Abstract: Disclosed herein are a method and an image processing apparatus implementing the method for determining a billing structure for outputting documents. The method determines if pixels of image data of a document in device independent space are neutral (e.g., gray) or non-neutral (e.g., color), and, based on at least the determined neutral pixels in device independent space, determines a billable pixel count of color pixels in the image data. In one example, the determined billable pixel count of color pixels is based on at least both an estimated color count in device independent space and a determined pixel count in device dependent space. In another, pixels are tagged based on the neutral and/or non-neutral determination in device independent space, and, if the tag indicates that a selected pixel is color in device dependent space, the selected pixel is counted for the billable pixel count.

Abstract: A method and system for generating multiple buy/sell transactions during or prior to a completion of a buy/sell transaction of an item. The system comprises a server, a database and client devices. Each client device is associated with a unique user and connected to a communications network. The server connected to the communications network comprises a communications module and a transactions module. The communications module receives offers to buy the item from client devices associated with other purchasers before a first purchaser completes a buy/sell transaction of the item and receives an acceptance of one of the offers to buy from the first purchaser. The transaction module processes the offer accepted by the first purchaser during or prior to a completion of the buy/sell transaction of the item by the first purchaser, thereby facilitating multiple buy/sell transactions of the same item.

Abstract: Items are sold via a wireless mobile telecommunications network in which multimedia presentations describing items offered for sale are broadcast for reception by wireless mobile devices. Users of the devices can transmit responses indicating requests to buy the items or bid for them in auctions.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter relates to a computer-implemented architecture that can facilitate computer-assisted haggling and/or negotiation between multiple parties simultaneously. For example, various proxies associated with both buyers and sellers can be configured to negotiate with other proxies to buy or sell an item. The negotiations can be required to be progressive and during the negotiations a buyer or seller is, typically, allowed to withdraw his or her proposals. The architecture can include a registration component that can resolve concurrency and facilitate a registration of an agreement between two of the parties. The registration of an agreement can create a binding obligation between the parties after which other outstanding proposals can be terminated.

Abstract: In various exemplary embodiments, a system and method to provide customized combination packages is disclosed. The method includes receiving a selection of a plurality of items from a potential buyer, the selection of the plurality of items creating a customized combination package. Available transaction history for past transactions of similar items to the items of the customized combination package is provided to the potential buyer. An offer from the potential buyer is then received and provided to a seller selling the plurality of items for consideration.

Abstract: A method for exchanging data concerning an electronic transaction between two entities, includes: a step which consists in determining and booking an origin address (TPOA) in conformity with a bidirectional mobile telephony (GSM) digital messaging service protocol (SMS); a step which consists in sending in accordance with the protocol (SMS), an offer message (OFFRE_SMS) of the transaction (TR), the offer message (OFFRE_SMS) being sent from the first entity (MW) and addressed to the second entity (CL); and a step which consists in sending, from the second entity (CL) and addressed to the first entity (MW), a reply message comprising an information (REP) representing acceptance or rejection of the transaction.

Abstract: Methods and systems for seamlessly integrating an end-to-end acquisition process using a flexible data structure are disclosed. A flexible data structure consistent with these methods and systems may connect the buyer's requirement to the vendor's proposed solution, facilitating a requirement-by-requirement evaluation process allowing buyers to evaluate content as well as price of a proposal. Embodiments of the present invention standardize the format of proposals, allowing buyers to more easily compare vendors' proposals side-by-side. Still other embodiments of the present invention produce an error checking report to further aid vendors in improving proposals and buyers in evaluating proposals.

Abstract: A method for minimizing risk of a consumer performing a fraudulent Internet purchase transactions using a transaction card is disclosed herein, the method comprising receiving an enrollment verification request for a transaction from a merchant's website, transmitting the enrollment verification request to an access control server; receiving an enrollment verification response from the access control server, determining whether the transaction is risky based on at least a portion of the enrollment verification request, if the transaction is not risky, forwarding the enrollment verification response to the merchant website and it the transaction is risky, modifying the enrollment verification response to denote the transaction is risky and forwarding the modified enrollment verification response to the merchant's website.

