Abstract: A system providing seller pre-qualification during the matching phase of an electronic commerce transaction includes a directory structure comprising multiple hierarchically organized product classes, each product class categorizing multiple products and defining one or more attributes of the products categorized in the product class. The system also includes one or more pointers for each product class, each pointer identifying a seller database in which product data enabling a product transaction is stored for products categorized in the product class. The system further includes a search interface configured to communicate a search query for product data only to one or more seller databases associated with sellers having seller attribute values matching the specified seller attribute criteria, these seller databases being identified by the one or more pointers associated with the selected product class.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a web page presented to a user includes a header section that substantially spans the top of the web page and provides a menu of selectable options as well as a search input box. A product display region may be presented below the header and display images and information about a selected product. A product carousel may be presented below the product display region and show information about other products in a horizontally scrollable list. Two columns of various types of product review information provided by sources such as professional reviewers, existing owners, and the user's friends may be displayed below the product carousel. A sortable and filterable grid of products may be displayed below the review information such that the user's attention is drawn to the variety of products available for purchase.

Abstract: Techniques for providing advice on personal style include receiving advice field data and a demonstration message. The advice field data indicates multiple fields to be filled by an advisor to provide information on how to improve personal style of an advisee based on an image provided by the advisee. The demonstration message includes first image data that indicates example personal style of a first user. An advice prompt message is sent to a different second user. The advice prompt message includes second image data based on the first image data, and the advice field data.

Abstract: A computationally implemented method includes, but is not limited to: determining that a computing device that was presenting an item has been transferred from a first user to a second user; and presenting, via the computing device, one or more highlighted portions of the item, the one or more highlighted portions being highlighted in response, at least in part, to said determining. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and process to share digital images and videos of a user wearing virtual apparel. The invention comprises of a camera 201 for capturing images and videos; a central processing unit (CPU) that obtains camera media feed and processes it to augment digital imagery of apparel; the CPU being configured to track a user in the media feed; a display screen 203 that displays the processed media feed; an interne adapter 204 capable of connecting to the interne; the CPU configured to upload the processed media feed online to a server 205 and further send the web location of the uploaded image or video, preferably in a text message using a cellular network 206 to the user's mobile phone 207. The user 251 can share the text message with others enabling them to view the uploaded content on an interne enabled device through a private link or through a social networking platform.

Abstract: Items are sold via a wireless mobile telecommunications network in which multimedia presentations describing items offered for sale are broadcast for reception by wireless mobile devices. Users of the devices can transmit responses indicating requests to buy the items or bid for them in auctions.

Abstract: A system for enabling touch and feel over the internet provides a three-dimensional representation of a good being sold, that three-dimensional representation being viewable from a number of different directions. In one embodiment, the good being sold is in a package and the package is displayed from the number of different directions. Another embodiment has the good being a book, and the inside and outside covers of the book are displayed and specified pages of the book can be displayed. The user can read from either the label or the covers just like as if the were actually handling the good.

Abstract: Method and system to enhance the presentation of a pinned resource is provided. Users may be provided with an option to enhance the presentation of a shared (or pinned) resource by attaching to it a visual control that indicates that the resource can represent an item of merchandise and that the resource is associated with functionality that would allow a user to purchase an item depleted in the pinned resource.

Abstract: A computer program accessible on a website displays a virtual warehouse containing representations of a number of virtual items corresponding to specific physical item counterparts owned by and to individuals having identities stored by the program. The physical items optionally are drums containing chemicals. A method for executing a sale of an item on the website includes the steps of providing a website which displays a virtual location containing representations of a number of virtual items corresponding to specific physical item counterparts; two potential users becoming registered program users as one of a buyer user and a seller use; the seller user moving the virtual item from a first virtual location displayed on the website to a second virtual location displayed on the website, and thereby putting the item up for sale; and the buyer user searching the website for virtual images of desired items.

Abstract: A method of making an article of footwear is disclosed. The method includes the steps of designing an article of footwear via a website, converting a footwear representation into a set of two-dimensional portions, printing the two dimensional portions onto a sheet material, cutting and assembling the two dimensional portions into a finalized article of footwear. The method further includes a step of shipping the article of footwear to a pre-designated shipping address. Systems for receiving an order for a customized article of footwear are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for processing complex orders is disclosed. The method includes generating a customer portal view including a list of products and services associated with an account, a list of quotes associated with the account, a list of orders associated with the account, and a plurality of user-selectable options. The plurality of user-selectable options includes a move option to transfer a service profile by defaulting the existing services at an old location to a new location.

Abstract: A method includes sending from a user device customer identifier data uniquely associated with a customer and sending from the user device merchandiser identifier data uniquely associated with a merchandiser from a plurality of merchandisers. The method further includes displaying at least one item for sale based on data received from a server. The data is displayed based on a profile associated with the customer identifier and the merchandiser identifier. The method also includes transmitting from the user device data associated with at least one transaction request for the at least one item for sale. The customer identifier data and the merchandiser identifier are accessible via a persistent portion of a user interface of the user device.

