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In an online marketplace environment, a seller of items can provide information relating to items for sale on one or more online sales channels to a connection provider. In one implementation, a method describes receiving a product data file (PDF) from a seller, in which the product data file includes information relating to one or more items for sale by the seller. The method also includes facilitating a sale of the one or more items through one or more online sales channels, in which the product data file further includes one or more data fields for enhanced selling features. The enhanced selling features include selling features in addition to baseline features. The baseline features include providing online listing capabilities for the one or more items being sold.
1. A method comprising:
receiving a product data file (PDF) from a seller, the product data file comprising baseline information describing one or more properties of one or more items for sale by the seller and enhanced information corresponding to one or more enhanced selling features associated with the items for sale;
facilitating a sale of the one or more items through one or more online sales channels based on the baseline information in the received PDF; and
providing at least one enhanced selling feature associated with the items for sale based on the enhanced information in the received PDF.
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13. A system comprising:
a product data file (PDF) comprising data that relates to one or more items for sale on an online sales channel;
one or more tools to receive the product data file from a seller of the one or more items and format the received data to be compatible with an online sales channel; and
a list of items on the online sales channel, wherein the online sales channel is configured to list the one or more items for sale in a preferred format.
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23. An article that enables a seller to provide information describing an item for sale on an online marketplace, the article being configured for a connection provider that interprets and formats the information for sale on the online marketplace, the article comprising:
baseline information describing one or more properties of the item for sale;
enhanced information corresponding to one or more selling features associated with the item for sale, wherein the baseline information and enhanced information comprise data in one or more data fields; and
logic to constrain the one or more data fields to ensure that data the associated with the data fields conform to one or more specifications of the connection provider.
24. An article comprising a machine-readable medium storing instructions operable to cause a machine to perform operations comprising:
receiving a product data file (PDF) from a seller, the product data file comprising baseline information describing one or more properties of one or more items for sale by the seller and enhanced information corresponding to one or more enhanced selling features associated with the items for sale;
facilitating a sale of the one or more items through one or more online sales channels based on the baseline information in the received PDF; and
providing at least one enhanced selling feature associated with the items for sale based on the enhanced information in the received PDF.
The following description relates to providing access to online marketplace services, for example, to allow sellers of property or merchandise to sell goods or items through an online auction or fixed-priced sales channel. An online marketplace, such as provided at www.ebay.com, can facilitate the sell of items and host auctions via one or more web sites in which people and organizations from all around the world can buy and sell goods and services. Among other goods and services, collectibles, books, jewelry, appliances, computers, tickets, sporting goods, furniture, equipment, vehicles, and vacation packages are listed on the marketplace web sites, and bought and sold online daily. The online marketplace may facilitate the selling of items at fixed prices (e.g., static prices) and/or at dynamic prices (e.g., auctions).
In the online selling process, a seller may desire information on how well its goods are selling with respect to expectations, forecasts, and/or targets. The seller may want to know high-level business metrics for what was sold, when it was sold, and the selling price (e.g., average selling price of $52.00). For example, the seller may want to know top-line sales information, such as the gross revenue of their sales. Other top-line sales information may include an average sales price (ASP), the number of units sold, the gross merchandise sales (GMS), and the net merchandise sales (NMS) (e.g., actual sales revenue collected from buyers). The seller may also want to know bottom-line (e.g., final results) sales information, such as net income or profits (e.g., gross revenue minus costs or net sales minus fees). Sellers may need some guidance or recommendations on selling, merchandising, pricing, or promoting their goods, as well as some insight on their volume and margin expectations.
Participants in online marketplaces may include individuals, small companies, large corporations, or other types of organizations. In general, the term "organization" may refer to a company, enterprise, business, government, educational institution, or the like. The term "organization" can also refer to a group of persons, such as an association or society.
Some participants in online marketplaces may have business-to-business (B2B) relationships with other participants that may tend to focus on a vertical market, such as healthcare or automotive. Participants in a B2B marketplace can liquidate unwanted capital assets, dispose of excess inventory, and buy or sell equipment, goods, and services. Other participants in online marketplaces may have business-to-consumer (B2C) relationships. A business may sell goods and services to the consumer market in a B2C online marketplace. Some other participants may have consumer-to-consumer (C2C) relationships, in which individuals can buy and sell goods and services with other individuals.
In one example of an online marketplace, eBay Inc. of San Jose, Calif. provides online services in which buyers and sellers can browse (e.g., navigate), list goods (e.g., post for sale), and buy and sell various goods and services in a web-based marketplace. eBay provides online auction and listing services, in which eBay typically does not directly handle or own the goods. Instead, eBay can facilitate the listing of the goods and services on its website, like want-ads in a newspaper, and facilitate transactions of trading activities between buyers and sellers. Among other operations, eBay can provide listing features beyond what can be offered in a newspaper, such as a dynamic pricing structure, a presentation of items with digital photographs, a formatting of listing information, and customer feedback.
Online marketplaces represent a sales channel—that is, an avenue for selling goods or services—that has become popular only recently. More traditional sales channels include "brick-and-mortar" storefronts, for example, a department store in which a good (e.g., a shirt) can be sold to buyers of the good. Other sales channels include catalog sales, door-to-door sales, and telemarketing sales. A seller may use multiple sales channels to sell its goods or services—e.g., retail stores and an online sale channel such as a web site with similar product offerings. In the case of an online sales channel, a seller may either set-up and maintain its own dedicated web-site that sells only its own merchandise or the seller may use an online marketplace web-site (e.g. eBay, Amazom.com or Buy.com) that sells merchandise owned by several different sellers. As used herein, "online sales channel" encompasses both dedicated, single-seller online sales channels as well as multiple-seller online sales channels.
In one implementation, the present disclosure relates to a method that includes receiving a product data file (PDF) from a seller. The product data file includes baseline information describing one or more properties of one or more items for sale by the seller and enhanced information corresponding to one or more enhanced selling features associated with the items for sale. The method also includes facilitating a sale of the items through one or more online sales channels based on the baseline information in the received PDF, and providing at least one enhanced selling feature associated with the items for sale based on the enhanced information in the received PDF.
The "item" can refer to a good and/or a service. The product data file may include information to specify item listing preferences on the online sales channels. The item listing preferences may include preferred images and text for the listed items. The product data file can have one or more data fields in a tabular format. The enhanced data fields can enable the seller to track a progress of the items being sold. The product data file may also delineate the one or more items at a SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) level.
The information describing the items for sale by the seller may be included in one or more reports to the seller, in which the one or more reports can enable the seller to assess a sales progress of the one or more items. The enhanced data fields can help to cross-merchandise items for sale and generate sales activity from buyers. The enhanced data fields may also include product reviews for presentation on the online sales channels.
The product data file may include an anchor price of the one or more items, information associated with the seller, and an anchor flag. The anchor flag can indicate whether the anchor price represents a price of a next best alternative (NBA) item, a cost of goods sold (COGS), a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP), or a jobber price. The product data file may also include an average sales price (ASP), a percentage of a target price, an anchor price goal, one or more groups of item attributes, shipping and handling information, one or more attributes to indicate previously-used items, and/or geographic information on the seller.
The present disclosure also describes a system that includes a product data file (PDF) with data that relates to one or more items for sale on an online sales channel. The system has one or more tools to receive the product data file from a seller of the one or more items and format the received data to be compatible with an online sales channel. The system also includes a list of items on the online sales channel, in which the online sales channel can list the items for sale in a preferred format.
The preferred format includes a format preferred by the seller, the online sales channel, and/or a connection provider. The connection provider is an intermediary between the seller and the online sales channel that can use the one or more tools to move any of the seller's item data and auction information to the online sales channel.
The connection provider may receive the product data file from the seller and validate the data in the product data file. The validation can include checking the product data file for errors and missing data, and ensuring an amount of data to enable an item listing and/or an item auctioning. The one or more tools may include a converter tool that receives the product data file and validates the data in the product data file. The converter tool may also convert the data in the product data file into a text format. The one or more tools may also include an upload tool to upload the text file into a merchant tool database. There may also be a tool for creating item listings and auction profiles, in which the item listings and auction profiles can include a quantity, a pricing, and/or a scheduling strategy. The product data file may be classified into one or more types depending on one or more characteristics of the seller.
Also described is an article that enables a seller to provide information describing an item for sale on an online marketplace. The article is for a connection provider that interprets and formats the information for sale on the online marketplace. The article includes baseline information describing one or more properties of the item for sale. The article also includes enhanced information corresponding to one or more selling features associated with the item for sale, in which the baseline information and enhanced information include data in one or more data fields. The article has logic to constrain the one or more data fields to ensure that data the associated with the data fields conform to one or more specifications of the connection provider.