Abstract: A method of identifying potential trades within a database holding details of individuals and items that these individuals are willing to give away, “Haves”, and/or to receive, “Wants”. The database is searched to identify matching Haves and Wants and to define a directed edge linking the each match. An edge weight can be determined for the directed edge defined for each match and, for one of said individuals possessing a Have, identifying potential n-way trades for the individual by identifying a directed edge or directed edges originating at the individual's Have and/or by connecting two or more directed edges including at least a directed edge originating at the individual's Have, where n is an integer greater than 1. A trade weight is determined on the basis of the or each associated link weight and the potential trades ranked according to the respective trade weights.

Abstract: A system for assessing environmental impact of processing print jobs includes a processor and a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium is in communication with the processor and comprises one or more programming instructions for: electronically receiving a campaign specification data structure including at least one job specification; and operatively selecting a plurality of vendors from a database. Each of the selected vendors is capable of performing a job as operatively specified by the at least one job specification of the campaign specification data structure. The computer-readable storage medium is in communication with the processor and also includes one or more programming instructions for generating a plurality of environmental impact assessments corresponding to the campaign specification data structure. Each of the plurality of environmental impact assessments is operatively associated with one of the selected capable vendors.

Abstract: Techniques are presented for detecting fraud while facilitating an online transaction. Sale information from a seller and payment information from a buyer are received and analyzed for fraud. If no fraud is detected, the transaction proceeds and payment from the buyer is facilitated. If fraud is detected, the transaction is terminated and a fraud investigator is notified.

Abstract: A method of facilitating bartering includes receiving a first input from a first user, a second input from a second user, and entering the inputs into a database to create a listing for each user. The first input includes a first item for trade and a criteria for trade. The second input includes a second item and a category of items or subcategory of items to be obtained that satisfies the criteria for trade. The method further includes searching and filtering items within the database to identify a match, generating an electronic message including information related to the match and sending the electronic message to at least one of the first user and the second user, and enabling the first and second users to respond to the electronic message and share contact information.

Abstract: Computer-related methods, apparatus, and/or articles of manufacture to permit/facilitate the creation, marketing, and/or distribution of options to purchase tickets or obtain refunds to a particular future event, particularly an elimination format competition, when the chosen competitor's qualification for such a game is currently uncertain, but where the uncertainty will be resolved prior to the commencement of the particular future event.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to coordinating travel plans in a networked environmental. More particularly, the disclosure relates to providing a dashboard of aggregated travel information.

Abstract: One method herein includes forwarding an invoice for a purchase agreement made between a seller and a buyer. The method includes receiving a service selection indicating that the invoice is to be paid using an escrow system. The service selection includes a token for verification of a buyer's signatory. The method receives funding confirmation that the buyer has deposited funds into an escrow account. Based on funding confirmation, notification to ship the goods is sent. The method receives shipping confirmation confirming that the goods have been shipped. Upon receipt of the goods, a receiver is authenticated as the authorized signatory using the verification system. This authentication is based on the stored token matching a provided token. Based on verification of the receiver, the goods are released and the deposited funds from the escrow account are deposited into the seller's account.

Abstract: A method of selling and buying online, the method comprising: receiving from sellers information for creating sale listings for goods; displaying the sale listings to potential buyers; at sale, automatic purchasing and printing by the web platform of a first, prepaid and seller-addressed shipping label based on the shipping-from information previously provided to the web platform by the seller and the weight of an appropriately sized shipping box for the purchased good, and of a second, prepaid, and buyer-addressed shipping label based on the shipping-from information provided by the seller, the shipping-to information provided by the buyer, the weight of the purchased good, and the size of the appropriately sized shipping box; shipping to the seller of the purchased good, using the first shipping label, the appropriately sized shipping box and the second shipping label, for the seller to place the purchased good in the appropriately sized shipping box and ship it to the buyer using the second shipping label.

Abstract: A self-provisioning telephony service includes assigning a toll-free telephone number to a customer account for a customer of a telecommunications provider, distributing the toll-free telephone number and an access number to the customer along with an invitation to provision a toll-free telephone number service, and receiving, at a local exchange carrier switch, a call from the customer. The access number is identified by the local exchange carrier switch for the call in response to performing a call number translation. The telephony service also includes accessing, by a server, the toll-free telephone number identified for the customer account and generating a provisioning order that includes a customer telephone number from the customer account and the toll-free telephone number. The telephony service further includes transmitting the provisioning order to a service control server, the service control server activating the toll-free telephone number for the customer account.

