Abstract: Mechanisms are provided to facilitate buying and selling products utilizing social pricing. Sellers initiate sale of a product with volume discounts for a limited time. In other words, the more people that buy a product, the lower the price for the group. Buyers have a real incentive to become prosumers that not only purchase a product but also promote purchase by others. A social pricing system brokers interaction between sellers and buyer groups, and provisions mechanisms to aid promotion of products by consumers utilizing social networks and other online activities.

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

Abstract: An automated tool for analyzing inter-library loan (ILL) transactions to identify holding needs for a library. The automated tool may be used in conjunction with a bibliographic database that comprises data related to inter-library loan requests and document orders. Libraries have the ability to compare borrowing requests over time to identify acquisition priorities, compare borrowing requests based on age, subject, serial, and nonserial items, analyze items the library is borrowing, and analyze items the library is lending. ILL request data may be analyzed by date, by frequency, and by cost. The library may then decide to acquire additional holdings for its collection based on the analyses of ILL transaction data.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for recommending a navigation destination based upon recent updates are provided. The apparatus and methods include, in one or more aspects, receiving a request from a user communication device for a desired item, and associating a user location of the user communication device with a destination location of a provider of the desired item. Further, the one or more aspects include identifying a destination communication device at the destination location, and querying the destination communication device for a human-originating response to obtain a current accessibility status of the desired item. Additionally, the one or more aspects include reporting the destination location of the provider and the current accessibility status to the user communication device.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for recommending content based on context such as location. In one aspect, a method includes receiving data that references a location of a mobile device, selecting, from among multiple, different applications that are available in an online application marketplace, one or more of the applications that are relevant to the location, and providing, by a recommendation server, a recommendation to the mobile device, where the recommendation identifies the one or more applications as applications that the user is likely to be interested in purchasing or downloading.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a pickup location for an item selected in an online transaction based on location information or data. The method comprises obtaining location data for the mobile communication device and determining availability of the selected item at one or more locations based on proximity to the location. According to an embodiment, one of the locations with item availability is selected and the online transaction is completed.

Abstract: Various embodiments include a method and system for a seller conversion factor to ranking score for presented item listings. In an online marketplace with sellers and item listings, a first sum may be calculated by identifying a first set of item listings associated with the seller. A second sum may also be calculated by identifying a second set of item listings, where the second set is a subset of the first set and are successful item listings. Further, a conversion factor may be calculated from the first and second sums by dividing the second sum by the first sum. The conversion factor may then be used as a component in an item listing quality score for a third set of item listings associated with the seller.

Abstract: An interactive product locator presents product and other information via a module to permit a purchaser to identify and select a desired product. Once selected, one or more additional modules of the interactive product locator may identify the product to the user, such as by activating a perceivable output that draws the user's attention to the product. In this manner, the interactive product locator allows products to be easily located and helps ensure a purchasers attention is focused on a particular product. The modules may be activated individually, such as to identify individual products, or may be activated in sequence, such as to identify individual to products as well as associated products, complimentary products, or accessories.

Abstract: A system and methods for mapping price and location of tickets in an event venue are described. An interactive event venue seat map is provided by a network-based system that implements an online marketplace for tickets for upcoming events. The interactive event venue seat map enables sellers to view pricing information and transaction information for both sold and current event listings for any section or zone in an event venue. The interactive event venue seat map allows sellers to browse and click on sections to see sold and listed data for any section and zone in the event venue and to compare a proposed sale price to available pricing information of sold and current event listings in comparable sections. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: Detailed information about a particular used motor vehicle is quickly provided to a potential buyer having a personal digital assistant equipped with a receiving means. To provide the information, it is first necessary to obtain standard information about used motor vehicle values in digital form from a provider of such information. It is then necessary to obtain specific information about an inventory of used motor vehicles from the owner or seller of the vehicles. The standard information and the specific information are then integrated on a server computer and transmitted to the potential buyer.

