Abstract: Systems and methods for automated personalized customer service are disclosed. In embodiments, a method comprises: determining, by a computing device, at least one object from a plurality of objects within a venue matches a search query received from a user; assigning to the user, by the computing device, a select lighting type from a plurality of available lighting types, wherein the select lighting type is not available for the computing device to assign to other users while assigned to the user; providing, by the computing device, a notification to the user regarding the select lighting type; selecting, by the computing device, a target lighting device from a plurality of lighting devices within the venue, the target lighting device being associated with the at least one object; initiating, by the computing device, a first illumination event of the target lighting device based on the select lighting type.

Abstract: The present disclosure proposes a method and an apparatus for generating data based on query content, wherein the method comprises: establishing a first corresponding relationship between the query content and basic information of predetermined data in a database; establishing a second corresponding relationship between a functional attribute of the predetermined data and a destination attribute of the query content; and generating target data according to the first corresponding relationship and the second corresponding relationship. In the present disclosure, corresponding relationships are respectively established according to the query content and the basic information and functional attribute of the predetermined data, and target data are generated according to the corresponding relationships. In this way, data are provided for a user according to the user's requirements at higher accuracy, which not only can enhance efficiency of providing data, but also can increase use experience for the user.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to providing augmented reality user interfaces and controlling automated systems based on user activity information and pre-staging information. A computing platform may receive, from a client user device, a trip start notification indicating that a user of the client user device is initiating a trip to an enterprise center. In response to receiving the trip start notification, the computing platform may generate a pre-staging augmented reality user interface for a client augmented reality device linked to the client user device. Thereafter, the computing platform may receive pre-staging information identifying one or more events to be performed at the enterprise center when the user of the client user device arrives at the enterprise center. The computing platform may generate one or more pre-staging commands based on the pre-staging information and may send these commands to one or more systems associated with the enterprise center.

Abstract: A system and/or method may be provided to assure a payment being made via a user device before the user device fully runs out of battery power. In particular, while a user device is running out of battery power, the system may allow a user to designate a merchant/user/service to which the user may make payments via a user device without user authentication and/or awareness. Under the same situation of low battery power, the system may also allow the user to make payments to a merchant/user/service with which the user frequently shops without user authentication and/or initial awareness. After the payment being made, the system may communicate with the user with further action, which requires no or low consumption of battery power.

Abstract: Items may be packaged for shipping or storage using additive manufacturing techniques, also known as three dimensional (3-D) printing. 3-D printed packaging systems of one or more entities may be transmitted to an aggregator and used for, among other things, optimizing shipping and fulfillment of packages.

Abstract: A drive-thru system includes a kiosk equipped with at least one omnidirectional antenna and at least one directional antenna, and a user equipment equipped with a processing unit and a communication unit.

Abstract: Decentralized computer systems and methods are disclosed for efficient transaction dispute management using blockchain. One method includes: receiving transaction information of a transaction, wherein the transaction information includes (1) an identifier of an issuer of a payment source account, (2) an identifier of an acquirer of a payment account of a merchant, and (3) the amount of resources to be applied in the transaction; generating a blockchain entry that stores the received transaction information in a shared ledger to participants of the blockchain; receiving in the shared ledger, from a participant, (1) an indication of a dispute of the transaction information, and (2) a proposed change to the transaction information; prompting the participants of the blockchain to respond to the indication of the dispute; if one of the participants denies the proposed change, executing a dispute settlement process to determine a revised transaction information.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for improved delivery notification using a wireless node network having an ID node related to an item being shipped, a courier master node, a mobile delivery point master node related to a mobile delivery point (e.g., a vehicle), and a server. The mobile delivery point master node detects a signal from the ID node as the ID node approaches the mobile delivery point master node, and responsively determines shipping information related to the ID node, an intended recipient of the shipped item, and the courier master node currently associated with the ID node. The mobile delivery point master node then transmits information on the mobile delivery point master node's current location at the mobile delivery point to the courier master node, and transmits a notification to the identified recipient to inform the intended recipient about the item being substantially near the mobile delivery point.

Abstract: There is provided an information processing device and an information processing method, capable of appropriately restricting viewing of content based on a result of sensing a real space. The information processing device includes a viewing restricting unit configured to restrict, on the basis of a predetermined condition, viewing of a part of content corresponding to a partial space of a real space among content of a free viewpoint generated based on a sensing result for the real space.

