Abstract: A queuing method and system. The method includes retrieving by a computer processor of a stationary computing system or a computing device, queue data placing an individual onto an initial queue list for receiving a service and ID data identifying the individual. The computer processor presents a status of the individual with respect to the queue list. The computer processor receives a request associated with the service and in response presents options for the individual. The computer processor receives a selection for an option and generates a modified queue list.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a system for exhibiting at least visual content in one or more physical retail stores. Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a method for exhibiting at least visual content in one or more physical retail stores. Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a programmed computer for exhibiting at least visual content in one or more physical retail stores. Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a computer readable medium for exhibiting at least visual content in one or more physical retail stores. In one example, the visual content may comprise advertising and/or operating specifications and/or performance specifications and/or dimensions and/or price displayed on a television, a computer monitor, a laptop computer display, a notebook computer display and/or a netbook computer display.

Abstract: A mobile terminal and a control method of the mobile terminal may be provided. The mobile terminal may include a short range communication module, a memory for storing information regarding a payment method, and a controller for making a payment using a payment method corresponding to a location at which a communication link is set, based on the information regarding a payment method.

Abstract: A system and method for collecting feedback in real-time from the customers of the business entities that need physical space to operate, while customers are present at the physical location, through use of browser run feedback application on the internet or intranet enabled mobile devices of customers, where customer opts to wirelessly connect their mobile device with the feedback software and the software: verifies customer's presence on business premises; initiates the feedback session; presents the identification and feedback forms to the mobile device; monitoring the feedback sessions; captures and relays the feedback data to the business in real-time and offers reward coupon to the customer after successful submission of the feedback form. System includes display apparatus located at the business premises which enables the mobile devices of the customers to connect with feedback software.

Abstract: A portable communication terminal requests merchandise information from a store management apparatus, by using store identity information about a store where a purchasing transaction is made, and merchandise information about merchandise to be purchased. The store management apparatus has a merchandise information storage configured to store merchandise information including a price of merchandise to be sold in each store. The store management apparatus receives a merchandise information request from a portable communication terminal, retrieves a merchandise information storage, detects merchandise information matching a retrieval condition, and sends the merchandise information to the request source, i.e., the portable communication terminal. The portable communication terminal displays merchandise information sent from the store management apparatus in a display.

Abstract: A user enters into a subscription to receive footwear having one or more specified performance characteristics. As the user finishes wearing one set of footwear, the user can obtain a replacement set of footwear that also will have one or more specified performance characteristics. The performance characteristics may be consistent for each set of footwear provided according to the subscription. Alternately, the footwear performance characteristics may vary over the life of the subscription. Thus, the footwear provider may periodically obtain biometric information describing the user's athletic activities or performance. The footwear provider then can tailor the performance characteristics of footwear provided under the subscription to match the user's athletic activities or performance.

Abstract: A transaction automation and archival system is provided for controlling, real-time logging, and archiving complex commercial transactions such as the purchase and financing of an automobile. An electronic contract disclosure unit or ECDU includes a digitizing video display for imaging to the various documents involved in the transaction and a digitizer for allowing participants to sign, indicate choices, and otherwise interact directly on documents and images presented on the display. A computer controls the progress of the transaction, controlling, for example, the order of presentation of documents to a vehicle purchaser, receiving signatures on the displayed documents, offering choices of various packages to the purchaser, and insuring that the transaction is carried out properly. The transaction is logged for future review which may include a video record.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling a customer to utilize a smart phone to communicate with a waiter in a restaurant. The phone connects to a wireless LAN within the restaurant and, in a first embodiment, downloads a location-based communication application, which reports the phone's location to a Website Application Server (AS), which identifies the restaurant. The customer enters a table number, and the Website AS pushes a screen to the phone displaying buttons for requesting services. When the customer presses a button, the Website AS informs the LAN controller, which identifies an assigned waiter and routes the service request to the waiter. In another embodiment, the phone connects to the LAN and the customer enters a web page address. An Access Point routes the request to the LAN controller, which pushes the display screen to the phone, handles service requests, and notifies the assigned waiter.

Abstract: A system is provided for controlling, real-time logging, and archiving complex commercial transactions such as the purchase and financing of an automobile. An electronic contract disclosure unit or ECDU includes a digitizing display for imaging documents involved in the transaction and a digitizer for manual interaction with images on the display. A computer controls the transaction, and may for instance, control the order of presentation of documents to a vehicle purchaser, receive the purchaser's signature on the displayed documents when required, offer choices of various packages that can be accepted or declined by the purchaser, and insures that the entire transaction is carried out properly. The ECDU logs the transaction for future review and preferably records video and audio. Fingerprint readers allow participants to select between options by pressing their thumb or finger on the readers.

