Abstract: A portable device which assists shoppers. The device identifies items of merchandise, and retrieves information about the items from a remote location. The items can be identified based on their labels, by image recognition, by their location, by the shopper, or by other approaches. This additional or enhanced information about the items can then be overlaid on the real-time display of the portable device, such that the shopper has access to said information and can associate it easily to the relevant items.

Abstract: The 3D models includes parametric data and metadata. A software enables a user to specify search criteria for a selected product among a plurality of products whose 3D models are stored on the data storage device. The search software returns a list of product(s) matching the search criteria. The user selects a product and the 3D model of the selected product is streamed to the user software. The 3D model is then displayed to the user, who now can interact with the 3D model by selecting, hovering over, or decomposing the 3D model to reveal parts or subassemblies of the product in one or more stages of decomposition. Finally, e-commerce software communicates with the user software allowing the user to initiate an ecommerce transaction with respect to the parts or subassemblies depicted in the 3D model of the selected product.

Abstract: Data streams are generally selected according to user preferences and transmitted to the user in general alignment with expressed preferences of the user. Such data streams may be music, including music videos. Users may indicate their general or specific preferences with regards to song, artists, or albums. Any other aspects or factors that might affect the user's preferences can be taken into account. A playlist is created that combines all of these factors. The playlist then serves as the basis for feeding the data streams to the user. Each user is able to express his or her own preferences and receive music corresponding to those preferences on an on-going basis.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a shopping support device is configured to accept an input of a periodic purchase commodity to be periodically purchased by a customer. The shopping support device is configured to control a display so that the display displays the periodic purchase commodity as a candidate commodity, along with the candidate commodity.

Abstract: A computer-implemented process for determining a probable total expenditure for selected goods is described, and includes employing a portable computerized device to capture an image of a plurality of selected goods. An itemized list of probable selected products is generated based upon the image. A price is determined for each of the probable selected products, and a total probable expenditure for the itemized list of probable selected products is determined based upon the price for each of the probable selected products. The total probable expenditure is displayed on the portable computerized device.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a shopping support system has a plurality of customer terminals and a center server. The customer terminal has an input acceptance unit and a customer terminal controller. The input acceptance unit accepts an input of a candidate commodity to become a purchase candidate. The customer terminal controller transmits purchase schedule information including the candidate commodity to the center server. The center server has a center server controller. The center server controller receives the purchase schedule information transmitted from the customer terminal controller, and notifies a store to sell the candidate commodity included in the received purchase schedule information, of the candidate commodity.

Abstract: A system and method for scheduling tablet dosage is described. The system includes a computing device, a filling system, and a plurality of containers. The computing device hosts an application that includes a user interface receiving a prescription order including a designation for each tablet to be ordered. In one embodiment, the system and method also includes an automated inspection module that performs an inspection of each container to identify a first tablet and a second tablet within each container. In another illustrative embodiment, each container includes a pouch with a plurality of different tablets. Additionally, the plurality of pouches may be received by a box.

Abstract: A method of transmitting digital content. The method comprises receiving an electronic shopping cart identifying at least a first shopping item and determining that the first shopping item is an item of digital content based on analyzing the electronic shopping cart. The method further comprises analyzing a demand for communication network resources and estimating a congestion of a communication network, building a plurality of offers for wirelessly transmitting the first shopping item to a wireless communication device based on analyzing the demand for communication network resources and based on estimating the congestion of the communication network. The method further comprises transmitting the plurality of offers, receiving a selection of one of the offers, and transmitting the digital content based on the selected offer.

Abstract: Methods and systems for facilitating initiation of resupply orders for consumable commodities include using a stand-alone electronic or audio-generating device incorporated into retail product packaging. The stand-alone device is equipped with a rudimentary processor or logic circuit, a memory, and a wireless transmitter. A simple user interface/activation device such as a push button or membrane switch is coupled to the logic circuit or processor. The stand-alone device is incorporated into or with product packaging, and may be configured with a resupply code at or after a point of sale. A user may activate the user interface of the device when the product needs resupplying, causing the resupply code to be transmitted to an access point or terminal that initiates a reorder sequence for the product.

Abstract: Various embodiments are provided generally relating to controlling visual effects associated with online presentations. In some embodiments, an online presentation can be provided from a presenter to a plurality of users accessing a user interface displaying the online presentation. In response to providing the online presentations, a background setting of each user can automatically change from a first state to a second state. Furthermore, in response to providing the online presentation, the presenter and each user accessing the user interface can be placed in an active mode of communication which can enable live video communications to be transmitted from the presenter to each of the plurality of users.