Abstract: A computationally implemented method includes, but is not limited to: determining that a computing device that was presenting an item has been transferred from a first user to a second user; and presenting, via the computing device, one or more highlighted portions of the item, the one or more highlighted portions being highlighted in response, at least in part, to said determining. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing distribution of applications are provided herein. A host server can act as an intermediary between a communications device and an app store in order to manage distribution of applications to the communications device. Thus, the host server can receive from the communications device an app request for an application that resides at the app store. The host server can examine various catalog information and provide a package that includes the application to the communications device.

Abstract: A multi-dimensional energy control system is provided with an energy management software application that organizes the consumption of energy by a device as an n-dimensional energy space, where n is an integer greater than 2, and each axis in the energy space represents an energy consumption characteristic. The energy management application generates instructions for a device in response to calculating a compromise operating point in the energy space. A user interface (UI) connected to the energy management application has a display to receive a graphical representation of the energy space and compromise operating point, and an input to receive user commands for moving the represented compromise operating point in the represented energy space. The energy management application calculates the compromise operating point in the energy space to match the displayed compromise operating point.

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: 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 virtual closet stores and presents virtual representations of physical items. The virtual representations may include virtual representations of items owned by a user, items the user would like to own, and/or memorabilia items for the user. The virtual closet may provide a number of functions. In some embodiments, the virtual closet may be used to facilitate selling items on online selling platforms by providing information (including virtual representations of the items) from the virtual closet to the online selling platforms to place the items for sale. The virtual closet may also be used in some embodiments to facilitate providing advertising targeted to the user based on information available to the virtual closet.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and machine readable and executable instructions are provided for determining offer terms from text. A method for determining offer terms from text can include mapping keywords to a domain of a procurement event, and receiving, to a computing device, an offer text associated with the procurement event. Event-specific entities are identified, by the computing device, in the offer text. The computing device determines the domain of the procurement event from the identified event-specific entities, and using the mapped keywords corresponding to the determined domain, determines offer components from the offer text, extracts offer parameters from the offer text, and constructs the offer structure using the identified event-specific entities, derived offer components, and extracted offer parameters.

Abstract: The present embodiments relate generally to methods and systems for purchasing an item at a computing device. The computing device can be configured to communicate with an electronic commerce server. The computing device may be configured to; display an item available for purchase; display a plurality of virtual containers, wherein the item can be added to any one of the plurality of virtual containers; and receive input to add the item to at least one virtual container of the plurality of virtual containers.

Abstract: A first file is received. The first file has a first format. The first file includes information associated with an item. The information is extracted from the first file. The extracted information is mapped to a capability profile.

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: New business that uses the Internet and that is provided by a photography business operator, such as the creation of an electronic album, is being developed. However, in business via the Internet, a relationship between the photography business operator and its customer tends to be temporary and it is hard to build a long-term relationship with the customer. Hence, a storage system on the network, which stores data such as photographs, is configured such that the customer being a system user can seek communication with a third party via a photograph. Thus, with the use of the system, it becomes possible to build a long-term business relationship.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating product image maps are disclosed. An image containing at least one object is received, and the object is extracted to determine whether it corresponds to a product available via an electronic commerce system. An image map can be generated so that a user interface including hyperlinks to the product in the electronic commerce system can be employed.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for designing an electrical interconnect device.

Abstract: A personalized virtual shopping assistant system and method includes a plurality of individualized avatars which can be used by shoppers to see how various articles of clothing or accessories would look on themselves. The individualized avatars are created from a 3D body scan of all or a portion of the shopper to create an avatar which accurately reflects the size and shape of the shopper. When performing online shopping, the shopper retrieves his or her avatar for display on a display screen of a smartphone, tablet, computer, kiosk, or other device or system, and places computer representations of articles of clothing or accessories on the avatar. The computer representations are provided by the manufacturers or retailers or other sources. In some configurations, the computer representations may be manipulated to shrink or expand to fit the avatar.

Abstract: A method includes receiving and storing, at a server, retail product data related to a retail product offered for sale at a retailer, the retail product data including text data corresponding to a description of the retail product, price data corresponding to a price of the retail product, and image data corresponding to a graphical image of the retail product. The method also includes receiving, at the server, links to content generated by a content-generating user, the content being associated with retail products. The method also includes identifying, at the server, a link from the plurality of links that corresponds to content associated with the retail product offered for sale at the retailer. The method also includes generating, at the server, a web page that displays the product data, including the text data, the price data, and the image data for the retail product offered for sale at the retailer and that displays the identified link.

