Abstract: Systems and methods for sellers of goods and services for providing information relating to existence and features of what they provide, to buyers using a system as herein described that enables a buyer to identify and obtain collections of information that comprise a subset of the contents of a database having multiple records provided by a plurality of sellers. A seller may use a conventional home or office computer including without limitation PC's and MACINTOSH™ computers, tablets and smartphones to transmit information to a system as provided, which is accessible to users also via a conventional home or office computer. A user specifies desired criteria and the system provides the user a subset of information upon which further decisions by the user can be made. In some embodiments, systems and methods provided relate to information concerning the inventory of new home construction in a selected region, which region may include a general metropolitan area.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a computer-implemented method, system and apparatus to enable data-driven, multi-channel communications to facilitate business processes. By providing more than one channel for communication between market participants, which includes suppliers and consumers, real-time requests for information, services, or the like can be solicited in a way that those selected to provide responses have certain attributes, and the supplier is selected for the solicitation automatically and instantaneously notified of the request based on automatic selection of those attributes. The notification is instantaneously communicated using more than one channel of communication, potentially in a mode that the potential supplier has indicated is a more likely way of actually and instantly receiving the request. The system further provides at least one mechanism by which all of the selected suppliers can instantly respond to the request, which is then communicated to the requestor.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method to transcribe a voice chat session initiated from a text chat session. The system includes a chat server, a voice server, and a transcription engine. The chat server is configured to facilitate a text chat session between multiple instant messaging clients. The voice server is coupled to the chat server and configured to facilitate a transition from the text chat session to a voice chat session between the multiple instant messaging clients. The transcription engine is coupled to the voice server and configured to generate a voice transcription of the voice chat session. The voice transcription may be aggregated into a text chat history.

Abstract: A voice channel connection and a data channel connection are established with a structured voice interaction system. Navigation information for and provided by the structured voice interaction system is received over the data channel connection. The data channel navigation information is coordinated with navigation information provided by the structured voice interaction system over the voice channel connection.

Abstract: Call center order system and process allows a customer service representative to make remote calls to a server to perform shopping cart actions, all on one web page. Historically, representatives would need to enter client information and product information on several different web pages to satisfy a purchase. Eventually, the representative would have “loaded” several different pages to enter product and customer information. This method resulted in a high amount of errors and increased the risk of fraud. The system utilizes AJAX and dynamic HTML technology. The representative is able to add, update, or remove products in the cart without waiting for the page to “refresh” after every action. Cart actions are flagged with a “ticking” indicator bar. Orders may be placed in a “queue” instead of loading a different page. A mild fraud mode to allow multiple orders is also described. A storefront is used in this process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for communicating a purchase request to a dealer immediately. A Data Center system has a system database accessible to a plurality of dealers. A potential buyer submits a purchase request over a computer network to the Data Center system. The purchase request may include product identification data and buyer location information. The Data Center system identifies at least one appropriate dealer to receive the purchase request. The Data Center creates a purchase request record from the data and information provided in the purchase request. The Data Center then communicates the purchase request to the appropriate dealer by immediately storing the purchase request record into the system database such that the purchase request is accessible only to the at least one identified dealer. The purchase request becomes available to the at least one identified dealer immediately upon the creation of the purchase request record.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that for matching consumers with product or service providers is disclosed. The method may include establishing one or more profiles from one or more product or service providers, establishing one or more profiles from one or more consumers, receiving a consumer's subject matter request, matching the consumer with one or more products or service providers based on at least one of the consumer's profile and subject matter request, and providing the consumer's contact information to the matched one or more products or service providers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that for matching consumers with product or service providers is disclosed. The method may include establishing one or more profiles from one or more product or service providers, establishing one or more profiles from one or more consumers, receiving a consumer's subject matter request, matching the consumer with one or more products or service providers based on at least one of the consumer's profile and subject matter request, and providing the consumer's contact information to the matched one or more products or service providers.

Abstract: A method and a system to automatically coordinate remote inspectors are provided. Initially, a listing is identified for remote inspection in an online publication system. The listing may describe an item for sale that is, in turn, associated with a geographical location and a category. One or more remote inspectors are identified based on the geographical location and the category associated with the item for sale. The listing and respective profiles of each of the one or more remote inspectors is published to a buyer. A selection of a selected remote inspector is received from the buyer. A template inspection report is provided to the selected remote inspector. Once the remote inspector has inspected the item for sale, the buyer is provided a completed inspection report received from the selected remote inspector.

