Abstract: A method is disclosed that provides an Internet wish list for deferred purchasing. A user clicks on an add to wish list button located on locations, such as, a product page, a banner ad, or search results to add an item to the wish list. A reminder system is used to remind a user to purchase an item at a future time. The shopping list service may be integrated at a high level of integration and a low level of integration. On a low level of integration a proxy platform is used to add functionality to a website.

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: 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 and method for designing a plurality of customized embodiments of petal window valances utilizing an on-line design interface. The system includes an on-line design server that is connected to at least one client computer via a network. The on-line design server provides the customer with a process to enable the creation of a customized petal window valance that is derived from the inputs of the customer as the customer utilizes the process. During particular steps of the design process, the on-line design server provides choices for the customer wherein the customer must select at least on of the provided choices. The on-line design server includes a plurality of databases of design elements contain therein and are provided to the customer different design elements that can be selected to create the customized embodiment.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods to implement a technique for selling content such as movies online. In one implementation, a user obtains permission from the content owner to sell access to an item of video content. The user acts as a promoter for the content and receives compensation from the content owner for each sale. The user does not have or create copies to transfer to buyers—the commercial transaction and fulfillment are provided by the content owner. The user can build a library or online store of content that the user promotes. In another implementation, the system provides significant gifting functionality for content items, such as for providing previews and gift wrapping skins for gifted content items.

Abstract: A system and method for collecting handling processing and calculating values weights and prices for observations entered by one or a plurality of sources about one or a plurality of targets related to a researchable model or a theory or practice.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating a marketplace of lighting atmosphere settings related to at least one controllable lighting network are disclosed. The systems include a processor that can be used in conjunction with a personal communication device and a preferences database. The processor is used to detect a user identifier, a user input associated with a set of lighting atmosphere settings, and optionally a context corresponding to the user identifier. The processor in some such systems has an associated local memory to store the user input, the set of lighting atmosphere settings, and the identifier of the associated user. The processor is further used to identify a setting identifier associated with the set of lighting atmosphere settings from a preference database. The processor is also used to provide or approve a payment for the value of the set of lighting atmosphere settings to the marketplace.

Abstract: A request to activate a software tool can be received, where activation requires a quantity of tokens of a token license model. An entity, project, user-set, user, or combination thereof corresponding to the request can be ascertained. A feature-set to be enabled can be determined by querying preexisting indexed records. The preexisting indexed records can associate different feature-sets to different entities, projects, user-sets, users, or combinations thereof. A token cost can be computed for activating the software tool with the feature-set enabled for the request. Token costs for utilizing the software tool can vary depending upon the enabled feature-set. The computed token cost can be the quantity of tokens required to activate the software tool responsive to the request.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system and methods for developing designs. In one embodiment, a method includes electronically distributing a specification for a design to a distributed community of designers, receiving designs from each of a subset of the community of designers in response to the distributed design specification, screening received designs that do not meet the specification, facilitating evaluation of a subset of the received designs by a number of evaluators; and selecting a preferred design in response to the facilitated evaluation of the designs.

Abstract: Online services offer modeling is provided. A system for managing online offers for products and services includes a components module, an offer module, a subscription module, a billing module and a change management module. The component module defines the properties of components that may be included in an offer. The offer module defines the features of the offer, including one or more components. The components may be a base component or an add-on component. The subscription module processes the provisioning of an offer. The market module specifies countries or regions in which offers are made available. The billing module processes billing and payment actions for an offer. The change management module processes alterations to a provisioned offer, inserting the properties of an add-on component into the properties of a base component.

Abstract: Product configuration selections automatically cross-over between plural product types based upon end user component selections. If end user component selections initiate a cross-over trigger, the end user is presented with an option to cross over from an initially-selected product type to a product type associated with the cross-over trigger. Upon selection of the cross-over product type, the product configuration is automatically reconfigured to update components selected by the end user for the initially-selected product type to components associated with the cross-over product type.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing the customization of products can be implemented to facilitate the cooperative efforts of sellers, buyers, and producers of customizable products through a common, loosely coupled, remote system. This system may be implemented via a web-based software system as a hosted solution or as an easily integrated solution to the existing web presence of the seller.

