Abstract: Methods and systems for designing and producing a three-dimensional object selection of a base three-dimensional object from a customer device. A base three-dimensional model corresponding to the object is displayed on the customer device, and one or more custom modifications are received. A modified three-dimensional model corresponding to the modified object is prepared and displayed. Once confirmation to produce the modified object is received, data corresponding to the modified three-dimensional model is transmitted to a manufacturing device for production of the object, using the data to do so, such that the object corresponds directly to the modified three-dimensional model.

Abstract: A method of an embodiment includes: receiving a gift request from a sender, the gift request specifying a recipient and an initial order for a gift item of a predefined price; modifying the initial gift order according to a customization input from the recipient; requesting approval of the modified gift order from the recipient; posting a notification of the modified gift order for publication by an online social network in response to approval of the modified gift order by the recipient; and in response to approval of the modified gift order by the recipient, initiating fulfillment of the modified gift order by requesting payment from the sender up to the predefined price of the gift item specified in the gift request and according to the customization input from the recipient.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for generating a customized user plan based on corresponding creator plans and user data. The creator plans is generated by experts in their respective fields, by businesses, and by users of the system. The creator plans is available for selection or purchase by users. A system may propose creator plans to a user. Once the one or more creator plans are identified for a particular user, the system generates a customized user plan based on these creator plans and corresponding user data, such as user input, user state, and privacy settings. External data and other plans of this and other users may also be used in generating the customized user plan. A single customized user plan may integrate multiple creator plans and set multiple goals for the user. The user plan may be dynamically generated and updated based on, for example, changes to the user data.

Abstract: A method and system for generating a schematic illustration of a design made by inserting cups in the openings of a chain-link fence are provided. A customer uploads a design representation through a web based interface. The designer adjusts the representation into a matrix of polygons displayed on a graphical user interface (GUI). The matrix of polygons represents the polygonal openings of the chain-link fence. The representation is converted into a cluster of highlighted polygons that represents the schematic illustration of the design. The customer can customize the design parameters and place an order for the design.

Abstract: A business method that enables a user or owner of one or a plurality of data sources to set fees or other consideration(s) for exchanges and links to a second or a plurality of data sources discovered through Internet searches or other data source discovery methods and integrating the data or the data sources into a data supply chain or federated data source.

Abstract: A first representation [102] of an intended location for a print product is received [202]. A position within the first representation [102] for the print product is then determined [204]. A perspective matrix for warping an image of the print product into the first representation is automatically determined [206]. The image of the print product is warped [208] into the first representation [102] based on the perspective matrix to achieve a second representation [124] of the intended location. The second representation [124] includes the first representation [102] with a placement of the print product therein. The second representation [124] is then displayed [210].

Abstract: Alternative techniques of pricing, leasing or transferring ownership of a new tire can provide a customer with increased options in procuring a new tire and can facilitate assembling customized new tires from select components. In embodiments, the new tire can be assembled from a new tire casing and a new tire tread. The sale or lease price of the new tire can be based in part on one or more factors including the price of the selected casing and price of the selected tread; lease of the casing or the tread; acceptance of second casing or tread; selection of guarantee options regarding fuel savings, extended life, or the like; and the cost-per-mile during use of the new tire. In embodiments, the techniques can be carried out with the assistance of a computer system configured to operate a tire customization and price calculating program.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the automated selection of formulations and/or formulation components by specifying product characteristics. In particular, the system and method serve customers within market segments that use selected components as raw materials for manufacture of specialty products and that require an understanding of how the selected components effect performance. For example, such products as electronic circuits, coatings, adhesives, sealants, inks, polishes, cleaners, and detergents fall within the profile of such products.

Abstract: Methods and systems for designing a customized jewelry item on-line. Some embodiments include generating an interactive design tool. The interactive design tool comprises an electronic template of the customized setting and the customized setting comprises a plurality of sections. User-input data is received, in which the user-input data comprises selection of a section of the customized setting; and a selection of at least one customizable feature of the selected section. A graphical representation of the customized setting is generated, in which the customized setting comprises the at least one customizable feature. The graphical representation of the customized setting is displayed on a display.

Abstract: A method and system used to obtain and process orders for full color printing. A job configuration and price calculator is supplied to a customer. The calculator calculates automatically a price quote as the customer selects configuration options of a print job. The price quote is then displayed automatically. The customer may select configuration options repeatedly until the job configuration is final. A digital graphic layout or image file is then obtained from the customer. The digital graphic layout or image file is then prepared and a proof thereof is created. When the proof is satisfactory, the print job is printed and delivered to the customer.