Abstract: Mechanisms are provided for efficiently and effectively connecting users such as customers, consumers, and clients with remote agents such as salespeople, assistants, personal shoppers, etc., by using a merchandising interface in store, shop, and showroom environments. A merchandising connection system identifies and analyzes characteristics of users, target products, and remote agents, and matches users and remote agents using data such as demographic information, common interests, compatible personality types, areas of expertise, attractiveness levels, etc. Various sensors, detectors, actuators, scent emitters, etc., at the merchandising interface work to enhance the user and remote agent connection.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing business processes. First business process data obtained from a first trading participant includes a set of transaction messages having a first data format in accordance with a first protocol for conducting business transactions used by the first trading participant. A virtual trading participant receives fictitious business process data from the first trading participant and acknowledging the fictitious business process data and replying to the first trading participant that the fictitious business process data has been acknowledged. Operational characteristics and a connectivity of a currently trading participant connected to a process management platform accessible via an interconnection fabric are tested, by utilizing the virtual trading participant to determine if the data defining individual business processes is in a uniform format understood by a process management platform.

Abstract: Various aspects include methods and devices for aggregating a number of micro-payment transactions within a secure memory of a purchaser's computing device to enable completion of micropayment electronic commerce transactions with reduce the number of fund transfers and verification messages. Transactions in which a purchaser pays a micropayment (i.e., <$1.00) are aggregated over time in a purchaser's computing device. Eventually accumulated transaction information is downloaded to a trusted payment authority for settlement. The trusted payment authority pays the merchant for all aggregated transactions in a single funds transfer. Transactions among many purchasers may also be aggregated into a single funds transfer. By aggregating micropayments within the purchaser's computing device, the amount of money involved in transactions processed through the payment authority can become large enough to justify the transactions costs of exchanging money between the purchaser and various merchants.

Abstract: Various systems, methods, and computer program products are described for mediating sales between a buyer and a seller of meeting times. For example, a method may include receiving an indication of a meeting for sale and a sale parameter. The meeting for sale includes a meeting with a party of interest for a specified period of time and the sale parameter describes the meeting for sale. The method may include communicating the meeting for sale and the sale parameter. The method may include receiving an offer to purchase the meeting for sale. The method may include determining whether the offer satisfies the sale parameter. The method may include facilitating the meeting with the party of interest when the offer satisfies the sale parameter.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a virtual reality system that includes an instrumented device used to present a virtual shopping environment to a simulation participant. The participant's interactions with the virtual shopping environment may be used to conduct market research into the consumer decision making process. The virtual shopping environment may include one or more smart objects configured to be responsive to participant interaction. The virtual shopping environment may recreate a real-world shopping environment.

Abstract: A micro-payment system has buyers, sellers, and a broker. The buyers establish accounts with the broker and provide payment information allowing the broker to invoice the buyers. The sellers establish accounts with the brokers and specify terms for accessing items, including electronic content, available from the sellers. The sellers also provide payment information that allows the broker to credit the sellers for sales of the items. The broker aggregates the buyers' micro-payment purchases and invoices the buyers. The broker also aggregates the sellers' micro-payment sales and credits the sellers.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system to enable buyers and sellers of data items associated with data streams housed on electronically readable data tags or data streams contained within digitally transmissible messages or data streams generated by devices capable of implementing computer readable code to set, manage, and collect fees for the one or a plurality of data items and for the processing, collection, and posting of the one or a plurality of data items. It further provides a method for collection of fees and posting data from data streams to datasets through electronic devices capable of implementing computer readable code. It further provides a method for electronic devices capable of implementing computer readable code to write data into electronic messages or onto electronically readable data tags or to other electronic devices capable of running computer readable code.

Abstract: An electronic commercial transaction system and associated methods, in which the transaction is conducted concurrently with or followed by a solicitation for either a gratuity for the seller or a charitable donation to be forwarded to a third party beneficiary.

