Abstract: A computer system for creating a design for an image product includes servers that can identify a blog page that includes an image, text, or designs, automatically incorporate at least one of the image, text, or the design object in the blog page into the design of an image product, and allow a user to review the design of the image product. The servers communicate with a printing finishing facility that makes a physical image product according to the design of the image product.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for fabricating products on demand. In some embodiments, a manufacturable model, which may include information about a three-dimensional representation of a product to be fabricated, is received by a user of an electronic system and may be validated by the electronic system. A prototype of the product can be generated based at least in part on the manufacturable model, and the manufacturable model and/or the product can be made available for selection by other users of the system. The product may be fabricated based at least in part on the manufacturable model using, for example, a three-dimensional printer, and may be delivered to users of the electronic system.

Abstract: An advertising system and method for a communication system that delivers advertisements to subscribers based on the respective subscriber data. The advertisers, through the provider of the system, have advertisements selected and delivered to the subscriber based on the subscriber data. The advertiser pays for advertisement delivery such that the provider can offer reduced rates or free communication services to the subscribers. The provider is capable through the system to update the subscriber data in real time including personal profile, purchase history, financial condition, and location. The provider through the system is capable of establishing advertisement delivery priority by evaluating the subscriber data in real time just prior to triggering advertisement delivery. The advertisement can be delivered in place of ring tones, at the end of the conversation, and while waiting for the other party to answer.

Abstract: The systems and methods of the present solution include a streamlined and simplified website by which users can create their dolls. A simple multi-page process guides the client through, with lots of fun moments and a very basic check-out system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for designing a decorative arrangement using thin plastic pellets made from recycled plastic waste are provided. Embodiments of the present invention reuse plastic pellets as a filler for articles of manufacture or as a decorative filler.

Abstract: Among other things, a piece of furniture is formed from three separate precut pieces of flat triple wall cardboard. A first one of the pieces has a bottom edge to rest on a floor with the first piece rising vertically from the bottom edge and has at least one slot at an upper edge of the first piece. A second one of the pieces has a bottom edge to rest on the floor with the second piece rising from the bottom edge and having at least one slot at an upper edge of the second piece. A third one of the pieces has a crease across the piece and at least two slots along at least one edge that is parallel to the fold. The piece of furniture is formed by mating the one slot in the first piece with one of the slots of the third piece, folding the third piece of cardboard at the crease, and mating the one slot in the second piece with another one of the slots of the third piece, with the third piece folded along the crease.

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: An integrated end-to-end maintenance platform for maintenance of an aircraft comprising a customer interface for selecting a customized service package including modular services of different aircraft maintenance service suppliers by means of a customer terminal having access to said maintenance platform via a communication network.

Abstract: A system for producing military decoration racks, including a military related retail space, a storage unit that stores regulation data corresponding with military decoration rack regulations and instruction data. The system additionally includes a kiosk within the military related retail space and in electrical communication with the storage unit, the kiosk including a display unit, an input interface, and a communication unit. The system also includes a processing unit configured to execute the instruction data and a production facility in electronic communication with the kiosk configured to receive rack data from the kiosk and produce a military decoration rack based upon the received rack data. The instruction data includes an input module, an arrangement model, a display module, and a communication module.

Abstract: A method for communicating military decoration rack designs designed by a user, including the steps of providing a military decoration rack production system in data communication with a computer network, generating a generated decoration rack design in response to user input from the user, and communicating to a social media site the generated decoration rack design. Some examples include displaying a rendering of the generated decoration rack design on the social media site. The military decoration rack production system comprising may include an input interface, a storage unit storing instruction data including an arrangement module configured to generate a decoration rack design, and a processing unit. Some examples may include displaying a design link configured to direct social media participants to the military decoration rack production system. Further examples may include distributing a rendering of the generated decoration rack design to social media participants.