Abstract: A centralized service or operating system to create receipts, store receipts, access receipts and provide additional services based on receipts is disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a device, computer-readable medium, and method for using singular group actions in a network to train a machine learning system. In one example, the method includes detecting a singular group action in data traversing a telecommunication service provider network, wherein the singular group action is characterized by multiple customers of the network performing a same action with their respective computing devices within a defined window of time while the multiple customers are within a threshold physical proximity to each other, labeling a subset of the data that is associated with the singular group action to generate labeled training data, and training a machine learning system using the labeled training data.

Abstract: A system for handoff of a transaction for completion is provided, the system having a point-of-sale terminal and a server. The point-of-sale terminal is configured to employ a token with the server to perform the handoff of the transaction for completion on a guest device, where communications between the point-of-sale terminal and the server are transmitted and received through a gateway device that is collocated with the point-of-sale terminal. The server is configured to transmit details of the transaction for display on the guest device, and is configured to receive transaction completion data provided by the guest device, and is configured to notify the guest device and the point-of-sale terminal that the transaction is complete, where the server is not collocated with the point-of-sale terminal.

Abstract: A system has a gateway cluster having a gateway processor for communication with an external processor of an external user using a first protocol and data format. A non-transitory storage medium is configured for storing a database containing unfilled orders associated with the external user. An application cluster has a processor in communication with the storage medium for accessing the database. The gateway processor can communicate with the application processor using a second protocol and data format different from the first protocol and data format. The application processor is configured for fetching and aggregating unfilled orders from the database, and transmitting an aggregation of orders to the external processor via the gateway cluster in response to a number of unfilled orders being at least a threshold number, a size of the aggregation of orders being at least a threshold size, or expiration of a predetermined time period.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods and systems for simultaneously generating a plurality of data packets to be transmitted across a communication network. Each data packet preferably comprises at least one order entry message forming a data payload. In an embodiment, a plurality of memory update data packets is obtained. Directory entries, static message templates and template processing instruction datasets are updated based on the obtained memory update data packets. All the data packets of the plurality of data packets are simultaneously generated according to a sequence synchronized in parallel. According to the sequence, each data packet is generated by processing a selected updated static message template based on a selected updated template processing instruction dataset for a selected updated directory entry. Therefore, the generated data packets can be simultaneously routed and simultaneously transmitted across the communication network.

Abstract: In a system and method for providing augmented content, embodiments disclose a communication module that receives a product identifier for a product and content including an object. The embodiments also disclose an overlay creation module that creates a user interface with a first actuatable element, the first actuatable element being configured to send product purchase instructions to a merchant server when actuated. The embodiments also disclose a product matching module that matches the object to the product identifier and an augmentation module that, in response to the product matching module matching the object to the product identifier, creates an augmented content which includes the content and a second actuatable element, the second actuatable element being configured to display the user interface as an overlay over the content on a user device when actuated. The embodiments also disclose a displaying module that instructs a user device to display the augmented content.

Abstract: Systems, computer-implemented methods, and computer-readable storage media that execute, are configured to execute, or store instructions that enable modification of optical manufacturing data, including a computer-implemented method for modifying optical manufacturing data. The method includes receiving the optical manufacturing data associated with an optical job and modifying the optical manufacturing data using manufacturing logic to generate modified optical manufacturing data. The modified optical manufacturing data is then used in the manufacturing process of the optical job.

Abstract: A system for recommending a meal kit may include a user device and a meal kit recommendation server. The meal kit recommendation server may be configured to store use-by dates for respective food items and generate a recommended meal kit based upon the use-by dates. The meal kit recommendation server may also be configured to generate a digital promotion for the recommended meal kit and communicate the recommended meal kit and the digital promotion to the user device.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and a system for assisting user with product handling in a retail shopping. The method comprising identifying one or more products from a list of products that user intends to purchase, neighbouring products and orientations of the one or more products and the neighbouring products from a plurality of image frames and rack information, comparing the identified orientations with historic orientations of products and neighbouring products associated with the rack information, identifying at least one product from the one or more products and the neighbouring products that is improperly oriented based on comparison, determining product safety handling instructions of the identified at least one product and assisting the user in real-time with handling of the identified at least one product based on the product safety handling instructions.