Abstract: A real-time, localized and mobile matching method for proxy purchase includes the following steps: position information of several default purchasing agents is received. At least one purchase request is received from at least one client. The purchase request includes information of at least one product to be purchased and location of at least one vendor of the product to be purchased. Candidate purchasing agents, position information of which corresponds to the location of the vendor of the product to be purchased, are filtered from the default purchasing agents. The information of the candidate purchasing agents is transmitted to the client, such that a selection signal, which includes information of a selected purchasing agent selected from the candidate purchasing agents, is received from the client. The purchase request is transmitted to the selected purchasing agent through a wireless communication network.

Abstract: An estimate compliance tool specifying estimate compliance criteria is presented. The estimate compliance can be accessed via hardware, software or a combination thereof. The tool can be configured to include functions facilitating creation of rules that outline criteria for estimate creation or invoicing. A user can enter vehicle and parts identification via a user interface to which a rule will apply. The user can also enter a rule requirement or suggestion. The compliance tool can include multiple modules configured to accept user input regarding vehicle or parts criteria or configured to create an estimate compliance rule based on the vehicle or parts criteria. The compliance tool can further include a storage medium configured to store multiple estimate compliance rules and a profile module. The profile module creates a rules profile comprising multiple estimate compliance rules. Additionally, the tool provides a compatibility module that checks compliance rules for conflicting rule criteria.

Abstract: A method of conducting an asset marketing network business, and a machine for conducting the same, is disclosed, which includes the steps of hosting an asset marketing network website and registering asset marketing network members, including asset posting member and asset buying members, where asset marketing network members are allowed access to the asset marketing network website. The machine stores data associated with an asset, including controlled asset posting data and uncontrolled asset posting data. The machine can be used to allow the asset buying member access to the controlled asset posting data, in response to receiving approval from the asset posting member to allow the asset buying member access to the controlled asset posting data. The machine can be used to store and release prequalification data associated with the asset buying member.

Abstract: A computer readable storage medium includes instructions to receive a request from a client to enroll in a trust network. A registration form is supplied to the client in response to the request. Client data in the registration form received from the client is processed to load the client data as parameters in a managed trust network. The managed trust network includes a vouch system, a complaint resolution mechanism, relationship value exchange and endorsements.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed toward a content marketplace where digital content can be offered for use by licensees in exchange for a license from a licensor. In some embodiments the content marketplace can provide this licensing forum without hosting the digital content. Instead, the content market place can provide links to the digital content at a digital content host (e.g. third party website). For instance, the content marketplace can embed the digital content into the content market place by embedding an Internet address that points to the digital content at the digital content host. In some embodiments the content marketplace can also provide, among other things, searchable index of digital content available for license, license attributes for license agreements, descriptions of the digital content, and/or standard licenses that can be agreed upon.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a supplier dynamic reference are provided. Some embodiments include a processor and a memory coupled to the processor for storing instructions. In various embodiments, the memory stores instructions causing the processor to provide product information to a consumer, process data to determine that the consumer wants to make a purchase, process data to enable a supplier to dynamically select a reseller of their products based on a predetermined criteria, and cause the processor to transmit data related to the selected reseller to the consumer. Some embodiments may include a database with product information and product reseller information, including an indication of which resellers sell each product and a selection system configured to select a reseller to provide to the consumer based on the consumer wanting to purchase the product and a reseller selection criteria, wherein the transmitter transmits reseller information to the consumer.

Abstract: A user may simulate wearing real-wearable items, such as virtual garments and accessories. A virtual-outfitting interface may be provided for presentation to the user. An item-search/selection portion within the virtual-outfitting interface may be provided. The item-search/selection portion may depict one or more virtual-wearable items corresponding to one or more real-wearable items. The user may be allowed to select at least one virtual-wearable item from the item-search/selection portion. A main display portion within the virtual-outfitting interface may be provided. The main display portion may include a composite video feed that incorporates a video feed of the user and the selected at least one virtual-wearable item such that the user appears to be wearing the selected at least one virtual-wearable item in the main display portion.

Abstract: There is provided a method for showcasing a built-up structure with at least one room. It is advantageous that the user is able to view the interior of the built-up structure by accessing and navigating about a single panoramic image for each room. An apparatus enabling the method and a method of using a work product of the method for showcasing a built-up structure with at least one room is also provided.