Abstract: A near field communications enabled mobile communication with the appropriate program is used to provide or receive information related to service provided to or for a customer. Using the mobile communication device increases the customer's access to service and service personnel.

Abstract: Aspects of this invention disclose a system for providing a purchaser specified product search engine, including providing storage circuitry comprising a database of products, storing product data in the database, receiving from a prospective product purchaser, product data of a desired product to purchase, accessing the database of products and comparing the product data to product data in the database, and determining a probability that the product data matches product data stored in the database. Other aspects may include a data processing apparatus providing a purchaser specified product search engine, including storage circuitry comprising a database of product data, processing circuitry configured to receive purchaser specified product search inquiry data, accessing the database of product data, and comparing the purchaser specified product search inquiry data to the product data; and determining a probability that the prospective purchaser product data matches the product data stored in the database.

Abstract: A context-aware mobile banking system determines a location of a user of the mobile device, identifies at least one product of interest to the user based at least in part on the determined location of the user, determines based on the determined product of interest, information corresponding to the product of interest, and presents the information corresponding to the product of interest to the user. In some embodiments, the system retrieves user budgeting information including a plurality of budget categories each having an associated budget amount and an associated remaining amount indicating an amount remaining in from the budget amount, determines a budget category from the plurality of budget categories associated with the product of interest, and determines the budget amount and remaining amount associated with the determined budget category. The system then may present information corresponding to the remaining amount and the budget amount to the user.

Abstract: A network of collection, charging and distribution machines collect, charge and distribute portable electrical energy storage devices (e.g., batteries, supercapacitors or ultracapacitors). Availability of charged portable electrical energy storage devices available at a collection, charging and distribution machine are communicated to or acquired by a mobile device of a user or a user's vehicle. Once the mobile device of a user or a user's vehicle comes within close proximity of the collection, charging and distribution machine or within a particular area surrounding the collection, charging and distribution machine, the collection, charging and distribution machine or a collection, charging and distribution machine management system communicates an alert (e.g., over a cellular network, short range wireless signal or wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) network) to the mobile device or vehicle indicating how many portable electrical energy storage devices are available at the distribution machine.

Abstract: Provided are computer implemented methods and systems for facilitating mobile device payments using product scanning and wireless communication functionality of mobile devices. Using a mobile device, a customer may read product codes and receive product information, which may include a product price, a manufacture date, a manufacturing country, a quantity of products. When reading the product codes, the customer may be also provided with promotional offers and advertising material from a merchant, a mobile payment service provider, or a third party. Upon reading the product codes, the reading may be stored in a list on the mobile device. The user may further send a request to calculate a total price of the products read by the mobile device. The total price may be encoded in a code scannable by a merchant scanning device.

Abstract: A system is provided for determining an item location in a distribution center. The system includes an audio device, a transparent display, and a mobile device in communication with the audio device and the transparent display. The mobile device receives a request to determine item location from the audio device, determines a location of the mobile device, and determines an item location. The mobile device also outputs item location information to the transparent display and outputs additional information to the transparent display in response to a change of the location of the mobile device.

Abstract: The information providing system accurately predicts a behavior pattern of a user, selects and provides the optimal information at individual points in time. Provision information files for a number of stores are stored. When a user from a cellular phone transmits a retrieval condition including the position information and a keyword, a file is retrieved whose degree of accordance to the retrieval condition is a certain reference level. Tables show statistical degrees of interest of users in association with respective geographical areas, respective time periods, and respective store genres. The degree of accordance of the retrieved file is corrected based on the corresponding degrees of interest in the tables, and a list is presented, in which stores are sorted in the large order of the corrected degree of accordance, to the phone. The store information selected by the user from the list is distributed to the phone.

Abstract: A system and method for interactive marketing to consumers and, more particularly, to a system and method for marketing merchandise to consumers in an interactive retail environment. The method includes detecting a disturbance in an area and sending information related to the disturbance to a back end merchandising system. The method further includes retrieving relevant information related to the detected disturbance from the back end merchandising system and displaying the relevant information on a display surface.

