Abstract: Item configurators for websites and other applications, using a plurality of graphic layer files and graphic layer thumbnail files comprising various layers of the item desired for configuration. Generally at least some of this plurality of graphic layer files will contain some transparent pixels. The method also involves creating at least one main description file, which may be in XML format, or a CSV row and column table format, suitable for editing by spreadsheet, which describes the relationships between this plurality of graphic layer files. An interactive generic configurator program (IGCP) that is capable of reading and parsing this main description file, and displaying icons on the GUI that are representative of various user configurator selections will then be used to implement the configurator, often within a web browser over the internet. Additionally, methods of allowing unskilled users to remotely edit such configurator files using standard web browsers are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for selling business applications requiring non-trivial integration, customization and configuration via an application store configured as a centralized virtual shop. The method includes selecting a starter kit by a member of the user organization that best matches needs, enabling a plurality of application buyers and application configurers to work with the starter kit to discover any gaps that may remain and plugging-in additional apps and widgets and removing unneeded components to assemble the full solution configuring and tuning setting parameters and testing.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for assessing fidelity of a product customization tool for an electronic catalog including electronic records representing a plurality of customizable products, the customizable products including a plurality of configurable option selections is described. The method includes identifying a plurality of test case grouping including one or more customizable products having defined ranges of the configurable option selection that do not affect a key output parameter for the grouping and identifying a set of test cases selected from the test case groupings, the test cases having selections associated with the configurable option selection. The method further includes evaluating the set of test cases relative to identify instances of products in the electronic catalog conforming to the selections associated with the configurable option selection and generating a report providing differences between what was expected with the number of rules and actual results of the evaluating act.

Abstract: A method for efficiently specifying a plurality of product specifications includes providing product element specifications having multiple selection choices for product elements, presenting user-interactive pages to select a choice for each product element, receiving a selected choice for each product element to specify a first product specification, presenting a last user-interactive page following the user-interactive pages, the last user-interactive page including a user-interactive graphic element that when selected presents a repeated one of the user-interactive pages, receiving a selected choice for the product element corresponding to the repeated user-interactive page in a second product specification that is different from the product element selection choice in the first product specification, and automatically selecting unspecified product element choices in the second product specification that are the same as in the first product specification, thereby producing a second product specification di

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for providing dynamic item pricing to a customer during online shopping and/or purchasing of wireless devices. In a representative embodiment, a dynamic pricing system is executed in a computing device that generates a network page to send to a client device over a network, the network page including a price for a specified wireless device. The dynamic pricing system communicates with the client device over the network to obtain a selected service plan associated with the specified wireless device. The dynamic pricing system determines an updated price for the specified wireless device in response to the selected service plan for access by the customer.

Abstract: An online personalized gifting system for providing gift card related packaging formats to enhance the customer experience relating to online gift card sales.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems, computer program product, and related computer implemented methods to issue a closed-loop retail prepaid card including a user-designed external face using a chit, the chit being defined by an identification mechanism representing a financial commitment to issue a closed-loop retail prepaid card in an amount associated with a value paid for the chit, are provided. Embodiments of the present invention advantageously provide a service that enables a consumer to purchase, at the storefront of a retail establishment, a chit card that the consumer can subsequently redeem through a graphical user interface of an Internet website for a closed-loop retail prepaid card with a user-designed external face. The user-designed closed-loop retail prepaid card, for example, can be subsequently printed and delivered to an intended recipient. Advantageously, such a service can be made available to any retail establishment that uses a point-of-sale system.

Abstract: Method and system for discovering artistic preferences by using a graphical user interface (GUI) tool to navigate through a collection of art images based on one or more dimensions within an art image. The GUI tool allows a user to display one or more selectable dimensions of a first image that, when selected, are used as a query to locate and display other images that have a dimension that is equal or similar to the one or more selected dimensions.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for generating and using a flexible scene framework to render dynamically-generated content within contextual scenes to personalize a customer's web experience.

Abstract: A system and method for producing custom-designed objects. Design information is input to the system by a designer; an inquiry is input by a customer. Product information is presented to the customer relating to the inquiry; the product represents an embodiment of the design. The design may be iteratively modified in accordance with additional information input by the designer and/or product preferences input by the customer. After the customer places a product order, the product is delivered to the customer; the product may include components assemblable by the customer so that the customer obtains a customized product.