Abstract: An interchange party computer system (IPCS) having means for presenting user interfaces to consumer computer systems and capturing data input through the user interfaces, the IPCS being associated with at least one database holding data representing a plurality of consumer profiles, the profiles including consumer profiles expressing service selection attributes for a plurality of service sectors, and at least one database holding data for a plurality of service programs under a plurality of service sectors, each sector being represented by service programs from a plurality of service providers, the IPCS including (a) a Service Comparison/Selection; (b) a Automatic Bill Payment Module; (c) an Automated Services Monitoring Module; (d) an Automated Best Services Selection Module; (e) a Services Search Module; (f) an Incentive Program Module; (g) a Data Mining Module; and/or (h) a Pooling Module.

Abstract: A system and method for remote acquisition and delivery of goods includes a server in communication with customer computers, such as through a user interface via the internet. The server can store customer information including billing information, and may include a real-time video processor. A mobile delivery system in communication with the server includes an energy efficient vehicle, a real-time video device, a global positioning system, a communication device and a printer. In use, a customer communicates with a mobile delivery agent via the real-time video device and the communication device to remotely acquire a product. Once acquired, the delivery agent delivers the product to a designated delivery location. The real-time video device can be utilized during the entire transaction. The system preferably includes a processor for optimizing system efficiencies, including selecting a delivery agent based on the product, pick-up location and delivery site.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for facilitating a business process communication and managing business processes. First business process data is obtained from at least one first trading participant and processed at a process management platform configured to automatically determine second trading participants to satisfy the first business process data. A second protocol is identified for conducting business transactions used by the second trading participants. Second business process data is generated from the first business process data. The second business process data includes a set of transaction messages having a data format in accordance with the identified second protocol. The second business process data is transmitted from the process management platform to the second trading participants. The first and second trading participants conduct the business transactions in accordance with their respective protocols for conducting business transactions.

Abstract: A user is able to change one or more payment options after payment has already been made to a merchant. A payment provider processes a payment request during a transaction with the merchant with default or selected payment options. After the transaction with the merchant is completed and the merchant has been paid, the user may change one or more of the payment options, such as funding source(s) and terms/conditions of payment (e.g., deferment period, installment period/amount, etc.). During the transaction, the user may make a purchase through the payment provider even if the user does not have an account with the payment provider by providing user information, such as name, address, phone number, email address, and date of birth, but not a social security number or funding source information.

Abstract: A buyer-seller matching system that uses incentives to verify commissions from matching the buyer with a seller. An item locator system that comprises a repository of information about items for purchase may be provided over a network for users to access information about items for purchase. Along with each item, the system presents an incentive that may be realized if that item is purchased from a designated third party seller. The user then executes the purchase with the seller, who pays the system the agreed upon fee and also issues a certification of purchase to the buyer. The user may then take the certification of purchase back to the central repository to redeem the incentive. The item locator system then checks to verify that it has received a fee or commission from the seller for bringing the seller a buyer of the item. The fee or commission may be based on the price of the item, such as if the item is a new house for sale and the seller is a new house builder.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a menu of items offered for sale by a merchant, where the menu of items permits a user, of a user device, to place an order with an attendant, associated with the merchant, that includes an item of the menu of items; receiving information associated with the order that was placed with the attendant, where the information associated with the order includes the item and a price associated with the item; receiving an instruction to pay for the order; retrieving, in response to the instruction, payment information to be used to pay the price associated with the item; sending, to a server device, the payment information to permit the server device to process the payment information to pay for the order, where the sending is performed in a manner that does not permit the attendant to access the payment information; and receiving an indication that the payment information was processed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electronically accessible site that lists a product and associated distributors that distribute the product to customers. A customer purchases a product from the electronically accessible site, and during the purchasing process, the customer selects the distributor he wants to receive the product from. The order is received by an agent, and transmitted to the selected distributor for eventual distribution of the product to the customer. In response to the purchase, the agent and electronically accessible site receive compensation based on the amount of the purchase.