Abstract: Provided is an automated publishing system that can include a database indexed to store contribution data that includes portions of works of authorship, a user authentication system configured to authenticate a member to the system, and a virtual work area having a graphic user interface accessible by the member. The interface can include content searching and content collating features such that a member can generate a custom work by selecting a plurality of different portions of works of authorship which are combined to generate the custom publication. The interface in addition contains an option for a member to add content at the end of each chapter, when such member is authorized by the publisher. The custom publication can be sent to the publisher for approval and is made available only after the publisher grants approval.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for providing electronic meal information to a user. At least one database stores recipe information, recipe attribute information process information and time information for recipes. A web site linked to the Internet includes a prompt for a user to submit at least one characteristic of a meal and another prompt for available ingredient information. Recipe information is generated by a selection of at least some of the stored electronic recipe information that corresponds to the characteristic of the meal and the available ingredients. An electronic list of ingredients is generated that includes the difference between ingredients for the meal, and the at least one ingredient that the user has available for the meal.

Abstract: Embroidery design transactional systems and methods are provided. In one embodiment, a method for conducting embroidery design transactions includes receiving an embroidery design inputted by a user of a communication device to form a user-customized embroidery design. The user is associated with a user account. The method includes saving the user-customized embroidery design on the communication device in response to receiving a save request from the user to save the user-customized embroidery design on the communication device. The method also includes initiating a monetary charge to the user account in response to saving the user-customized embroidery design on the communication device.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a method for providing the user with the customized DRM software by the service provider, wherein a universal DRM system is installed and operated in said service provider, and a standard DRM software template is as well stored in said service provider, when the user makes a request for customizing DRM software to the service provider, a customized DRM software is generated from the standard DRM software template and a universal Rights Object of this use is generated; then the customized DRM software and the universal Rights Object are sent to this user. The customized DRM software operates in the user's system containing at least one client and server.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a service creation system and an implementing method thereof. The system comprises: a service creation module for managing and providing service information and service state; a serving access module for managing and providing the serving needed to consist the service; a service execution engine module for, when executing the service, acquiring corresponding service information and service state from the service creation module, acquiring a serving node related when executing a service logic according to the acquired corresponding service information, acquiring corresponding serving information from the serving access module, and invoking a corresponding serving. The present invention improves the service development flexibility.

Abstract: Customizable cosmetic containers, customization components, kits, and methods In one embodiment a kit is disclosed comprising a cosmetic container comprising a body, the body defining a cavity configured to receive a cosmetic product, and the body configured to be coupled to a lid in a closed position such that the body and the lid cooperate to substantially enclose the cavity and two or more customization components each configured to be connected to at least one of the body and a lid such that at least a portion of the customization component contours to the shape of a surface of the at least one of the body and lid.

Abstract: A digital image display device for displaying a collection of digital images, comprising: a display screen; a processor; a user interface including one or more user interface elements for enabling a user to control the behavior of the digital image display device; a network interface for communicating with a network; an image memory for storing digital images; and a processor-accessible program memory. The program memory stores executable instructions for causing the processor to execute the steps of: receiving user interface control information from a network server via the network interface; disabling at least a portion of the user interface elements responsive to the received user interface control information to selectively disabled at least a portion of the user interface elements of the digital image display device; and displaying stored digital images on the display screen.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for producing merchandise for a user based upon a character within a virtual environment, on request of the user, by retrieving character data representing a player character within a game and converting the character data into merchandise characteristics. Merchandise is manufactured based, at least in part, on the merchandise characteristics.

Abstract: A system for unbundling revenue. In response to receiving an order for a product from a customer, a revenue bill of materials is determined for the ordered product. Amortization schedules are differentiated for revenue components within the bill of materials for the ordered product that require an amortization schedule. Then, each of the revenue components within the bill of materials are assigned to an appropriate revenue account.

