Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a communication device having a controller to present a plurality of selectable commodity items, detect one or more selections from the plurality of commodity items, generate a list from the one or more commodity items selected, and transmit the list to a system. The system can be adapted to receive the list from the communication device, determine a selection order for the items in the list based on a location of each item in a store and at least one characteristic of at least one of the items, update the list according to the selection order, and transmit the updated list to a device for conducting commodity shopping according to the adjusted list. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating a sale between a consumer and a mobile supplier offering one or more transportable goods for sale that includes one or more supplier devices and one or more consumer devices communicatively coupled to at least one of the supplier devices. The supplier devices may be configured to determine and transmit the approximate current location of one or more items offered for sale, as well as information at least partially describing the items. The consumer devices may be configured to receive the information transmitted by the communicatively coupled supplier device. The consumer devices may further be configured to identify one or more desired items from the items offered for sale.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an article search system includes an information processing terminal, and a storage unit. The storage unit stores a salesfloor map of a store and article information and a display position of an article sold. The information processing terminal includes a display unit, an operation unit, a first control section, and a second control section. The first control section causes the display unit to display the salesfloor map stored in the storage unit. The second control section, when a selling space included in the salesfloor map displayed on the display unit is designated by operating the operation unit, causes the display unit to display the article information of an article whose display position is the selling space stored in the storage unit.

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: Various embodiments are disclosed herein that relate to the dynamic calculation and presentation of efficient travel routes for in-person shoppers. For example, an adaptive shopping server system is configured to generate, for display on a shopping client device, an efficient travel route to a location of one or more user-requested merchandise items, the efficient travel route being advantageously distinct relative to other potential travel routes in consideration of a route efficiency selection criterion received from the shopping client device.

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

Abstract: 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 comprises: a) storage and distribution means; b) inventory upload means; c) product information download means; d) order upload means; and e) delivery download means. A method comprises: (a) digitally transferring the goods and pertinent product information from a provider of the goods to a storage and distribution means; (b) storing the goods, pertinent product information, order information, sales information, or marketing information on the storage and distribution means; (c) digitally transferring product information to a shopper; (d) digitally transferring order information from a buyer of goods to the storage and distribution means; and (e) digitally transferring the goods to the buyer. The storage and distribution means may be provided with a network connection for access by providers, shoppers, and buyers.

Abstract: A system and methods for enabling a user to create a list of items on a portable computing device, to communicate with external devices to locate each of the items available on the list within a geographically limited area, to provide users with visual or aural cues as to the location of items on the list, to progress through the list of items as each item is selected or rejected, and providing discounts toward, information about, or alternatives to the available items on the list.

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: The invention comprises a financial management program and one or more databases containing information on merchants and their products. The program interacts with the databases containing the product information to return the prices and availability of goods located in a designated area. The program compares prices from various merchants and displays the results to the consumer. The program also allows the consumer to compare the prices with a household budget an financial data, while keeping track of trends in the consumer's spending and buying habits.

Abstract: A system for storing information about searches and inquiries by a customer is provided. The system includes a customer service server that receives information from two or more sources, such as from a retail location sales agent, a website, a call center agent, etc. The information is associated and correlated to interrelate inquiries from the different sources. Further, when the user enters a retail location, a node or server at the retail location can push test application to a user's mobile device based on the past inquiries. These test applications are provided only when the customer is present in the retail location. As such, hacking the application is prevented. Further, with the customer using the application in the retail location, a sales agent is present to assist the customer.

Abstract: A facility for summarizing a set of data points each having a geographic location is described. The facility specifies the display of a map showing a geographic area the specified by a user. The facility identifies a number of geographic regions in the geographic area that are of a type that is automatically selected by the facility in response to the identity of the geographic area. The map indicates, for a least one of the identified geographic regions, information that summarizes one or more aspects of the data points of the set that have geographic locations contained in the identified geographic region.

Abstract: Geospatial compatibility between consumers and providers of goods or services is identified. The system allows consumers to find service providers with service areas encompassing their location or merchants within a desired shopping area, and allow consumers to query about consumers within a specified area, for example to identify a potential customer base or consider regional advertising. A digital map interface allows users to enter one or more locations or areas of interest and later performs location or area additions, modifications or removals. The system provides the geospatially matched consumers and vendors with information on how to contact one another, but is kept simple by leaving actual contact between the matched parties to separate outside communication channels independent of the system.

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 (F1, F2, . . . ) for a number of stores are stored in the file storage section (100). When a user accesses the retrieval condition enter section (130) from a cellular phone (10) and transmits a retrieval condition including the position information and a keyword, the retrieval executing section (120) retrieves a file whose degree of accordance to the retrieval condition is a certain reference level or more. The list presentation section (140) comprises tables showing statistical degrees of interest of users in association with respective geographical areas, respective time periods, and respective store genres.