Abstract: A computer implemented method is provided to manage travel for purchasing items. A computer system identifies items for purchase by a group of people. The computer system identifies a set of requirements for the items. The computer system retrieves information about available items at locations for purchasing the items. The computer system can then generate a set of routes for the group of people that includes at least a portion of the locations for purchasing the items based on the set of requirements for the items, and the information about the available items at the locations for purchasing the items.

Abstract: Techniques for providing friction-free transactions using geolocation and user identifiers are described herein. These techniques may ascertain a user's location based on a location of a mobile device. A transaction between the user and a merchant may be completed with zero or minimal input from the user based on the geolocation of the mobile device and the user identifiers. In some implementations, a transaction initiated earlier is completed when the mobile device arrives at the merchant. Additionally, a parent-child or similar relationship may be established between multiple devices. Security on the mobile device based may be provided by biometric identification and calculation of variance from regular movement patterns. Advertisements may be sent to the mobile device based on bids from merchants near to the mobile device. Promotions may be sent to the mobile device when more than a threshold number of mobile devices are located at the same merchant.

Abstract: Consistent with some embodiments of the invention, a web-based comparison shopping and marketplace service enables a user to search for and/or browse products of interest, and then obtain geographically-relevant, real-time product availability and pricing information for a product of interest that is offered by one or more physical retail stores. Additionally, with some embodiments, the service enables a user to conclude a purchase transaction for a product that is located at a retail store, and then provides the user with driving directions from the user's location to the retail store.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system for providing information obtained from both online stores and offline stores and for offering more purchasing options to customers. A customer can specify a particular item with detailed aspects for an information search, along with location information to define a local geographic area. The gathered local price information is presented to the customer over a network connection. The customer can purchase the item from either online stores or offline stores over a network connection.

Abstract: A method and system that is initiated by the producer of a computer generated interactive program that offers non-tangible computer generated product (1) that is attached to a code and sold to a consumer (2). The consumer of the code provides a geographic coordinate to the producer of the non-tangible computer generated product and places the purchased code at a geographic coordinate (4). The Producer of the non-tangible computer generated product provides the geographic coordinate to the user of a computer generated interactive program (3). The user of the computer generated interactive program actively seeks out the desired geographic coordinate to obtain the code with the non-tangible computer generated product attached. The user may enter the code into a computer generated interactive account and receive the non-tangible computer generated product (5). The consumer of the code may engage with the user of the computer generated interactive program while they are present at the geographic coordinate (6).

Abstract: A method of locating a product in a store using a mobile device is provided. The mobile device communicates with a store server through a local area network and retrieves location information for the product. Low granularity product and location information is received at the device from a store server as the user enters the store. Higher granularity location information is later received at the device depending on position of the device in the store. Pre-stored product choices in a shopping list application may be used to navigate to locations of successive products in the list.

Abstract: Mechanisms are provided to facilitate buying and selling products utilizing social pricing. Sellers initiate sale of a product with volume discounts for a limited time. In other words, the more people that buy a product, the lower the price for the group. Buyers have a real incentive to become prosumers that not only purchase a product but also promote purchase by others. A social pricing system brokers interaction between sellers and buyer groups, and provisions mechanisms to aid promotion of products by consumers utilizing social networks and other online activities.

Abstract: A method of managing user purchase information includes parsing information related to a product from a user uploaded data, comparing the parsed information with a purchase data of the product by the user, and linking an indicator to the user uploaded data according to the comparison and a method of providing user purchase data in user equipment. The method also includes purchasing and paying for a product with the user equipment, and posting payment information about the product on a social networking service (SNS).

Abstract: An example carwash method involves a customer using a smartphone with an app for finding participating carwash locations, making online payments for select carwash options, and then using the smartphone app to start the washing process when the customer arrives at the carwash. Various means can be used for determining when the vehicle is at the carwash entrance. Examples of such means include, but are not limited to, reading the GPS coordinates of the smartphone in the vehicle; establishing Bluetooth, WiFi or some other limited-range wireless communication link between the smartphone and the local carwash controller; displaying and manually entering a code or password at the carwash; and scanning a QR code displayed on the smartphone. During the carwash operation, in some examples, the smartphone app provides the customer with an emergency stop option.