Abstract: Gifting of virtual items between users of a virtual space may be facilitated. A purchase interface may be presented to a first user. The purchase interface may be configured to receive selection from the first user of (i) a virtual item for purchase, and (ii) one or more users with which the first user has established a virtual space relationship. Responsive to selection by the first user through the purchase interface of a first virtual item and a second user with which the first user has established a virtual space relationship, the first virtual item may be distributed to the second user in the virtual space.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments relating to generating profile-based item suggestions from a stylist when purchasing items through an electronic commerce system. A network page is rendered in a client computing device comprising an input field to input descriptions of items the user wishes to purchase and a stylist profile selection mechanism to select a suggested stylist profile. The user inputs descriptions of items and selects the suggested stylist profile. An item suggestions request comprising the item descriptions and the selected stylist profile is sent from the client computing device to a server computing device.

Abstract: A system and method for providing customized or personalized memorabilia to end users, wherein the system allows the price for the customized or personalized memorabilia to be established by obtaining the lowest production costs from approved vendors, and further allowing such costs to be offset by any sponsorship underwriting of the memorabilia. The system further allows establishment of advertising to target demographic audiences by underwriting customized or personalized memorabilia orders and placing advertising indicia for the sponsor on or with the ordered customized or personalized memorabilia.

Abstract: Gifting of virtual items between users of a virtual space may be facilitated. A purchase interface may be presented to a first user. The purchase interface may be configured to receive selection from the first user of (i) a virtual item for purchase, and (ii) one or more users with which the first user has established a virtual space relationship. Responsive to selection by the first user through the purchase interface of a first virtual item and a second user with which the first user has established a virtual space relationship, the first virtual item may be distributed to the second user in the virtual space.

Abstract: A solution is provided for a method for a user to shop online in a three dimensional (3D) virtual reality (VR) setting by receiving a request at a shopping server to view a shopping location, having at least one store, and displaying the shopping location to the user's computer in a 3D interactive simulation view via a web browser to emulate a real-life shopping experience for the user. The server then obtains a request to enter into one of the stores and displays the store website to the user in the same web browser. The store website has one or more enhanced VR features. The server then receives a request to view at least one product and the product is presented in a 3D interactive simulation view to emulate a real-life viewing of the product.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for listing an item online. The system provides a user interface comprising a first pane for entering information pertaining to the item and a second pane for viewing said information while it is being entered. The user is provided, in the second pane, an upload tool for uploading one or more photos of the item to assist in describing the item during the listing process. Upon entering one or more characters in a field in the first pane for identifying the item, the system searches a database of items being either parts or components and displays possible choices for said item such that the user can simply type in what their item is and the system provides possible category choices to facilitate and speed up the listing process.

Abstract: Methods and associated systems related to generating, managing, and accessing data related to contractual obligations of a consumer and a plurality of different merchants in a universal consumer card redemption system are disclosed. A universal consumer card redemption system may comprises a universal software platform including a network of linked databases configured to store data associated with contractual relationships between at least one consumer and a plurality of different merchants, and at least one web-based interface configured to communicate with at least one universal consumer card associated with a consumer and at least one web-enabled device associated with a merchant.

Abstract: A method for direct marketing comprising establishing a first communications link between a prospective customer using a device having a unique identification number and a communications device, automatically transmitting the unique identification number associated with the prospective customer's device to the communications device, establishing a second communications link between the communications device and a computer operably connected to a memory apparatus having a prospective customer database comprising prospective customer information associated with the unique identification number of the prospective customer's device, in which the information in the database determines prospective customer value which can be used to determine subsequent operations and marketing actions with the prospective customer.