Abstract: A method of collaborative interior design between users on a displayed graphical user interface includes for each user, displaying on the graphical user interface a first list of design elements retrieved from a remote third-party data sources and a second list of design elements retrieved from a service provider data source. The method further includes receiving a placement of a design element from one of the design element lists in an interactive view of the graphical user interface by at least one of the users, and displaying an arrangement of design elements placed in the interactive view. The method includes executing on a computing processor an information acquisition routine that determines purchasing information for design elements of the first list placed in the interactive view, and displaying a shopping list populated with at least some of the design elements placed in the interactive view.

Abstract: There is provided a character training and development system for a virtual environment and related method. A character can be purchased by a user and then registered on a communication network via a unique code. Once registered, a set of attributes can be assigned to the character based on the type and class of the character. Attribute values can be assigned to the attributes by default or by user preferences. The characters can be manipulated within the virtual environment. In particular, the characters can be trained in order to improve their skills, to add new skills, and to increase their overall value and worth in the virtual environment. In addition, the characters can be traded among users for a price based on their skills. Fees can be charged for each trade. Traded characters are given a new code to transfer all control of the character to the new owner.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are provided for presenting sale offers to users of mobile devices. In accordance with some embodiments, a controller is used to set parameters for offering a sale offer. The parameters may include a limited time period during which the sale offer may be accepted while displayed on a mobile device, and profile information for targeting a group of users for receiving the sale offer. The sale offer may be presented on a mobile device of each user whose profile information matches the profile information for the targeted group of users. A sale may be completed with a user if the sale offer is accepted within the limited time period.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for card customization including a centralized issuer hub providing a single point of website integration for applicants in different countries or affiliations, the system comprising a centralized issuer hub comprising a server that coordinates data exchange among a plurality of country- or affiliate-specific websites, a card customization services for processing applicant requests, and an image administrator for customizing applicant submitted images. In operation, a local issuer country website provides a browser-based user interface tor an applicant. Card customization services includes a website that recognizes an issuer country or affiliation of the applicant and launches a dedicated country- or affiliate-specific website for the applicant based upon on a country of origin or affiliation of the local issuer country website.

Abstract: A system and method for acquisition, characterization, and application of Manufacturing patterns to the automated production of the digital representation of these patterns as interactive media that gathers a customer's input, and subsequently produces physical product is described.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, systems, apparatuses, and computer-readable media for allowing users to obtain personalized bereavement packages for a deceased individual. The present invention further provides, inter alia, a bereavement package ordering platform adapted to assist users with the selection, personalization and ordering of bereavement products and services and can generate bereavement package data based on the plurality of package selections received from the user. The bereavement package data includes product selection data indicating a plurality of print-based bereavement products selected or input by the user and product personalization data representing user content for inclusion in one or more of the print-based bereavement products. The bereavement package data can be provided to a printing vendor to produce the plurality of print-based bereavement products for delivery of the plurality of print-based bereavement products to an individual organizing a service.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ordering system for printed products, by means of which a printed product can be defined in a selection module of the ordering system and ordered from a supplier for the printed products, wherein printed products of the same product type are made of product components of the same product component types, and wherein each product component is defined precisely by a combination of a value for parameters such as page format, number of pages, coloration, type of paper, type of binding, processing, and finishing.

Abstract: A method for inscribing a communicated text message as a memorabilia on a wearable medium utilizing a mobile device is installed with a mobile application. The application allows a user to login to an account using an email id and password. The application is operable to convert the text message into a memorabilia. The user is able to select at least one text message for inscribing on a wearable medium. A snapshot option allows the user to capture an image of a text message for making a memorable moment. The user is permitted to crop and resize the selected image for making the image suitable for inscribing. The user selects at least one of a list of available wearable medium. The user sends the selected image with selected wearable medium to the service provider. The service provider mails the wearable medium to the user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for producing a greeting card. The system comprises user devices and a server with a communications network which are configured for capturing handwriting as a digital image, processing the digital image to extract the handwriting, combining the processed image with one of a number of images for the greeting card, and controlling the display of the combined image on a user device or the printing of the combined image.