Abstract: A method includes capturing an image of a flower arrangement at a location of a filling florist and sending a report from the filling florist to a sending florist, the report including the image of the arrangement and an order number. A computer is controlled to capture an image of a flower arrangement at a location of a filling florist, and to send a report from the filling florist to a sending florist. The report includes the image of the arrangement and an order number. A computer readable medium has program modules to control a computer. The computer is controlled to capture an image of a flower arrangement at a location of a filling florist, and to send a report from the filling florist to a sending florist. The report including the image of the arrangement and an order number.

Abstract: A method of merchandising caskets by a casket seller at the point of purchase of a casket purchaser comprises displaying a plurality of untrimmed caskets from which the purchaser may select, each casket of the plurality of caskets being of a different material, color, or design, displaying a plurality of packaged casket interior trim component sets from which the purchaser may select, each set of the plurality of sets containing trim components being of a different material, color, or design, and installing the casket interior trim components of the purchaser selected set into the purchaser selected casket. The casket interior components can include one or more, or all, of a mattress cover, a pillow cover, a big body, a small body, and an overthrow, in any combination.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for providing at least one customized shoe to a user, the method comprising receiving biometric foot data corresponding to the user; receiving an order of a selected shoe model placed by the user; forwarding the biometric foot data and the order to a manufacturer of the selected shoe model for enabling the manufacturer to manufacture at least one customized shoe based on the biometric foot data and on the order and to further deliver the at least one customized shoe to the user. There is also provided a system for providing at least one customized shoe to a user.

Abstract: A method for retrieving product codes from a Vendor Website over a network and inserting the product codes into an Affiliate 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 products database is uploaded to a server to serve the products database along with the Affiliate Website so that viewers of the Affiliate Website can purchase the products.

Abstract: A representation system receives a subscription for a consumer to monitor online vendors. The representations system monitors a separate inventory of merchandise items of each online vendor. The representations system detects a new merchandise item added by at least one of the online vendors to a current inventory of merchandise items. The representation system accesses a representation of the consumer specified by a selection of sizing measurements stored by the selection service. The representation system selects at least one merchandise item from among the new separate merchandise items each with a set of merchandise characteristics of a size selected to fit the selection of sizing measurements. The representation system generates an email communication to deliver to the consumer from which a rendering of the selected merchandise item on the representation according to the set of merchandise characteristics as applied to the selection of sizing measurements is accessible to the consumer.

Abstract: For evaluating custom made eyeglass lenses using a visual fatigue function, the visual fatigue function includes at least one of or both of a positive relative convergence and a negative relative convergence of the positive relative convergence, the negative relative convergence, a positive relative accommodation, a negative relative accommodation and a vertical fusional vergence.

Abstract: A computer system and method of facilitating a sale which permits inventory information to be used in connection with a technology enabled selling (TES) system to facilitate a sale. The inventory information may be used during configuration of an item to be sold to a customer in a manner which allows the sales representative to more easily sell items from inventory if desired.

Abstract: Described are retail systems including a device and one or more processors in communication with the device. The retail systems retrieve user information from the device, which may include location information, date, time, and or fitness data. The retail systems determine the location of the user or attendance of the user at an event based on the user information and transmit a list of specials based at least in part on the user location, event attendance, or fitness data to the device.

Abstract: Product and/or item customization based on physiological data is described. One or more sensors worn by a person or a group of people and/or attached with one or more items may generate sensor data. Data characterizing one or more physiological attributes of the person or group may be determined based at least in part on the generated sensor data. Item customization may include a customized design. For example, the customized design may include one or more personalized graphics generated based on the physiological data, and/or one or more customized item components with parameters set based on the physiological data. The customized design may be provided to an item customization facility for presentation, assembly and/or manufacture. Item customization may further include selecting for consideration a set of matching items based at least in part on the physiological data.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided for customizing collections of products. A first user selects a subset of products for customization, and subsequently causes those products to be customized. The first user may place limitations on further customization of the subset of products. A second user associated with the customized products further customizes those products. The further customization may be restricted by the limitations imposed by the first user.

Abstract: A product customization system and method are provided in which a consumer can insert user content, such as images or text, onto a product, such as a shoe, and then view the customized product before purchasing the customized product.