Abstract: Some demonstrative embodiments relate to adjusting traffic prediction. Some demonstrative embodiments relate to position related offering of an item.

Abstract: An information system environment is described that, among other things, facilitates integration of electronic commerce and physical store front retailer selling channels. In some realizations, the system includes a shopper accessible kiosk co-located with a physical store front retailer and an electronic commerce information service accessible from locations external to the physical store front retailer. Both access inventory information supplied from a suitable information service. The shopper accessible kiosk allows a user thereof to access inventory information particular to the physical store front retailer, while the electronic commerce information service allows a user thereof to order items from out of stock of the physical store front retailer.

Abstract: Provided is a server apparatus, etc., capable of flexibly providing shore's provision information in accordance with a time range when a shore can be used by a user. The server apparatus according to the present invention, on the basis of store information including at least any one of position information of a store which provide a product or service, use time information of the store and attribute information of the store, and user time range information user time range information indicating a vacant time range of a user, determines a combination in which the user can use the shores within the time range indicated by the user time range information. Then, the server apparatus transmits the shore's provision information in the determined combination to a terminal device of the user.

Abstract: This document relates to classification of items included in a data feed. For example, a feed of items is generated for provision to a referral network site. The feed includes some of the items sold through an electronic commerce network site. Item classification information corresponding to an item sold through the electronic commerce network site is identified based upon the taxonomy information of the referral network site and included in the generated feed of items.

Abstract: A first computer (e.g., a central server) collects information to be presented to one or more users. The information is organized into a plurality of first web-sites where each of these web-sites is addressable by a unique Universal Resource Locator (URL). A physical location is associated with each of the first web-sites. One of the first web-sites may be provided to a user as a user web-site. When the user or other individual seeks to access the user web-site, links to a plurality of the first web-sites are provided based on a relationship between the physical locations associated with the first web-sites and the physical location associated with the user web-site.

Abstract: Techniques for providing friction-free transactions using geolocation and user identifiers are described herein. These techniques may ascertain a user's location based on a location of a mobile device. A transaction between the user and a merchant may be completed with zero or minimal input from the user based on the geolocation of the mobile device and the user identifiers. In some implementations, a transaction initiated earlier is completed when the mobile device arrives at the merchant. Additionally, a parent-child or similar relationship may be established between multiple devices. Security on the mobile device based may be provided by biometric identification and calculation of variance from regular movement patterns. Advertisements may be sent to the mobile device based on bids from merchants near to the mobile device. Promotions may be sent to the mobile device when more than a threshold number of mobile devices are located at the same merchant.

Abstract: A system and method for remote acquisition and delivery of goods includes a server in communication with customer computers, such as through a user interface via the internet. The server can store customer information including billing information, and may include a real-time video processor. A mobile delivery system in communication with the server includes an energy efficient vehicle, a real-time video device, a global positioning system, a communication device and a printer. In use, a customer communicates with a mobile delivery agent via the real-time video device and the communication device to remotely acquire a product. Once acquired, the delivery agent delivers the product to a designated delivery location. The real-time video device can be utilized during the entire transaction. The system preferably includes a processor for optimizing system efficiencies, including selecting a delivery agent based on the product, pick-up location and delivery site.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing shopping-related information to a consumer are provided. Embodiments of the system allow a consumer to create an electronic shopping list by scanning products. In some embodiments, shopping-related information may be obtained for items in the shopping list, such as pricing information, product quality, consumer ratings, and other information that may help a consumer to make an informed purchasing decision. Other embodiments allow a consumer to obtain and compare retail prices offered by several retailers for products in the shopping list. Still other embodiments provide a store-wide network that allows a shopper to scan items in the store, add the scanned items to a shopping list, and then check-out electronically.