Abstract: A computer program product is provided. The computer program product includes a computer useable medium having a computer readable program. The computer readable program when executed on a computer causes the computer to receive first customization request data and second customization request data for a virtual object to be purchased by a user in a virtual world computing environment. Further, the computer readable program when executed on a computer causes the computer to encode the first customization request data and the second customization request data into a value. In addition, the computer readable program when executed on a computer causes the computer to invoke an instantiation of the virtual object such that the virtual object has a customizable component.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes one or more apparatuses and methods to allow users to generate a greeting card by defining a theme, a personalized message, content, and optionally a gift.

Abstract: Decorative caps for various fixtures that are easy to install, customizable, and interchangeable. The decorative caps can have custom decorations thereupon and when installed are held in proper alignment by mechanical locking such that the custom decoration does not change alignment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and computer systems for ordering customized furniture pieces to be upholstered and an upholstery covering. In particular, the methods of the present invention relate to calculating the amount of a covering needed based on the fabric repeat size in the case of a fabric covering, or based on hide inconsistencies in the case of a leather covering.

Abstract: A system for generating a view of a purchase history, includes an electronic receipt generator for generating an electronic receipt including information regarding a purchase by a customer, a storage device for storing the electronic receipt, and a display screen generator which accesses the electronic receipt in the storage device to generate a display screen which displays a map corresponding to the information included in the electronic receipt.

Abstract: Preferred embodiments include a method and apparatus for generating customized product documentation for a furniture item having a plurality of surface material options. A computer receives a plurality of images of surface materials which may be applied to a furniture item and stores the images into a computer database. Label information describing each of the plurality of images and the furniture item is also received into the database. Surface material images are electronically displayed and an image is selected for application to the furniture item. The computer maps the selected surface material onto an image depicting the furniture item. An electronic document is generated which includes an image of the furniture item having the selected surface material mapped thereon and the label information associated with the selected surface material and the furniture item.

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: Users access a computer system using a network to customize products offered by selecting from a library of customizing components and applying the components to the products. Data indicative of customized products created by the users is stored in a database. The users can purchase their customized products and/or create an online store to offer and sell their customized products to others. Other users can access the computer system and the online stores to create sub-stores to sell sub-customized products. The stores and sub-stores can provide all of the products and customizing components or just subsets thereof. The online stores and sub-stores can be linked to social media sites and/or be embedded in other web sites. The system can be used with any customizable product including, for example, clothing that is customized with appliqué patches.

Abstract: A system for formation of product offerings is described. The system defines feature data related to attributes, benefits, or features. This feature data may be grouped into a package. These packages may be associated with base products such as a new or existing base transaction account. Also, these packages, alone or in combination with additional packages, may be grouped into a market offering for offering to a consumer.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a computer-based application that allows its users to insert their pictures in a variety of different photo books. Each photo book has several pages that have one or more picture fields for presenting pictures. Different photo books can differ in their size, themes, covers, page designs, page colors, picture-field designs, picture-field layouts, and/or other attributes. In some embodiments, the application also allows the users to modify photo books that they select. For instance, a user can modify the page design, color, frame design, and/or other thematic aspects of a selected photo books. Also, in some embodiments, the user can add picture and text fields to the photo book. Once the user has completed designing the photo book and inserting pictures in the photo book, the user can order the photo book through an online transaction that is initiated through the application.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for providing transaction card customization image review, wherein image review is performed by an image reviewer using an online extranet provided by a transaction card franchiser. The method comprises the steps of logging onto the online extranet using a web browser, selecting an image administrator application from a licensed product list of the transaction card franchiser, selecting a customized image for review, and approving or rejecting the customized image, wherein information pertaining to approving or rejecting the customized image is automatically saved in a database of the transaction card franchiser.