Abstract: A computerized system for sale of products having non pre-catalogued parameters in a multi-lingual environment wherein a buyer and a seller communicate in different languages, the system including a non pre-catalogued parameter database, a listing engine operative to prompt in a first language a listing seller to enter multiple non pre-catalogued parameters relating to a product being listed and to store the non pre-catalogued parameters in the non pre-catalogued parameter database and a non pre-catalogued multiple language parameter description engine which is operative to provide human-readable descriptions of the non pre-catalogued parameters in at least one language other than the first language.

Abstract: A method may include receiving, at a service server, a request for services from a requesting device. The service server may identify one or more service options responsive to the request and send a list of the identified service options to the requesting device. The service server may receive a selected service option from the requesting device. The service server may collect payment information for the selected service option from the requesting device and providing accounting information to a service provider of the selected service option based on the payment information.

Abstract: A method and system for providing location based assistance. The method and system including hosting a database of information regarding a customer, hosting a database of information regarding sale associate availability, and receiving a customer assistance request. The system determines the location of the customer and determines the availability of at least one sale associate within a predetermined location threshold of the location of the customer to service the customer assistance request. The customer assistance request is then routed to the at least one sale associate within the predetermined location threshold of the location of the customer for assistance.

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: The present disclosure is directed to techniques for retrieving a large number of product codes from one or more Vendor Websites. A search of a Vendor Website is conducted based on a keyword list created by a registered affiliate and product codes are acquired including graphic data and descriptive text for products obtained in the search. A unique identification code is inserted into the product codes, which are stored in a products database and displayed along with manually activatable editing buttons which allow the registered affiliate to edit the products database.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to techniques for creating an export file comprised of product codes retrieved from a Vendor Website. A search of the Vendor Website is conducted based on a keyword list created by a registered affiliate and product codes are acquired including graphic data and descriptive text for products obtained in the search. A unique identification code is inserted into the product codes, which are stored in a products database and displayed along with manually activatable editing buttons which allow the registered affiliate to edit the products database. The edited products database forms the export file to be used in creating and/or updating an affiliate website.

Abstract: An electronic business transaction system is provided for a product purchaser to purchase a product from a product supplier, and for a product delivery service provider to deliver the product to an address of the product purchaser or a product receiver. The product purchaser instructs an identification code and the product to the product supplier without disclosing a name and the address of the product purchaser or the product receiver. A terminal of an information administrator identifies the name and the address of the product purchaser or the product receiver according to the identification code of the product purchaser or the product receiver. The terminal of the information administrator instructs the name and the address of the product purchaser or the product receiver to the product delivery service provider without disclosing the identification code of the product purchaser or the product receiver, so that the product delivery service provider delivers the product.

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 service facilitates purchases of digital goods in which the purchaser may receive the purchased goods or send them on to another person, e.g., as a gift or as a purchase made on another's behalf. The service may be needed in a situation where a buyer has made on online purchase of an item of digital goods but then finds that it is difficult to share or transfer the purchased goods due to copyright protection or digital rights management (DRM) protection. Using the service a purchaser may send digital goods after payment to the seller via the service in such a way that copyright protection and other digital goods rights are maintained. Embodiments include: communicating with a buyer and a seller as an intermediary; making payment via the intermediary for an item of digital goods; and making a delivery for the item via the intermediary for disposal by the buyer.

Abstract: This invention provides for a method of (or apparatus for) facilitating the display of items of multiple transaction types in a commingled listing. The display of items of multiple transaction types in a commingled listing may include items which are being offered by a specific Seller at a network based commerce facility.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to method for exchange of semi-fungible goods or services. In some embodiments, the method includes electronically receiving a plurality of offers from a plurality of participant devices, each offer comprising a plurality of parameters related to the offer, including an identification of a semi-fungible good or service to be offered, matching two of the offers from the plurality of participant devices based on the parameters of the offers, and executing an exchange of the semi-fungible goods or services identified in the offer, based on the parameters of the offers. In some embodiments, the semi-fungible goods or services can be tickets, reservations, services, order in line, educational services, or physical objects.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for managing access to a digital content item (such as an ebook, music, movie, software application) to be transferred from one user to another. The transferor is prevented from accessing the digital content item after the transfer occurs. The entity that sold the digital content item to the transferor enforces the access rights to the digital content item by storing data that establishes which user currently has access to the digital content item. After the change in access rights, only the transferee is allowed access to the digital content item. As part of the change in access rights, the transferee may pay to obtain access to the digital content item. A portion of the proceeds of the “resale” may be paid to the creator or publisher of the digital content item and/or the entity that originally sold the digital content item to the original owner.