Abstract: A system for purchasing and delivering a specific gift, in which, at the time of the purchase, the buyer, instead of being provided with the gift, is provided with a gift proxy or special package which includes a gift token which includes an authentication device. The gift proxy also includes a picture of the specific gift. The buyer delivers the gift proxy to the recipient. At a future time and place, not necessarily pre-determined, the recipient provides the gift proxy to the seller, the seller authenticates the gift proxy, and the recipient receives the gift from the seller. A centralized and networked order management system monitors the gift tokens. The system can be online and/or store oriented, and can be used to transact in goods and/or services other than gifts.

Abstract: A cover for a golf club is provided having a see-through panel. A club head cover with a see-through panel provides beneficial ease of use in the form of a view of the covered club while protecting the club from dirt, moisture, and damage. A head cover with a see-through panel can be manufactured affordably and include environmentally friendly “green” plastics. A cover further includes optional voids or plastic inserts to optimize flexibility, rigidness, and ease of gripping.

Abstract: An interactive product configurator includes a constraint network having a plurality of nodes. The configurator receives a new user choice after previously asserting one or more default decisions. The configurator then retracts the previously asserted default decisions before asserting the new user choice. The default decisions are then reasserted.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for a customer to interact with a computer system over a computer network for specifying custom decoration of a plastic food service article. A computer-assisted decorating machine then processes the customer input and customizes the food service article according to the customer input. Thereafter, the customized article is delivered to the customer. Creation of customized and/or personalized designs is rendered feasible by providing readymade templates for a variety of events and occasions. In embodiments, the computer-assisted decorating machine is a laser marking system, and the food service articles are made from a plastic material that discolors when irradiated with a laser beam. The markings can emulate silver, gold, or pewter without applying metals, inks, or coatings to the plastic articles, and laser marked plate products can resemble decorated china plates or other permanent ware articles.

Abstract: A product configurator includes a constraint based network that includes a plurality of nodes. The configurator receives one or more user selections and generates one or more automatic selections to form a complete configuration. The configurator receives a request to change the configuration after forming the complete configuration, and retracts the automatic selections. For each of the retracted automatic selections, the configurator determines if the retracted automatic selection is a configuration-defining selection and reasserts the configuration-defining selections.

Abstract: A system and method for remotely customized ordering commodity's design and manufacture combined with a network are provided by the present invention. The method includes: a client computer manipulates a product design manipulation interface to access data in a data server and performs commodity's design; a transaction platform pays directly to form an order; an ERP automated production schedule system issues the production instructions and the operation guidance automatically utilizing the order; CAD/CAM automated production modules perform production; a logistics distribution system directly delivers commodities to consumers. Through the above-mentioned method, low-cost operation is really realized, and a kind of new business model of zero inventory is achieved by make-to-order.

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: Electronic commerce over a computer network is facilitated by a computer system that forms a community of computers that enable the users to buy and sell items in an online marketplace. To list the item on an online marketplace website, for example, the selling user posts an item with a seller marketplace item management website by completing an online-item marketplace item creation form. The form requires input related to the item, such as a description, sale price or minimum bid, shipping instructions, and the like, and an image file or image file location illustrating the marketplace item. The seller marketplace item management server provides a marketplace administrator server the marketplace item data including original image file or image file location. The server contains a random image size generator that generates at least two additional images of the marketplace item for display in a seller marketplace item web page to advertise the marketplace item.

Abstract: One form of the present invention contemplates a unique system for creating a customized bank card by a consumer/user based on instructions from a remote terminal. Other forms of the present invention contemplate unique apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, software, methods, and combinations of these for creating customized bank cards.

Abstract: An electronic system for the customization, visualization, integration, purchase, and acquisition of a vehicle from a vehicle manufacturer. The system is implemented on a computer server or equivalent device, where the server, operated by the manufacturer, is accessible over the interne via a suitable end-user operated computing device, the server generating a menu driven visual interface viewable on the computing device. The system allows for all aspects of a customized vehicle purchase to be performed by the user, substantially streamlining the selection and acquisition process. The system can be interfaced with third party parts databases, allowing for incorporation of parts from a variety of manufacturers.