Abstract: Systems and methods match buyers and sellers of goods and/or services online. More specifically, a website facilitates a search by consumers of retailers for goods and/or services. In addition, the website facilitates the advertising of goods and/or services by retailers. Specifically, a user of the system may search for particular products and services, and/or businesses. Interactive maps provide a user with location information of businesses and/or service providers that fit one or more criteria searched by the user. Icons may be generated on the map, whereupon users may obtain information relating to products or services searched for by selecting the icons. Further information may also be obtained relating to the businesses, service providers, products and/or services of the businesses and/or service providers. Users may select to buy particular products and/or services directly from the businesses and/or service providers, or may tag products and/or services for viewing at a later time.

Abstract: A method for providing vendor information to a consumer includes scanning, by a mobile device, an indicia to retrieve a product identifier, sending, by the mobile device, a first message including a location of the mobile device and the product identifier to a computer server remote from the mobile device, determining, by the computer server, a vendor from a list of vendors that supply a product associated with the product identifier and whose location corresponds with the location of the mobile device in response to the first message, and sending, by the computer server, a second message including vendor information of the determined vendor to the mobile device.

Abstract: A computer-implemented framework and method for maintaining product allocation data objects comprising a plurality of product allocation data objects, a plurality of software modules, an interface for the software modules, and a plurality of computer-applications, wherein the product allocation data objects are representative of product allocations for several participants within an e-business system, wherein a product allocation data object is processed by at least one of the plurality of computer-applications, the software modules providing access to the product allocation data objects, and the interface provides concurrent access to the software modules for online collaboration, wherein a collaborative planning process of the product allocation data objects is executed by the software modules and controlled by the applications.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the actual cost of a product and/or service includes a process for determining the actual cost of a product and/or service whereby financial data associated with one or more “contributing consumers” is obtained from one or more sources. The financial data includes data associated with specific financial transactions. The financial data, and/or specific financial transactions are categorized and/or associated with a specific purchase of a product and/or service. The financial data obtained from one or more contributing consumers is then aggregated, processed, and/or categorized, according to the identified and specific product and/or service associated with the financial data. A “user consumer” then initiates a request for financial data associated with the purchase of a specified product and/or service.

Abstract: A buyer-seller matching system that uses incentives to verify commissions from matching the buyer with a seller. An item locator system that comprises a repository of information about items for purchase may be provided over a network for users to access information about items for purchase. Along with each item, the system presents an incentive that may be realized if that item is purchased from a designated third party seller. The user then executes the purchase with the seller, who pays the system the agreed upon fee and also issues a certification of purchase to the buyer. The user may then take the certification of purchase back to the central repository to redeem the incentive. The item locator system then checks to verify that it has received a fee or commission from the seller for bringing the seller a buyer of the item. The fee or commission may be based on the price of the item, such as if the item is a new house for sale and the seller is a new house builder.

Abstract: A method and system for communicating retail-item-purchasing data in a computer network environment is provided. Commute information is leveraged to provide purchasing options to end-users and to permit customers to automatically search for various products available at local businesses without having to visit each business. The commute information can be a commute path or a location reference. One or more providers of the items within a distance of the commute path are identified. Purchasing data is communicated based on the determination of the providers.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a system of evaluating an impact of consolidating a plurality of print shops on inventory levels may include a processor and a processor-readable storage medium in communication with the processor. The processor-readable storage medium may include one or more programming instructions for performing a method of evaluating an impact of consolidating a plurality of print shops on inventory levels. The method may include identifying a plurality of print shops to consolidate from an enterprise, identifying an inventory policy, receiving corresponding job demand information and determining a plurality of total inventory requirements for the identified print shops. The total inventory requirements may include a total average inventory level and a total order-up-to level.