Abstract: Systems and methods to improve an e-commerce platform through modifications to the checkout and fulfillment process aimed at reducing the incidence of returns. Modifications may include determining a likelihood of a return and, based on the likelihood of return, generating a staged fulfillment process in which an order is split in two linked orders that are processed serially and based on receipt of confirmation to proceed after delivery of a first one of the orders. Modifications may include determining during the checkout process that a custom return policy is to be used and generating the custom return policy based, at least in part, on one or more of a purchaser return history, the product item or items in the order, and product return history.

Abstract: A grocery preparation and fulfillment service management system, the system comprising a purchase order server comprising processing circuitry that hosts at least one ingredients database including ingredient availability data from a plurality of fulfillment servers, a search engine configured to retrieve ingredient availability data from the at least one ingredients database, an ordering interface coupled to the search engine and accessible by a client device over a communication network, the ordering interface configured to create purchase orders based on recipes of dishes and the ingredient availability data, wherein the recipes are retrievable from public computing space and private computing space, and a fulfillment manager module in communication with the plurality of fulfillment servers via the communication network, the fulfillment manager module configured to distribute the purchase orders to the plurality of fulfillment servers and receive offers from the plurality of fulfillment servers to execute

Abstract: A method may include storing information in a supply mesh. The supply mesh may include two or more value links. The method may include determining that a first value link of the two or more value links fulfills a value link condition of a second value link. The method may include providing a transaction proposal to the first value link. The transaction proposal may include an amount of private currency. The method may include receiving, from the first value link, a transaction acceptance to the transaction proposal. The method may include transferring the amount of private currency from the second value link to the first value link. The method may include confirming completion of a transaction between the first value link and the second value link. The transaction may be based on the transaction proposal. Other methods and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for archiving of documents of a query against a cognitive system can be provided. The cognitive system comprises at least a cognitive engine, several stored documents, and a learned model. The method comprises determining a plurality of evidence fragments, a related first list of documents and related metadata. The method also comprises removing a document from the stored documents, redetermining as second result a second list of documents, comparing the first and second list of documents, and upon determining identical documents in the compared first and second list of documents up to a confidence cliff, removing another document. Furthermore, the method comprises repeating the steps of removing, redetermining, and comparing until the first list of documents and the second list of documents differ above the confidence cliff and storing metadata of the documents of the first list, the plurality of evidence fragments, and the first query.

Abstract: Methods and devices facilitate and monetize merges of stalkers and targets. Responsive to an invitation from an entity of interest (target), a request is received for a real-time location of the entity of interest (target) via a user interface of at least one mobile communication device associated with a user (stalker). The request may be received responsive to an invite from the entity of interest. Responsive to the request for the location, the real-time location of the entity of interest is provided via the user interface. When the mobile communication device associated with the stalker comes within a predetermined proximity of the target, a recording of a meeting between the stalker and the target is initiated. The target is provided with a reward responsive to a first recorded meeting between a stalker and the target.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for remotely controlling locks on depositories, primarily locks used for the purpose of securing things using a scanning device and at least one identification token. Each lock (215) is provided with a token (112) that contains identification information related to its depository system (221). A scanning device (111) is needed to decode (211) the token (112) and communicate its information to an online database (212) for authorization to access the depository (221). If the scanner (111) is authorized to access the depository (221), the online database (212) will communicate a command (213) to the lock (215) to open. This operation will need to be repeated each time the depository needs to be opened. In some embodiments, the scanning device (111) may be operatively connected to a power source that can transfer power as a means of powering depository (221).