In another aspect, an article is described for a machine-readable medium storing instructions operable to cause a machine to perform operations that includes receiving a product data file (PDF) from a seller, and facilitating a sale of one or more items through one or more online sales channels in regards to baseline information in the received PDF. The product data file includes baseline information describing one or more properties of one or more items for sale by the seller, and enhanced information corresponding to one or more enhanced selling features associated with the items for sale. The operations also include providing at least one enhanced selling feature associated with the items for sale based on the enhanced information in the received PDF.
The systems and techniques described here may provide one or more of the following advantages. For example, a connection provider (e.g., an intermediary entity that can provide services to sell items on online marketplaces) may provide a seller with insight and recommendations on merchandise to enhance the strategic position of the seller. The seller can adapt sales strategies and positioning in a dynamic sales environment. The connection provider can also provide top-line sales information to help the seller to realize how well sales are tracking against forecasts. The bottom-line information provided by the connection provider to sellers can help sellers to reduce their costs and expenses while maximizing sales potential. One or more reports to the seller can be automatically generated to reduce the amount of costs associated with employing human labor. The reports can show interrelationships in sales activities, as well as and cause-and-effect patterns in the seller's selling strategy over time (e.g., the seller can lower the target price to see if they can sell more units). The seller can also have a greater level of control over how their goods are sold than what is typically provided in an online marketplace environment. The seller may provide the connection provider with one or more standard files of information to provide enhanced value of selling items over one or more online sales channels (e.g., enhanced product listings and descriptions). The seller may be able to obtain information and guidance regarding selling their items on the online sales channels where such information and guidance may not normally be easily obtained, if obtained at all, in an online auction environment.
The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.
Like reference symbols in the various drawings may indicate like elements.
Examples of connection providers include Accenture Ltd., ChannelAdvisor Corp. and AuctionWorks, Inc. Examples of sellers include manufacturers, distributors, retailers, corporations, and government entities. In addition, enterprises not ordinarily in the business of selling goods, a services provider, for example, may nevertheless find it beneficial to establish an online sales channel to sell items such as used computer equipment, office furniture, excess supplies and the like. Examples of online sales channels include eBay, Amazon, and Buy.com.
A seller 103 need not necessarily employ a connection provider 120 to develop an alternative sales channel on the online marketplace 106, but rather may develop the alternative sales channel using its own personnel and resources, for example, by accessing the online sales channel directly and listing its items for sale. Typically, directly listing items for sale on an online sales channel requires an investment of the seller's resources including personnel time, technology, and capital. For example, an automobile parts supplier may hire its own staff and purchase extra computers and software to list, for example, new or refurbished automobile parts on eBay.
Alternatively, the seller 103 may employ a third-party connection provider 120 to develop an alternative sales channel on the online marketplace 106. In that case, the seller 103 need not, for example, hire extra staff, buy additional equipment, or develop the in-house expertise for the alternative sales channel. Rather, the seller 103 can hire the connection provider 120 to outsource the development and maintenance of the alternative sales channel. In hiring the connection provider 120, the seller 103 may form a relationship or an account with the connection provider 120. The connection provider may provide a multitude of services to the seller, such as customer service, sales strategy, auction strategy, logistics management, and checkout procedures.
When sellers provide information on the goods they are selling, they may typically be limited to how much information they can provide. The limited amount of information may reduce the amount of control the seller has over the sale of their goods. For example, the sellers may not be able to customize the sale of their goods. In another case, the seller may not receive enough information or feedback about the sale of their goods to maintain or enhance sales performance. The seller may also not have sufficient knowledge about the nuances (e.g., audience, promotion, options, selling strategies) of the market place to sell effectively. If the seller could track the progress of the sale of certain goods on an online marketplace, for example, the seller could dynamically adjust the type, quantity, and/or prices of goods that are being sold.
The present disclosure describes systems, methods, and techniques in which the connection provider 120 provides one or more services to one or more sellers. The connection provider 120 can provide a report to show key metrics to the seller regarding the sales of the seller goods. The report may be a dashboard that can include, among other metrics, item sales information, top-line highlights, bottom-line highlights, and an executive summary. The dashboards can provide feedback to the seller for various reporting periods (e.g., daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, annually, year-to-date, and/or user-definable date ranges). Information in the dashboards can be provided automatically and may be standardized to a defined format. The type and amount of information provided may be scalable and based on the quantity of goods sold. The dashboard can provide value and a competitive advantage to sellers in strategically positioning their items in an online marketplace.
The seller can supply information about the items being sold to the connection provider—for example, in the form of an electronic document such as a Product Data File (PDF)—and the connection provider can use this information to arrange for the items to be sold on an online marketplace. The connection provider can supply various types of service to the seller. For example, the connection provider can provide value to the seller greater than what would be normally provided via one or more key metrics about the goods being sold. With one or more key metrics, the seller can be in a better position set one or more strategic goals in the sale of their goods. Some of these strategic goals can allow the seller to improve bottom-line and top-line sales metrics. Other strategic goals may involve adjusting an amount and/or type of good that is sold, responding more quickly in a dynamic sales environment, and determining what benefits they can receive from their online sales channel and/or connection provider.
The fulfillment centers 212 may have one or more parameters tailored to characteristics, features and/or processing requirements of the sold item. For example, FC1 may correspond to a "new-in-box" fulfillment center that handles fulfillment of sales of items that are sold as new in boxes as received from the item's manufacturer (e.g., TV sets or laptop computers). FC2 may, for example, correspond to a "refurbishment" fulfillment center that receives used, and potentially damaged, items from a seller and then refurbishes them as needed to place them in condition for sale. Such refurbishment may include activities such as cleaning, reformatting, replacing consumable components, re-labeling, certifying and/or virtually anything else needed to place the items in the desired condition for sale. Computer equipment that has been used internally by a seller's employees, and which is being upgraded or replaced, is an example of the types of items that may be fulfilled through a refurbishment fulfillment center. Another example may include a product that has been returned to a manufacturer or retailer.
Further, FC3 may correspond to a "fragmented inventory" fulfillment center. In this type of fulfillment center, a seller typically has a collection of various odds and ends that it wants to sell through an online sales channel. In many case, these odds and ends may not be part of regular inventory and be in various states of disorganization or disrepair. For example, following a large sale or after taking inventory, a department store may discover that it has many items that are close-outs, last of kind, odd sizes, mis-marked on unlabeled, and so on. Because in many cases such odds and ends are not adequately recorded in the seller's inventory database, the seller may be unable to prepare or send a PDF 250 that describes these items at a SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) level—a unique identifier, usually alphanumeric, of a particular item that allows it to be tracked for inventory purposes.
To dispose of these odds and ends the department store can load up the items and send them directly to a fragmented inventory fulfillment center, which will then process the items, for example, by organizing, labeling, pricing, inventorying, assigning SKUs, re-conditioning, grouping, photographing (e.g., for display on the online sales channel web-site) and so on. An end result of such processing by a fragmented inventory fulfillment center typically would include the creation of an electronic data file, such as the PDF 250 and product photos describing each of the fragmented inventory items at a SKU level, which could then be transmitted to the connector provider's computer systems by the fulfillment center. Note that such an implementation of a fragmented inventory fulfillment center provides an additional level of service to the seller—namely, the creation and maintenance of the PDF 250 for the items to be sold by the connection provider.
Among the other functions described here, the fulfillment center 232 also may serve as a warehouse, shipping, storage, or distribution center for the items sold. The connection provider 244 may, at least at some level, control the fulfillment centers 232, and at least one of the fulfillment centers 232 may be operated according to one or more parameters tailored to the sold items. Because a fulfillment center may provide one or more services, and/or have one or more parameters relating to fulfilling orders for items sold for multiple sellers, there may be at least one fulfillment center to fulfill sales of items owned by multiple, different sellers but which has at least some features, characteristics and/or processing requirements in common. Hence, multiple sellers may share a common fulfillment center due to a commonality related to a particular fulfillment center's parameters. Similarly, sales of a single merchant's items may be fulfilled through multiple different fulfillment centers, each fulfillment center selected depending on geography, features, characteristics, or processing requirements of the various items being sold by the seller through the online sales channel.
