2589 results about "Purchasing" patented technology

A method and apparatus for providing personalized information content over telephones is described. The creation of a voice portal is supported by the invention. Embodiments of the invention use telephone identifying information such as the calling party's number to identify, or create, user profiles for customization. The personalized content is specific to that user based on her/his telephone identifying information and may be further customized based on the current time, current date, the calling party's locales, and/or the calling party's dialect and speech patterns. Also, the telephone identifying information may support targeted advertising, content, and purchasing recommendations specific to that user. The system may use a voice password and/or touch-tone login system when appropriate to distinguish the caller or verify the caller's identity for specific activities. Typically, embodiments of the invention will immediately present a caller personalized content based on her/his profile using the appropriate dialect as well as the caller's preferred content. Profiles can be constructed as the caller uses embodiments of the invention as well as through explicit designation of preferences. For example, as the user selects topics, as well as particular content, a record of actions can be maintained. This record of actions can be used to provide suggestions and direct the personalization of the system for the user.

A computer-implemented method and system for generating and displaying a calendar containing user-selected events from user-selected categories. A plurality of categories of events are provided. The user can select which categories are of interest, and then select individual events within those categories. Events are overlaid on a calendar unique to the user. Calendars may also be shared among a number of selected users, if desired. Online purchasing and related actions can be associated with each event.

The present invention relates to a music identification/purchasing system, specifically to a method for marking the time and the name of the radio station in portable device such as a key holder, watch, cellular phone, beeper or the like which will allow the user to learn via internet or regular telephone the name of the song, artist and/or music company by matching the stored data with broadcast archive. The system will allow for purchase of the full length of the identified music item or related music. An alternate embodiment provides the listener with convenient means to record a segment of the music in which he/she is interested. The recorded music segment is played back into an apparatus which can identify the song based on the play back and provide the user with information on the identified song such as title, singer or artist, composer, producer, etc., and provide related purchasing information. The user can make selections and provide payment data to the music identification/purchasing system which will result in the selections being delivered to the user by mail.

In some embodiments, systems, methods, and/or articles of manufacture may determine a rewards group comprising at least a first member and a second member, determine a reward that the group may earn in exchange for completing purchases at a retailer or for performing a task. Embodiments may further comprise determining, based at least partially on a count of group members and a value of the reward, purchasing or task completion conditions the group must satisfy in order to earn the reward. Some embodiments may comprise providing the conditions to the group, determining an acceptance of the conditions by the group, and registering the group for the reward. According to some embodiments, the reward may be provided to the group (or portions thereof) upon a determination that the conditions are satisfied (or at least partially satisfied).

A method, system, and apparatus are provided for allowing users to readily obtain information associated with a selected item from a remote location. More specifically, a user at the location of the first entity operates a portable imaging device to capture an image of identifying data, such as a barcode, that identifies a selected item. The captured image is then communicated to a server operated by a second entity that is different than the first entity to obtain item information (e.g., price, availability, etc.) associated with the selected item. The item information is communicated back to the portable imaging device for display to the user while the user remains at the location of the first entity. In other embodiments, the information extracted from the captured image may also be used to forecast future purchasing activity for the selected item.

A method for conducting a purchasing agreement for goods and services between a consumer and a merchant through a trusted a third party and using a wireless network includes generating, by the consumer, a first view of the agreement and transmitting the first view of the agreement to the third party, generating, independently by the merchant, a second view of the agreement and transmitting the second view of the agreement to the third party, and receiving, by the third party the consumer view of the agreement and the merchant view of the agreement, verifying identities of the merchant and the consumer and that the details of the independently generated views of the agreements are consistent and taking action to execute the purchasing agreement if the conditions are satisfied. The third party includes a Secure Transaction Server.

Social media content items are mapped to relevant time-based media events. These mappings may be used as the basis for multiple applications, such as ranking of search results for time-based media, automatic recommendations for time-based media, prediction of audience interest for media purchasing/planning, and estimating social interest in the time-based media. Social interest in time-based media (e.g., video and audio streams and recordings) segments is estimated through a process of data ingestion and integration. The estimation process determines social interest in specific events represented as segments in time-based media, such as particular plays in a sporting event, scenes in a television show, or advertisements in an advertising block. The resulting estimates of social interest also can be graphically displayed.

A secure product purchasing system and method are disclosed to allow for online purchase of goods or services by means of a proprietary graphical or barcode-represented printed or on-line digital product code and details to be either sent to or discovered by a customer, so as to be scanned then paid for using a secure financial closed-loop proxy account and a pre-registered personal handheld mobile device where all funds within the account remain in an “inactive” non-usable state until activated and allocated only by the customer through the mobile handheld device, wherein the merchant is registered to the secure financial closed-loop proxy account.