Abstract: An upsell purchase flow in an e-commerce system is provided. After a customer has purchased a product from a vendor, an upsell opportunity is provided to the customer through an upsell pitch page. The upsell pitch page advertises an additional upsell product in order to maximize the purchase transaction with the customer. Responsive to the customer accepting the upsell opportunity, rather than adding the upsell product to an electronic shopping cart, a marketplace server that facilitates transactions between the customer and the vendor charges the customer for the upsell product at that time. Multiple upsell opportunities may be provided to the customer after the initial sale is completed.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems, methods and computer readable media for proving gift giving within a group. Consumers may register for a gift giving program, create a group and invite other consumers to participate. Group members may be randomly assigned to a group, or assigned to a group based on an invitation or indicated group. Relationships between gift givers and recipients within a group may be determined, such as in a randomized format. Gift givers may purchase a gift, such as a good or a promotion from a promotion and marketing service. The promotion and marketing service may assign the promotion to the recipient so that the recipient may redeem the promotion for a good, service, or experience. Promotions may be automatically purchased on behalf of a gift giver who fails to purchase the promotion by a gift-giving deadline.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing a multi-listing combined offer are provided. A networked system receives an indication to add a combination of items from multiple sellers into a virtual cart. In response, the networked system causes presentation of a user interface showing a combination of items from multiple sellers. The networked system receives, from the buyer, a buyer offer price for the combination of items. In response, the networked system accesses, from a data storage, item information for each item of the combination of items, whereby the item information includes a seller identifier, an original item price, and shipping cost for each item. The networked system then generates, based on the accessed item information and the buyer offer price, a split offer price for each seller, whereby the split offer price is a split of the buyer offer price. The split offer price is then presented to each corresponding seller.

Abstract: A method to provide an order for a user to select goods includes automatically prompting a user via a voice command to collect an item from an order placed by a customer, and in response to receiving the input from an electronic device indicating that the item is unavailable, automatically prompting the user via a voice command to collect a substitute item designated, receiving an input indicating that the substitute item has been collected, followed by electronically notifying the customer that the substitute item has been collected instead of the original item. In another aspect, a voice-enabled click and collect system includes a remote server in communication with a mobile device, configured to prompt a user to collect an item, communicate the item unavailability to the remote server, receive instructions from the remote server, prompt the user to collect the substitute item, and notify the customer.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a method for exchanging data between a user and a first data source, the method including configuring a non-transitory computer readable medium to retrieve and display a first set of data from the first data source via a first data source query in accordance with connection information, a set of display options and data retrieval filters specified in a user-defined XML configuration file. The non-transitory computer readable medium further applies the user-defined XML configuration file to a second data source query to display a second set of data from a second data source in accordance with the set of display options specified for the first data source in the user-defined XML configuration file.

Abstract: The UNIVERSAL ELECTRONIC PAYMENT APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS (“UEP”) transform touchscreen inputs into a virtual wallet mobile application interface via UEP components into purchase transaction triggers and receipt notices. In one implementation the UEP provides, via a user device, a product information search request; and obtains, in response to the product information search request, information on a first product for sale by a first merchant and a second product for sale by a second merchant. The UEP generates a single purchase transaction request, using the information on the first product for sale by the first merchant and the second product for sale by the second merchant. The UEP provides, via the user device, the single purchase transaction request for payment processing. Also, the UEP obtains an electronic purchase receipt for the first product for sale by the first merchant and the second product for sale by the second merchant.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure involve systems, methods, devices, and the like for tokenizing offers. The current disclosure presents a system and method that can present a tokenized offer for saving and retrieving from a digital wallet. The tokenized offer may be presented on a client site for selection by a user interested in taking advantage of the promotion without having to leave the current site. The current disclosure also presents a system that can retrieve the tokenized offer saved for use with a purchase. The tokenized offer may be automatically applied and on display at the merchant site and/or retrieved from the digital wallet.

Abstract: Embodiments for identifying and evaluating white space target entities by a processor. Data may be collected from a knowledge domain relating to a plurality of entities and text data extracted from one or more data sources. An enterprise social network graph may be created having one or more nodes relating to the collected data. The one or more nodes in the enterprise social network graph may be ranked. One or more potential target nodes may be recommended to a selected node as a candidate for establishing a potential relationship according to the ranking.

Abstract: A contactless card with power harvesting unit is described. The power harvesting unit is configured to harvest power from near field communication radio wave fields and supply power to a memory, processor, and communication circuit of the contactless card. In some embodiments, the contactless card may also include a capacitor for smoothing out power deliver or a rechargeable battery. The contactless card is configured to establish two-way communication with a secondary device and to store and execute applets. In some embodiments, the contactless card is a payment card which contains information associated with a primary profile and a secondary profile. The secondary profile may be activated using two-way communication if the primary profile is deactivated due to fraudulent activity.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system for delivery scheduling from a fulfillment center. The system includes a memory storing instructions and one or more processors configured to execute the instructions to perform operations. The operations may include maintaining a first data structure representing a fulfillment center, where the data structure has elements representing portions of the fulfillment center the portions are associated with a plurality of physical locations and a cutoff time. The operations may also include maintaining a second data structure including a mapping between physical locations and product identifiers, receiving a request to provide a delivery time estimate, searching the second data structure to identify at least one physical location associated with the requested product, searching the first data structure to determine cutoff times associated with each of the at least one physical location, and returning, responsive to the request, a fast cutoff time selected from the cutoff times.