The connection provider 244 may be an intermediary that facilitates access to one or more online sales channels 216 and which neither takes title and/or possession of the items being sold. The merchants 212 may include small businesses, large companies, organizations, individuals, or other entities selling an item. The fulfillment centers 232, which can be controlled but not necessarily owned by the intermediary, can fulfill orders from multiple merchants 212 having the same type or nature of items. The fulfillment centers 232 may be owned, operated or dedicated to one or more of the merchants 208. The fulfillment centers 232 may also be owned and operated independently of the merchants 212, the online sales channels 216, and/or the intermediary 244. The online sales channels 216 may include multiple web sites or marketplaces listing the items being sold. Alternatively, one or more of the online sales channels may be operated or controlled by the connection provider 244.
The merchants 212 may offer various items for sale with different properties, characteristics or fulfillment requirements. The connection provider 244 can identify and coordinate the fulfillment of an item for sale with a fulfillment center 212 that is tailored to a parameter to that item for sale. As described above, a fulfillment center may be tailored according to a set of one or more activities that are required for preparation of items prior to delivery to the buyer. Moreover, the connection provider 244 can identify a fulfillment center 222 that has particular environmental characteristics tailored to the items being sold, such as refrigeration for chocolate or flowers sold from merchant 202, in which a key parameter for the item sold is the temperature at which the inventory is stored. In another example, a key parameter of identifying the fulfillment center 224 can be geography—that is, the connection provider 244 can identify a fulfillment center 224 that, e.g., is geographically located near a certain agricultural facility for certain produce for a merchant 204. In general, one or more parameters may be associated with an item being sold and one or more parameters may be associated with a fulfillment center 226. An identified fulfillment center 226 may be tailored for one or a combination of parameters or characteristics for an item being sold.
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The PDF 250 may also have information that enables the content provider 244 to offer additional value to the seller. For instance, the PDF 250 may have one or more enhanced data fields 255 that can enable a seller to track the progress of goods sold. "Enhanced" data can refer to data that provides information other than minimally-required baseline data (e.g., the name, type, or quantity of good being sold).
The connection provider 244 can use the data in the enhanced data fields 255 to generate one or more reports. The reports may be sent to the seller to allow the seller to assess the progress of one or more items for sale. The connection provider may automatically generate the reports and permit them to be accessed at the convenience of the seller. The reports can be emailed to the seller, and/or the reports can be assessed in a graphical user interface (e.g., a dashboard and/or summary). The connection provider 244 can provide a level of security (e.g., passwords) to the reports to allow on a particular seller to access their reports.
The connection provider may also use data provided in the enhanced data fields 255 to customize one or more items being sold on one or more sales channels 216. For example, the PDF 250 may include information that specifics which sales channels should be utilized, and how a merchant's items should be displayed and sold on those sales channels.
The enhanced data fields 255 may also allow the seller to group items for sale, cross-merchandise items for sale, and generate more sales activity from buyers. For example, the seller may complete data fields to sell a shirt on one or more online sales channels. The seller may specify in the PDF 250 in enhanced data fields that matching pants and accessories should be displayed for sale along with the shirt. In another implementation, the enhanced data fields may specify for the online sales channel to display positive customer feedback for the seller (e.g., "The item was received in a week, and it was in excellent condition").
The PDF 250 may also include data to identify a particular fulfillment center for a merchant 212. The identification of an appropriate fulfillment center 232 typically is performed manually, for example, by a human operator associated with the seller or the connection provider. However, identification of a fulfillment center could be performed, at least in part, by an automated process, for example, based on information received from the seller. The connection provider can determine the parameters for the items being sold and can manually identify an appropriate fulfillment center.
In another implementation, the merchant sends parameter information to the connection provider only once during initial setup of the merchant's account or relationship. If a merchant intends to sell only one type of item then the merchant does not need to resend parameter information along with information for their items for sale.
The connection provider (e.g., Accenture) 244 may provide a broad range of sales channel facilitation services, such as billing services, collection services, advertisements, and customer service. The customer service capabilities may include a tool to interface with a buyer, in which the customer service tool may present contact information and policies for the connection provider and online sales channel.
Other sales channel facilitation services may include inventory management, transportation management, order management, store design, merchandising, and listing tools. The listing tools can include providing descriptions, categories, keywords, titles, and scheduling for the items being sold. The listing tools can include pictures and descriptions of the items being sold. The connection provider can provide information about the seller, which can include a presentation of ratings of the seller from other previous buyers to provide post-transaction feedback. Potential buyers can examine the seller's feedback profile before bidding to rate the seller's items and trustworthiness.
The connection provider 244 can monitor a progress of the selling performance of the items. The connection provider 244 also can provide online auction capabilities and the ability to monitor auctions as they progress. The connection provider can help the merchant to formulate auction strategies, selling strategies, and pricing strategies based upon the merchant and/or the items being sold. For example, the connection provider 244 can suggest an auction duration period (e.g., 7 days), pricing (e.g., $10), and start and end times (e.g., 1 pm EST from one Friday to the following Friday) for the auction. The connection provider 244 also can provide various types of auctions, such as Dutch, Chinese, Buy-it-Now "BIN", Large Lot, and Fixed Price.
After an item has been purchased, the connection provider 244 can inform a merchant 210 that a particular item has been purchased on a particular online sales channel 214 to be fulfilled by one or more fulfillment centers 232. The connection provider 244 can also provide data and statistics to the merchant 210 on the buyer and the sale of the item. The connection provider 244 may have a financial tool to report transactions to the merchant 210. The connection provider 244 may inform the merchant 210 (e.g., with an electronic mailing) of purchases or the number of bids on their items. The email to the merchant 210 may be automatically generated by a program and sent from the connection provider 244.
The PDF 300 may also include information for an Average Sales Price (ASP) per SKU (block 340). Other information related to the ASP can be the seller's goal for the ASP as a percentage of a target price (block 350) and/or an anchor price goal (block 360). The ASP as a percentage of the target price (block 350) can be determined by an auction management services (AMS) of the connection provider. The AMS is a service that can process the PDF and is described further below. The ASP as a percentage of the anchor price goal (block 360) can be set by the seller and stored in the PDF. Goals may be set for an auction conversion rate (e.g., a percentage of listings divided by a number of units that are converted into sales). Other data set by the AMS can include the targets set for the units sold per fixed price listing (block 380).
The PDF may include other features, such as descriptions and attributes (e.g., size 12, low-cut, sport socks, item number 12LCSS), groups of attributes in the PDF (e.g., sport socks, dress socks), and shipping and handling information. Other attributes can indicate of the goods have been previously used (e.g., refurbished, used and in good condition, like new condition), and may have pictures and images of the goods being sold. In addition to item information, categories and listing information may be included in the PDF, as well as geographic information on the seller.
The collection and validation may be performed by a first connection provider tool, referred to as a "converter tool." The connection provider may then use the converter tool to convert the information collected in the PDF into a text format (e.g., a format that is compatible with the online sales channel). The connection provider may use an upload tool that uploads the text file into a merchant tool database (e.g., a database that feeds eBay's listing format). The upload tool may be a File Transfer Protocol (FTP) tool to upload the text file (e.g., a Product Upload Tool—PUT). The connection provider may have a fourth tool for creating item listings and auction profiles. The item listing and auction profiles can detail the quantity, pricing, and scheduling strategy developed by an auction strategist (associated with the connection provider) for the use of the merchant. The fourth tool can also facilitate the scheduling of item listings and auctions for one or more online sales channels.
The PDF may also have built-in validation functionality. For example, the PDF may be a file (e.g., an Excel file) that has associated macros or logic to constrain the PDF's data input fields to ensure that the input data conforms to the specifications of the connection provider.
The AMS may have one or more persons in one or more roles, such as an account manager, an auction strategist, and an auction administrator. The account manger can determine the tier, type, and service offering of the seller. The connection provider may have multiple tiers based on a level of expected volume of sales from the seller (e.g., three tiers, with a third tier PDF having the lowest expected volume). The higher the tier, the more responsive the connection provider may be in providing services (e.g., periodic reporting) to the seller. For example, the second tier may represent a medium sales volume level seller, based on an average monthly sales value. Also, the connection provider can offer different types of services. For example, the connection provider may offer four levels of service, with service level one representing the most basic service (e.g., providing basic listing service), and service level four representing a total turnkey solution for the seller (e.g., levels one to three and the services of warehouse management, inventory reconciliation, item packaging and shipping).