Abstract: Embodiments of sales generation, including sales generation employing reverse lead generation using vehicle data systems and methods, are presented herein. In particular, in certain embodiments a user may utilize the vehicle data system to obtain pricing data corresponding to a desired vehicle configuration. When the user is presented with the pricing data associated with the specified vehicle configuration the user may additionally be presented with an upfront price offered by a dealer, where by providing their personal information the user may obtain the name of the dealer offering the upfront price and may additionally be offered the opportunity to purchase the desired, or similar, vehicle at the upfront price.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product for inventory filtering includes filtering one or more inventory items offered for sale. A primary list of the inventory items from a primary logistics information database may be obtained. A first restriction requirement based on the primary list may be generated. A second list may be generated pertaining to the inventory items and may include a list of one or more internally generated second restriction parameters different than any parameters used to establish the first restriction requirement. A second restriction requirement may be generated based on the second list. A combined restriction requirement may be generated based on any combination of the first restriction requirement and the second restriction requirement. The sale of the item may be restricted based on the combined restriction requirement.

Abstract: A method for efficiently enabling a user to specify elements in a product includes providing a single user-interactive page in a graphic user interface that includes user selections. The method further includes receiving a user selection of at least one product element and providing at least two separate first product choices wherein each first product choice includes a representation of the selected product element. The method further includes receiving a user selection of one of the first product choices and providing at least two separate second product choices that-are shown to the user in the user-interactive page wherein each second product choice includes a representation of the selected product element and the selected first product choice, and receiving a user selection of one of the second product choices to specify the product with the product element, first product choice, and second product choice.

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: 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: A system for bill pay enrollment may comprise at least one subsystem that scans a paper a bill into a digital image, at least one subsystem that recognizes information on the digital image, and at least one subsystem that uses at least some of the recognized information to enroll a payee into a bill pay system.

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 for 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 for displaying an illuminated image which includes (1) a frame kit with interchangeable components and an assembled electric cord set and (2) a flexible sheet imprinted with an image which combine to make a unit for display of the image as on a table lamp or hanging lamp. The printed sheet is art paper or other media formed into a closed shape defined by the shape of the frame rims to which it is attached at both ends. One of the frame rims includes provision for the attachment of legs which connect the rim to a central hub, which provides support for a lamp holder. A slot is provided in the central hub so the complete electric cord set with the lamp holder attached can be inserted without disassembly. A website is set up whereby institutions or businesses can upload selected images with instructions for formatting for printing on the flexible sheet.

Abstract: An intelligent product catalog system provides for electronic creation, management and viewing of product information using a multimedia display system. A central database repository stores the product information and provides for an unlimited number of product attributes and dynamic reconfiguration of the product information. The central database repository comprises a meta data system, a scheme system and an object model system. A plurality of applications access the central database repository, the applications being automatically adaptive to the dynamic reconfiguration of the product information. A user interface provides display, sorting and filtering of the product information including the unlimited number of product attributes.

Abstract: The method for conducting a purchase involves obtaining a target item specification for purchasing a target item, wherein the target item specification comprises a target item description, a target purchase date, and a target price, obtaining, using a central processing unit (CPU), candidate item information related to a candidate item found on a merchant site consistent with the target item specification, wherein the candidate item information comprises a candidate item description and a candidate item price, populating a categorized entry in a user budget using the candidate item price and the target purchase date, wherein the candidate item price is no more than the target price, updating, using the CPU, the budget based on user transactions, generating a result by analyzing, using the CPU, the user budget with respect to the categorized entry, and submitting the result to a user for formulating a decision regarding whether to purchase the candidate item.

Abstract: A method is provided for mounting a plurality of cable connectors onto a panel that defines a plurality of target mounting locations. At least two of the plurality of cable connectors defines at least a pair of cable retaining apertures. The pairs of cable retaining apertures of a first one of the two cable connectors are spaced apart in a first direction, and the pair of cable retaining apertures of a second one of the two cable connectors are spaced apart in a second direction that is different than the first direction.

Abstract: The system and method uses strings of computer readable characters, such as QR Codes, biometric data captured from electronic devices, and RFID tags to link contributors to a data supply chain upon transmission from electronic devices that transmit said data strings. The electronically readable identification data strings include connection and context information for enrollees, regulators, and providers of services and products to be subscribed to asynchronous notifications and alerts as well to exchange fees, incentives, and rewards for contributions, participation, and access. Enrolled contributors are enabled to interact with electronic devices or websites or servers to contribute observations and data into protocols or otherwise participate in a data supply chain.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a supplying method for interior material ordered to a user who can connect to a server through a network, wherein the server memorizes a program which enables the user to plan a design of the interior material which is operable on the user's web browser, and the supplying method for interior material ordered comprises the steps of: connecting to the server by the web browser of the user, transferring the program which enables the user to plan a design of the interior material from the server to the web browser of the user, receiving execution results of the program which enables the user to plan a design of the interior material from the web browser by the server, digital printing designs on a printing layer of the interior material, based on the execution results of the program which enables the user to plan a design of the interior materials, manufacturing a finished product of interior material including the printing layer digital printed of the interior material, and deliv

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for configuring products, such as branded promotional products, where products may be divided into items and processes. Item parameters and process parameters may be separately specified and linked together to create a unique product where a product identifier (e.g., SKU) may be dynamically created when the product is sourced, quoted, ordered or otherwise accessed. For example, an item may involve a product to which an imprint or logo is to be affixed. A process may involve a screening printing process or other process for affixing a customer's artwork, logo or identifier. In addition, the method and system of the present invention may be applied to other applications, such as office supplies, furniture, aviation supplies, marine supplies, interior design, beauty salon and spa supplies, medical office supplies, restaurant and bar supplies, gift shops and clothing boutique, and other industries where products and services may be ordered.