Abstract: A logic device and method are provided for intercepting a data flow from a network source to a network destination. A data store holds a set of compliance rules and corresponding actions. A packet inspector is configured to inspect the intercepted data flow and identify from the data store a compliance rule associated with the inspected data flow. A packet filter is configured to, when the data flow is identified as being associated with a compliance rule, carry out an action with respect to the data flow corresponding to the compliance rule.

Abstract: A system and method for providing proxy picking of non-fungible goods within an automated storage and retrieval system is provided, which repurposes one or more automated mobile robots operating within the automated inventory management system to perform a plurality of tasks across multiple different areas of an automated store. The proxy picking system and method are configured to pick individually identified non-fungible goods according to a customer selection on an ordering screen based on measured attributes and images of the goods, the attributes selected by the customer.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide an API adapter, an API adapter creation method, and a program capable of efficiently creating an API adapter unit.

Abstract: Visual diagram searching techniques are described herein. A visual diagram service enables users to efficiently search for data for item parts even in cases where the name of the item part is unknown. In one or more examples, search query input to locate item parts of an item is received via a user interface displayed by at least one computing device. A visual diagram of the item is displayed in the user interface. The visual diagram includes selectable portions mapped to respective item parts depicted in the corresponding selectable portion of the visual diagram. A user selection of one of the selectable portions of the visual diagram of the item is received via the user interface. In response to the user selection, search result data corresponding to the respective item part depicted in the selected selectable portion of the visual diagram of the item is displayed.

Abstract: A system identifying an order comprising items for users for delivery to a common geographic location by: identifying an order comprising items for users for delivery to a common geographic location, wherein the order further comprises instructions to separate each item of the items associated with each one of the users by: receiving an indication to identify the each item of the items in the order, wherein the order is stored in a database of a retailer; receiving an indication to identify the users associated with the order by accessing user accounts for the each one of the users, wherein the user accounts are stored in a user database; receiving an indication to identify a particular user of the users that is associated with the each item of the items in the order; and generating a list of items of the items associated with the each one of the users; calculating respective payments for respective portions of the order, wherein the each one of the users is presented with a respective one of the lists of ite

Abstract: Systems and methods including one or more processing modules and one or more non-transitory storage modules storing computing instructions configured to run on the one or more processing modules and perform acts of receiving an order from a customer, determining an estimated collection time required for an employee of the store to collect the order at the store, receiving a mobile check-in from an electronic device indicating that a pickup is en-route to pick up the order at the store, tracking a location of the electronic device, periodically determining, at one or more time intervals, an estimated travel time for the pickup to travel to the store from the location as tracked, and, when the estimated collection time is substantially equal in duration to the estimated travel time, coordinating displaying a collection notification on a store electronic device instructing the employee of the store to begin collecting the order.

Abstract: Methods and systems for wireless transmission-based incentives driving social media engagement are provided. An incentive structure may be stored in a database in memory regarding one or more incentives each based on a defined benchmark of social media activity. Information associated with a wireless transmission-based tag may be via a wireless transmission reader. A product/service associated with the information read from the wireless transmission-based tag may be identified. Such identified product/service may further be associated with product/service-specific information stored in a product/service database. A template for a social media communication may be provided based on the product/service-specific information associated with the identified product/service. Such social media communication based on the template may be shared with one or more social networks. Activity related to the social media communication may then be detected as having met the defined benchmark.

Abstract: A system includes N location indicators and a mobile scanning device. The N location indicators are configured to be arranged throughout a store that includes a plurality of stocked items for picking according to one or more electronic customer orders. Each of the N location indicators is configured to transmit a different location signal. The mobile scanning device includes a display. The mobile scanning device is configured to wirelessly receive an electronic customer order comprising a plurality of ordered items indicating which of the stocked items are to be picked, detect at least one of the N location signals, and arrange at least some of the plurality of ordered items on the display based on which of the at least one of the N location signals is detected.