Abstract: An international transaction system for operation over the internet/intranet provides a pre-transactional calculation of all charges involved in any international transaction. Upon the option of the customer, the goods can be viewed on catalogue sheets translated to a language of the customer's choice, and the price provided in a currency selected by the customer. The customer also has the option of initiating the order with automatic credit authorization, generation of an electronic title or commercial invoice and arrangements and payment of shipping charges and any taxes and import/export duties.

Abstract: In a method for extension of an item attribute in a business application data model, a selection is received of an item of the business application data model to which an item attribute is being added. The item attribute is received, including receipt of relationship information which defines a location of the item attribute within a hierarchy of the business application data model. The item attribute is associated with the business application data model such that the item attribute is contextually included within a searchable ontology of the hierarchy in accordance with the relationship information.

Abstract: Described herein are technologies pertaining to presenting a map to a user that comprises graphical icons that are representative of retail stores. The user has provided a shopping list, wherein the shopping list includes a plurality of products that are desirably purchased by the user. Inventories of retail stores in a geographic region of interest to the user are searched, and a map is generated that includes graphical icons representative of the retail stores, data that indicates that product(s) in the shopping list are available at the retail stores, and price data that indicates prices of product(s) in the shopping list at the respective retail stores.

Abstract: A first user, second user, and third user are registered. Names of a first, second, and third item are stored a website for the first, second, and third users. The items can be tangible items or intangible items. The first user requests the second item. A first credit is removed from the first user and a second credit is stored for the second user when the first user receives the second item. The second user requests the third item. The second credit is removed from the second user and a third credit is stored for the third user when the second user receives the third item. The first credit, the second credit, and the third credit each represents a right to request a future swappable tangible or intangible item for the equivalent value of at least one previously swapped tangible or intangible item.

Abstract: Positional placement guidelines for storing items in an inventory area may allow determination and tracking of the position of the items in the inventory area. Position information may be associated with each item in a materials handling facility to assist in locating an item in an inventory area. The position information may represent a position relative to the inventory area and/or to the other items therein. Position information may be determined based on a count of items in the inventory area or based on a time stamp corresponding to the time the item was stored in the inventory area. Position information may be presented to an agent to facilitate picking the item with or without descriptive information. Feedback may provide an indication that the position information is incorrect and may trigger a review or a reset of position information for one or more items in the inventory area.

Abstract: Transaction services include providing, to a computer system of an entity via a first user interface, a transaction service template having data fields configured to specify items and identifiers of physical locations in which each of the items resides. The transaction services also include receiving the transaction service template including entries presented in the data fields, the transaction service template mapping the items to corresponding physical locations. Transaction services further include providing a second user interface to an end user device, the second user interface including a portion of the data fields of the transaction service template. In response to a transaction request that includes one of the items, the transaction services also include populating an identifier of a corresponding physical location of the item in the transaction request within the second user interface as a transaction response.

Abstract: Systems and methods of using a mobile communication device to locate a product or a vender within a shopping facility. The method comprises receiving, via an input associated with the mobile communication device, a request to locate the product or the vender within the shopping facility, transmitting the request to a remote computer system, and receiving at the mobile communication device from the remote computer system an indication of whether the product or vender is located within the shopping facility, and, if the product or the vender is located within the shopping facility, an indication of the location of the product or the vender within the shopping facility. The remote computer system is configured to determine whether the product or the vender is located within the shopping facility and determine a location of the product or the vender within the shopping facility.

Abstract: A system and method for customer-oriented searching and purchasing of goods and services relies on a database having records corresponding to purveyors, products and services, and purchasers and maintained by a third party independent from all the foregoing. Searches may obtain information with or without cooperation of purveyors (vendors). Filtering before presentation to a user, according to specific needs or requirements eliminates inapplicable vendors, products, or services. Particularly, if quality rating, features, or actual availability is lacking, the system does not waste a user's time to evaluate. Deal-killer parameters and values punish vendors lacking disclosure. Rather than publish what the seller wants to advertise, the system retrieves for a user the information on items that meet criteria of, and according to their importance to, a user, especially deal-killer parameters.