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 and method are described for managing a contacts database within an online stationery service.

Abstract: An article of jewelry having colored gemstones may be designed according to a consumer's input at a retail location. The article of jewelry may be imaged and priced at the retail location, and a commitment to purchase the article of jewelry may be obtained based on the image provided. A jewelry retailing system may include a retail location having a design center to design an article of jewelry having colored gemstones according to a consumer's input, and an imaging device such as a color printer.

Abstract: Customized item that is usable on both a website as an item in a virtual world, and outside the website as a tangible item in the real world is provided and described. One single customization is used to create both items. The item can be the same in the virtual world as it is in the virtual world, or can be different in the virtual world.

Abstract: A system and method for selecting, ordering and distributing customized food products is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method is a computer-implemented method comprising viewing a list of additives for creating a customized food product, selecting one or more additives from the list of additives to create the customized food product, and transmitting a request to purchase the customized food product, which is then distributed to the consumer. By communicating with the manufacturer as to personal needs and desires pertaining to health, activity level, organoleptic preferences and so forth, the consumer can now develop and order a customized food product to suit his or her particular tastes, using a real-time interactive communication link.

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: A vehicle seat component selection system includes a showroom having a vehicle seat component display and a touch screen terminal for input of customer data such as vehicle identification, vehicle assembly location and vehicle assembly volume. The terminal has access to a vehicle seat component database which defines characteristics of each component, such as sourcing location, cost, and compatibility with other components. A customer seat selection report is created by selecting components from the database, with a signal provided in the event incompatible components are selected. The terminal graphically displays the components as they are selected, and indicates a price range for the seat assembly as it is being proposed.

Abstract: An automated location based customer detection and ordering system determines proximity of a customer to a merchant and initiates an ordering mechanism for common routine purchases. Purchases such as coffee, bagels, donuts and other food and snack items are often readily available to a mobile customer from a variety of retail establishments of various merchants. A personal electronic device such as a cellphone or smartphone corresponds to the user and indicates the user's presence within proximity of a particular merchant. A user is registered with various merchants, typically retail service locations, for a particular predetermined service offering from available menu items. A central repository or clearinghouse receives the proximity indication of a user and a registered merchant, and sends a confirmation request for the predetermined service offering. Upon user confirmation or order modification, the clearinghouse sends a confirmed order request to the merchant for preparation and delivery on user arrival.

Abstract: A method and a corresponding computer program product for generating control data for the manufacture of a product including a processing unit and a data-input unit, wherein the processing unit processes into a data structure data which are entered via the data-input unit and suitable for controlling production equipment for the manufacture of a product or can be transformed into such control data, the processing unit comprises at least two processing modules, a first processing module generates first control data having a first data structure and the second processing module generates second control data having a second data structure, the first processing module processes first input data from a first user and the second processing module requires second input data from a second user, and the first control data are generated for use by the second user while the second control data are generated for use for the first user.

Abstract: A method is disclosed that includes identifying an inventory item corresponding to a product configuration. The product configuration is defined using a feature map. The inventory item is also defined using the feature map. Each entry of the feature map corresponds to one of a number of features of a product.

Abstract: A processor implemented method, system and computer readable medium for performing transactions of user generated content in a centralized marketplace is provided. User generated content files usable in a game during gameplay are received from users to the centralized marketplace. A restriction on use of the user generated content files is applied. The user generated content files are presented within the centralized marketplace. A request to purchase a user generated content file in the centralized marketplace is received from a first user and a purchase transaction between the first user and a content owner of the user generated content file is completed.

Abstract: A method of customizing bulk purchases of consumer personal care products includes providing a consumer-accessible electronic display configured to allow a consumer to purchase the personal care products by selecting between first and second order counts of personal care products, wherein the first and second order counts are multiples of a package count of a first pre-set package of the personal care products, of a second pre-set package of the personal care products, or of a combination thereof, and fulfilling the purchase by determining the number of first and second pre-set packages to ship to meet the selected order count.

