclosed for adaptive bandwidth throttling. A monitor module determines a network bandwidth and/or a historical bandwidth for a data transfer between a storage source and a storage target. A target module adjusts a target bandwidth for a data transfer using a weighting factor. A target bandwidth may be based on at least one of a network bandwidth and a historical bandwidth. A weighting factor for a target bandwidth may be based on a priority for a data transfer. A transfer module transfers at least a block of data of a data transfer from a storage source to a storage target in a manner configured to satisfy a target bandwidth. A delay before transferring a block and/or a block size for the block may be selected based on a target bandwidth.

Abstract: A computing apparatus configured to perform natural language processing, e.g., by comparing the words in a communication transcript of a user to a list of keywords, to generate an input vector representing a pattern of text in the communication transcript. A predictive model is generated from correlating input vectors to user ranking scores, e.g., for retention. The input vector determined from a communication transcript is applied to the computation model to compute a predicted retention score of the user. The retention score can be used, for example, to select a personalized recommendation for a communication connection to an adviser and/or a targeted offer.

Abstract: Computer system, computer-implemented method, and program product for managing transaction comprising: administering clients' deposits to and withdrawals from client transaction accounts; determining a client available deposit amount, Di, determining, for Di, a value of Ni banks for the respective client transaction account, wherein Ni is a whole number and (X) times (Ni) is equal to or less than 100, where X is a distribution percent value to be distributed to each of the Ni banks; allocating, the percentage, X, multiplied by the client deposit amount, Di, calculating, for the banks a respective net deposit amount; generating instructions to transfer funds; and updating.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a shopping support server includes a merchandise list unit that lists merchandise a shopper plans to purchase; a merchandise evaluation unit that identifies merchandise listed by the merchandise list unit upon which the shopper has performed a health evaluation; a calculation unit that calculates a ratio between the merchandise listed by the merchandise list unit and merchandise identified by the merchandise evaluation unit; and a notification unit that notifies the shopper of the ratio.

Abstract: A method of evaluating data in a database, the method including causing a workstation to display a graphical user interface which a user can use to create a screening rule by defining at least one screening condition and by entering a score, whether the score is applied to evaluate data in the database if the screening condition is met, whereby no knowledge of a programming language is required to create the screening rule. Other systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and systems to automatically respond to a request for product information are described. In one embodiment, a data collection module may collect product data over a network, identify that the product data is related to a particular product, and store the product data and an association between the product data and the particular product in a database. An instant messaging engine may receive a request for the product data after the product data is stored in the database and an interpreter module may identify, in response to the request, the request to correspond to the particular product and retrieve the product data based on the association between the particular product and the product data. The instant messaging engine may also transmit, using an instant messaging protocol, a response to the request, the response including the product data.

Abstract: An acceleration sound generation device for a vehicle using at least one of an acceleration operation of the vehicle, an acceleration force generated by the acceleration operation, and an acceleration state obtained by the acceleration force as a control parameter. The acceleration sound generation device includes a sound generation unit and an acceleration sound delay unit. The sound generation unit generates an acceleration sound in a vehicle passenger compartment in response to an acceleration sound signal that is generated based on the control parameter. The acceleration sound delay unit delays output of the acceleration sound by the sound generation unit such that the acceleration sound changes and is delayed with respect to a change in the control parameter. The acceleration sound delay unit sets a delay degree of the acceleration sound at a rising time of the control parameter separately from at a falling time of the control parameter.

Abstract: An apparatus configured with software that enables participants to exchange trade-credit comprising one or more databases and processing components and which utilizes automated value matching algorithms and trade search engine algorithms to discover and process exchange paths.

Abstract: A central transaction server in electronic commerce card authorization system enables the electronic commerce card association to manage and monitor the authentication system. The central transaction server acts as an intermediary for all communications between the access control server used for authentication. If any portion of the authentication system fails, the central transaction server compensates by providing appropriate responses to other portions of the system. The centralized transaction server translates all incoming traffic into a format compatible with the intended recipient, enabling portions of the system to be upgraded without breaking compatibility with the non-upgraded portions. The centralized transaction server also enables the integration of formally separate portions of the authentication system into a single unit.

Abstract: A system, method, and article of manufacture for splitting a shared financial obligation is disclosed. The method may comprise receiving, by a bill splitting computer-based system, a single record of charge (ROC) associated with a purchase by one or more members of a group, and splitting, by the bill splitting computer-based system, the ROC between the members of the group.

Abstract: A method and system for reconciling data, the method comprising receiving account data including records of holdings, transactions and cash balances of an manager and a custodian. The account data is matched based on a set of rules for matching custodian and manager data. A holding matching process, transaction matching process, and cash matching process are provided to identify matches and exceptions in the records of the holdings, transactions and cash balances from the account data, which may be displayed to an end-user. The method further comprises receiving a request to investigate the exceptions in the records and providing at least one of cash, holding, and transaction investigations of the exceptions in the records.