Abstract: A method for testing versions for remote manufacturing of software media from a network is described. An interface to a user is provided for creation of a physical on demand product. A product version is created for the physical on demand product that includes an electronic copy of a product and information about the product. Approval of the created product version is requested from quality assurance. A test order capability is provided to the user after approval from quality assurance such that the user may have a physical on demand product order fulfilled prior to release of the product version for general sale in a commerce engine. The delivery of the test order is processed based upon who is requesting the test order. A software system that performs the testing method described above for the creation of compact discs (CDs) or digital video discs (DVDs) containing full product files (executables, binaries, music, video, etc.) also is described.

Abstract: Customized articles of footwear are produced by defining options that can be selected by a customer when submitting a custom order. These options typically include model options, functional options, and aesthetic options. These options are created by a design source, such as a shoe designer within a particular market, and presented to the customer when making the order. Upon a customer selecting one or more of the options at a user interface, the selected options are converted to specifications associated with the order. A work-load engine is employed to generate, based on the specifications, a work order that includes a dataflow for selecting appropriate stations on a manufacturing floor to participate in a manufacturing process, and a workflow for instructing each of the appropriate stations to perform a sequence of operations, within the manufacturing process, that result in fabricating individual components of the article of footwear according to the order.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a management platform for monitoring and managing one or more smart meters. The management platform comprises means for communicating with smart meters and a workflow handler for executing a workflow. A workflow specifies a process for management of the smart meters.

Abstract: Included are embodiments for customized ordering. At least one embodiment of a method includes receiving an indication to send a previously created customized order to a vendor and retrieving at least one component of the customized order according to the indication. Some embodiments include determining the vendor associated with the customized order and sending the at least one component of the customized order to the vendor in a first manner, the vendor being configured to receive the customized order.

Abstract: Disclosed is a computer with a user interface, the computer including central processing units, memories, and network interfaces, a program code that performs a search and transaction based on user input, the interface displaying in conjunction with code execution, an input environment adapted to search criteria input, the criteria defining a search for desired entities, the program code establishing a search engine that searches on different web sources to generate a search result, the engine searching using a combination of different input entities, a first entity and a second entity includable in the different entities, the engine searching for the configuration, the different entities being purchasable from different web sources, the engine searching on different web sources for the combination, and presenting found configurations, the engine providing at least one order input determined by at least one found configuration, the system taking mutual dependencies between the entities into consideration.

Abstract: The invention is directed to facilitating the planning and ordering of a merchandising unit and associated products. A merchandising unit planning screen is presented that displays a representation of a merchandising unit having holders for holding and displaying the products. A product menu is provided for each holder to allow selection of a product from a set of products for each respective holder. Available choices in the product menu of at least one holder are constraining to a subset of the set of products based on predetermined criteria. For each holder for which a product has been selected, a product quantity is determined based on a capacity of the respective holder. An order is generated based on the selected products.

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: Systems and methods for automating the processes of fabricating standardized and/or customized structural components, supporting remotely located customers with a commercial service, manufacturing control of a centralized production system, to digitally execute the common, repetitive and necessary steps sequenced in advance of and in support of fabrication as well as the fabrication process itself. The operation of remote computer driven peripherals executing automated marking, cutting, and joining of materials is used to transform the materials into the components matching the description of the final product that the customer is seeking to produce.

Abstract: A process and system for growing produce decouples farming from the unpredictability of the external environment by moving the farm into a highly-controlled enclosed environment in which all variables are optimized to grow produce of exceptional quality in a consistent, predictable manner, while minimizing or eliminating deleterious environmental impacts. A filtered, positive-pressure environment greatly reduces particulate contamination and pest infiltration from the outside. Seedlings are planted in containers of an organic soil mix engineered to deliver optimal amounts of water, nutrients, fiber and organic matter. The containers advance along a production line, in the process being given controlled exposure to light of predetermined intensity and wavelength, optimized to produce a desired growth pattern. Water is given at regular intervals in amounts calculated to produce optimal growth without waste.