The PDF may also be classified into various types depending on the seller (e.g., a type 1 client can be a self-sufficient client that provides most all data in the PDF, a type 2 client may want some service for PDF data entry, and a type 3 client may require the connection provider to provide extended service for PDF data entry and auction information). Some sellers may have the ability to complete a PDF and other sellers do not. A type 1 PDF may have little or no errors, whereas a type 2 PDF may be mostly completed, but with some minor errors (e.g., missing SKU). The connection provider can help the seller to complete the type 2 PDF. For a type 3 PDF, the connection provider can complete the PDF data entry, in which few, if any, PDFs are fully completed by the seller. In general, the connection provider may offer any combination of tiers, types, and services to the seller, and may perform one or more operations on the PDF accordingly.
The AMS may also have an auction strategist that receives the PDF from the account manager, reviews the PDF, and makes quality checks before sending the PDF to an auction administrator. The auction administrator can review the PDF and perform any editing of the information. The auction administrator can also perform a quality check, load the PDF into the text conversion tool 430, and use the product upload tool 470 to upload the text file 460 to the merchant tool 480. The merchant tool 480 may store listings until they are ready to be presented on the online sales channel.
The connection provider may also have one or more persons 410 (e.g., a graphic designer) to create an HTML template based on the input received from the account manager and the seller. The HTML template 420 may be shown on the one or more online sales channels.
The HTML template 420 and the PDF may be sent to a web-based application 430 that can merge item attributes with the HTML template to automatically create item-specific descriptions. The application 430 may have a web-based interface 433 and a database 436. The application 430 may include the PDF data to text conversion tool and may allow a preview of item descriptions and images.
The tools in
The data warehouse tool can enable information to be presented in a way to show historical results, performance trends, and auction strategy. The information may be presented in a web-based format and may be updated regularly. The tool may help to transform raw data to reflect critical business decisions based on GMS, ASP, conversion rates, and recovery rates.
The data warehouse tool can provide an option for the user to add additional areas of data and to organize those areas into logical groups. For example, measurements for an auction's performance can be grouped by country, merchant, and the date sold. The data may be presented in a tabular format or in a chart (e.g., bar, pie, line, or column charts). The tool can allow dynamic addition of new areas, such as "auction type," and the tool may allow the data to be extracted into another file (e.g., an Excel spreadsheet).
The reporting tool can help the connection provider and the merchant to set one or more goals in regards to sales activities, and can provide an integrated view from account planning to customer satisfaction. The merchant can assess the performance of various inventories of various types and assortment of items. The data, analysis, and insights can be provided by the connection provider, and the reporting tool can have self-servicing functionality to allow the merchant to access key information at their convenience. The reports can be delivered in a number of methods (e.g., email, web page, portal, downloads), and can be reported in various frequencies (e.g., monthly, weekly, annually, and user-defined ranges).
The dashboard can include top line highlights 533 and bottom line highlights 543. The top line highlights 533 can show how well the merchant's sales perform when measured against forecasts. For instance, the top line highlights 533 may show the NMS in comparison to forecasts. The bottom-line highlights 543 can show bottom line performance (e.g., NMS minus the sales channel fees, including the connection provider fees, PayPal's fees, etc.) and reveal insight to hidden and/or undiscovered costs.
The dashboard may also show item highlights such as slow moving items 546 and best selling items 548. The dashboard may also present a NMS for a specified time range and show a comparison 513 of the target NMS and the actual NMS.
Other dashboards (not shown) may also be presented to allow the merchant to assess the performance of one or more sales, inventory, pricing, and marketing parameters relative to a specified target. For example, a dashboard can present a summary of a merchant's inventory, in which an inventory value may be presented that shows a forecast of inventories and potential GMS. The dashboards permit the seller to track the progress of the sale of certain goods on an online auction so that the seller can dynamically adjust the type, quantity, and/or prices of goods that are being sold.
In general, the PDF table may have one or more of the following fields of information: item information (e.g., item name, item SKU); categories and listing information (e.g., merchant category, sales channel category); quantities and pricing information (e.g., MSRP, COGS); geographic information (e.g., city, state, region); images (e.g., photographs, drawings); image listing information (e.g., item title, listing template); shipping and handling information (e.g., shipping costs, delivery instructions, item weight and size, item return information); and attributes (e.g., item display attributes, online marketplace item attributes). The PDF may also include product reviews from previous customers or from product testing experts.
The PDF table in
The PDF may also use metadata to permit the connection provider to report back to merchants on specific attributes of the items for sale. The metadata can also be used in forming an auction profile to determine the attributes that promote the optimum sales. For example, a merchant may sell deferent types of video recorders an online marketplace. The connection provider can collect information regarding the attributes of the video recorders, and report back to the merchant of the attributes that sell the best (e.g., digital video recorders of a certain form factor from a particular manufacturer). The reporting may be specific as reporting back a SKU of the best-selling item, or can be general to report a generic description of the item (e.g., digital video recorders sell better than analog or tape-based video recorders).
The PDF table may be implemented in a spreadsheet program, such as the Excel spreadsheet software by Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash. The sellers may return the completed or partially completed PDF table to the connection provider. The spreadsheet may be in a standardized format to permit the connection provider to quickly assess and validate item information. The standardized format may be a PDF table with pre-defined rows and columns with some data entry fields completed with default values, and other fields that that the seller may be required to complete.
The information generated from the merchant 736 may be generated by a program or an automated process that may not require a user 762 or a corresponding graphical user interface 761. For instance, the merchant 736 may have a program to automatically generate results for certain data fields of the PDF table (e.g., quantities for sale, starting auction prices, merchant preferences for a particular online sales channel). In some cases, the automatically-generated data fields may relate more to the seller rather than to the item being sold (e.g., shipping information and policies, item return information, merchant contact information). The automation and standardization features of the PDF can simplify the merchant's task of submitting detailed item information for a number of items.
On the connection provider's side, the connection provider can use the standardized features of the PDF to automate validation and processing of data entries. The amount of data entries provided in the PDF may be scalable and based on the number of items sold and/or the listing details of the items. Due to the nature of the PDF's scalability, standardization, and automation in processing, the connection provider can provide detailed and organized item information from one or more merchants to one or more online sales channels expeditiously.
At a basic level, the connection provider 703 offers connection services between one or more merchants 736 and one or more online marketplaces 783. The connection provider may have a computer system architecture that includes objects, documents 704 and information residing on one or more repositories or databases 701. The information may be networked among multiple computers 702. The connection provider 703 may or may not share hardware resources with the online marketplaces 783.
The connection provider 703 may also receive information from multiple sellers (not shown) regarding the items they are selling. The connection provider 703 can facilitate a sale of the items through one or more online sales channels 783. The items may sell at different times and in different quantities and may sell to different customers on several online sales channels. The connection provider can then facilitate the fulfillment of sold items through one or more fulfillment centers (232 shown in
As used herein, the terms "electronic document" and "document" mean a set of electronic data, including both electronic data stored in a file and electronic data received over a network. An electronic document does not necessarily, but may, correspond to a file. A document may be stored in a portion of a file that holds other documents, in a single file dedicated to the document in question, or in a set of coordinated files. The term "object" may refer to information sources such as documents, reports, presentations, files and directories.
The disclosed software, techniques, and systems described herein may use software and structures available from the connection provider. Instead of or in addition to software and systems supplied by the connection provider, the disclosed software and systems may coexist or operate with software and systems provided by third parties.
Various implementations of the systems and techniques described here can be realized in digital electronic circuitry, integrated circuitry, specially designed ASICs (application specific integrated circuits), computer hardware, firmware, software, and/or combinations thereof. These various implementations can include one or more computer programs that are executable and/or interpretable on a programmable system including at least one programmable processor, which may be special or general purpose, coupled to receive data and instructions from, and to transmit data and instructions to, a storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device.
The software (also known as programs, software tools or code) may include machine instructions for a programmable processor, and can be implemented in a high-level procedural and/or object-oriented programming language, and/or in assembly/machine language. As used herein, the term "machine-readable medium" refers to any computer program product, apparatus and/or device (e.g., magnetic discs, optical disks, memory, Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs)) used to provide machine instructions and/or data to a programmable processor, including a machine-readable medium that receives machine instructions as a machine-readable signal. The term "machine-readable signal" refers to any signal used to provide machine instructions and/or data to a programmable processor.