The invention provides methods for facilitating a cooperative purchasing service. One method includes: providing a conditional purchase opportunity including a purchase threshold, providing information associated with the a conditional purchase opportunity to at least one display node, receiving a contingent purchase input from a user having a social network user profile, and associating the conditional purchase opportunity with the user profile. A further method includes: requesting cooperative purchase feed formatted content associated with a social network user account, receiving cooperative purchase feed formatted content including a cooperative purchase offer in response to the request, and providing the a cooperative purchase offer including a social network identifier, at a social network user interface. A further method includes: providing a feed formatted cooperative purchasing opportunity, receiving a request to send the cooperative purchasing opportunity to a associate, and Indexing the cooperative purchasing opportunity to an associate feed based on the request.

Disclosed is a remote lottery ticket purchasing or gaming event bet placement system using E-911 compliant cell phones. E-911 compliant cell phones provide the location of the caller, enabling the system of the present invention to determine in which jurisdiction the caller is located. The system further uses at least one identifier that the caller must provide, allowing an age check to be made. The use of both pieces of information, location and age, is used by the system to remotely purchase lottery tickets or make bets in full legal accordance with what is allowed in the caller's jurisdiction.

Method and apparatus for using at least a portion of a one-time password as a dynamic card verification value (CVV) are disclosed. A credit/debit card is able to generate a dynamic card verification value (CVV). Such a card may also include an indication that the dynamic CVV is to be used as a security code for purchasing or other transactions. A card-based financial transaction can be authorized in accordance with the use of a dynamic CVV by receiving a transaction authorization request for a specific credit/debit card, wherein the transaction authorization request includes a dynamic CVV. The dynamic CVV can be compared to at least a portion of a one-time password generated for the specific credit/debit card, and a transaction authorization can be sent to the merchant or vendor when the dynamic CVV matches all or a portion of the one-time password.

Systems and methods are provided for combined social behavior tracking, online surveillance and web bot software technologies via a mobile device or computer for tracking online consumer behavior and data, cookies, embedded advertisements, predicting online consumer behavior, buying patterns by monitoring online activities, online communications, search inquiries, social networking, social plugins, social applications, advertisements, purchasing, behavior, and buying patterns, consumer address books and contact lists, blogs, chat rooms, friends, acquaintances and strangers, instant messaging, text chat, internet forum, service providers, travel and hospitality, real estate, educational services, ancillary services (as defined herein) and delivery system for behavior targeting and filtering of coupons, mobile services, products, goods and services, advertisements and service providers and related company information on a three dimensional geospatial platform using multi-dimensional and scalable geospatial mapping associated with entities providing and/or members of the service and/or social networking.

Various embodiments of the invention provide a more secure financial transaction system for e-commerce sectors that (1) more securely processes payment transactions, (2) helps to protect merchants and banks against fraudulent transactions, money laundering, and underage gambling, and (3) helps to limit other abuses in areas of e-commerce that are perceived to pose special risks, such as Internet gaming, travel, and consumer purchasing of electronic goods. To accomplish the above goals, various embodiments of the financial transaction system (1) establish operating and transaction processing protocols for merchants, Internet payment service providers, acquiring banks, and card schemes and (2) provide automated systems for monitoring and securely processing payment and financial transactions.

A real-time transaction processing Consumer Products Distribution System (PDMS) reduces distribution costs, facilitates the distribution of products to consumers and makes online shopping practical. The PDMS integrates Collaborative Inventory Sharing, Order Aggregation, Consumer Predictive Purchasing, Product Transport Support Service, Display Shops, Uniform Consumer Preference Codes, Integrated Virtual Technical Support Centers, and other convenient features. Consumers purchase products through web sites of local and remotely located retailers preferably using Predictive Purchasing. The items purchased from multiple retailers are aggregated at a consumer selected Order Aggregation Site (OAS) based upon a consumer specified schedule. The consumer can pick up the aggregated orders at the selected OAS or have the aggregated orders delivered to a residence. Commercial carriers process consumer parcels at OASs where they are combined with Aggregated Orders for pickup or delivery. Consumers are given incentive discounts to promote the use of Predictive Purchasing, which significantly improves supply chain productivity.

