Abstract: A parts usage comparison system and methods to directly network buyers and sellers in the mining, construction and agriculture industries in order for buyers to easily and efficiently procure parts and for sellers to easily and efficiently liquidate surplus assets specific to the aforementioned particular industries. The present invention provides methods of searching, buying and selling new, used and reman or rebuilt products. The parts usage and comparison system includes a parts database, a processor coupled to the parts database and a software interface. Third party buyers and third party sellers are connected to the parts database through the software interface. This connection allows searching and maintaining of information on the database.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a customer sends a set of requirements for a cloud to a cloud complier, which identifies vendors matching the set of requirements. Information on the matching set of vendors is provided to the customer, thereby enabling the customer to select desired vendors for constructing the cloud.

Abstract: A system and method for calculating graphite material usage and labor pricing including the following parameters: category, material, class, dimensions, and quantity. The information is used for improved efficiency via web-based graphite purchasing. The method takes into consideration the additional labor cost when very small dimensions are entered which require special work holding containment. The process requires that the user make a selection for each of the parameters so a validation step can occur ensuring the desired product can be manufactured and an accurate labor charge or quote can be provided. During the calculation step, the labor surface area is applied to the labor cost based on the calculated surface area which is derived from a second degree equation derived by a linear regression curve that is applied to the labor cost based on the calculated surface area. After the calculation step the price each and total quantity price is returned.

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 system and method for providing responses to pricing inquiries that bypasses the trading desk is disclosed that includes a CPS database configured to receive and store pricing data from at least one data source and a CPS console configured to receive a pricing inquiry, estimate a price for the issue, and automatically generate and distribute the estimated price. A Pricing Analyst (PA) manages the receipt and processing of the pricing inquiry and can modify the estimation parameters through the CPS console. Processing of the inquiry by the CPS console relieves traders at the trading desk of the job of responding to pricing inquiries during the trading day.

Abstract: A method for distributing data among automotive dealers, including selecting the data from the dealers, processing the data, and providing the processed data to the dealers while maintaining confidentiality of individual data of each dealer. The selecting of the data further includes collecting data indicating which vehicles are in demand. The data includes at least one of a number of a vehicle's make a dealer has in stock, a vehicle identification number, a vehicle's year, a vehicle's make, a vehicle's model, a vehicle's body style, a vehicle's exterior color, a vehicle's interior color, a vehicle's mileage, a vehicle's retail asking price, a vehicle's transactions cost, a vehicle's reconditioning cost, a vehicle's age, a vehicle's selling price, a vehicle's gross profit, an acquisition need of a vehicle, a selling need of a vehicle, a vehicle's image, a vehicle's turnover rate, or an aggregate of any of the above-listed data.

Abstract: A method of organizing the sharing of vehicle trips includes receiving a ride request from one or more riders, wherein the ride request includes a rider location and a rider destination, identifying a beginning waypoint and an ending waypoint for vehicle travel, determining a vehicle route based on the beginning and ending waypoints, choosing a rider whose rider location or rider destination is geographically closest to the determined vehicle route, presenting the rider location and rider destination of the chosen rider to the driver, and if the driver accepts, sending a notification to the chosen rider alerting the chosen rider of the acceptance.

Abstract: A method for determining the postage associated with the delivery of an article including the steps of receiving an acquired image of the article over a network from a web enabled device (ii) comparing the acquired digital imaged to a plurality of stored digital images to ermine the identity of the acquired digital image, (iii) determining at least one characteristic of the identified digital image useful to determine a delivery cost associated with the identified digital image of the identified article, (iv) calculating the estimated cost of delivering the identified article to a destination address, and, (v) transmitting the estimated cost to the web enabled device. The method also determines the postage associated with the delivery of an article by means of a wireless communication network using a wireless mobile device having an optical imaging device. Furthermore, a system also determines the postage associated with the identified article.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of increasing win probability of a vendor competing in a complex contract competition. A request is received from a buying organization. The subject vendor calculates a value position of the buying organization, and frames a response to the request based on the calculated value position. The value position is determined by any changes in wealth of the buying-organization. The framed response is then submitted to the buying organization.

Abstract: An on-line system for creating an open market for matching buyers and sellers of brand name products. The system enables buyers to achieve the maximum value in the purchased product by engaging in an open ended on-line reverse auction and a negotiation process with multiple sellers of the specified product. The system enables sellers to generate sales leads and engage in the open ended on-line reverse auction bidding and the negotiation process with buyers.