Abstract: Techniques are described regarding providing consumers with devices on which digital content appropriate for those consumers has been loaded, such as digital media player devices or other consumer devices that are able to play or otherwise present digital media loaded on those devices. In some situations, when a consumer orders such a digital media player or other consumer device from a merchant (or other distributor of the device), the merchant preloads a copy of the device with digital media content before delivering that device to the consumer or other specified recipient, such as digital media items that are automatically selected in a personalized manner for the recipient to whom the device will be sent. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and computer-readable medium for executing a method of placing an order for a sub-component (part) of a product, including generally three steps: displaying a diagram depicting sub-components of a product in an exploded view on a user screen; receiving a user selection of a sub-component to be ordered; and processing the selection of a sub-component to be ordered. Optionally, the method may allow the user to selectively view further information pertinent to displayed sub-components, such as their prices and specifications, or to selectively zoom in on and zoom out of the exploded view or to scroll the exploded view. The method thus assists the user when attempting to identify and/or order a sub-component for the product. The method may also be implemented in a stand-alone computer system.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and associated software for facilitating gifting via online transactions. A method for buying and delivering a gift from an online store is divided into three distinct processes. First, a gift giver selects one or more gift items from the online store and purchases a gift certificate including gift redeeming information used for redeeming the gift item(s). Second, the gift giver transfers the gift redeeming information to a gift recipient of choice. Third, the gift recipient redeems the gift items based on the gift redeeming information received. The gift recipient also is enabled to provide delivery information during the redemption processes, thereby ensuring the redeemed gift(s) is/are delivered to a correct and preferred location. Meanwhile, the gift giver does not need to know the gift recipient's exact delivery information.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and structure for provisioning information within a network which employs an intermediary, such as an intermediary provisioning server, to automatically distribute and maintain provisioning information between network components such as marketplace and vendor server computers and customers.

Abstract: An embodiment of a method for providing technical support service includes generating a plurality of problem resolutions that are determined to resolve an identified technical problem; attributing weights to each of said plurality of problem resolutions according to frequency of use; and in response to a request to resolve said identified problem, selecting a problem resolution from among said plurality of problem resolutions based at least in part on said attributed weights.

Abstract: The invention provides a a method for tailoring food and/or beverage products to consumer requirements, comprising the steps of providing to a target person a set of a plurality of different food product samples of the same food product category, each product sample having at least two organoleptic properties, and the food product samples differing from each other with regard to at least one organoleptic property, wherein each organoleptic property is present, preferably in differing strengths, in at least two food product samples, receiving liking values representing a liking for the consumed product samples from the target person, via a first communication interface designed for electronic communication, and computing a target person-specific prioritization ranking as to the organoleptic properties by a computing system, functionally connected to the first communication interface preferably via a network and designed for computing the prioritization ranking, the prioritization ranking being compiled by comp

Abstract: A method of providing user customization of a retractable pet leash is provided. The method includes verifying user-provided access code information using a processor that receives the user-provided access code information over the Internet. An image is received from the user after the user-provided access code information is verified using the processor. The image is processed using image processing module according to a specification corresponding to dimensions of the retractable pet leash forming a processed image. A customized object is provided by printing the processed image.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for preconfiguring a computing device remotely. A virtualized version of a computing device may be executed remotely and preconfigured by a user. The configuration of the virtualized version of the computing device may then be replicated to a physical version of the computing device. Alternatively, the physical version of the computing device may be executed remotely and preconfigured directly by the user.

Abstract: A business object model, which reflects data that is used during a given business transaction, is utilized to generate interfaces. This business object model facilitates commercial transactions by providing consistent interfaces that are suitable for use across industries, across businesses, and across different departments within a business during a business transaction. In some operations, software creates, updates, or otherwise processes information related to a customer requirement business object.

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 allowing multiple customers to each create an individual, modified motivation or recognition program having participants, each said motivation program permitting the participants to earn awards on the basis of the participants' performance, each said motivation program of a particular customer operating according to preferences selected by the particular customer.

Abstract: A method and system for scheduling an electronic vehicle order. The method includes receiving an electronic vehicle order, which has a plurality of associated vehicle-option inputs, from a customer; expanding the order by associating each vehicle option with a plurality of part codes to generate a subset of part codes; applying a first set of rules that has non-deterministic criteria to the subset of part codes for conflict determination; resolving any conflict(s) between part codes by applying a second rule set, which has deterministic criteria; and scheduling a vehicle build order based at least in part on the part code subset.