A system and method for displaying still video images related to video content in an interactive broadcast television system. The system and method of the present invention may also be used for simulating an Internet home page on an interactive television system. The present invention thus supports hyperlinked web-like navigational capabilities in an interactive television system. According to the method of the present invention, the video delivery system provides or broadcasts one or more audio/video channels each comprising video content and also provides or broadcasts at least one still image channel comprising a plurality of still video images, preferably MPEG-2 compressed still images. The user or viewer can select options displayed on the television screen to view desired information. When the set top box receives user input selecting an option to view one of the linked still images, the set top box captures the requested image from the still image broadcast channel, stores the image in memory, and displays the captured still video image corresponding to the selection. The still image being displayed may have associated interactive program content for displaying further selections, wherein these selections may be for viewing other images or content, for ordering information, or purchasing products. The user can thus selectively navigate between the video content and stills in a web-like hyperlinked fashion. In one embodiment, when a user is navigating through still images, the television program or video content which was being viewed is displayed in a small window overlaid on the still image being displayed. Also, when the set top box captures a requested image from the still image broadcast channel, the set top box preferably also pre-caches or pre-loads other related still images based on the probabilty that these related images will be subsequently requested by the user. The invention also includes an embodiment which provides user requested still images "on demand" on a dedicated "search" channel.

A method and system for previewing accessories prior to purchasing is disclosed. In one embodiment a first image of a portion of a person can be provided to an input device. Then, a second image including an image of an accessory is selected from an electronic database of accessory images. After obtaining the first and second images, data of the first and second images are used to generate data of a composite image, preferably on a server computer. The composite image is displayed on an output device and includes an image of the accessory on the person. The input device, the output device, and the client computer can be located at a first location, while the server computer is located at a second location. In this image, the accessory can be previewed by the customer before purchasing the accessory. Preferably, the accessories include sunglasses, jewelry, eyeglasses or other personal fashion items, which are purchased over the Internet or at a kiosk in communication with the Internet.

A method and system are described for providing a streamlined method for using, for example, streaming media samples to promote and sell music, videos and related merchandise on the Internet in response to searches for entertainment related information. When a consumer enters an Internet search query that includes a Media Keyword, a corresponding media sample or sample set is identified for the consumer to select to receive as a stream or download onto the Consumer Device, along with search results pertaining to the requested information and purchasing options. The media sample or sample set is provided as a link in a web page containing search results generated for the consumer. The media sample link may be indicated on the web page as a preferred, personalized or sponsored search result.

Systems and methods are provided for providing a more seamless purchasing experience using a mobile device. The mobile device acquires data, such a barcode image, an image of an object or text, or audio data. A non-limiting example of a barcode is a Quick Response (QR) barcode. The acquired data is then used to obtain a network address of a payment website or webpage, which allows a user to make a purchase for a given product or service. The mobile device then launches the payment website or webpage. A user can enter into the mobile device, through the payment website or webpage, a supplemental ID used for authenticating the transaction.

Methods for purchasing of goods or services over the internet. A customer has a customer account set up at a bank with associated account information. The account information includes verification information for verification parameters, such as authorized computer identification, authorized delivery addresses, authorized user identification, authorized telephone caller identification, and/or other account information. An order is placed by a user via an ordering computer which provides order information. Such order information includes verification variables used by the bank. Verification and/or authentication using one or more variables of the customer account information is used by the bank to validate the order before assuring payment to the merchant.

A method is disclosed for authorizing a purchase transaction made using a purchasing device associated with a financial account and communicating with a point-of-sale (POS) terminal. In one embodiment, the method may include determining a physical location of the purchasing device during the purchase transaction based on location information provided by the purchasing device. Further, the method includes determining a physical location of the POS terminal during the purchase transaction. Based on the identified locations of the purchasing device and POS terminal, a proximity of the purchasing device to the POS terminal is determined. The method may also include authorizing the purchase transaction based on the determined proximity of the purchasing device to the POS terminal.

The present invention enables users to instantly purchase desired items with their mobile device (e.g., cell phone/PDA) while viewing services such as the Home Shopping Network, QVC, etc. on television or the Internet (using a PC). When the service displays a product on-screen, a barcode would also be displayed associated with the product being sold. To purchase the item, the user utilizes a camera-equipped mobile device to scan the on-screen barcode. The barcode information and user information is then sent to the vendor's server where it is processed. The preexisting transaction system is used to complete the user's transaction. Once the transaction has been complete, the vendor's server sends a confirmation message to the mobile device.

Various embodiments of the invention provide a more secure financial transaction system for e-commerce sectors that (1) more securely processes payment transactions, (2) helps to protect merchants and banks against fraudulent transactions, money laundering, and underage gambling, and (3) helps to limit other abuses in areas of e-commerce that are perceived to pose special risks, such as Internet gaming, travel, and consumer purchasing of electronic goods. To accomplish the above goals, various embodiments of the financial transaction system (1) establish operating and transaction processing protocols for merchants, Internet payment service providers, acquiring banks, and card schemes and (2) provide automated systems for monitoring and securely processing payment and financial transactions.