Abstract: The method and system manages supply chain purchases of goods and services (G-S) using a distributed computer system coordinating interested customers with vendors who offer G-S. The system uses a database or accesses a vendor's database having default offer records which include G-S descriptions, price, payment terms, delivery data, and set-aside parameters. A sophisticated system includes customer specific offer records for approved customers with specific price, payment, delivery and set-aside parameters. Customers search the database, and if previously registered and accepted by the vendor, the customer can reserve a defined quantity of G-S in accordance with set-aside parameters, request a quote, and/or purchase G-S from the vendor. Further, the system rates the vendor and the customer based upon timely performance of, for the customer reservation followed by purchase of G-S within the defined quantity, and for the vendor, timely delivery of G-S and timely notice of customer acceptance.

Abstract: An automatic system and method optimizes the purchasing of goods and services by a buyer. A request for a quote for goods or services required is received from a buyer. This request is processed and dealers are selected based on the criteria of the buyer and other criteria. The selected dealers are then sent the request for goods and services and quotes are solicited. Quotes from the selected dealers, for the goods or services, are then receivable within a predetermined time period. Thereafter, the received quotes of the providers of the goods or services are ranked. The ranking and the report of the providers are then outpribed in steps S2 and S3 of FIG. 2.

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: Internet-based commercial network connects multiple qualified participant buyers and sellers. Items are made available for defined periods of time, referred to as an event (139). Event terms and conditions include item types, price, quantity, volume or units, discount, shipping terms (138). Reiterative offer and counteroffers permit negotiation of terms for an event. Participants may view anonymous competitive quotes for comparison and analysis. Pooled purchases and auctions are envisioned. Participants may create web presences and are subject to restrictions on access (141) and purchase (142) authority. Central system maintains participant data.

Abstract: Computer implemented systems, methods and user interfaces facilitate a nearly instantaneous ability to provide detailed cost estimate information and price quotes for complex and highly configurable products tailored to meet user defined specifications such as electrical control panels for electrical power systems.

Abstract: Method and system for bartering between trade parties each having one or more items available for barter, via a communications network. Items available for trade are listed and the parties can browse and search the lists to locate items they want to acquire and items they have available to trade. Each party can make an offer to trade with another party subject to various conditions and requirements relating to, for example, a requirement to maintain an item offered for trade available for a certain period of time.

Abstract: Quotes entered into an automated trading system may comprise a visible, or primary, amount, and a linked or hidden amount. The visible amount only is shown to other traders on the system but part or all of the linked amount may be dealt if the order with with the quote is match is for an amount greater than the visible amount. If, after matching and deal confirmation, all the visible amount has been dealt, but some or all of the linked amount remains, a fresh order for the remaining linked amount is generated and submitted to the trading system for matching. The new quoted may be visible only or may have a visible component up to a limit specified by the maker on submission of the original quote, with the remainder being linked. Maker quotes converted to taker quotes by an auto-match routine may be resubmitted for undealt linked amounts in the same way. In one aspect of the invention, linked amounts are matched and dealt before visible amounts.

Abstract: An Internet-based (web-based) system and method for allowing a vehicle owner to obtain a fair repair estimate for a vehicle. The system and method allows information relating to the vehicle to be repaired and the components of the vehicle to be repaired or replaced to be entered by the vehicle owner into the user interface of a repair estimating website. Geographic location information may also be provided to facilitate the preparation of a more accurate estimate. The system and method retrieves necessary information from one or more databases and provides the information to one or more software applications that are used to quickly generate an electronic repair estimate. Various options may be selected to customize the repair estimate and to allow for other actions.

Abstract: Comparison values are calculated for evaluating a commercial transaction. A request for quote received from a buyer agent includes a product specification data set that identifies items that differ in accordance with at least one parameter. Price data sets received from seller agents identify items and prices in response to the product specification data set. At least one of the price data sets identifies an item having a different parameter value as compared to the item in another price data set. A comparison value for each price data set is generated by determining a price total from the price data set and calculating a summed market price total by summing market price totals for each of the items. Calculating market price totals includes obtaining metric data indicative of market prices. The summed market price total is compared to the price total for the price data set to generate the comparison value.

Abstract: A web-enabled user interface is provided to enable the carriers of private networks to interact and to offer services to one another. The web-enabled user interface is integrated to a switch fabric configured to provide interconnection services for the carriers. The web-enabled user interface is configured to enable the carriers to assign different roles to different representatives. Each of the representatives is granted certain rights and permissions by an administrator representative based on the representative's role. The web-enabled user interface is configured to present to each representative a unique interface based on their roles thus providing each representative a unique experience.

Abstract: A computer program, system and method receives a customer's CAD file of a custom part to be formed. Depending upon customer responses to several basic queries, the CAD file is analyzed to identify acceptable holes for tapping. For each identified hole, an appropriate and available thread size is automatically selected, even if the cylindrical recess differs in size from the characteristic size of the threaded hole. The customer is then automatically advised 10 of the results of the tapping analysis, preferably as part of a quotation for part manufacture that identifies the number of threaded holes in the part and preferably identifies the changes to the tapped holes and the specific thread form being quoted for the hole.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing an on-line auction are disclosed. Online auctions are popular methods of buying and selling items. Some of these auctions relate to “Dutch Auctions,” where the subject of the auction is a plurality of similar items. Other types of auctions are disclosed. The embodiments presented herein can be used in contexts other than auctions. Also, each of the embodiments described herein can be used alone or in combination with one another.