Abstract: A micro-payment system has buyers, sellers, and a broker. The buyers establish accounts with the broker and provide payment information allowing the broker to invoice the buyers. The sellers establish accounts with the brokers and specify terms for accessing items, including electronic content, available from the sellers. The sellers also provide payment information that allows the broker to credit the sellers for sales of the items. The broker aggregates the buyers' micro-payment purchases and invoices the buyers. The broker also aggregates the sellers' micro-payment sales and credits the sellers.

Abstract: In one aspect, a computing apparatus stores in a computer readable storage media transaction data related to a plurality of payment card transactions processed at a transaction handler for a group of accounts. Based on the transaction data and user feedback, such as ratings and comments, the computing apparatus computes preference scores to rank merchants and to provide recommendations or suggestions to users of the account group based on the preference scores, such as suggesting hotels or restaurants to business travelers of a company based on spending amount and frequency derived from the transaction data of the corporate credit card accounts of the company.

Abstract: A network business transaction system includes a foreground system and a background system. The foreground system has an order module. The background system has a commodity management module for sellers to share their own commodities with other sellers for consignment sale, and to share commodities of the other sellers in their own online stores for selling as agent for buyers to shop and purchase. When the commodity is owned by the seller, the commodity management module notifies the seller for account processing and commodity delivery processing. When the commodity is a commodity for consignment sale, the commodity management module notifies the original seller of the commodity who owned the commodity for account processing and commodity delivery processing. Therefore, each seller in the system can determine whether its commodities are willing to share with other sellers for consignment sale to ensure better product circulation.

Abstract: A computerized system and method is presented that allows selling agents to market a listing agent's distressed property listings even though the selling agents work for a different broker than the listing agent. The owner of the property may restrict the selling agents that may market their property. In one embodiment, the owner selects a qualified lender, and the pool of selling agents who may market that property is limited to selling agents who are associated in the computerized system with the qualified lender. The system allows selling agents to schedule open houses for distressed properties listed by the listing agent, with the system preventing two selling agents from scheduling open houses that conflict with one another. The system tracks the marketing activity of agents, which can be used to suggest listing agents to owners, or to restrict the ability of selling agents to market properties.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein which that enable a first party, such as a child, to selected one or more items offered by an online retailer and to send a request to a second party, such as a parent or guardian, to request that the second party purchase the item or items for the first party. The systems and methods provide the second party with the ability to view requests received from the first party, to set limits on the number of requests and the amounts of the requests that the first party may make. The second party may also designate the parties to whom the first party may submit purchase requests. The child may also submit request to one or more non-parental contributors who may contribute money toward the purchase the one or more items for the child.

Abstract: A wholesale product ordering system is disclosed. The system comprises a remote server having an associated database of products of the at least one manufacturer and at least one portable access unit. The portable access unit has a video display and an associated keypad. The database of products includes images of the products and alphanumeric data (product identification numbers, prices, sizes, etc.) about the products. The portable access unit is used by a sales representative when visiting a potential customer (retail business) to access selected products of the database to display them and to enable direct ordering.

Abstract: A seller may use an existing product catalog in a seller business information management system to generate an auction and populate auction parameters to expedite and facilitate the auction creation process. The information in the product catalog may be used to provide auction parameters (populate auction fields) in addition to adding a product and/or service to the auction. An auction profile may also be defined for a seller and may contain data or rules for generating an auction that may be used to provide additional default values for the auction. One or more auction profiles may be associated with a seller. The seller selects a product from the catalog and chooses a create auction option resulting in an auction being generated from the product information and the profile, if one exists. The seller may then modify the auction parameters and add or drop products before saving the auction.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed for automatically implementing item substitutions for unavailable items in a customer order. According to one embodiment, line item orders from selected customer orders may be aggregated and processed for substitution analysis. Substitutions for unavailable items of selected customer orders may then be automatically implemented based upon substitution instructions, business rules, and/or other predefined criteria.

Abstract: Disclosed are payment system and methods.

Abstract: A sales system according to an embodiment includes a sales management device and a license management device. When a recording medium on which a digital content is recorded has been sold from a final seller to an end user through the distribution channel of the recording medium, the sales management device communicates the sales information to the license management device. On condition that the sales information has been communicated from the sales management device, the license management device provides a license for enabling the use of the digital content to the user terminal. When the recording medium has been sold to the end user, the sales management device supports transferring part of the sales price of the recording medium to the intermediate seller involving the distribution of the recording medium.