Abstract: Systems and methods to arrange transactions are described. A transaction request may be received from transaction parties. The transaction request may include transaction data. Geographic region data associated with the transaction parties using the transaction data may be retrieved. A mutual geographic region based on the geographic region data may be determined. Suggested transaction locations based on the mutual geographic region may be determined. The suggested transaction locations may be recommended to the transaction parties.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to marketing products through a social networking system. More specifically, one or more embodiments of the present invention relate to allowing social networking users to purchase products through the social networking system and to add products to shopping carts associated with third-party merchants.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for giving prompt, detailed ratings feedback (e.g., as a purchase is being made or a user is shopping or dining with a merchant) that can be subjected to a controlled delay in sending the actual feedback to merchants. “Merchant” is used in a general sense to include both providers of goods and providers of services, such as dining (e.g., restaurants, coffee shops), car maintenance, carpet cleaning, home remodeling, and plumbing, for example). The feedback may be provided from a consumer mobile device. Embodiments may provide information useable in real time (e.g., as the user is considering the ratings to be given) from the merchant back to the consumer for improving the ratings feedback or that the consumer can use, for example, for making purchasing decisions.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to marketing products through a social networking system. More specifically, one or more embodiments of the present invention relate to allowing social networking users to purchase products through the social networking system and to add products to shopping carts associated with third-party merchants.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a flexible spending account (FSA) include receiving, from a user, user information and a purchase request to make a purchase from a merchant. A payment is then made for at least a portion of the purchase by transferring funds over the network from a user FSA to a merchant account. Payment detail information such as, for example, a receipt, is then received over the network from the merchant in response to making the payment. The payment detail information is then sent over the network to an FSA provider that provides the user FSA. If the FSA provider analyzes the payment detail information and determines that the payment made using the user FSA includes an item that is an unqualified expense, funds from a user secondary account may be transferred to the user FSA to reimburse the user FSA.

Abstract: There is provided systems and method for generating sale transaction from voice data input by a user. A user device may receive voice data including a preference for purchasing an item. The user device may convert the voice data to the preferences and perform a search for a sales transaction corresponding to the preferences. The search may include parameters about the user, such as a location. The sales transaction may include purchase prices, times, locations, or other relevant data. A user may accept or decline the sales transaction with additional user data. If the user accepts the sales transaction, the sales transaction may be completed with a payment provider and a transaction history given to the user for later redemption of the item. If the user declines the sales transaction, further sale transactions with additional items may be present to the user.

Abstract: A method of tracking and collating items being added to and removed from a shopping receptacle comprises receiving a cue that an item is in motion, upon such cue, receiving at least one collected colour image of the item, analyzing the image to identify the item, and creating a ledger of items in the shopping receptacle, said ledger comprising the identity of each item in the shopping receptacle.

Abstract: The AUTOMOBILE MOBILE-INTERACTION PLATFORM APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS (“AMIP”) The AMIP transforms cloud-based wallet and automobile settings into transaction and automobile outputs. In some embodiments, a user may request to connect an electronic wallet account to an automobile interface. Once the user's credentials have been authenticated, the automobile interface may request and receive from a remote server automobile-related and payment-method-related settings. The automobile interface may then configure its settings according to the received information.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for providing instructions for displaying items. The computer-implemented method includes receiving a request to display items at a device; and providing instructions for displaying the items on a three-dimensional shape such that a manageable number of items are able to be displayed for browsing.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, apparatus and systems for providing an intelligent shopping cart service that operates to alert a consumer when a product or service is not aligned with the consumer's preferences, criteria or requirements before a purchase transaction is consummated. In some embodiments, a consumer device includes a processor that stores intelligent shopping cart software in a memory, and that uses the intelligent shopping cart software to detect product or service identification data when a consumer adds a product or service to a shopping cart. The processor then determines, based on the product or service identification data, that the product or service is a mismatch when compared to predetermined consumer preferences, criteria or requirements. An alert indication is then provided to the consumer via an output component before a purchase transaction is consummated.

Abstract: A system and method for virtually displaying on-line a gallery, a showroom, a store, a mall or any other room or space and the objects contained in said room or space, wherein the data displayed is comprised of a virtual reality data packet. The system displays still photographs of virtual reality shots and textual materials, and plays virtual reality video clips and audio stores about the room and/or the objects contained therein. Links are associated with each object and are stored external to the virtual reality data packet can be retrieved on demand from an external database for presentation of the viewer. The system also provides on-line controls that enable the viewer to move around the space, and a feature that enables a viewer to view an object from 360° around the object.

Abstract: A method for securely and efficiently providing payment information for online purchases, posting purchase information to social media, and tracking the value of such posts through use of a hub website and an online button and blade based information selection interface.