Abstract: Various embodiments include an apparatus comprising a server operable to generate a customized virtual catalog including a plurality of composite images, wherein at least one of the plurality of composite images includes an image of a promotional product decorated using a decorative image associated with a client requesting access to the customized virtual catalog.

Abstract: A consumer user can perform a number of augmented reality shopping operations using a local client shopping application executable on a mobile device. Features related to implementations of the current subject matter can include, but are not limited to, the ability to view an augmented reality depiction of a shopping display using the mobile device and to execute various “e-commerce” functions accessible via the augmented reality depiction. Related methods, systems, articles of manufacture, and the like are described.

Abstract: A consumer user can perform a number of augmented reality shopping operations using a local client shopping application executable on a mobile device. Features related to implementations of the current subject matter can include, but are not limited to, the ability to view an augmented reality depiction of a shopping display using the mobile device and to execute various “e-commerce” functions accessible via the augmented reality depiction. Vendors can benefit from various data aggregation and consumer incentive features. Related methods, systems, articles of manufacture, and the like are described.

Abstract: A consumer user can perform a number of augmented reality shopping operations using a local client shopping application executable on a mobile device. Features related to implementations of the current subject matter can include, but are not limited to, the ability to view an augmented reality depiction of a shopping display using the mobile device and to execute various “e-commerce” functions accessible via the augmented reality depiction. Visual image processing based on one or more inputs from sensors on the mobile device can be used to compute and efficiently provide the two dimensional projection of the three dimensional model to be presented on the screen of the mobile device. Related methods, systems, articles of manufacture, and the like are described.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described herein for providing a storefront administration application which provides improved design and review capabilities for the makers of virtual storefronts. The storefront administration application receives, stores, and processes information associated with virtual storefronts and product listings to allow sellers the ability to inspect and modify the appearance of their virtual storefronts at a past, current, and/or future date based on the products that are, or will be, available.

Abstract: A software application providing a social, interactive panoramic shopping experience from pictures.

Abstract: A system and method for interactive, computer-assisted object presentation in which object information is displayed in one more arrays. The object information is displayed in a two dimensional array wherein displayed object information can be selected by a user. In response to the selection, additional information may be displayed about an object corresponding to the selected information such as a link to permit a user to buy the object.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to consumer operated kiosks for purchasing fresh foods and associated systems and methods. In one embodiment, for example, a consumer operated kiosk can include a temperature controlled compartment for storing an inventory of fresh foods items, a user interface configured to receive user instructions corresponding to selected fresh food items, and a product retrieval system configured to move selected fresh food items from the temperature controlled compartment to a dispensing area. In various embodiments, the consumer operated kiosk can further include a communications facility configured to send transaction information associated with fresh food items purchased at the consumer operated kiosk to a remote computer, and the remote computer can update associated inventory information and store it in a remote database. The remote computer can monitor ages of the fresh food items in the inventory.

Abstract: A client computing system renders digital content (such as, for example, a movie or TV program) for a user. Based on the user's interest, the user may select an object image in a video frame of a sequence of video frames of the digital content being rendered. The user input data indicating the object image selection may be sent to a service provider server coupled to the client computing system over a network via a secure communications channel. The server obtains information about an object corresponding to the user-selected object image. The server sends the object information to the client computing system for display to the user. The object may be an object in the physical world, such as a consumer good. The object information may include information enabling the user to purchase the object.

Abstract: A method, system, non-transient computer-readable storage medium and computer product for online shopping via wired or wireless server communication are provided. The method for online shopping includes creating public aisles and at least one personal storeroom for each client in an online store application at the server and enabling each client to select online products offered for sale from the created personal storerooms and public aisles. The method for online shopping includes presenting the online store to each client as an animated cartoon of a three-dimensional virtual store.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and apparatuses for performing financial transaction using gamer tag information. For example, in one embodiment, a method is provided to: (1) receive information associated with a first gamer tag and information associated with a proposed financial transaction; (2) determine that the first gamer tag is associated with a first financial account; and (3) facilitate the proposed financial transaction, wherein the proposed financial transaction involves the first financial account.

Abstract: A method of commerce for books, including ebooks and audiobooks, in digital format. Each book is offered for sale chapter-by-chapter, alongside the option to purchase the book as a unit. The publisher or etailer divides the book with digital metadata to enable chapter-by-chapter display and commerce on the book's sales webpage. The book may or may not be a textbook. The book can be copyrighted. The sales page can be presented to a general audience without need of a special ereader or subscription. Options presented to the consumer can include temporary access as well as a permanent download. Temporary access can be provided by streaming audio or a password-protected webpage or read-only file. Unlimited temporary access may be offered as part of a pre-paid subscription.