The systems and techniques described here can be implemented in a computing system that includes a back end component (e.g., as a data server), or that includes a middleware component (e.g., an application server), or that includes a front end component (e.g., a client computer having a graphical user interface, portal, or a Web browser through which a user can interact with an implementation of the systems and techniques described here), or any combination of such back end, middleware, or front end components. The components of the system can be interconnected by any form or medium of digital data communication (e.g., a communication network). Examples of communication networks include a local area network ("LAN"), a wide area network ("WAN"), a wireless local area network ("WLAN"), a personal area network ("PAN"), a mobile communication network using a multiple access technology (e.g., a cellular phone network with Code Division Multiple Access, "CDMA"), and the Internet.
The computing system can include clients (
Although only a few implementations have been described in detail above, other modifications are possible. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims below. For example, the parameters listed in
Referenced by
Legal Events
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text:
Quantitative Fundamentals Assessment Requirement
Incoming Class, Fall 2015
Apr 30, 2013
Incoming students are required to complete the online Quantitative Fundamentals Assessment. Please refer to your VIP page for deadlines.
Accessing the Online Assessment
Online Quantitative Fun course
- Register on the site to create personal user name, see Register Now
- The system will request that you login
- Once logged in see the left hand navigation bar and choose Coursepacks
- Choose the Course Section and then click Run Course Section
- Complete the Pre-test and/or FinalExam for these four sections of the Quantitative Fundamentals assessment, Algebra, Calculus, Statistics, and Probability.
For your convenience, you may calculate your score by using the following Quant Fun Score Calculator
- After completing all four Pre-tests, students may calculate their average percentage to determine if they need to continue with the modules. Add up the four scores and divide by 4.
- Students who have an average score of 75% or greater from the four pre-tests are not required to continue with the modules and will not be required to attend the Quantitative Review Sessions in September.
- Students who have an average less than 75% from the four pre-tests must complete the module information and take the final exam for each module that 75% or below was earned
- Example:
- Student A received the following pre-test scores:
- Algebra 80%
- Probability 75%
- Statistics 70%
- Calculus 60%
- Average 71.25%
- Student A received the following pre-test scores:
- If the average of the four pre-tests is below 75%, then students will work through the Statistics and Calculus modules and take both of those final exams. We strongly recommend that every student work through all four modules, but in this case, the final exams for Algebra and Probability are NOT required.
- Example:
- Final averages will be calculated using the higher score between the pre-test and final exam of each module.
- All students with an average score of less than 75% must attend all three sessions of the Quantitative Fundamentals Review Sessions.
Session Logistics
Full-Time and Sacramento Part-Time
Quant fun session 1, September 8, 5-9 p.m. Education Building, Rm. 2205
Quant fun session 2, September 15, 5-9 p.m. Education Building, Rm. 2206
Quant fun session 3, September 22, 5-9 p.m. Education Building, Rm. 2206
Bay Area Part-Time
Quant fun session 1, August 30, 1-5 p.m., Bishop Ranch, Suite 190, Rm. 1502
Quant fun session 2, September 13, 1-5 p.m., Bishop Ranch, Suite 190, Rm. 1502
Quant fun session 3, September 20, 1-5 p.m., Bishop Ranch, Suite 190, Rm. 1502
Additional Notes
- If you have technical difficulties accessing the course, please contact firstname.lastname@example.com.
- If you have other questions about this requirement, please contact Inger Maher, Director of Academic & Student Services.
- You do not need to contact Student Services when you are finished. Scores will be assessed weekly to determine who has completed the requirement.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
System Administration Software
Web-based hardware/software inventory management for Windows, Linux, BSD computers. H-Inventory provides incident and intervention management, user and network management, network maps, services monitoring and application deployment.21 weekly downloads
A small script that allows to schedule tasks on windows shutdown. This script can make the difference between a system shutdown, a system poweroff and a system reboot.1 weekly downloads
Toosmart AppSuite
The intend of this program is to turn your WindowsXP machine (new or existing) into a PC which has all basic software installed, configured and is secure for free! It will install and configure the best OpenSource and Freeware software available!0 weekly downloads


text:
Power restored for 14,000 homes in Barrhaven
Power is back on after as many as 14,000 homes in Barrhaven were left without electricity and traffic lights were darkened during the Monday afternoon commute.
Police scrap tenure policy after officers complain of lack of leadership
Countdown to Bluesfest: Facts and figures on Ottawa's 11-day musical extravaganza
The UpBeat: Hidden Harvest looking for neighbourhood leaders as fruit season begins
Wednesday's big council agenda includes Transitway, light rail, ward boundaries, priorities
Apartment manager ordered to inspect railings after woman falls four storeys from balcony
Functional art: Leatherworker makes custom boots the traditional way
Reevely: Taxi drivers so angry about Uber 'it's going to be out of control,' union ...
Veteran arrives in Ottawa on his Paddling with PTSD mission
Ontario downgrade by Standard and Poor's called 'hardly surprising' after years of warnings
Greece losing its power to shock investors
Bill Cosby admitted in 2005 to giving sedative to at least one woman he sought ...
Matthew Fisher: 'No' victory gives Greece a feel-good moment while rest of Europe looks on ...
South Carolina senators vote to take Confederate flag down from Capitol
Barack Obama says anti-ISIL coalition 'starting to see some progress'
Andrew Coyne: Greece at forefront of Europe's game of chicken over debt
Greek crisis hits home in Alberta, helping create toxic brew for oil
C6 General Purpose Machine Gun to get an upgrade
Northern operation involving Canadian Rangers now under way
Change of Command Ceremony at 5th Canadian Division
Some military personnel question hardship and risk allowances on Operation Impact
Up to 1,400 Canadian military personnel to help fight fires in Saskatchewan
Tanks and Gladiators highlighted at Canadian War Museum
Swedish and Thai navies getting new subs, Italians to acquire an amphibious ship
Far-right supporters want Ukraine to end ceasefire, president won't meet rebel demands
Up, up then taken away: Man charged after flying in chair attached to balloons
A Calgary man got more than he bargained for when he flew over the city in a lawn chair attached to helium balloons and then had to parachute to safety.
The Gargoyle - Harper Tories unleash torrent of patronage appointmentsThe Conservative government made more than 70 patronage appointments over two days last month, filling up federal boards, tribunals and panels in advance of the October election.
Local News
Runte: A university funding model that's right for OntarioThe Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities is currently examining the formula used to allocate funds to postsecondary institutions. This is an extremely difficult and delicate task. With its ...
Local Business
Ottawa resale housing market sees slight increase in JuneThe Ottawa market for resale homes remained steady in June with a total of 1,694 units selling during the month.
Watson: Time to stop milking consumersScrolling through some data the other day — it's the sort of thing we economists do — I ran across a number that struck me. It was on the website ...
Local News
Woman, 19, in hospital after falling from balcony early Sunday morningA young woman suffered serious injuries after she fell from a balcony shortly before 3 a.m. on Sunday morning, Ottawa paramedics said.
Tour de France: Race stopped for nearly 20 minutes after massive crashRacing at tremendous speed on the flat, low roads of Belgium, it was impossible for those behind to slow down or get out of the way
Local News
McLeod: Ottawa park plan must avoid serious flawWho doesn't love the park life? Girls and boys, men and women, it's universal; we all enjoy a day of leisure. Parks are so important to the health of our ...
Toll from faulty ignition switches in GM cars rises to 121 deaths and 251 injuriesNEW YORK, N.Y. - The death toll from faulty ignition switches in General Motors' small cars has risen by two to 121.
Canadian doctors missing glaring signs of sepsis: studyBetween 2009 and 2013, doctors were accused of malpractice in 327 cases involving sepsis.
Local News
Deans furious Heatherington renewal cash likely to be diverted to another studyRather than focusing on a single troubled neighbourhood in southeast Ottawa, city councillors are prepared to spend the entire $250,000 budget for it on deciding which neighbourhood to help.


text:
Sunstar Aluminum Sprockets: We carry both the Sunstar Triplestar and Works Triplestar rear sprockets. Both type of sprockets are made of the highest aerospace quality aluminum. Computer designed for weight reduction. The Works Triplestar has exclusive tooth and valley design to give you more contact area. Both sprocket types have a hard anodized coating for superior corrosion resistance.
You may also be interested in the following product(s)
Thor Blitz Boots Black/Flo-Green
Bobs Price: $139.95


text:
Tapping into their German side |VIDEO
Are you ready for brats, polkas, alpine horns and the Chicken Dance?
For Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel to ceremonially tap the first keg at 6 p.m. today as the men's chorus from Germania Maennerchor sings several traditional German songs?
Evansville's annual Volksfest will run today through Saturday at 916 N. Fulton Ave.
Hours are 11 a.m. to midnight, but admission ($4) is charged after 5 p.m. You must be 21 to enter after 2 p.m. Anyone 25 and younger must have two IDs.