Abstract: A system for leveraging email to complete an online checkout from a customer accessing a third party vendor website is disclosed. The system may store customer information including a name, email address, shipping address, and billing information. The system may receive a request for a purchase from the third party vendor including a customer email address and an item to be purchased. The system may authenticate the customer email address. The system may send a first email to the customer email address requesting authorization to complete a purchase. The system may receive a second email, from the customer email address, encoded with the token and confirming or canceling the purchase. The system may authenticate the second email using the customer email address and the token. And the system may transmit a confirmation of purchase of the at least one item to the third party vendor website.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed having at least one sensor operable to detect a presence of a consumer in a retail environment and at least one database storing personal information of the consumer and a plurality of sales representatives employed by the retail environment. The personal information includes at least one of a personality profile based on data from at least one social network system and text communications, photographic data, and video data on the social network system. A computing device is also provided that includes at least one processor and at least one network connection. The processor is operable to compare the personal information of the consumer with the personal information of each of the plurality of sales representatives and select one of the plurality of sales representatives to service the consumer based on the comparison.

Abstract: Disclosed technology relates to a method for transmitting a message, and more specifically but without limitations, to a method for transmitting a message in which if a shooting gesture is inputted by a user, an image showing that a message box flies to a receiver is implemented as augmented reality and outputted to a screen, and a message is transmitted to the receiver. A method for transmitting a message in a user terminal according to one of the embodiments comprises the steps of: acquiring an image through a camera equipped in the user terminal; receiving a message transmission request from a user; outputting an image showing that a message box flies to the receiver while superimposing the image onto the acquired image according to the message transmission request; and transmitting the message to the receiver.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with a consumer purchase decision scoring tool are described. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving a target identifier that identifies a target product. The example method also includes calculating a buy score for the target product.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods for systems and methods for maintaining technical support continuity across system restarts and multiple operating systems are described herein. In an embodiment, a method may include receiving a request to initiate a user support session. Additionally, the method may include receiving a unique identifier associated with a device to be contacted during the user support session. The method may also include establishing a user support session in association with the unique identifier. The unique identifier may be a hardware identification tag, a system-specific service tag, or the like.

Abstract: A method and a system for managing an online shop use an instant messaging system to allow an auxiliary account to log in and manage an online shop of a primary account user. The primary account user creates an online shop in an online shop server, and associates itself with one or more auxiliary accounts in an instant messaging system. Upon authorization by primary account user to allow an auxiliary account to manage the online shop, the system records an authorization relation between the auxiliary account and the primary account. The authorization relation may be recorded in the instant messaging system. Based on the recorded authorization relation, the system allows a user of the authorized auxiliary account to manage the online shop system through the instant messaging system. An instant messaging server serving for this purpose is also disclosed.

Abstract: A user's checkout information is stored for a certain amount of time, e.g., 10 minutes, after checkout, and the user is given the option of selecting a button to add one or more items for purchase and completing the purchase by adding the additional item(s) and approving the payment, without having to go through a complete checkout flow again.

Abstract: A checkout apparatus including a self-checkout unit having a product identification device, a payment identification device, a microprocessor and a point-of-sale system configured to allow a touchless speed tender transaction. The invention also includes an apparatus and method for offering a mode-driven and/or customer-driven checkout transaction.

Abstract: Various affinity systems and methods are provided to enable the capture of unique end-to-end purchase information. In some embodiments, the data collected through affinity systems and methods can be used to develop insights into the purchase making decision processes of users at any point of a shopping experience. The systems can host interaction platforms to facilitate the exchange of information, opinion, and/or suggestions on products, recommendations, and/or opinions. Further embodiments provide analysis of the captured data to derive insights regarding the appeal of products/services and the qualitative opinions of the users about the products/services.

Abstract: In one example embodiment, a system and method is shown that includes receiving financial data generated by a widget residing on a web page, the financial data including at least one of donation, or purchase data. The system and method may further include transmitting a display update to update the widget, the updating based upon the financial data. Some example embodiments may include, selecting a widget using an input device to generate data including at least one of donation or purchase data. Moreover, the system and method may include transmitting the at least one of donation or purchase data. Further, the system and method may include storing the at least one of donation or purchase data to a cookie.

Abstract: The present invention provides a media negotiation method, device, and system for a multi-stream conference. The method includes: sending a media advertisement message that carries information about at least two media data objects; receiving a media selection message that carries information, about a media data object, selected by a second media entity; and determining a corresponding media data object according to the information, about the media data object, selected by the second media entity, and establishing a media transmission channel with the second media entity, so as to transmit the corresponding media data object to the second media entity through the media transmission channel.

Abstract: When a user having an age less than a threshold age (a child user) attempts to access an online service or perform actions using the online service, the online service obtains parental authorization from an additional user having a parental relationship to the user. The child user may identify the user having the parental relationship and the online service verifies the validity of the identified user's account, the age of the identified user, and/or a connection between the identified user and the child user having a parental relationship type. The online service may make these verifications based in part social and transactional information associated with the identified user's account. Upon successful verification, the online service allows the identified user to authorize account creation for the child user, and/or manage the account and actions of the child user.

Abstract: A method for providing a service provides for a service provider to provide information to a service demander. In order to produce the information, the service provider evaluates data that describe selected parameters along a journey route. The data from the selected parameters are obtained by the service provider from selected data providers for the purpose of evaluation. The data from the selected parameters are received by service provider from the selected data providers such that identification by the service provider of one of the data providers on the basis of the transmitted data is made more difficult.

Abstract: A system and method for a sales transaction system (STS) in a social media network is presented. The invention provides a simple way to sell and purchase products in a social media environment allowing sellers to easily set up campaigns of a group of products they wish to sell. A member of the social network simply types a purchase direction statement (PDS) that is a keyword to indicate their desire to buy a listed product. The STS detects the PDS and invoices the buyer, updating the seller as to the completed payment, and directing them to ship to the appropriate address.