Arrangements involving portable devices (e.g., smartphones and tablet computers) are disclosed. One arrangement enables a content creator to select software with which that creator's content should be rendered—assuring continuity between artistic intention and delivery. Another utilizes a device camera to identify nearby subjects, and take actions based thereon. Others rely on near field chip (RFID) identification of objects, or on identification of audio streams (e.g., music, voice). Some technologies concern improvements to the user interfaces associated with such devices. Others involve use of these devices in connection with shopping, text entry, sign language interpretation, and vision-based discovery. Still other improvements are architectural in nature, e.g., relating to evidence-based state machines, and blackboard systems. Yet other technologies concern use of linked data in portable devices—some of which exploit GPU capabilities. Still other technologies concern computational photography. A great variety of other features and arrangements are also detailed.

Smartphone-based methods and systems

Methods and systems that record the location of a user and transmit targeted content to a user based upon their current and past location information. A network is configured to include a server programmed with a database of targeted content, a database of location information, a database of user information, a database searching algorithm, and a wireless communication system capable of communicating with the user's mobile device. The location of the mobile device is ascertained and recorded. The location information is analyzed to determine the routes taken by the user, businesses visited by the user, and other behaviors of the user. Targeted content is sent to the mobile device of the user and whether the user visits the physical locations associated with the targeted content is monitored. Payment systems, phone exchange systems, and other features may also be integrated to provide detailed conversion tracking to producers of targeted content and business owners.

Systems and Methods to Target Predictive Location Based Content and Track Conversions

The intelligent distributed file system enables the storing of file data among a plurality of smart storage units which are accessed as a single file system. The intelligent distributed file system utilizes a metadata data structure to track and manage detailed information about each file, including, for example, the device and block locations of the file's data blocks, to permit different levels of replication and/or redundancy within a single file system, to facilitate the change of redundancy parameters, to provide high-level protection for metadata, to replicate and move data in real-time, and so forth.

Systems and methods for providing a distributed file system utilizing metadata to track information about data stored throughout the system

The present invention relates to a method and system for evaluating the cause and effect of advertising and marketing programs using card transaction data. In one embodiment, access is provided to voluminous card-holder transaction data detailing accurate-to-the-penny transaction amounts, twenty-four hour active customers, and a multi-year transaction history per customer. Furthermore, such data is captured in real-time, and due to the sample size, can provide granular, statistically significant information at a local level for client and merchant coverage.

System and method for analyzing marketing efforts

Method and system for conducting an online payment transaction using a mobile communication device

A shopper accesses ShopLive through various portals (PC, WebTV, kiosk, screen telephone) (100) and searches for goods or services by classification, price, color, etc. Once goods are located, video cameras (300, 310) scan the merchandise to the shopper through the terminal. The cameras may be remotely operable to swing through different views (310) to better display the goods, or items may be viewed according to predetermined scan patterns. Sound and other sensory stimulus such as tactile sensors may be used to enhance the shopping experience. The shopper may also ask for help from an assistant (SLA) (102) that acts just like a sales person. The SLA can also check product availability and help complete the purchase.

System and method for displaying and selling goods and services

ShopLive system supports existing merchants and malls to better serve customers by providing easy access to merchandise and sales assistants over a communication network to display items and to provide expert information on products. The shopping experience is enhanced by tokens to allow ease of shopping and checkout. Items purchased that need installation or service or supported by accessing live experts. Direct connection to service providers is available over the network. If a shopper does not find the desired merchandise they are referred to another merchant who has the product and the referring merchants receives a commission or other consideration.

Anthony V. Pugliese

Papers

System and method for displaying and selling goods and services

System and method for displaying and selling goods and services in a retail environment employing electronic shopper aids