Abstract: A prepaid card processing system is operable for processing customized expiration dates of prepaid cards. The prepaid card processing system includes a database for storing program expiration parameters associated with an issuer prepaid card program; a set of card accounts created under the issuer prepaid card program, wherein each card account has an expiration date for a prepaid card associated with the card account; and one or more customized expiration parameters for the set of card accounts. The prepaid card processing system is operable to determine the expiration date for the prepaid card associated with the card account based on the program expiration parameters and the customized expiration parameters for the set of card accounts.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for configuring a product or service based on social interactions. In one embodiment, one or more users are selected to participate in configuring a desired product or service. The desired product or service may be associated with one or more configurable parameters. One or more configurations for the desired product or service may be determined, based on input received from the one or more users.

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: 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 of manufacturing a three-dimensional viewing disk of the type that can viewed using a stereoscopic viewing device, such as the devices sold under the trademark VIEW-MASTER. The method enables the manufacturing of disks in small lots using conventional two-dimensional digital images with the addition of text that is viewed with a three-dimensional effect.

Abstract: Computer-implemented product design creation system and method for quickly developing a product design having desirable component elements. Multiple candidate product designs are simultaneously displayed for review. Controls are provided allowing a reviewer to enter a preference level for individual component elements of each of the displayed designs. A new set of candidate designs is created based on the entered preference levels. The new candidate designs are displayed for further review and further preference level selection.

Abstract: A customer sends a CAD file for the part to be manufactured to the system. The system assesses the CAD file to determine various pieces of manufacturing information. One or more acceptability criteria are applied to the part, such as whether the part can be machined in two opposing orientations in a 3 axis CNC machine. If not, the system sends a file to the customer graphically indicating which portions of the part need modification to be manufacturable. The system provides the customer with a quotation form, that allows the customer to select several parameters, such as number of cavities or parts per workpiece block, surface finish and material, which are independent of the shape of the part. The quotation module then provides the customer with the cost to manufacture the mold or a number of parts, which may include both molded parts and total profiled machined parts. Budget-driven quotation is possible, wherein proposed modifications in the molding process are controlled by the budget of the customer.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a user may, via a processing device, indicate a desire to purchase a feature of an installed software product. A purchase request may be sent to an e-commerce server, or other server. The purchase request may be validated and information concerning the software product, the feature of the software product, and the processing device may be stored. Enabling information may be sent to the processing device to enable the feature of the software product. In some embodiments, the user may request a trial of a feature of a software product before purchasing the feature. In other embodiments, the user may deactivate a purchased feature of a software product on one processing device and may activate the purchased feature of the software product on a different processing device.

Abstract: A system implemented by an online stationery/card service is described allowing a user to personalize and send non-electronic stationery/cards, the system comprising: a Web-based GUI for designing stationery/cards and envelopes for the stationery/cards comprising: an envelope design region for designing an envelope to be used for mailing the stationery/cards selected by the end user, the envelope design region comprising: a return address region comprising one or more text boxes for entering a return address of the end user; an address region comprising one or more text boxes for entering the address of a recipient, wherein the address region includes a first link to generate a list of contacts in the user's contacts database and a second link to generate one or more options for contacting the recipient when the user does not know the address of the recipient.

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: An exemplary network data exchange method includes the steps of: receiving a commodity browsing request containing a requester network address from a network; finding out a camera corresponding to the commodity browsing request; obtaining a control right or an access right of the camera; using the camera to capture the commodity according to a received camera operating request and obtaining videos or images of the commodity; and sending the videos or the images to the requester network address by the network. A network server is also provided in the present disclosure. The present disclosure may effectively improve the operation efficiency of an online shopping system as well as the efficiency and the accuracy of online shopping by utilizing the online shopping system by users, and promotes the consumption.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method to provide options on products to enhance customers' experience. A computer-implemented service is operated that delivers to a customer an option to utilize up to n of m selected products, where n is less than or equal to m. Information is recorded in a data store, pertaining to said option. In addition, a system is operated to define each of the n chosen products, whereby after each of the n chosen products is defined, the customer can utilize said chosen product. The information pertaining to said defined products is recorded in a data store. A computer-implemented system and method to award two or more confirmed products to a customer, wherein said customer is allowed to utilize fewer than the awarded products.

Abstract: A system for point of sale personalization of an information handling system (IHS), includes one or more subsystems to allow a customer to access a server to select a model of IHS, allow the customer to choose an operating system for the IHS, allow the customer to choose hardware for the IHS, simulate the IHS to the customer including the operating system and the hardware, receive personalization data from the customer, store the personalization data, assemble the IHS, including the hardware and installing the operating system, and download the personalization data to the IHS.

Abstract: A web-based computer system and method for making a photo-specialty product is set forth herein. The system comprises a computer-based device residing at a first location having a computer software application for producing a photo product component from a digital image, and a computer software template residing at a second location for receiving the photo product component transferred from the first location to produce at least one purchase or print ready photo-specialty product.