Abstract: A platform and method for creating an electronic card by a plurality of users cooperating together to produce the electronic card (e-card) is disclosed. A member of the platform creates and designs an e-card for an intended recipient. Other users are invited to add content to the e-card. Users select gifts and memories to add to the e-card for the recipient. E-commerce, advertising, licensing, merchandising, electronic points, and marketing groups cooperate with the platform to provide products, services, and rewards via the platform to users. The platform receives revenue from the interaction and sales between the groups and the users or members of the platform. The e-card is published to components of a publishing group such as a social network. A database is provided for storing user, platform, and group activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to telecommunications, event networking in the fields of sports and other community events. More particularly, this invention relates to the use of various communications protocols in order to distribute information through a network to enable users to interact and communicate with like-minded users, and to enable the creation and purchasing of customized products.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the invention, analytical data may be extracted from a business intelligence (BI) system on criteria specified in metadata of a business intelligence query. Once the data is extracted from the BI system, the extracted content may be provided in the context of semantic identifiers. In an embodiment, the semantic identifiers may provide a description of the extracted content associated with the identifier. In one embodiment, the semantic identifiers may be obtained from the criteria specified in the query. In another embodiment, the semantic identifiers may be defined in and obtained from a separate enterprise service repository. In an embodiment, a proposed mapping between query elements and semantic identifiers may be suggested by a processor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a video purchasing method, a video playing method, a server and a video playing device. The video purchasing method comprises: receiving a request of a user for purchasing a video file, the request including starting time and ending time of part of the video contents in a complete video file selected by the user; determining starting frame and ending frame to which the starting time and the ending time correspond; and generating the video file to which the part of the video contents corresponds according to the starting frame and the ending frame. According to the method, the user may purchase video contents as needed, and need not purchase the whole video file, which not only brings convenience to users, but also saves costs.

Abstract: A computer system uses requests from a customer to configure custom medical procedural kits (PACKs) ordered by the customer from a service provider. A service provider computer executes a PACK management application which allows a customer to access a list of components of PACKs associated with a customer account. Preferably, the list of components is accessible for display on the customer computer with no need for personnel of the customer to interact with personnel of the service provider. A PACK database stores configuration and pricing information for each PACK associated with the customer account. The system allows a customer to view bills of materials for PACKs and request changes thereto, request vendor price exceptions for various kit components, submit forecast reports reflecting future need for the kits, submit changes to work orders, view current inventory on hand and in manufacturing of kits.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, computer-readable medium and system are disclosed for presenting product and service offerings to a user. In some embodiments, dynamic messaging may be used to facilitate comparison shopping, allowing a user to select a product or service that best meets the user's needs. In some embodiments, the terms or conditions associated with an offer may be based on a user's relationship with the product or service provider. For example, accounts that the user has with the provider may be analyzed to determine what terms or conditions the user is eligible for. The accounts may be linked to one another, optionally upon the request of the user, to facilitate the analysis. In some embodiments, the product or service offerings may be associated with a financial institution, such as a bank. Suggested or recommended terms and conditions may be dynamically updated as a user progresses through an application process.

Abstract: A mattress system and method according to which a custom mattress is built according to customer-specific parameters. In several exemplary embodiments, the custom mattress includes one or more removable core cartridges and/or one or more removable topper cartridges.

Abstract: A method comprising displaying, on a virtual projection, at least one image of at least one product available for purchase to attract customers, the virtual projection comprising one or more displays to display the at least one image of the at least one product. The method further includes initiating a shopping session with a customer on the virtual projection whereby the customer has access to one or more products related to the virtual projection. The shopping session transfers to and continues on a secondary device whereby the at least one image of the at least one product is accessed on the secondary device. The method further includes initiating a customization mode to allow a customer to customize properties of one or more of the images of products.

Abstract: Systems and methods for streamlining the procurement and provisioning of devices, services, and applications are described. At least one embodiment includes a method comprising receiving a request from a member associated with an organization, the request operable to select at least one application to be executed on at least one device, the at least one device configured to operate at least one service; receiving a device selection based on the at least one requested application; receiving a service selection based on the device selection; generating orders to one or more entities, the one or more entities operable to fulfill the device request, service selection, and the application selection; and procuring the at least one device, the at least one device being provisioned with the selected service and the selected application.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to product configuration and product augmentation with replaceable components. One or more replaceable components are identified and sorted, and a tolerance factor is assessed for deviation from price and function. Replacement parts are identified for the replaceable components, and a product configuration employing at least one of the replacement parts is validated with respect to both the price and functional deviation. Responsive to the validation, a validated replacement system is configured.