Abstract: Virtual universe customer service representatives are cloned and assigned as a function of observing customer behavior, retrieving historical data and creating a customer profile. Preferential subavatar assignment parameters are determined for a customer as a function of the customer profile, choosing a subavatar from a plurality of subavatars as a function of a correlation of a subavatar performance characteristic with the preferential subavatar assignment parameter and a store objective, and the clone is populated with the chosen subavatar. Choosing a subavatar may comprise preferentially rating subavatars and determining an appropriateness threshold as a function of the subavatar assignment parameter, the performance characteristics and the store objective.

Abstract: System and methods are provided for handset diagnostics. A dialer component intercepts a connection request associated with an entered number, and determines whether the entered number is associated with a specified service. If the entered number is associated with the specified service, a service component presents service options on a user interface of the handset, receives a selection of at least one of the service options, determines handset data based on the selection, and wirelessly communicates the handset data to a server associated with the entered number. The service component may connect the handset to the entered number, wherein the server may promote providing the specified service based on the communicated handset data. Alternatively, the service component may send a message to the user interface to indicate that the server provides the specified service based on the communicated handset data.

Abstract: Determining geospatial patterns from device data collected from a plurality of computing devices. The devices represent, for example, a plurality of sources providing the device data. The device data describes the computing devices and/or environments thereof. Some embodiments present the determined patterns to users for editing, update maps with the edited patterns, and distribute the maps to the users. The maps are stored to create a searchable map library.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for indicating an existence of a link to information pertaining to an article of commerce. The present disclosure provides for downloading a look-up table from a server database to a mobile device via a communication network. The look-up table is configured to store a plurality of UPC numbers associated with a plurality of articles of commerce and a plurality of information link indicators. Each information link indicator is associated with a respective UPC number and article of commerce and indicates the existence of a link via the communication network to information pertaining to the respective article of commerce. The mobile device allows a consumer to immediately determine if product information is available for a particular article of commerce, via a visual or audible indication on the mobile device, without access to the communication network.

Abstract: A videoconference system includes a camera at each several user locations, a computer at each user location linked to the camera at each location, and one or more bridges linking the computers to one another. A video encoding program stored on each computer causes each computer to encode video data received from the camera at the user location. A decode information set request monitoring program stored on at least one of the computers causes the computer to monitor the bridges for reception of a decode information set request message; and respond to the decode information set request message by querying the request message for an ID. If the ID of the request message matches an ID assigned to the computer, the computer generates a decode information set based on video data received from the camera, and communicates the decode information set to all of the other computers.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing validated customer feedback information about a service provider. Generally, the method includes providing a customer with a digital ratings device, such as digital pen, that is capable of receiving feedback information from the customer and uploading the information to a third-party provider. As the customer uses the digital ratings device to provide the information, the device may associate the information with temporal data, such as the time, date, and location at which the customer provided the information. In some cases, the temporal data is checked to ensure that the customer is actually one of the provider's customers. Because the information is validated as coming from a verified customer, the information is often more reliable than it would be if it were submitted anonymously. Thus, the validated information may present a substantially fair representation of the provider and be useful to potential customers.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system functional for operating and updating an interactive voice response self care system which utilizes various types of models. The system is capable of improving the performance of the self care system through updating the models used in that system in a closed loop manner. The system is also potentially configured to utilize input from a human agent, such as a customer service representative, to which a customer call is transferred by a self care system.

Abstract: The present disclosure involves a method comprising: determining a location of a user inside a facility; accessing an information map of the facility based on at least one of: electronic scans of items in the facility made by the user and a planogram; and offering a service based on the information map and the location of the user. The present disclosure also involves an electronic device comprising: an interface for receiving an input from a user and communicating an output to the user; a transceiver for electronically communicating with external devices; a computer processor for executing instructions; and a memory storage for storing the instructions, the memory storage further comprising a program module for: constructing a map of a facility in response to purchases made by the user; and offering a service in response to a location of the user and a shopping history of the user.

Abstract: Technologies are described herein for providing a monitoring service in a cloud-based computing environment. A request is received from a user to subscribe to the monitoring service. The monitor workflow may correspond to the monitoring service. A first call to a finder application is executed over a communications network to retrieve data points according to the monitor workflow. A second call to an analyzer application is executed over the communications network to identify a relevant data point in the data points. A third call to a notifier application is executed over the communications network to notify the user of the relevant data point.