Abstract: Provided is an e-commerce system capable of preventing fraudulent orders by third parties and performing smooth operation of item orders. An authentication method of the e-commerce system includes a receiving step of receiving a procedure request for performing an ordering procedure from a user device, and a first screen sending step of sending an authentication screen or a review screen to the user device in accordance with communication control information that is stored in the user device and included in the procedure request. The authentication method also includes a second screen sending step of obtaining the authentication information that is input in the authentication screen, causing the user device to store the communication control information in accordance with the obtained authentication information, and sending the review screen to the user device.

Abstract: One variation of a method for distributing notifications to a mobile computing device, includes: receiving a unique identifier broadcast wirelessly from a wireless beacon arranged within a physical space; receiving authorization to communicate with the wireless beacon based on the unique identifier; identifying a product arranged within the physical space proximal the wireless beacon; projecting a level of interest in the product by a user affiliated with the mobile computing device based on communication between the mobile computing device and the wireless beacon during a period of time; and in response to the level of interest in the product exceeding a threshold value, presenting, on the mobile computing device, a product ordering option for ordering a unit of the product.

Abstract: A system for linking a shopper's online electronic shopping cart with the shopper's in-store electronic shopping cart is provided. The system includes an online website of a merchant for the purchase of goods by one or more shoppers. Each shopper is provided with an online electronic shopping cart accessible through the website and an in-store electronic shopping cart accessible at a local retail location. The online and in-store electronic shopping carts are linked by placing one or more items contained in the online shopping cart in the in-store shopping cart and vice versa. Related apparatus, methods, techniques and articles are also described.

Abstract: A method of placing an order performed by a mobile computing device. The method includes the steps of reading a near field communication element on or in a product, determining characteristics of the product based on the step of reading the near field communication element, and accessing or acquiring information about a user of the mobile computing device. The method also includes the steps of combining at least some of the characteristics of the product and at least some of the information about the user, and placing the order based on the step of combining. The characteristics of the product may include a product number or identifier, and the information about the user may include a size for the product.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for obtaining sight screenings, optical prescriptions and fittings for eyeglasses and contact lenses. A system can be self-operated through a voice-activated response system that enables an individual to determine one's own refraction, or can be operated with the assistance of a technician. A plurality of customer diagnostic locations can include digital equipment and optical instruments to conduct the sight screening. The data generated at these locations can be transferred to a remotely located eye doctor who interacts with a customer via a live audio-video connection to assist with interpreting the data, diagnosing the customer and operating the instruments at the locations. The eye doctor diagnoses, consults and authorizes the prescriptions for the customer. The customer's data can be sent to a lens laboratory to enable the fabrication, purchasing, and delivery of eyeglasses or contact lenses.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes: a storage control unit that stores, in a storage medium, device number information for identifying the information processing apparatus and a consumables list of consumables available in the information processing apparatus identified by the device number information; and a processing unit that acquires the consumables list from an order receiving server via a network, causes the consumables list to be displayed, and send order information received from the user to the order receiving server when being connected to the network, causes the consumables list to be displayed and causes the storage control unit to store order information received from the user when being not connected to the network, and sends the order information stored to the order receiving server when the information processing apparatus is recovered from a state of being not connected to the network to a state of being connected to the network.

Abstract: A media enhanced shopping cart system comprises a shopping cart, a locationing component, and a display component for displaying at least one advertisement for a product based on the location of the shopping cart within the store, wherein the locationing component is further operable to determine a location of the product within the store relative to the shopping cart, and wherein the display component is further operable to display an indication of the location of the advertised product relative to the location of the shopping cart.

Abstract: A method and system for providing social media ecosystem compensation. The social media ecosystem includes compensation services for social media connectors, social media purchasers and social media merchants. The social media ecosystem compensation services include social commerce compensation structures with a pre-determined hierarchy (e.g., binary, X×Y matrix, unilevel, stair step breakaway, etc.) Compensation is provided with the pre-determined hierarchy and for largest social media index values and the large number of social commerce connections. Memberships can be purchased to increase compensation payments. The social media ecosystem compensation services are provided on a cloud communications network for mobile and non-mobile devices.

Abstract: Methods and systems for facilitating a digital wallet transaction are described herein. A service provider identifies and recommends the most applicable digital wallets for a user based on various factors, such as user location, type and amount of purchase, type of merchant, and/or mood of the user. The service provider may also rank the recommended digital wallets and/or determine how many should be presented to a user. During merchant checkout, the user is presented with the recommended digital wallets, and the user selects one of the digital wallets to fund the purchase.