Abstract: Methods and systems for selecting and fabricating individualized golf clubs or golf club components. Using a website, for example, a golfer can input relevant information about his or her golf game, receive recommendations for golf club components, select from the recommendations, and have the desired golf club components manufactured and delivered. In some embodiments, the golf club components include custom golf club heads fabricated using layer by layer processing, such as direct metal laser sintering.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a system and method for converting a client order into a custom canvassed bulletin board, where the client accesses a board maker's web site and uploads a digital image over the internet to a server. The client verifies the uploaded image, selects an image print size, and submits personal information to the server. The uploaded image is retrieved by the board maker and resized. The board maker prints the image onto a canvas, fixes the printed canvas onto a bulletin board, and delivers the custom board to the client. The bulletin board can be framed, hung on a surface, used with push pins to attach messages to the canvassed surface, or be used as decorative art. Cork's self-healing properties causes holes through the printed canvas and tack receptive cork layers to close up and restore the printed image to its near original quality.

Abstract: A method for producing articles of footwear with customized cleat arrangements is disclosed. The method includes a step of designing a customized cleat arrangement using a graphical interface system; a step of drilling holes into an outer plate according to the designed customized cleat arrangement; a step of inserting receiving members into the holes; a step of attaching the outer plate to an upper; and a step of associating a plurality of cleats with the receiving members.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method or system that is capable of configuring a product. The computer-implemented method or system receiving a product configuration matrix from a computer storage medium. The computer-implemented method or system also receiving user input defining a user selection of at least one feature or component of the product. The computer-implemented method or system generating a binary representation of the user selection. The computer-implemented method or system deriving a resolution matrix. The method or system comparing the resolution matrix and the binary representation of the user selection to determine whether one or more of the selected product features or components in the user selection are valid for the product. The computer-implemented method or system also generating a validation result that identifies one or more valid product features or components within the user selection.

Abstract: A user runs an album application on a digital device to generate a digital album and share the album with others. The album application creates a message with a first copy of the album and a link to a second copy of the album on a website hosted by a photo sharing provider. The first copy of the album is a small file because it contains low resolution versions of the photos and it uses a compact file format (e.g., Adobe Flash or HTML5). After the message is sent, the album application uploads high resolution versions of the photos to the photo sharing provider. A recipient of the message may view the first copy of the album in the message or click on the link to access the second copy of the album from the website hosted by the photo sharing provider. The recipient may order prints of the album from the photo sharing provider or a print provider working with the photo sharing provider. The recipient may further share the album by forwarding the message or the link to others.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system, method and computer-readable storage medium for online merchandising. The system comprises an online marketplace and/or a mobile marketplace and a mobile application. The online marketplace provides a marketplace for selling products created by a user. The mobile application is configured to be installed on a hand-held device and associate the user with the online marketplace. The mobile application receives an image from local storage on the hand-held device. The mobile application receives images of physical products for selection by the user. The mobile application provides an interface to superimpose the photo onto the product and receives gestures from the user manipulating the interface. The mobile application is also configured to provide an option to automatically publish the created product to the online marketplace.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for creating designs that can be imprinted on articles of merchandise. A wide range of designs may be selected by purchasers of customized merchandise, for one-off production or for production small or large quantity, without significantly compromising cost and speed of production. An online platform for selecting and combining designs in order to create customized merchandise that can be automatically manufactured. Searches of large design databases comprising uniquely identified design elements are enabled. The design elements can include one or more of fonts, colors, themes, shapes and images. Results of the searches can be selectively incorporated in customizable designs and can be embodied in merchandise.

Abstract: An on-line price negotiation method includes submitting a bid from a buyer (buyer's bid) for a selected item/service offered for sale on a website via the internet to an on-line computing device that controls operations at the website. The computing device automatically responds to the buyer's bid, including creating an exclusive interaction for a maximum period of time between the buyer and website for the buyer to negotiate a price for the item/service, setting a minimum accept price for the item/service; and comparing the buyer's bid to the minimum accept price. Based on the comparing, the buyer is notified of accepting the buyer's bid (deal) or not accepting the buyer's bid (no-deal). A deal allows the buyer an option to purchase the item/service, or to update the buyer's bid and repeat submitting with an updated bid. no deal allows the buyer an option to update the buyer's bid and repeat submitting an updated bid.

Abstract: Methods and systems for communicating via an interactive communication session. Some embodiments include transmitting lives video images of a jewelry consultant, a jewelry designer, a jewelry item and results of various tests that are applied to a jewelry item.