Abstract: Event data messages can be provided by an interactive voice response (IVR) system to a complex events processor (CEP). The event data messages can include a Stream_ID and a series of textual elements. The Stream_ID can uniquely identify a call session between a caller and the IVR system. The series of textual elements can represent speech input provided by the caller. The CEP can create a text string from the series of textual elements of event data messages having the same Stream_ID. The text string can inherit the Stream_ID of the event data messages. The CEP can utilize user-defined business rules to process the text string. When the CEP issues an action message, the Stream_ID of the text string can be appended to the action message sent to the IVR system. The IVR system can modify the call session associated with the Stream_ID of the action message accordingly.

Abstract: A method and network architecture through which user-specific media profile data can be made available to third parties. A browser is optionally enhanced to facilitate playback and control of one or more media players, thereby allowing the user to play content via the browser. As the user plays content in the browser or any of the media players, information is collected about the content and stored in a database. By monitoring all media-related interactions made by the user within the browser, the collected content information can encompass information from a wide range of sources. User-specific profile data is then determined based on the collected data and such user-specific profile data is made available to third parties. The user-specific profile data can be used, for example, for social networking purposes, and may also be used to drive advertisements or other content to the user.

Abstract: Systems and methods for defining, booking and managing activities or services by a user of digital computer implemented applications and interactive displays based on time, location and theme as related to the user's local environment.

Abstract: A business object model, which reflects data that is used during a given business transaction, is utilized to generate interfaces. This business object model facilitates commercial transactions by providing consistent interfaces that are suitable for use across industries, across businesses, and across different departments within a business during a business transaction. In some operations, software creates, updates, or otherwise processes information related to an export declaration and/or an export declaration request business object.

Abstract: A method (10) in a speech recognition application callflow can include the steps of assigning (11) an individual option and a pre-built grammar to a same prompt, treating (15) the individual option as a valid output of the pre-built grammar if the individual option is a potential valid match to a recognition phrase (12) or an annotation (13) in the pre-built grammar, and treating (14) the individual option as an independent grammar from the pre-built grammar if the individual option fails to be a potential valid match to the recognition phrase or the annotation in the pre-built grammar.

Abstract: Described herein is an enabling product that facilitates implementation of an m-commerce business solution. According to an embodiment of the present invention an m-commerce solution includes: a content provider or merchant site that provides products and goods to be purchased; a payment system allowing online authorization of funds to purchase the goods; and a wireless network for all customer interactions. Embodiments described herein perform at least one of the following three functions: 1) protocol conversions; 2) customer information reposing, and 3) payment authorization system interfacing.

Abstract: Described herein is an enabling product that facilitates implementation of an m-commerce business solution. According to an embodiment of the present invention an m-commerce solution includes: a content provider or merchant site that provides products and goods to be purchased; a payment system allowing online authorization of funds to purchase the goods; and a wireless network for all customer interactions. Embodiments described herein perform at least one of the following three functions: 1) protocol conversions; 2) customer information reposing, and 3) payment authorization system interfacing.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing sales or customer support using a telephone having a camera to capture at least a partial image of a product or service; wherein the at least partial image is used to select a database updated by one or more knowledgeable persons on the product or service.

Abstract: Techniques and systems provide real-time return processing before a retailer receives a returned item, such as during a return process where the retailer (seller) and customer (buyer) are separated from one another (e.g., electronic commerce, etc.). The retailer may collect information about the order and items to be returned from the remotely located customer. The retailer may optionally confirm an identity of the customer such as by verifying the original payment type and/or payment instrument number. The customer may provide collateral in exchange for the real-time return of a refund or an exchange. The retailer may then provide shipping details, calculate the refund (if applicable), and finalize processing. If the retailer does not receive the item in the allotted time for the return (e.g., for ground transport, etc.), then the retailer may charge the customer a value of the item using the collateral.

Abstract: In an embodiment, call information is received indicating that a called party, responsive to receiving a call from a calling party, desires to record a complaint against the calling party relating to receipt of the call. A call complaint based on the call information is added to a complaint database. Call rejection information based on the call information is forwarded to a call rejection database configured to indicate blocking of further calls from the calling party to the called party. The complaint information may be forwarded to the complaint database through a number of different communications paths. In another embodiment, a request for a change in status of an identifier entry on a user call rejection list is received. The status of the identifier entry on the user call rejection list is changed based on a comparison of the current status of the identifier entry with the request.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a system and method of interactive queue management through public communication networks. Interactive queue management allows business or automated systems to easily and efficiently interact with waiting individuals in any queue through the individuals' preferred communication device, e.g., telephone, mobile phone, smart phone, wirelessly enabled PDA or handheld computer. In one embodiment this invention allows people to hold their place in a queue by proxy of their telephone or mobile phone number. An individual will provide their phone number to the interactive queuing system; the system will retain the phone number and other pertinent information about the individual, communicate via voice, wireless messaging, or other means with the individual, and collect the input from the individual. Key components of the system include a queue client system, a queue management and server system, an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system, and a wireless messaging infrastructure system.