Among the highlights: A celebrity bratwurst-tossing contest at 7:30 p.m. Friday and a Kiddie Carnival from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, including a German costume and Chicken Dance contests.
Bands providing nightly entertainment will be the Schnapps Band of Cincinnati starting at 6 p.m. in the beer garden, the Rhein Valley Brass (which also has sing-a-longs) at 7 p.m. in the upstairs dance hall and the Rathskeller Band at 7 p.m. in the rathskeller.
There's an entrance on the Maryland Street side of the building and non-alcoholic beer will be provided free to all designated drivers.
The Volksfest, originally held in the 1930s, was halted by World War II and resumed in 1962 as part of Evansville's Sesquicentennial. Go to www.germaniaevansville.net for more information.
Subscribe to the Courier & Press or The Gleaner
Need Help? Call us at 1-877-304-7771.
Monday-Friday: 6am-5pm / Saturday: 6am-11am / Sunday: 7am-Noon


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I think the background search of competence in a house hold is a key factor of the issue with gun abuse.
The right to bear arms... debate
Studying Echocardiography, OB/GYN & General Ultrasound, with main focus being Fetal Echo.. Graduation date: December 15th, 2015.
I have owned guns my whole life. Ive been trained and licensed to carry one. I was, however, given a background check in order to take the class AND purchase my weapons.
My boys understand the consequences of firearms, taught at a very young age. They will follow in our footsteps if they feel the need to protect themselves and their families when they are of legal age.
This is a subject I can continue on about forever...I will stop it there, however. I usually don't chime in on such subjects, but I couldn't resist...
My three Sons have a baby Sister on the way!
I have never heard of anyone going on a mass spree where they kill tons of people in a very short time with a bow and arrow. That takes a lot more thought and skill too.
4 littles :)
Learn about SENSORY PLAY here!
Not sure if any of you have read on FB..but a police cheif in Ohio posted about the shoooting, and he couldn't have said it better.. I 100% agree with him.
The right should not be taken away. "Making something illegal just means that those with a moral compass will not possess or use it….criminals still will. I do not know about the rest of you, but when I am backed into a corner, and have to protect my family from harm or death, I do not want to take a baseball bat to a gunfight."
I do agree- certian guns should not be allowed to be bought by citizens.. I could probably go on and on- but the main debate- is that I don't think it should be taken away.
Alissa,babycenter community moderator
Mom to my 2 sweet boys {Sept 2010 & March 2013} :)
Studying Echocardiography, OB/GYN & General Ultrasound, with main focus being Fetal Echo.. Graduation date: December 15th, 2015.
If I called 911 the closest police station is probably 25 minutes away. Too bad the closest station is in the wrong county....
Studying Echocardiography, OB/GYN & General Ultrasound, with main focus being Fetal Echo.. Graduation date: December 15th, 2015.
Also, The idea of banning any weapons.
I know we all want to live in this perfect world where nothing bad ever happens, but under the constant threat of our basic rights being taken away on a daily basis look at it this way.
What would the average citizen do when the military imposes martial law on them or tries to shut down a revolt or civil war when the average joe gets tired of being trampled on. with their auto/semi auto weapons when all they have are pistols and shotguns.
A 30/06 is really not a match for an M-16
Nor is a .22 a match for a M-4
Trust me... it isn't.
I know that isn't a scenario anyone wants to consider. Imagine the type of LEVERAGE that gives the Government though. Giving up your rights to weapons is basically giving up your right to do anything when things become to much.
People who advocate banning guns should just go ahead and burn the constitution while they are at it.
3/29* we will be blessed with our second daughter
"I sometimes can't see when my eyes are shut"


text:
Morris Development, Inc. filed as a Foreign For-Profit Corporation in the State of Texas on Monday, February 9, 1987 and is approximately twenty-eight years old, as recorded in documents filed with Texas Secretary of State. The filing is currently active as of the last data refresh which occured on Wednesday, June 3, 2015. A corporate filing is called a foreign filing when an existing corporate entity files in a state other than the state they originally filed in. This does not necessarily mean that they are from outside the United States.
Jim Morris serves as the President and has interests in other corporate entities including Morris Exploration Company, Morris Builders, Inc. and six more corporations. Jim's past corporate affiliations include City Directory, LLC .
Jim P. Morris is also the registered agent for the company. Also known as a statutory or resident agent, the registered agent is responsible for receiving legal notifications regarding court summons, lawsuits, and other legal actions involving the corporate entity.
Key roles for Morris Development, Inc.
Jim P. Morris
President, Director
|Filing Type:
|Foreign For-Profit Corporation
|State ID:
|Date Filed:
|Monday, February 9, 1987
|Registered Agent
|Jim P. Morris
Comprehensive Insight Plus Report
|Learn More
|The D&B Comprehensive Insight Plus Report for Morris Development, Inc. combines D&B's proprietary statistical scoring with business, payment and financial information all in one report.
US Company Profile Report
|Learn More
|The D&B U.S. Company Profile contains basic information such as address and telephone number, executive names and titles, line of business and SIC codes, D-U-N-S Numbers, organization status, and year and location of incorporation for Morris Development, Inc..


text:
April 26, 2012
Two quirky performance ensembles that developed in a steel town will help SteelStacks, the arts and cultural campus built on the site of the former Bethlehem Steel plant, celebrate its first birthday this weekend. Pittsburgh-based Squonk Opera and Zany Umbrella Circus will perform free and ticketed shows in the shadow of the blast furnaces. Plan your visit to SteelStacks here
Search This Weekend's Events
CTnow.com, 285 Broad St., Hartford, CT 06115
A Hartford Courant website


text:
Post-9/11 repression pales in comparison to what Americans have had in the past, and we have more ways to make a change than people used to have. So why aren't we doing anything with them?
"I've never seen such fear and anger in the country before," Noam Chomsky says in this video. "On the other hand, the opportunities are greater than before. There's much more freedom."
—Alec Luhn
Meanwhile, America's energy hegemony abroad is eroding, and the Arab Spring continues that trend, Noam Chomsky writes.


text:
Originally written on Mets Merized Online | Last updated 12/22/12
Keith Law of ESPN answered a couple of questions about the Mets new catching prospect Travis d'Arnaud during his weekly chat this week. Q – Do you see Travis d'Arnaud continuing at catcher longterm, or do the Mets need to think of him in the outfield or first base (possibly trading or moving Ike Davis). If he can stay healthy and at catcher, the Dickey trade was a no-brainer for the Mets, but if not… A – D'Arnaud is a catcher. He's not Posey where the bat might play elsewhere and still make him a star. Q – Do you agree that d'Arnaud is a "scouting" prospect, as some have recently suggested? I've seen his numbers from the hitter-friendly PCL, compared unfavorably to Gomes and Jeff Mathis. A – You largely have to discard hitters' park numbers (it's not the PCL specifically, but certain parks, like Vegas and Albuquerque) for top position players and focus instead on performance at other levels and the scouting reports. The main problem is that non-prospects can rake there, but top p
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text:
Has anyone been to Prince of Wales Island
View Single Post
Kul Mom
aka sKul Marm
Joined: Jun 2006
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Oddometer: 383
Originally Posted by
Tom S
KM, thats a pretty fancy lookin transit youre runnin there. Never got to run one of them new-fangled ones.
If what I think I am seeing are the flags thats one hell of a lot of shots!
Dont understand why they would need so many all that close together.
Were you on archaeological survey crew on a regular basis? As a job or part time job? Volunteer?
Some pretty nice totems down there.
Yes, there would have been a hell of a lot of shots. We tried to make him see reason before we flagged them all, but nooooo. After the first day, though, he realized it was impractical. My bachelor degree is in anthropology and I worked for the State as an Archaeologist I in the late 70's (until NorthernBoxer came along). They took me along on this survey because I could run a total station. I was a paid volunteer. (I worked for a surveyor between the archaeology gig and my current situation.)
It was a good trip. Lots of adventures.
- Ellen
Team Pterodactyl
Dessert Division
Kul Mom
View Public Profile
Find More Posts by Kul Mom


text:
Ingredients: Rubber, wire pins.
Added to My List as a guest*.
*Your guest list will be temporarily saved until you end this browser session.
JW Pet Gripsoft Pin Brush Small -- 1 Brush
Oops! Something went wrong and we were unable to process your request. Please try again.
Use this brush for daily brushing on all breeds and coat types.