Abstract: An application downloads and stores a list of offerings on a user's device—e.g., a restaurant's takeout menu—for selection by the user. After the user has completed the selection process (by, for example, placing items in a “basket”), he or she may proceed to “checkout” whereupon the device transmits the order to the fulfilling establishment (a restaurant, for example). A user can browse a menu or catalog and add items to their basket without constantly being connected to the Internet. The system saves the store menu (or catalog) on the user's device. When a customer logs in and selects a particular store, the system downloads the full menu (or catalog) from a file server. In this way, the system need not be connected to the Internet at all times in order for a customer to browse the offerings of the store and add items to their basket.

Abstract: A system and method for aggregating demand is provided. At least one seller may sponsor a deal room to aggregate selling goods/services from a plurality of buyers. The demand aggregation system can include a dashboard for allowing the at least one seller to set up DealRooms, price curves, offers, products, customers, and/or customer groups, for example. The dashboard can include a plurality of wizards for configuring such information. The demand aggregation system can also include seller displays for notifying buyers of changes in prices relative to ship dates and times of order. The demand aggregation system can also include a predictive modeling and reporting function. An algorithm is employed to utilize product information to post a probability chart on a product price point.

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for standardizing delivery of products in an online marketplace using one or more locker systems. In some embodiments, a system of lockers is presented. The locker system may be configured to store one or more products sold in an online marketplace. The locker system may also include a processor coupled to the one or more lockers and configured to generate access code information for a buyer to enable access to a locker storing the product. One or more sensors may be coupled to the one or more lockers and configured to examine the product for a level of product quality. A transmitter of the system may be configured to transmit the access code information to the buyer. The system can later accept the access code information inputted from the buyer and open the locker storing the product after receiving the access code information.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed which scan one or more inboxes of a user for product information that can be used to automatically provide item information when the user later wants to sell the item. The product information may include sufficient item information for selling the item or the product information may include information that can be used to search for and obtain the necessary item information. Systems and methods described herein may allow a user to quickly sell an item with a minimum of user input.

Abstract: The REMOTE DECOUPLED APPLICATION PERSISTENT STATE APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS (“P-STATE”) transforms purchase action input, cookie states search criteria input, and cookie states selection input via P-STATE components such as cookie/states storage (“CSS”) component; cookie states search presentation (“CSSP”) component; and cookie/states reload/recreate (“CSRR”) component, into cookie state presentation outputs.

Abstract: Systems and methods of constructing and managing virtual planograms are presented. Contemplated systems allow for construction of a virtual planogram, which can be used to present consumers virtual inventory items as being available for purchase via a display device. The display device can include an electronic billboard within an establishment, a mall for example, or include a user's smart device, a cell phone or tablet for example.

Abstract: A cross-site shopping server and cross-site shopping method is related to a cross-site shopping server including an inventory database and a web-based dynamic-object generating module. The inventory database storages the inventory-information of the products in a plurality of product webpages of at least one company server. Each of the inventory-information includes an inventory-product-name and an allowable sale number. The web-based dynamic object generating module generates web-based dynamic objects for each of the company servers. The web-based dynamic object searches the inventory database to obtain the allowable sale number, so as to calculate an allowable buying number. The company servers inset a connecting address corresponding to the web-based dynamic object into all the product webpages. Therefore, when connecting to the product webpage, a consumer end loads the web-based dynamic object through the connecting address so that the allowable buying number is displayed on the product webpage.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating purchases of services includes an application server providing a network service and maintaining a service offer database that comprises a plurality of service offer information records respectively associated with a plurality of service offers. The plurality of service offers include at least one service offer for a bundled set of services. Each information record comprises an indication of a primary service, a purchase price, a payment amount for a primary service, and compensation information for receiving payment for the primary service. Upon being accessed by user operating a client system, the network service is operable to receive an indication of a service offer being selected for purchase by the user, receive purchase information from the user specifying a funding source, and issue a request to the funding source for funds corresponding to the purchase price included in the information record associated with the selected service offer.

Abstract: This invention discloses a novel system for displaying fashion designs presented at runway shows in order that retail customers may purchase the designs directly and as soon as they become available after the runway show. The system includes a device application intended to be operated on a user's portable computing device for displaying images, receiving selection input from the user and conducting purchase transactions and fulfillment through the system. The system includes a novel system of permitting a user to select fashion looks and to be automatically alerted when those looks become available for purchase. For high demand items, the system has a priority queuing system that automatically manages the selection of users given the opportunity to purchase the high demand item.