Abstract: A easy authentication or payment is made by creating an account associated with a particular web browser or device that accesses an on-line page. Payments are made, such as for full-access viewing of an article or viewing content without visible ads, by selecting a payment button on the on-line page. Selection can be with a specific swiping motion or device motion previously defined for the user. Once selected, the payment is made without the user having to authorize or authenticate. The motion can be used independently to authorize or authenticate the user through the device.

Abstract: A method and system for transferring an electronic payment between a purchaser and a merchant that includes assigning a role of a merchant account to a first account and a role of a purchaser account to a second account within a payment system, adding an item from a product catalog stored in the payment system to a purchase list, obtaining a user ID token of a purchaser from a merchant terminal, communicating identity confirmation information associated with the user ID token to the merchant terminal, and transferring funds for the purchase price total from the purchaser account to the merchant account.

Abstract: A method for an on-line home decor service community includes: providing a database; entering pictures or data into the database that provides a definition for one or more interior or exterior spaces, and décor-related items; indicating one or more of the items to renew or replace or change; offering a selection of pre-packaged or pre-rendered designs and a price for the indicated item; offering, contests, discounts, advise, and product information as a part of the community and offering access to the database from a browser-based device. The décor-related items include custom room or space designs, furniture arrangement, flooring selection, lighting, art and accessories plans, draperies selection, paint color selection, fixtures, plantings, architectural embellishments, landscaping and finishes item in a residence or office space.

Abstract: One or more processors and/or one or more circuits in a user device may be operable to communicate a request for desired content to content and service providers. Bids may be received, responsive to the request, for providing the desired content to the user device and/or other devices. The request may initiate a parallel bidding process between the content and service providers. Bids to provide and/or deliver the desired content may be received from content and/or service providers by the user device. A profile of the end user device may be configured for automatically generating the capability and/or requirements in the request, and may be stored in the end user device. The end user device may include a handheld wireless device. Delivery of the content may be at a desired price and/or at a desired time. The request for content may be submitted via a website.

Abstract: A travel system for processing travel requests based on a user's travel destination goal such as a meeting place and time. The travel system selects a destination terminal, if one is not provided, and estimates a travel time between the destination terminal and the destination goal. An itinerary is then built interactively with the user selecting air, bus or train transportation, ground transportation, and, optionally, hotels, restaurants, and activities.

Abstract: A dynamic, fully-integrated computer-server-based platform (platform) provides users with tools for making informed decisions about available energy upgrades and for implementing desired home energy upgrades. In various embodiments, the platform provides various combinations of: (i) a variety of educational and assessment tools, including a Virtual Home Energy Audit (VHEA), which provides users with a customized home energy-savings plan detailing the financial and/or environmental impact of each upgrade alternative on a relative and absolute basis, (ii) product selection and purchase, (iii) access to arrangement and scheduling of in-home services through a network of professionals, (iv) financing solutions, and (v) a data registry that verifies completed upgrades and associated savings. The platform takes a holistic view of energy solutions, and provides tools across a broad spectrum of energy-related products and/or services.

Abstract: Methods and systems for automated price quote generation are provided. A requesting party submits a request that includes information regarding a geographic location and at least one specification. A database is searched based on the information provided by the request. A price quote is automatically generated based on at least the results of the search and provided to the requesting party. The requesting party may be a potential customer, a dealer, or a third party acting on behalf of the potential customer or dealer.

Abstract: Methods and systems for automated alternative selection for compound price quotes are provided. A requesting party submits a request that includes information regarding at least one specification. A database is searched based on the information provided by the request. The search results are evaluated to determine whether they meet a predefined target. When the search results do not meet a predefined target, an alternative specification is identified. At least a second set of search results is retrieved from the database that may be used to meet the target. Vehicles are selected for inclusion in a compound price quote. A compound price quote including multiple price quotes for each selected vehicles is generated.

Abstract: Provided are an electronic commerce method and system that are capable of collecting information on a variety of goods or quotations in broad, intermediate, and narrow categories corresponding to attributes of goods that a buyer requests according to his or her needs, and managing the information in a database. The method and system are also capable of enabling a buyer to read and refer to quotation history, including quotation requests or process details for goods or services, and suggest appropriate price and conditions in a process of requesting a quotation. The method and system are also capable of enabling a plurality of verified sellers to respond to the quotation request, by storing, processing, and publishing the quotation history, such that the seller can obtain online sales routes at low cost and the buyer can purchase desired goods or services at a better price and under better conditions due to competition among sellers.