Abstract: A continuous flow material handling system and method for consolidating articles into article groups, includes a plurality of article sources and a plurality of article destinations. A plurality of article merges and at least one sorter are between the article sources and destinations, with each of the merges having a plurality of queue lanes and a discharge. The at least one sorter has an inbound lane and a plurality of outbound lanes. The merges combine articles from a plurality of queue lanes and discharge to a downstream merge or sorter inbound lane. The article queue lanes of an upstream merge receiving articles from the article sources and the sorter outbound lanes discharging to the article destinations. A control system receives data from a warehouse management system (WMS). The control system activates each group at a merge in a same sequence as the group is released to the material handling system.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for matching transportation providers with transportation requesters includes receiving, from a requester computing device, a transportation request to transport a ride requester and the trusted transportation provider being an individual who has an established verified relationship with the ride requester and retrieving computing device transmission parameters for one or more trusted transportation providers from a database on a computing device. The computer-implemented includes communicating the transportation request based, at least in part, on the retrieved computing device transmission parameters and receiving, from the one or more trusted provider computing devices, one or more acceptances of the transportation request.

Abstract: The disclosed electronic commerce cloud-based media retailing systems and methods enable customers to execute a purchase intention of a digital product before that product is officially released for distribution. The ecommerce system comprises a digital entitlement engine and is particularly suited to pre-sell entitlements to digital products such as, but not limited to, video games, computer software, movies, and other entertainment media.

Abstract: A user interface operated via at least one consumer computing device, a database, and at least one host computer processor, provide an electronic commerce (eCommerce) environment for secured transactions between consumer and vendor members subscribed to the environment. Digital product images are scaled into digital images of environments of intended use for virtual reality observation. Tags to product representations or other features of media performance transmissions are scanned by consumer members for product purchasing, saving for later purchase, and/or sharing with other consumers (e.g. via social networks). Consumers create their own consumer product store with an inventory of items saved within the environment database for later purchasing or sharing. Original vendors initially providing items saved by consumers are rewarded commissions if later purchased from other vendors.

Abstract: In general, the invention relates to a system and method of operating a shopping system to facilitate payment using a mobile device. A network is configured to include a server programmed with a personal characteristic database, a database searching algorithm, and to be coupled to a wireless communication system that is capable of communicating with the user's personal data device. The user logs on through the wireless communication system to the secure network using her personal data device, and communicates to and stores in the database personal data defining her characteristics. Either the secure network automatically identifies the first users precise geographic location, or the user himself otherwise indicates and stores in the database of the network an identifying address that indicates his current specific geographic location. Personal data defining the user's characteristics are then sent to a business location at the user's location to facilitate a payment transaction.

Abstract: Methods and systems for assessing, detecting, and responding to malfunctions involving components of autonomous vehicle and/or smart homes are described herein. Autonomous operation features and related components can be assessed using direct or indirect data regarding operation. Such assessment may be performed to determine the condition of components for salvage following a collision or other loss-event. To this end, the information regarding a plurality of components may be received. A component of the plurality of components may be identified for assessment. Assessment may including causing test signals to be sent to the identified component. In response to the test signal, one or more responses may be received. The received response may be compared to an expected response to determine whether the identified component is salvageable.

Abstract: A beverage preparation machine for preparing at least one beverage from a beverage material includes a modem for communication with a remote resource such as a server, and is configured to send machine remote management data to the remote resource. The machine comprises location system configured for automatic geolocation of the machine, and is configured to send to the remote resource location information determined by the location system. This for example makes it possible to confirm or correct the location of a machine, to correct mistakes that can occur when a machine is installed or moved, or to take appropriate measures when a machine is stolen. In another embodiment, a system includes such a beverage preparation machine and a remote resource with which it is configured to communicate. In a further embodiment, a method is provided for remote management of a beverage preparation machine.

Abstract: Systems and methods which provide for intelligent and/or optimized use of shipping services through facilitating consolidation of shipped items with respect to one or more leg of shipments are described. Embodiments provide a shipping consolidation management system operable to analyze various shipping parameters and identify situations in which consolidation of shipped items with respect to one or more legs of a shipment may be desired. Shipping consolidation management systems may provide operation to identify situations appropriate for forming consolidated shipments associated with a single shipper and/or a plurality of shippers. A shipping consolidation management system of embodiments operates to print consolidated shipment documentation for use with respect to the consolidated shipment.