Abstract: A diagnostic tool and method are provided wherein a faulty part and its part number is determined based on a retrieved DTC for a specific vehicle. The part number may include the original manufacturer's number and a generic equivalent manufacturer's number (if available). The diagnostic tool can search a parts database of various parts suppliers for their pricing and location. The diagnostic tool can also provide suggested fixes to the user based on the retrieved DTC.

Abstract: A three dimensional web store having product images is created. Three dimensional product images are rendered from manufacturing information instead of the products themselves. The location of all products, advertisements, aisles, signs, and displays is determined for a real world store. The web store is then created using three dimensional internet or virtual world viewing and maneuvering capabilities, to appear identical to the real world store.

Abstract: Findit is an invention in the field of navigation, search and communication methodologies with electronical devices. Invention makes possible to guide the user (with a smart phone or smilar mobile device equipped with navigation technology) from media (online, printed, radio and TV) directly to a location. Upon receiving a message with the item's location information, user can start navigation to it directly. In the message information can be displayed. During navigation, information can be fed to the user by broadcasting methods such as podcasts by using the navigation message and navigation program as delivery platform in real-time.

Abstract: An item finder system for situating in a retail environment for the purpose of assisting customers to find the items they wish to find has a touch-sensitive display screen. Customers enter the name of the sought item by touching letters displayed on the touch-sensitive surface which then displays a list of item names from what the customer can choose. An item name is selected from the list by touching a graphical symbol associated with the item name. The item finder system responds to the customer's touch by displaying a floor plan or layout of at least part of the store, a marker symbol representing the location of the item, for example, a section of shelf space that contains the item, and a path line extending from the customer's present location, i.e., the location of the touch-sensitive screen, to the location of the item in the store.

Abstract: A localization service is provided that provides users with online information on local retailers that sell particular products. A user can perform a search using a web page associated with the localization service or by searching using an internet search engine. The user's search includes a search origin. The search origin may be defined in terms of location information such as a place name or a postal code. A search for a particular product at local retailers may be made using search parameters such as search origins, product names, model numbers, product categories, and product attributes. The localization service may provide the user with search results in the form of web pages that list which retailers sell the desired product in the vicinity of the search origin. A targeted advertisement server at the localization service may use display criteria to determine which targeted advertisements should be displayed for the user.

Abstract: An order handling system includes a network interface and an order handling module. The network interface communicates through a wide area network with a plurality of kiosks. The order handling module is configured to receive, via the network interface, an order from a user for a first item that is within the inventory of a first kiosk. The order handling module is further configured to reserve the first item for pick-up by the user at the first kiosk in response to the order. After the first item is reserved for pick-up, the order handling module receives from a second kiosk an order inquiry from the user, where the second kiosk is geographically spaced apart from the first kiosk.

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: A system for providing notification related to package delivery is provided. The system comprises a recipient terminal configured to receive a notification of a package delivery, a delivery mobile terminal configured to determine its own location, and a server configured to send the notification to the recipient terminal based on the location of the delivery mobile terminal and based on information associated with the recipient terminal.

Abstract: A computing device receives information that is representative of a location of a mobile device and uses the information representative of the location of the mobile device to select one or more maps corresponding to a retail establishment. The computing device also receives information that is representative of a customer and uses the information representative of the customer to place on the one or more selected maps indicia indicative of one or more locations within the retail establishment at which one or more items determined to be of interest to the customer are located. The one or more selected maps with the indicia are then provided to the mobile device for display.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, interfaces, methods, and articles of manufacture for venue product sales and networking are provided.

Abstract: Directory service results responsive to a request for a desired good or service provider may be provided based on one or more user-selected locations. The user may seek a desired good or service provider that is proximate to a location from which the user may begin traveling to the point of interest, referred to as a source location, and satisfies a beneficial objective held by the user. The beneficial objective may relate to, for example, a directional travel preference, avoiding rush hour traffic or proximity to a specific location or another type of good or service provider that differs from the user's desired good or service provider that is the subject of the user's request. A sequence of geometrical representations, such as, for example, Delauney Triangles, may be generated to provide directory service results that satisfy the user's request.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide a solution in determining a lead value and making an introduction accordingly. In some embodiments, in response to a consumer's search request for a retail item within a geographical area, a decision system may obtain from a local database a list of dealers capable of provisioning the retail item—such as a new or used vehicle—at various locations within the geographical area. For each dealer, the system may calculate a dealer score across a plurality of tests and set a dollar value to an introduction utilizing the dealer score associated therewith. The performance measures of the tests may be normalized and adjusted utilizing a set of coefficients. The list of dealers may be sorted per dollar value of introduction and presented to the consumer. To provide more accurate dealer evaluations, the system may periodically reset the set of coefficients using sales data.

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 system and method whereby a customer requiring hire of a taxi can view available taxis on their mobile phone and can select a taxi for hire. An authorisation of payment is carried out and the selected taxi allocated to the customer if the authorisation is successful.

Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying third party products and services available to geographic location. Generally, the system identifies a subject address or location at which services are desired. Next, the system parses, standardizes, and verifies the subject address as a valid physical location. Then, the system identifies relevant market(s) corresponding to the subject address, and determines product and service offerings in the relevant market(s). Further, the system determines capabilities required to effectuate the determined service offerings at the location, and identifies capabilities available at the geographic location. Subsequently, the system compares the required capabilities of the services to the available capabilities at the location to generate serviceability information corresponding to services actually available at the location.

Abstract: A system and method that includes several automatic purchasing features. The method includes establishing purchasing criteria for items to be purchased, and automatically searching marketplaces for availability of the items to be purchased. The method also includes identifying available items, of the items to be purchased, that meet the established purchasing criteria.

Abstract: A shopping aid for electronically supplying product information is provided. In one aspect of the invention, product, sales, status, availability and/or other related product information may be transmitted locally from a computer system associated with a merchant or from the Internet to a portable electronic device of the consumer. The customer may consult the mobile device as a shopping aid to receive current and accurate information about a product, product status and availability or other information such as compatible products and/or services, promotional or other items of interest useful in making purchasing decisions.

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 for providing a search service of a display apparatus includes receiving a selection of an object by displaying a screen that displays at least one object, and providing location information adaptive to the user terminal to the user terminal using all location information of the searched object and information regarding a user location. Accordingly, a user may conveniently search a desired object.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method in which an image is detected and matched with an image stored in a database, the method comprising capturing an image or series of images; searching a database that has a plurality of stored images for comparison with the captured image matching the captured image to the stored images; locating stores, manufacturers, or distributors that sell, make or distribute the object or those objects that are similar to the matched object; and presenting colors that are available to the user or asking what color the user wants, pricing, available colors, and other pertinent information regarding the matched object.

Abstract: The present solution can include a method for embedding information contained within a RFID tag into a video. A RFID tag can be loaded with item information specific to a product item. The RFID tag can then be attached to a physical item corresponding to the product item. While the physical item is being recorded, the RFID tag can be simultaneously scanned to obtain the item information automatically. The item information can then be embedded within the video at the time when the physical item is present. A user can view and interact with the generated video in a manner that permits the user to selectively view and/or otherwise utilize the embedded item information. For example, a user can opt to purchase an item appearing in the interactive video.

Abstract: A method of configuring a personalized geographical area for a user. An electronic system for providing a geographical-based service (e.g., a business directory, mapping, consumer opinions) obtains information regarding locations that can be associated with the user. Such locations may include his home address, the zip code in which he works, a business district he provides or reviews consumer opinions for, an address of an establishment for which he requests a map, etc. Using the various locations associated with the user, a personalized geographical area is configured for the user, to act as his default area when reviewing consumer opinions, requesting business locations and/or other purposes. His personalized area may change over time as the system obtains newer information regarding his activities. The personalized area may be of any size and shape, particularly non-circular, as it may be derived based on travel distances over terrain (i.e., instead of straight-line distance).

Abstract: There is provided a method comprising: receiving a request for information on electronic products from a first mobile communication terminal over a mobile communication network and providing information on a list of electronic products; receiving a request for payment for an electronic product selected from the provided information on the list, and transmitting a payment result after carrying out payment procedures for the selected electronic product; storing the paid electronic product in a joint account; receiving a request for access to the joint account from a second mobile communication terminal and determining whether or not to allow the access to the joint account; and receiving a request for checking availability of some of the electronic products stored in the joint account from the second mobile communication terminal and checking the availability of the requested electronic products.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for controlling an inventory of point-of-care diagnostic devices. The inventory includes a main inventory and at least one subinventory. Each device has an ambient temperature shelf life. Data associated with the devices is entered, including: the current quantity and predetermined minimum quantity of devices in the main inventory; and the current quantity and predetermined minimum quantity of devices in the subinventory. A first timestamp is associated with each device when the device is transferred from the main inventory to the ambient temperature subinventory. The first timestamp is compared to a second timestamp prior to use of the device to determine whether the device's ambient temperature shelf life is exceeded. The current quantity of devices in the subinventory is updated in response to an event that causes a change in the current quantity of devices in the subinventory.

Abstract: An enhanced shopping system for facilitating grocery shopping and in-store advertising is disclosed. The system utilizes uniquely changes (1) the way grocery retail industry captures and retains customers, (2) how customers organize their shopping efforts in grocery stores, (3) the approach to advertising and reaching customers, and (4) the information available to retailers and merchandisers related to customer (a) shopping patterns, (b) responses to merchandising and advertising, and (c) specific impact of discounting/coupons.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a communication device having a controller to present a plurality of selectable commodity items, detect one or more selections from the plurality of commodity items, generate a list from the one or more commodity items selected, and transmit the list to a system. The system can be adapted to receive the list from the communication device, determine a selection order for the items in the list based on a location of each item in a store and at least one characteristic of at least one of the items, update the list according to the selection order, and transmit the updated list to a device for conducting commodity shopping according to the adjusted list. Other embodiments are disclosed.

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.