Abstract: A system and method for obtaining photographic products and/or services comprises bundling image capture and printing technologies into products and/or services that are paid for by a consumer with monthly or yearly subscription fees. The system and method involves selecting a camera and selecting a photographic products/service plan which designates photographic products and/or services which are to be associated with the selected camera. The system and method gives the consumer the option of selecting a specific camera from a menu of cameras, and a specific photographic product/service plan which is to be associated with the selected camera from a product/service menu.

Abstract: Selecting a first silhouette image of an item at a client machine displays a plurality of silhouette images representing aspects of the item such as style, length type and sleeve type. Selecting any of those aspects allows a server to search a database for listings of similar items that have those aspects. Concurrently selecting one or more of the images representing those aspects and one or more sizes, allows a server to search a database for listings of similar items that have those aspects and those sizes.

Abstract: A system and method for obtaining photographic products and/or services comprises bundling image capture and printing technologies into products and/or services that are paid for by a consumer with monthly or yearly subscription fees. The system and method involves selecting a camera and selecting a photographic products/service plan which designates photographic products and/or services which are to be associated with the selected camera. The system and method gives the consumer the option of selecting a specific camera from a menu of cameras, and a specific photographic product/service plan which is to be associated with the selected camera from a product/service menu.

Abstract: A system and method for obtaining photographic products and/or services comprises bundling image capture and printing technologies into products and/or services that are paid for by a consumer with monthly or yearly subscription fees. The system and method involves selecting a camera and selecting a photographic products/service plan which designates photographic products and/or services which are to be associated with the selected camera. The system and method gives the consumer the option of selecting a specific camera from a menu of cameras, and a specific photographic product/service plan which is to be associated with the selected camera from a product/service menu.

Abstract: A method and system for searching for listings of sized items having numerical sizes that are physically equivalent to alpha sizes (S, M, L) of the same type of item. The method comprises enabling the rendering of selectable alpha sizes of an item, the alpha sizes of the item associated with selectable numerical sizes of the item, at least one of the alpha sizes of the item associated with a plurality of numerical sizes of the item. When a user selects at least one of the alpha sizes of an item that has a plurality of associated numerical sizes of the item, a server queries a database for listings of similar items having at least one of the plurality of associated numerical sizes. The system and method can be extended for finding listings of similar items manufactured by different manufacturers, the items having the same physical size but different numerical sizes.

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: An electronic system for creating customized product proposals stores a plurality of pictures and text segments to be used as building blocks in creating the proposal. The pictures may include various products, environments in which the products may be used, and available product options. The text segments may include textual descriptions of the product, environments in which the product may be used, and its performance specifications. The system queries a user to determine a customer's needs and interests. Based upon the answers to the queries, the system selects the appropriate picture and text building blocks to fill in proposal templates. The system can print the completed proposal templates to provide the user with a customized, printed proposal that describes features and benefits of a product, in a particular environment, that are of interest to the customer who is to receive the proposal.

Abstract: A retail store design and method that allows a consumer, particularly a younger child, to actively participate in the customization, assembly, and personalization of a modular toy vehicle while in the retail store environment. The store design can provide an overall experience to the consumer that is interactive and personal. With this store design and method the consumer does not have to settle on limited off-the-shelf variations in toy vehicle design. The consumer can customize their own toy vehicle based on their own individual taste and also participated in the assembly process and personalize the vehicle including assigning a vehicle identification number (VIN) and creating a personalized license plate.

Abstract: A body ornamentation design, customization and management system, which may include any combination of a Customer Profile Module, a Tattoo Design Module, a Tattoo Stencil Creation Module, an Artist Portfolio Module, an Administration Module, an Informational Document Module, an FAQ Module, an Advertising Module, a Body Jewelry Module and Legal Module, is provided. The body ornamentation design, customization and management system provides an efficient and effective system for the management of a body ornamentation design business (such as a tattoo shop), as well as an efficient and effective system for allowing a customer to select a body ornamentation design, and for having the body ornamentation design applied to the customer's body. A documentation system is also provided for collecting, organizing and maintaining records relating to the business of a body ornamentation business (such as a tattoo shop).