Abstract: The subject disclosure pertains to systems and methods for viewing and purchasing hair extensions via a mobile application. A user can upload a photograph to a mobile device or server using the mobile application. The image of a selected hairstyle can be displayed on the mobile device display overlaying the photograph image in a mobile app interface. The user can add hair extensions associated with the selected hairstyle to a virtual shopping cart. The user can go directly from the user interface displaying the photograph and hairstyle to the virtual shopping cart to purchase the hair extensions. Users can also search for and purchase hair care products. The user can also search for stylists who can put in the hair extensions.

Abstract: Local shipping addresses in a first country are assigned to consumers having physical addresses in one or more different countries. In connection with an on-line shopping session at an e-commerce retailer, a request is obtained, from the e-commerce retailer, for a corresponding one of the local shipping addresses; the same is supplied to the e-commerce retailer in response to the request. Product information and an indication of a desired form of shipping from the e-commerce retailer to the local shipping address are obtained; as are an indication of a desired form of shipping from the local shipping address to a corresponding one of the physical addresses. An indication of an estimated fully landed cost associated with the on-line shopping session is dispatched.

Abstract: Methods for identification by a payment cardholder of phishing and/or deceptive Websites (e.g., merchant Websites and financial institution Websites) are provided. In particular, a method involves initiating a proxy interaction of a payment cardholder computer system executing a browser application with an item of content associated with the merchant Website, and communicating with a payment card network connected to the merchant Website. The proxy interaction is used to determine whether the merchant Website is registered with the payment card network.

Abstract: A process that simplifies shopping on E-commerce platforms includes a program that naturally keeps sensitive user information and data more secure by removing large amounts of sensitive user information and data from multiple merchant sites. The process makes use of personal devices that are always available to users to store user, shipping and payment information and data. Transactions are completed by having the personal device communicate either directly with a merchant's gateway or merchant account, and then sending the transaction details and shipping information and data to both the user and the merchant.

Abstract: A process that allows consumers to order Near Field Communication (NFC) payment stickers directly from a provider using the internet, mobile smart telephone, email, regular mail or other channels. The process allows the consumer to express the desire, validate their identity, provide delivery instructions and authorize a payment for the stickers. The patent application describes a method to administer such a program by a provider that ensures accuracy, completion of the consumer request and allows the provider to benefit from the revenue opportunity, cost reduction, retention and loyalty benefits of offering such a service.

Abstract: An augmented reality device may be positioned proximal a user and consist of at least a controller, memory, and at least one screen. After a user is oriented towards a physical location, an augmented reality digital content can be displayed on the at least one screen, the augmented reality digital content positioned at the physical location and displayed on the at least one screen only when the user is facing the physical location.

Abstract: The system software facilitates and enables communication and commerce between sales agents and multiple sales lead vendors. Multiple sales agents, whether individually or associated with a corporation or company, may communicate and interact with multiple sales lead vendors. Sales lead vendors offer or submit individual sales leads to any interested sales agent. Sales agents submit orders for sales leads to lead vendors. The system software coordinates and manages these transactions between a sales agent and multiple sales lead vendors. The system software also evaluates the sales leads prior to purchase by a sales agent.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing targeted recall notifications are provided herein. During operation the system will determine a probability of a customer actually having purchased a recalled product. A notification of the recall will then be sent to the customer based on this probability, even if no direct evidence exists that the customer actually purchased the product. Because recall notifications will be provided to customers based on their probability of purchasing a recalled product, customers will be more likely to receive a recall notification on a product that they purchased.

Abstract: Circuits and method for connecting a communication terminal to at least one end of a twist pair of a building infrastructure and to a complimentary circuit terminating the other end of the twist pair for propagating distinctly modulated higher carrier frequency and lower carrier frequency for propagating simultaneously two modulated information signals comprising higher speed data and lower speed data via at least one twist pair, the higher speed data is used for upgrading and loading data into a memory of the communication terminal and the lower speed data controls and directs the higher speed data through I/O ports of each of the CPUs included in the two circuits terminating the twist pair, the communication terminal uses the stored data to select items of service and merchandise for shopping in a closed circuit e-commerce by propagating a completed order to a server of the building.

Abstract: Online, event-based gift giving and receiving systems and methods eliminate the redundancy of creating a separate registry or wishlist with the same products listed for each life event by using event-based product tags. One or more example embodiments include setting privacy for event-based product tags, setting privacy for each product on a wishlist, filtering wishlists by event-based product tags, searching for event-based product tags, selectively sharing and displaying products for groups, indicating the unavailability of reserved products and automatically re-listing reserved products not received within a determined time period, using event-based product tags with events imported from external sources, providing third party event hosting using event-based product tags, connecting users who received the same gift, and providing product attribute change notifications, among other things.