Abstract: A method of marketing items comprising: publicizing an auction to sell at least one item, accepting a preset number of price bids for the items, applying at least one cancellation rule to selectively cancel zero or more bids, selecting one or more bids closest to a preselected low sum to receive the item, wherein the low sum is less than 1% of a list price of the item.

Abstract: This sales system includes a personal information management means managing personal information of the user in association with a one-time ID issued by an issuing means and disclosing information other than that allowing specification of the user himself/herself included in personal information corresponding to the one-time ID.

Abstract: The present inventive device provides a new method of real-time, interactive, competitive, live on-line auction using an animated auctioneer. The animated auctioneer initiates the auction, actively solicits bids from the auction participants, acknowledges bids input from auction participants, and moves to close the auction when there is a cessation in bidding. In the course of the auction, the auctioneer audibly and physically promotes the item up for bid, and entices the participants to bid. Participants input bids real-time, competitively and successively in response to the animated auctioneer's solicitations.

Abstract: A method for anonymous computerized commerce in non-fungible goods, the method including entering into a database particulars of non-fungible goods held by at least one of potential buyers and sellers, without providing to the database identifiers of the at least one of potential buyers and sellers, employing the database to match potential buyers with potential sellers of non-fungible goods based on similarities between non-fungible goods at least potentially available for sale by potential sellers and non-fungible goods held by potential buyers and establishing contact with at least one of potential buyers and sellers.

Abstract: An affiliate manipulation system that permits consumers, ISPs, search engines and intermediaries to maximize affiliate program participation in transactions by or through them. The affiliate manipulation system accesses an affiliate-capable merchant through the Internet at the direction of a buyer or consumer through an ISP or search engine. An affiliate code for a preferred commercial agent is inserted into the purchase order. The preferred commercial agent is the buyer or consumer, ISP, search engine or other designated recipient. When the buyer initiates a purchase from the affiliate-capable merchant, the system inserts the affiliate code for the preferred commercial agent where there was no affiliate code, or replaces an existing affiliate code in favor of the preferred commercial agent. A purchase order is effected through the affiliate-capable merchant. The order is completed and credit for the sale is given to the preferred commercial agent, based upon the affiliate code.

Abstract: An interchange party computer system (IPCS) having means for presenting user interfaces to consumer computer systems and capturing data input through the user interfaces, the IPCS being associated with at least one database holding data representing a plurality of consumer profiles, the profiles including consumer profiles expressing service selection attributes for a plurality of service sectors, and at least one database holding data for a plurality of service programs under a plurality of service sectors, each sector being represented by service programs from a plurality of service providers, the IPCS including (a) a Service Comparison/Selection; (b) a Automatic Bill Payment Module; (c) an Automated Services Monitoring Module; (d) an Automated Best Services Selection Module; (e) a Services Search Module; (f) an Incentive Program Module; (g) a Data Mining Module; and/or (h) a Pooling Module.

Abstract: An online system and method for allowing a prospective buyer to complete an electronic RFP document and to have the RFP document transmitted to one or more appropriate prospective sellers of goods and services. The system and method provide the prospective buyer with the option of automatically identifying potentially appropriate sellers by means of key word searches in a compiled database of vendor information and product and services descriptions. The prospective buyer may also elect to review the database contents “manually” by means of selecting specific subject matter areas or incrementally reviewing a list of database vendors one at a time. The system directs the buyer's RFP to the selected vendors for review and consideration. This transmission is made electronically, typically by email protocols, for review by appropriate personnel at the selected vendor's business.

Abstract: A payment system and method are disclosed for processing financial exchanges over a network between a merchant and a buyer. For example, receiving from a merchant, over the network, information associated with a financial transaction and non-financial data relating to a buyer involved in the financial transaction. Authorizing payment, associated with the financial transaction, to the merchant on behalf of the buyer using the non-financial data related to the buyer. A notification of the authorized payment on behalf of the buyer is sent to the merchant over the network. Upon notification from the merchant that the buyer has committed to completing the financial transaction, processing payment to the merchant on behalf of the buyer.