Abstract: Virtual universe customer service representatives axe cloned and assigned as a function of observing customer behavior, retrieving historical data and creating a customer profile Preferential subavatar assignment parameters are determined for a customer as a function of the customer profile, choosing a subavatar from a plurality of subavatars as a function of a correlation of a subavatar performance characteristic with the preferential subavatar assignment parameter and a store objective, and the clone is populated with the chosen subavatar Choosing a subavatar may comprise preferentially rating subavatars and determining an appropriateness threshold as a function of the subavatar assignment parameter, the performance characteristics and the stole objective.

Abstract: A print or logo data generating system and method in which a width dimension of a printable medium is identified and original source data obtained. The processing further involves automatically resizing the source data to a predefined maximum width not greater than the width dimension of the printable medium prior to executing any user-requested changes, and displaying a first image representation of the original source data. Upon receipt of a user-requested change in the size of the original source data and a user-requested change in the number of colors of the original source data, the size change request is executed first.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for determining secondary address information. In one implementation, a method is provided that uses a data processing apparatus. According to the method, a code word is created for a business name and a building default extended delivery code. A data table is searched using the code word and secondary address information is revealed when a match is found between the code word and data stored in the data table.

Abstract: A method, data processing system, and computer program product for managing communications sent to a plurality of customers are presented. A set of features of a customer in the plurality of customers and a plurality of channels for communicating with the customer are identified. A number of times to test the plurality of channels is identified based on a number of customers in the plurality of customers. A weighting for the set of features of the customer is identified from results of testing a channel in the plurality of channels. The weighting is identified in response to determining that the plurality of channels have been tested the number of times. A probability of success in using the channel to communicate with the customer is identified based on the weighting and the set of features. A determination is made whether to use the channel to communicate with the customer based on the probability.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide systems, methods, and computer program products for providing improved customer service by presenting a customer with an invitation to chat with a customer service associate that is skilled in a subject matter of interest to the customer and is currently available to chat with the customer. For example, in one embodiment, a system is provided having a communication interface configured to receive a search query from a consumer, such as an Internet search query entered into a search field of a web page. The system further comprises a processor operatively coupled to the communication interface and configured to compare information about the search query to one or more rules stored in a memory to determine whether a customer service associate skilled in an area related to the subject matter of the search query is currently available to chat with the consumer over, for example, the Internet.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a method, system, computer program product, or a combination of the foregoing for creating a knowledge management system with an incident communication interface for production support incidents that is standardized and centralized across the channels and sub-channels in an organization. The incident communication interface system is used to track, identify, and resolve the incidents that occur throughout the organization. The incident communication interface allows business associates to initiate an incident ticket associated with an incident. The incident communication interface also communicates information related to an incident to business associates. The incident communication interface provides the business associates knowledge management system access. The incident communication interface receives user input including details related to resolving the incident and the incident details are stored in the incident report database.

Abstract: Implementing targeted information dissemination based on gate-specific utilization includes collecting gate-specific utilization characteristics for an airport gate, the airport gate associated with a display device. Traveler data is collected for the airport gate and is aggregated. The implementation of targeted information dissemination includes identifying a pattern from aggregated traveler data, and disseminating information to the display device. The pattern is designated with an association with the information for dissemination.

Abstract: An article of jewelry having colored gemstones may be designed according to a consumer's input at a retail location. The article of jewelry may be imaged and priced at the retail location, and a commitment to purchase the article of jewelry may be obtained based on the image provided. A jewelry retailing system may include a retail location having a design center to design an article of jewelry having colored gemstones according to a consumer's input, and an imaging device such as a color printer.

Abstract: Augmenting service oriented architecture (‘SOA’) governance maturity including receiving an evaluation of the maturity of the governance of the SOA; identifying, for each governance capability in dependence upon the evaluation of the maturity of the governance capability, one or more predefined risks to the SOA; establishing, for each governance capability in dependence upon the predefined risks to the SOA, a risk value representing the severity of the predefined risks; selecting, for each governance capability in dependence upon the evaluation of the maturity of the governance of the SOA and the predefined risk value, one or more governance work products; and communicating to predetermined stakeholders in the SOA the one or more predefined risks to the SOA identified for each governance capability, the risk value established for each governance capability, and the governance work products selected for each governance capability.