Abstract: A configurator is provided with the ability to present to a user how each choice or change to an information handling system would affect the performance of the information handling system for an intended use. More specifically, during an online sales process, the customer is first presented with a list of gaming genres or gaming titles for which the information handling system to be purchased is targeted to use along with a base or recommended configuration. The configuration process proceeds with each discrete choice now presented to the user not only with the price but also with the specific system performance impact of that item, such as showing a Frame Per Second indication. A new set of fields are provided for each item in the configuration database and may be proportional to the number of gaming genres or titles presented to the customer at the first selection screen.

Abstract: A system and method for personalizing an article in real-time is provided. A selection of an article for personalization is accepted from a user. A model of the selected article is displayed. At least one personalization attribute is accepted from the user. The model is modified and displayed, based on the at least one accepted personalization attribute, as the at least one personalization attribute is accepted, thereby enabling the user to personalize the article in real-time. The article may be an article of jewelry, such as a ring, a necklace, or a watch.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system leverages binary decision diagram (BDD) structures to provide selectable attribute values for one or more configurable products. The BDD structures may define offering attribute nodes and non-offering attribute nodes. The offering attribute nodes may represent product attribute values selectable by the user based on product configuration rules, and the non-offering attribute nodes may represent product attribute values not selectable by the user based on the product configuration rules. The computer-implemented system may further include at least one memory storage device that stores one or more product configuration rules used to define permissible product configurations and attributes of the products.

Abstract: It is described a concept for a service selection of at least two services of a composite service wherein a composite service description (100) of the composite service includes at least two service templates (102a, 102b, 102c), each of which defines at least one constraint for a service wherein the service is to be executed in place of the service template to thereby constitute part of the composite service. From service database there is selected for each service template a corresponding candidate set comprising at least one service matching the at least one constraint of the service template. Subsequently or at least partially simultaneously for each of the at least two service templates (102a, 102b, 102c), from the corresponding candidate set one service is selected so as to provide, based on a predetermined cost metric, for a reduced composition cost. The predetermined cost metric may include a latency metric, an energy efficiency metric, a co-location metric or a traffic metric, etc.

Abstract: A computerized method may be used to create a photograph album from a digital photograph source. The method includes receiving an input selection from a user, which is entered through a computing device. The method also includes retrieving photographs and contextual content from a digital photograph database stored on a second computing device. The method also includes the one or more photographs and contextual content in a photo album. The method also includes compiling the photographs and contextual content into an arrangement. Finally, the method includes creating a finalized version of the photograph album.

Abstract: A system and method for synchronizing broadcast advertising inventory data between a broadcast vendor system and a media buyer's media resource planning system features a database that stores advertising inventory data received from the broadcast vendor system and the media buyer's resource planning system. A matching application in communication with the database performs a comparison between a previous package of advertising inventory data and a revised package of advertising inventory data. An analysis application in communication with the matching application and the database enables a user to review results of the comparison and directs uploading of the revised package of advertising data from the database to the media buyer's resource planning system.

Abstract: Methods and systems by which a consumer may select or specify coordinated features of an absorbent paper product and its packaging, such as a facial tissue or paper towel product, and then receive an absorbent paper product and packaging having the coordinated features selected or specified by the consumer.

Abstract: An ecommerce cost optimization system includes: a display including information identifying an item; a quantity selection tool; a delivery location selection tool; an optimized offer presentation tool that provides at least one optimized option through the display component, wherein the at least one optimized option is optimized based on the selected quantity and the selected delivery location; and an order placement tool to place an order from amongst the options provided by the optimized offer presentation tool. A method of providing optimized offer for non-stock item transactions through an ecommerce application includes receiving a user selection including a selected quantity of the item and a selected delivery location and determining an optimized offer based on analysis of the possible combinations of a production schedule and a delivery schedule for the selected quantity and delivery location.