The present invention relates to a system for tracking product on a shelf. In an embodiment, an indicia strip is placed on a self coiling sheet, and a sensor is configured to read the indicia strip. The data on the indicia strip corresponds to the location of a pusher assembly. In an embodiment, a store computer can use the data regarding the location of the pusher assembly to determine the amount of inventory on the shelf. In an embodiment, the store computer can automatically order additional inventory based on the levels of inventory on the shelf. In an embodiment, a deviation from normal customer purchasing habits can be used to prompt security measures so as to reduce the possibility of product theft.

This is directed to systems and methods for providing a virtual fashion closet. Fashion items can be added to the Virtual Closet. Outfits may then be created by combining two or more of the fashion items. In some embodiments, the Virtual Closet system can create recommended outfits based on weather, season, or the user's calendar. The Virtual Closet system can allow a vendor to send recommended fashion items that may complete an outfit to a user for potential purchasing. In some embodiments, a social networking Virtual Closet can be provided. The social networking Virtual Closet can allow friends to see each other's Virtual Closets, recommend outfits to one another, recommend fashion items to buy, recommend fashion items to get rid of, recommend outfits to wear at a particular event, share and borrow each other's fashion items, or can otherwise suitably provide a social networking environment through the Virtual Closet.

A method and system for advertising selection, placement management, payment and delivery in a dynamic, real-time environment wherein the production, listing, procurement, payment, real time management, re-allocation and financial settlement of all types of digital advertising mediums, with optional automated delivery for advertisement and messaging for such ads is performed. The planning, purchasing, delivery and payment for on-line and traditional media advertising is automated, standardized and tracked across multiple mediums, such as TV, Internet, satellite, radio, wireless telephone, outdoor screens, and other digital mediums that display dynamic content. As a result, transparency and discovery of price, performance and availability segmented by specific markets and customer profiles for specific products is achieved. A buyer/seller real time feedback is provided to allow both buyers and sellers to dynamically change existing ads, ad space, prices, etc, in a real time environment based on real time sale/conversion feedback.

One aspect of the present invention is a computer-implemented method for managing supplier access to transaction information. In general, the method is comprised of receiving transaction information, selectively permitting access to the transaction information, and selectively prohibiting access to the transaction information. In certain embodiments, the transaction information is comprised of a first set of transaction information regarding transactions of a first plurality of items conducted between a first supplier and a buyer and a second set of transaction information regarding transactions of a second plurality of items conducted between a second supplier and the buyer. The first and second supplier are granted access to the first and second set of transaction information, respectively. The first and second supplier are denied access to the second and first set of transaction information, respectively.

Settlement systems and methods are provided wherein a buyer takes possession of a product at a retailer. In one embodiment, a purchasing system arranges through a communication network for a buyer to purchase a product from a seller at a first price. The purchasing system also arranges for the buyer to take possession of the product at a retailer that offers the product for sale at a second price. Payment of an amount based on the first price is received from the buyer, and the purchasing system arranges for the retailer to receive payment of an amount based on a settlement price in exchange for providing the product to the buyer.

A method and system are provided for secure sharing and purchasing of content on television and mobile devices, where a user, while viewing or listening to content can, with a simple interface, send a link to a sample time slice of the content to another user (or group of users) with optionally annotating the content in real-time or in a time-shifted manner. The shared clip segment can then be used as an incentive for the content to be purchased by the other user or optionally gift it to another user. Furthermore, during the sharing process, the user may engage in a live conversation with recipients who are viewing the shared content segment. The system can enable the user to additionally bookmark any segment of interest, which could be shared subsequently with other users. This experience of real-time or time-shifted sharing of content segments enables the user to approximate a living room or group viewing experience across people who are geographically separated and/or using different rendering devices.

Systems and methodologies that facilitate hosting of a domain name and access of users to the internet, by using a well defined protocol to interact with a plurality of Domain Name Service (DNS) providers, via employing; a purchasing component, and a configuration component. Once a user has selected a domain name, the purchasing component can automatically query the provider(s) for terms of the service plan to host such domain name. The configuration component can configure various records to a user's designated machines or IP addresses, to manage in-bound traffic to the user's domain name.

Various embodiments of the present invention relate to incorporating an embedded secure element into a mobile device, and more particularly, to systems, devices and methods of incorporating the embedded secure element into a mobile device for identity authentication, data storage and processing in trusted transactions. These trusted transactions require a high security level to protect sensitive data or programs in bank account management, purchasing orders, contactless payment, passport verification, and many other high-security applications. The secure element will provide a root of trust such that that applications running on the mobile device are executed in a controlled and trusted environment. In addition to conventional password or encryption protection, alternative security features are introduced from both software and hardware levels based on the embedded secure element. Therefore, the security level of the mobile device is not only enhanced, but also may potentially exceed that of the conventional POS terminals.