Abstract: A system and method for using a communication lease to open a communication channel is provided. An initiation terminal transmits a channel initiation request for access to a resource manager through a target terminal. Evaluation of a communication lease controlling access to the resource manager is awaited. Approval of the channel initiation request is received upon the successful evaluation of the communication lease. A communication channel is opened between the initiation terminal and the target terminal upon receipt of the approval.

Abstract: A method provides an exhibition guide using an electronic device. The method obtains exhibit information of a plurality of exhibits in a preselected exhibition from a remote computer, obtains location coordinates of the electronic device, calculates a distance between each exhibit and the electronic device, and determines one or more exhibits which are adjacent to the electronic device. The method further obtains an indicating direction of the electronic device, compares the indicating direction of the electronic device with a display direction of each adjacent exhibit to obtain a matched exhibit, and plays commentary of the matched exhibit on the electronic device.

Abstract: A program for rewarding players for gaming at a casino establishment provides a player with real-time incentives while the player is playing at a gaming machine in the casino. Information about the player and/or the player's gaming activity is collected while the player is at a gaming machine in a casino. This information is used by a marketing system to select an incentive to provide to the player. The incentive is then delivered to the player, for example manually by a casino employee or automatically using a printer or other mechanism at the gaming machine. Various types of incentives can be provided to a player, including incentives designed to provide the player with an experience that is favorable to the casino and incentives designed to keep the player gaming in a casino for a longer amount of time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing devices with job history information on image forming jobs are provided, in which job history information corresponding to image forming jobs of the devices are generated. The job history information is transmitted to any device selected from the devices.

Abstract: A system and method for locating merchandise in a store having a plurality of products, such as grocery stores and the like. Each product in the store is assigned identifying information, including a location indicator, position indicator and shelf zone indicator, that is associated with the store layout and which can be utilized by a customer to locate a single item in the store. The identifying information for each product is entered into a computerized database, which includes product availability information. Access to the database is provided to customers through computer terminals in the store and via the Internet from a computer or other device. The customer can also access the database using a hand-held device, such as a smart phone or PDA, and use the device as he or she obtains the item. Using the identifying information, the customer can easily and quickly find the item in the store.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically advertising items put on display, as well as protecting those items against theft. The system and method include an event sensor associated with the item and connected to a monitoring and alarm transmitter for initiating an advertising experience on an associated and local graphic display whenever the item is manipulated or approached by a patron. Should the item be removed or taken from its display stand, a wireless alarm is automatically transmitted to a receiver of an authorized person. The system and method also perform a logging function when a patron approaches the item or removes it without taking it away. The system and method also include the ability to provide power to electronic items that are on display.

Abstract: Techniques for self adjusting kiosk display information are provided. Presentation information is centered within a display of the kiosk. A center location for the presentation information is custom recalibrated within the display based on direction of a user.

Abstract: A system which has a hand held device with an application program. The hand held device allows a merchant device to locate the hand held device. The merchant device has an application program wherein the merchant device allows the merchant device to locate the hand held device. The merchant device provides a charge and the hand held device provides a payment for the charge.

Abstract: A near field communications enabled mobile communication is used to provide or receive information.

Abstract: A mobile shopping decision agent application is disclosed. A wireless-enabled (e.g., WiFi) device that uses three or more routers to locate the exact position (e.g., aisle number, shelf, etc. in a store) of a user operating the wireless-enabled device to provide the user with assistance in shopping (e.g., comparison, order online, read technical specifications, read customer reviews, etc.) for a product, and allows the user to purchase the product on the spot from the merchant (or another competing merchant) direct from his/her account with a bank online or at the merchant POS/checkout. In addition, application also may use various social networking features (e.g., product recommendations from friends, recommendations from public at large, wish list, etc.) to enhance the customer's shopping experience.

Abstract: A method is provided to that allows product placement data of specific items to be conveniently accessed. A user may submit a request for a specific item or items via a client device (e.g., a mobile device, laptop, desktop, etc.) to a server. The server responds with product placement data for providers (e.g., retailers, stores, service providers, libraries, etc.) of the item or items that are close geographically to the user's location. Other data may be included with the response including pricing information of the item, distance or directions to the provider, and promotions.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and products are disclosed for enhancing a shopping experience that include: determining, by a self-checkout terminal, that a shopper invoked a help event; selecting, by the self-checkout terminal in dependence upon the help event, a shopper assistant to assist the shopper; and providing, by the self-checkout terminal to the shopper, distinguishing information identifying the shopper assistant.