Good for "fluffing up" a long coat and the feathers of flat coated dogs after brushing with a Slicker Brush.
Vitacost price: $4.61
Vitacost price: $4.75


text:
A method is described that provides efficient, secure web-based recognition services. More particularly, an embodiment of the method relates to confidential encoding by dissociating image information into individual word segments, or snippets, at a distribution point and distributing the snippets over a network to users who subscribe to provide their services. Users could include college students, housewives, or any individual with Internet access. The users view the snippets, enter equivalent ASCII information for the snippets, and send the ASCII information back over the network to the distribution point for reassembly.
1. A method comprising:
dissociating an image obtained from an envelope or package into a plurality of components, each component associated with an identifier (ID);
transmitting each of said component and its corresponding ID to a respective plurality of interpreters, wherein each said interpreter receives no more than one said component of any said image; and
receiving each ID and an ASCII representation of its respective component from each said interpreter; and
deriving an image from at least the ASCII representations assembled according to the respective ID thereof, wherein the derived image corresponds to a delivery address suitable for the delivery of said envelope or package to the delivery address.
2. The method of
3. The method of
4. A method comprising:
dissociating an image into a plurality of components, each component associated with an identifier (ID), wherein:
the image depicts at least one visual aspect of a vehicle; and
the image comprises visual information that corresponds to a registrant to whom registration of the vehicle is attributed in a vehicle registry;
transmitting each of said component and its corresponding ID to a respective plurality of interpreters, wherein each interpreter receives no more than one said component of any said image;
receiving the ID and an ASCII representation of its component from each said interpreter; and
deriving a license plate identification from at least the ASCII representations assembled according to the respective ID thereof.
5. The method of
6. The method of
This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/293,160 filed on May 25, 2001, entitled "Encoding Method." The contents of the above application is relied upon and expressly incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.
The invention was made by an agency of the United States government or under a contract with an agency of the United States government, the United States Postal Service ("USPS" or "Postal Service"), an independent establishment of the executive branch of the U.S. government.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method of providing efficient, secure web-based recognition services. More particularly, an embodiment of the method relates to confidential encoding by dissociating image information into individual word segments, or snippets, at a distribution point and distributing the snippets over a network to users who subscribe to provide their services. Users could include college students, housewives, or any individual with Internet access. The users view the snippets, enter equivalent ASCII information for the snippets, and send the ASCII information back over the network to the distribution point for reassembly.
2. Description of the Related Art
During the course of a year, the USPS processes over 200 billion pieces of mail. In order to contend with such a daunting challenge, the Postal Service has embraced different approaches to process this tremendous volume efficiently.
While the USPS's automated recognition systems, such as the Remote Computer Reader (RCR), are currently operating at unprecedented performance levels, significant volumes of mail may be impacted favorably by an embodiment of the encoding method.
In keeping with its position as a trusted third party to its customers, the USPS utilizes stringent security approaches to maintain the confidentiality of all address content within the context of addressing.
Generally, mail pieces have a ZIP Code that identifies the delivery destination, and which mailers also represent in a machine readable POSTNET code format. When represented by barcode in the POSTNET format this encodes both the full ZIP Code and supplemental delivery information such as the last digits of a street address or an apartment number. This POSTNET code thus identifies a unique mail delivery destination, e.g., someone's particular mailbox. In addition mailers may also place additional data on a mailing label that is also in barcode format. This sender code, called a PLANET code, may contain a variety of information. This optional, mailer-assigned information, may include an embedded mailer id, subscriber information, calendar information, or address information. Thus, the PLANET code gives the mailer the ability to track a mail piece when the Postal Service scans it and provides location information back to the mailer. The Postal Service makes information available by offering such services to subscribers for a fee. The combination of the destination ZIP Code data in POSTNET code format and the PLANET code also creates a unique machine readable record for a mail piece and a delivery location.
The Remote Barcoding System ("RBCS") involves a method of determining the appropriate ZIPCODE for letter mail. It basically consists of Optical Character Recognition ("OCR") systems, such as Multi-Line Optical Character Readers ("MLOCRs"), that autonomously recognize letter mail images and determine a result that is printed on the physical mailpiece in the form of a barcode, or POSTNET code. Images that do not receive an adequate result are further conveyed to remote keying sites, where operators view the destination address image scene and key either all or part of the address to obtain the appropriate ZIPCODE. Once the POSTNET code is determined it is printed, or "sprayed," on the mailpiece before it continues for further processing.
The POSTNET code is a series of bars representing ZIPCODE. The POSTNET code encapsulates the numeric ZIPCODE into a simplistic barcode that may be read by barcode reading systems, which are faster and less expensive than OCRs.
Each mailpiece also is "tagged" at the beginning of the sorting process so that it may be later identified, as described in more detail below. Briefly, a machine-readable phosphorescent identification tag is printed or sprayed on the back of each mailpiece by an Identification Code Sorter ("ICS") as it enters the MLOCR. This identification tag is unique to that particular piece of mail for 28 days, at which point the identification tag number is reused and sprayed on a different piece of mail.
Addresses that are not satisfactorily resolved by the MLOCR (because the ZIPCODE is not adequate for efficient distribution) are imaged and stored in an Image Capture Unit ("ICU"), along with their identification tag, for subsequent resolution. The ICU conveys compressed images of the addresses and the mailpiece identification tag over broadband T1 communication lines from a postal plant to other locations, such as across the town, across the state, or across the country. At these locations, called Remote Encoding Centers ("RECs"), the images are decompressed and displayed on video display terminals, and postal workers or postal contractors view the image and key in certain extraction codes of the destination address. Based on the keyed-in information, the proper ZIPCODE is determined by using extraction information to query a database containing a directory of addresses.
The identification tag and ZIPCODE is then conveyed back to the original postal plant, where the physical mailpiece is run on an Output Subsystem ("OSS"), which is a barcode sorter. Using the phosphorescent identification tag on the mailpiece, the ZIPCODE determined at the REC is matched to the mailpiece, and the corresponding POSTNET code is sprayed on the front of the physical mailpiece. The POSTNET code is read by machines throughout the sorting process to ultimately direct the mailpiece to the correct address.
The Identification Code Sorter ("ICS") is a method of associating a ZIPCODE result for mailpieces when the POSTNET code cannot be readily applied. Such an instance might occur if there are stray marks or advertising graphics on the mailpiece.
Every mailpiece that is run on an MLOCR has an identification tag that identifies it uniquely. This tag, a phosphorescent barcode sprayed on the back of the mailpiece, allows a mailpiece to be uniquely identified as it is sent from an origination postal facility, for example in Merrifield, Va., to a destination postal facility, for example, Los Angeles.
As previously described, if an MLOCR is able to recognize an address on a mailpiece, it sprays a POSTNET code on the front of the mailpiece using an inkjet printer. POSTNET codes can be read on a barcode sorter, which is a less expensive piece of equipment than an MLOCR. Thus, when the mailpiece with the POSTNET code gets to the destination postal facility (e.g., Los Angeles), it does not have to be run through expensive OCRs again in Los Angeles. Instead, the barcode sorter reads this POSTNET code.
When the MLOCR cannot resolve the address, the ICS allows a mailpiece to be sent to its destination postal facility while an unverified POSTNET code is resolved and then, based on the identification tag on the mailpiece, is matched against the mailpiece at the destination facility. A mailpiece can take 2-3 days to get to its destination facility, and the POSTNET code can be verified while the mailpiece makes its journey to its destination, instead of delaying the mailpiece while it awaits its POSTNET code.
An image of the mailpiece is taken and tagged with the mailpiece identification tag at the origination facility, and the physical mailpiece is sent on its journey to the destination facility. Once the result for this image is keyed in at the REC, as described above, for this image, the result can be dispatched to the destination facility of the physical mailpiece. When the physical mailpiece arrives at its destination facility, it is processed by a barcode sorter that reads the identification tag and queries the list of keyed-in results to determine the ZIPCODE result. Once the ZIPCODE result is provided, the mailpiece moves through the OSS barcode sorter, and the POSTNET code is applied. However, such a process requires the USPS to maintain a costly infrastructure of fixed REC facilities, overhead, a staff of keyers, equipment, etc.
It would be desirable to provide a method that obtains the advantages of the present system while minimizing the need for expensive automated equipment.
The present invention provides a solution to the above-identified problems. The encoding method provides the USPS with an efficient mechanism to maintain its status as a trusted third party and to provide confidential services to its customers, while at the same time resolving addresses in a timely manner.