Abstract: A method for dynamically determining the sales price of a product composed of a number of components produced from at least one workpiece of selected dimensions, including indicating the specifications of such product, determining the number and configurations of the components of such product, determining the minimum number of such workpieces required to provide the determined number of such components by efficiently nesting such components on a minimum number of such workpieces and computing the sales price of such product partially based on the determined minimum number of such workpieces required to most efficiently yield such components.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supplying a customer with a footbed. A kiosk provides measurements of a consumer's feet with a self-guided display by using both pressure measurements and scanning of the feet. The measurement information is converted to identify which of the preselected and stocked components proximate the kiosk can be combined to provide an appropriate footbed for the consumer.

Abstract: Various embodiments include an apparatus comprising a server operable to generate a customized virtual catalog including a plurality of composite images, wherein at least one of the plurality of composite images includes an image of a promotional product decorated using a decorative image associated with a client requesting access to the customized virtual catalog.

Abstract: An object is to easily set product specifications according to a client's requirements.

Abstract: An image display system is provided that allows event organizers to sell images of the event to interested parties. The interested parties would have access to the images and allow them to copy and manipulate the same. In addition, customers would have the ability to order image related products containing one or more of the images.

Abstract: There is provided a method of designing and manufacturing a cam device using a three-dimensional design-support computer program including a customer setup program for customers and a manufacture setup program for cam device manufactures being configured to generate different finenesses in 3D models and characteristic values of cam performance as a result of design of the cam device, and being configured to obtain a result which indicates the same cam device except for fineness and the required calculation items when the same parameters are loaded. The customer setup program is lent from the cam device manufacture to the customer, and detailed design to constructional details of the cam device is performed using the manufacture setup program on the basis of design data created using the customer setup program and handed to the cam device manufacturer, whereby the cam device is manufactured on the basis of a detailed design drawing.

Abstract: An order fulfillment and content management system and method configured to fulfill a product order for a customized cover for a consumer product. In various embodiments, an order can be placed for a cover in an on-demand nature. In other words, a user can select and customize a cover over a network and the resulting cover is manufactured in accordance with that order. Furthermore, various processes can be integrated and moved in concert with one another to provide an efficient and timely fulfillment of the order. The system can also have several stake holders that can quickly review and identify any problems in an order and arrive at a quick resolution path.

Abstract: A system providing seller pre-qualification during the matching phase of an electronic commerce transaction includes a directory structure comprising multiple hierarchically organized product classes, each product class categorizing multiple products and defining one or more attributes of the products categorized in the product class. The system also includes one or more pointers for each product class, each pointer identifying a seller database in which product data enabling a product transaction is stored for products categorized in the product class. The system further includes a search interface configured to communicate a search query for product data only to one or more seller databases associated with sellers having seller attribute values matching the specified seller attribute criteria, these seller databases being identified by the one or more pointers associated with the selected product class.

Abstract: Mobile electronic devices, docking stations, and communication systems that include the same, as well as features and services offered by such mobile electronic devices, docking stations and communication systems are described. A mobile device in accordance with one embodiment includes a dual-mode capacitance sensor that can perform both a fingerprint scanning function and a user interface device function. A docking station in accordance with another embodiment can engage a mobile electronic device and also be removably attached to a component. Docking stations are also described that can communicate with one another to extend the feature sets of each. A mobile electronic device in accordance with another embodiment supports multiple profiles. Finally, a system in accordance with an embodiment performs attribute-based presentation of applications available in an application store to a mobile electronic device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system, apparatus and method for facilitating the selection, purchasing and ordering glass products. The apparatus includes a processor which is controlled by software to facilitate a selection process which integrates the comparison of glass products and their properties, as well as, including particular properties of particular components of a glass product. The apparatus can work with a user input device and is programmed to display graphics associated with selections and potential selections for glass products. The system and method providing selection menus for display on a display device and an animation graphic associated with a selection presented to the user. The system, apparatus, and method integrates the glass product selection information, and makes selections for the user, based on the user's previous choices and specified target performances to present to the user potential glass products.

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.