Abstract: The present invention provides a network server with enhanced graphics and improved methods for displaying articles offered for purchase, to allow a purchaser to fully evaluate the article while shopping “on-line.” In a particular embodiment, a virtual showroom associated with the network server may be provided, for displaying first and second articles. A first electronic image representing the first article and a second electronic image representing the second article may also be provided. The second article may be complementary to the first article, such that the second article may be worn in conjunction with the first article. In another embodiment, a user may have the option to overlay the first electronic image with the second electronic image. In a particular embodiment, the second electronic image may include an at least partially translucent depiction of a substantial portion of the second article.

Abstract: An input device to a game console allows a user to access a shopping service. A user interface display allows the user to browse and shop through a natural user interface on the input device.

Abstract: A method for exploring similar items can include receiving a request to explore items similar to an item identified by a user and retrieving a set of similar items to output for display to the user. The similar items can be similar to the identified item, and the set of similar items can include one or more attribute values for each similar item. In addition, in response to receiving a selection of one or more of the attribute values by the user, the method can further include retrieving similar items corresponding to the user-selected attribute values. Moreover, the method can include outputting at least a subset of the similar items for display.

Abstract: An electronic product explorer page type, or “PXP” as defined herein, uses available retail imagery to create a patchwork grid of cells that allows for different sizes of product images, each product image being shown within a respective cell. In this way, layouts of such product images can be dynamically generated to highlight a feature product item by making cell containing the image of that feature product larger relative to other product images shown in other cells. This will work particularly well for showcasing to users various collections of related retail products and for cross category selling of retail products. The computer implemented method can also be used where the device is a non-touch screen device having a pointing device and the steps are replaced by movement of the pointing device which translates into the motion of a pointer on the display.

Abstract: Disclosed in some examples is a method of providing assistance to a consumer comprising authenticating with a shopping service over a network using a network adapter; downloading a shopping list from the shopping service over the network using a network adapter; displaying the shopping list to the user on a display screen, the shopping list comprising a name of an item, wherein each item in the shopping list may be displayed as a tile, wherein each tile is arranged in a series of rows and columns; receiving an input identifying one or more changes to the shopping list; processing the input using a computer processor; and sending the one or more changes to the shopping service over the network using the network adapter.

Abstract: A solution is provided for a method for a user to shop online in a three dimensional (3D) virtual reality (VR) setting by receiving a request at a shopping server to view a shopping location, having at least one store, and displaying the shopping location to the user's computer in a 3D interactive simulation view via a web browser to emulate a real-life shopping experience for the user. The server then obtains a request to enter into one of the stores and displays the store website to the user in the same web browser. The store website has one or more enhanced VR features. The server then receives a request to view at least one product and the product is presented in a 3D interactive simulation view to emulate a real-life viewing of the product.

Abstract: A method and system displaying and managing images of consumer products with cloud computing. A layout for plural selected consumer products is selected. An N-layer digital image of a shelf layout on which consumer products are displayed is created and stored in one or more cloud storage objects. The created N-layer digital image includes an M-layer hierarchy of vector images and/or visual overlays stored in one or more cloud storage objects in progressive resolution format and allows progressive resolution display without loss of image quality on the selected plural consumer products that appear in the N-layer digital image. The created N-layer digital image is displayed via a cloud communications network. The created image provides a virtual shopping experience that emulates a shopping experience in an actual retail store.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for social networking services integrated with gift card services. In general, a profile of a member of a social networking service may be presented with one or more merchant credit services for prepaid merchant account credit, data characterizing a request to provide a credit service from the merchant credit services and a mobile phone number associated with an intended recipient of the first credit service may be received, and a message may be caused to be sent to the mobile phone number, where the message characterizes provision of the first credit service to the intended recipient. Interest in the credit service may be tracked and associated with a loyalty indicator associated with the member.

Abstract: Virtual worlds seamless object drop integration enables users to obtain products in a virtual world by dragging a product image icon off of an e-commerce web page and on to a virtual world client. The drag-and-drop movement is initiated by the user from a browser window on a display screen. The browser calls an underlying system service to pass an image tag corresponding to the product image icon on to the virtual world client. The image tag includes a unique identifier. The virtual world client checks the image tag to see if the corresponding product has a price, and asks the user if they want to buy it. A product purchase transaction is completed by a virtual world network server and a payments network server that is called in for the financial authorizations. The seller's web page and payments network server are addressed by their respective Uniform Resource Locator (URL).

Abstract: Systems and methods related to an individualized menu system for use by customers in a retail environment. Multiple mobile computing devices are in communication with a database server from which the mobile computing devices retrieve menu related data items. The menu related data items are then used to present a menu to the customer by way of the mobile computing devices. The mobile computing devices are authenticated by the database server and communicate with the database server using a secure communications protocol. Each menu related data item in the database server is individually editable by an administrative user and edits are not propagated to the mobile computing devices until they are committed as such by the administrative user.

Abstract: System, apparatus and method for printing color image print data selectably as a color image or as a black-and-white image are described.