Abstract: A method for exchanging data concerning an electronic transaction between two entities, includes: a step which consists in determining and booking an origin address (TPOA) in conformity with a bidirectional mobile telephony (GSM) digital messaging service protocol (SMS); a step which consists in sending in accordance with the protocol (SMS), an offer message (OFFER_SMS) of the transaction (TR), the offer message (OFFER_SMS) being sent from the first entity (MW) and addressed to the second entity (CL); and a step which consists in sending, from the second entity (CL) and addressed to the first entity (MW), a reply message comprising an information (REP) representing acceptance or rejection of the transaction.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for coordinating apparel production. In preferred embodiments, the invention is a business model and system for the apparel industry in which production channels and marketing channels are comprehensively coordinated by a central operating center via the Internet. By interacting with a website, registered clients (e.g., apparel businesses, wholesalers, retailers, etc.) articulate what their specific detailed requirements are in terms of production, delivery and other aspects. Then, data on these clients' orders are forwarded to each of the production channels through the central operation center which performs the tasks of comprehensive coordination, management and business operation.

Abstract: A system and method for providing online group-buying service is proposed. A group-buying company negotiates with a merchant to select a featured item to be sold on a group-buying website. The group-buying company and the merchant execute a binding agreement with regard to the feature item. The featured item is a product or service provided by the merchant to the group-buying company conditioned upon a first number of minimum sales. The group-buying company then advertises the feature item, and receives a number of orders from consumers purchasing the featured item. The group-buying company calculates a total number of sales and thereby determining a required remaining number of sales based on a second number of minimum sales. The group-buying company then processes the purchase orders if the required remaining number of sales has been reached.

Abstract: A solution is provided for a method for a user to shop online in a three dimensional (3D) virtual reality (VR) setting by receiving a request at a shopping server to view a shopping location, having at least one store, and displaying the shopping location to the user's computer in a 3D interactive simulation view via a web browser to emulate a real-life shopping experience for the user. The server then obtains a request to enter into one of the stores and displays the store website to the user in the same web browser. The store website has one or more enhanced VR features. The server then receives a request to view at least one product and the product is presented in a 3D interactive simulation view to emulate a real-life viewing of the product.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system for providing information obtained from both online stores and offline stores and for offering more purchasing options to customers. A customer can specify a particular item with detailed aspects for an information search, along with location information to define a local geographic area. The gathered local price information is presented to the customer over a network connection. The customer can purchase the item from either online stores or offline stores over a network connection.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for dynamic two-way auction, applicable for auctioning participating goods, comprising: (1) setting, by a server. The descriptive information, possible search conditions and the relations which associate each search condition with the descriptive information of all participating goods are set up and stored on the server side; (2) sending, by a buyer terminal and/or a seller terminal, a search request which includes a search condition to the server; (3) parsing, by the server, the search request to obtain the search condition, determining whether a definition of a relation which associates the search condition with the descriptive information has been recorded, and performing step (4) if the relation has not been recorded; (4) defining, by the server, a relation which associates the search condition with the descriptive information of some participating goods.

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: 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: A method may include receiving, at a service server, a request for services from a requesting device. The service server may identify one or more service options responsive to the request and send a list of the identified service options to the requesting device. The service server may receive a selected service option from the requesting device.

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: 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: Aspects of this invention disclose a system for providing a purchaser specified product search engine, including providing storage circuitry comprising a database of products, storing product data in the database, receiving from a prospective product purchaser, product data of a desired product to purchase, accessing the database of products and comparing the product data to product data in the database, and determining a probability that the product data matches product data stored in the database. Other aspects may include a data processing apparatus providing a purchaser specified product search engine, including storage circuitry comprising a database of product data, processing circuitry configured to receive purchaser specified product search inquiry data, accessing the database of product data, and comparing the purchaser specified product search inquiry data to the product data; and determining a probability that the prospective purchaser product data matches the product data stored in the database.