An embodiment of this encoding method consists of dissociating the composite destination address by parsing the address image scene into snippets. Each snippet is distributed via a Web-based distributive system that provides only an image segment of an address, i.e., a snippet, to users that subscribe to a particular ISP or network service. Users include any individual with an Internet connection. One user group would be college students interested in earning additional money. After the snippet is displayed to the subscriber on a monitor or other display, the subscriber keys in the string of characters that the OCR was previously unable to resolve. Currently information would be keyed in on a keyboard, but as voice recognition systems and other data entry methods improve, they could be used as well. ASCII results are returned through the network, or ISP, to the origination facility, the composite address is reconstructed, and multiple Directory Lookup Units ("DLUs"), which are databases containing address information, are queried with the reconstructed, keyed-in information. The DLUs then provide the proper ZIPCODE result associated with the destination address, from which the corresponding POSTNET code can be determined.
As a result of this dissociation, the probability of an end user being able to reassemble a complete address is very small. This fact alone would maintain the confidentiality of the recipient. Further security is obtained by controlling the distribution of each image segment or snippet. The system can elect to distribute the snippets to subscribers in different cities or states. This process precludes the user from having any knowledge of the complete information. The method also makes it practically impossible for anyone to reassemble the information.
A significant cost savings is realized as a result of this encoding method being Web-based.
A further advantage of the encoding method is that recipient confidentiality is maintained.
Still a further advantage is that USPS investment in Remote Computer Barcoding System hardware is minimized.
Another advantage is that the encoding method lessens the requirement of the USPS to domicile large cadres of keyers who are not normally needed on a full time basis.
Still another advantage is that the technique may be used for all types of mail (letters, flats, parcels).
An economic advantage to the encoding method is that money is saved as a result of reducing the directory generation requirements; infrastructure and overhead costs are reduced; and repetitive motion stress injuries to full-time keyers are reduced.
This encoding method can be applied to any postal mail distribution that involves the recognition of data and has a means of identifying each place uniquely. The process also has increased value when the delivery of the final product is one day or more. The USPS currently has systems such as Identification Code Sorters ("ICS"), discussed above, that could be significantly augmented by this process.
Embodiments of the encoding method are also useful in non-postal applications and non-confidential applications. An example application involves the off-line recognition of auto tags, i.e., license plate information, as a result of traffic violations. Images of license plates imaged by a camera as a motorist illegally passes through a red light or toll booth may be conveyed using the encoding method. An image of the license plate is tagged with an identification tag and sent over a network to subscribers. The subscribers read the plate number, and potentially the state, key in the information, and send the information back over the network. The facility then uses the keyed-in information to query a database of vehicle registrations, thereby identifying the owner of the vehicle and his or her address. The facility can then send a traffic violation citation to the owner. Parsing or dissociating the string of characters representing the auto tag may or may not be necessary, depending on confidentiality restrictions.
Another application involves the extremely large volumes of mail destined to both the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate. Mail currently is sent to a single ZIPCODE and is manually sorted to reach the appropriate Congressman or Senator. The encoding method could be used to determine the names of recipients that could not be resolved by the OCR or RCR, look up the names on a DLU to determine a corresponding ZIP+4 code (5 digit ZIPCODE plus four digit extension), where each Congressman or Senator would have a unique "plus 4" ZIP.
Yet another application involves mail destined for various embassies and consulates of the State Department. The State Department has a requirement to recognize alphanumeric data on mailpieces destined for foreign cities and countries while maintaining confidentiality of the final destination. Oftentimes the State Department does not want the whereabouts of an individual to be known, such as a State Department employee involved in a secret mission at a US. Embassy in a foreign country. Thus, all State Department mail currently is sent to a location in Virginia and distributed to various destinations overseas based on a code that is included in the address. For example, John Smith's address might be John Smith, State Department, Washington D.C., 20515, ZX254. Only the State Department knows what location the code ZX254 represents. Presently this mail is manually sorted into pouches destined for various locations, but the encoding method could be used to confidentially determine the final destination and sort the mail accordingly. After the address is imaged, dissociated, sent to users, resolved, and reassociated, the information could be sent to the State Department, who would use the result to look up the destination information corresponding to the particular code on a secure DLU and automatically sort the mail.
Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claim. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. Thus, the present invention comprises a combination of features, steps, and advantages which enable it to overcome various deficiencies of the prior art. The various characteristics described above, as well as other features, will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, and by referring to the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
For a more detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the specification, and wherein:
Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.
Mail is loaded onto the Multi-line Optical Character Reader ("MLOCR"), which applies an identification tag to the mailpiece, images the mailpiece, and sends the image to the Image Capture Unit ("ICU"). If the address can be read by the OCR with sufficient accuracy, the MLOCR applies a POSTNET code to the mailpiece, and the mailpiece continues downstream for sorting and processing to the destination facility. Once the mailpiece arrives at the destination facility, it is sorted by an Output Subsystem ("OSS") according to the POSTNET code or ZIPCODE on the mailpiece.
If the address cannot be read with sufficient accuracy by the OCR, the ICU stores the image and forwards the image to the Remote Computer Reader ("RCR") while the physical mailpiece is sent for further processing.
If the image is adequately processed by the RCR, the RCR determines the ZIPCODE corresponding to the imaged address and sends the ZIPCODE to a processing system to be matched with the mailpiece. If the image is not adequately processed by the RCR, the RCR forwards the image to the Dissociate Segmentation System ("DSS"), which dissociates the image into separate image segments or snippets.
DSS encrypts the mailpiece identification tag to the image snippets and attaches an attribute, such as "auto tag" or "top line" to the snippet to aid in the identification of the content of the snippet. The distributor's server sends individual tagged image segments to an Internet Service Provider ("ISP"), which in turn sends individual tagged image segments to users logged onto the ISP's network.
Users identify or read individual image segments and enter input information. Individual tagged image segments and corresponding input information are then sent by the user back to the ISP. The ISP sends the individual tagged image segments, corresponding input information, and the user's identity to the Distributor's server.
The Distributor's server recombines the input information corresponding to the image segments based on the identification tags for each snippet. A Directory Lookup Unit ("DLU") is then queried with the combined address to yield a ZIPCODE result.
The ZIPCODE result with the identification tag is sent to a processing system at the mailpiece destination. The processing system matches the identification tag of the ZIPCODE result with the identification tag of the mailpiece.
In the meantime, the distributor sends the user's identity and number of input segments per user to a computer, which calculates the amount of money owed to each user on predetermined schedule. The computer then prints check for each user on predetermined schedule, and the check is sent to the user.
Once the mailpieces arrive at the destination facility, those with resolvable ZIPCODES or POSTNET codes are sorted by an Output Subsystem ("OSS") according to the POSTNET code or ZIPCODE, as described above. Those mailpieces that are awaiting a ZIPCODE result because the OCR and RCR could not resolve the address also are processed by the OSS.
The OSS reads the identification tag on the unresolved mailpiece at the destination facility and queries the processing system for the ZIPCODE result matching the identification tag. If no ZIP result exists for the identification tag, the mailpiece continues downstream for further resolution of the address. If a ZIP result exists for the identification tag, a ZIP code corresponding to the ZIP result is applied if there is a blank spot on the mailpiece. If there is no space free from advertisements, extraneous marks, watermarks, etc, available to apply a POSTNET code, a POSTNET code is not applied, but the OSS retains the ZIP result for the mailpiece. The mailpiece is then sorted by the OSS according to the applied POSTNET code or retained ZIPCODE, and sent for further sorting to its final destination.
In one embodiment, the user bids for the price paid for each item keyed, and the USPS confirms the bid. In another embodiment, the USPS sets a fixed price per item keyed.
Based on the result, a predetermined action is taken. For example, in the mail processing application, a POSTNET code is determined and sprayed on the front of the mailpiece based on the ZIPCODE result, and the mail is sorted on a barcode sorter and sent to its final destination. In the auto tag application, based on the result (perhaps the identity and address of the owner of the car registered to that particular auto tag), a traffic citation would be sent to the vehicle's owner. The result in the Congressional application could be used to sort each member's huge mail volumes uniquely based on a "plus four" ZIP associated with the member's name, thereby minimizing significant labor costs associated with manually sorting each member's mail. In the State Department application, the result, such as the secret destination code, could be securely encoded by subscribers and provided to the State Department. The State Department would then use the result, query its own DLUs, and associate the secret code, and thus the mailpiece, with the destination of the appropriate consulate or embassy.
The present invention is not intended to be limited by the kind of software or hardware that may be used in the encoding method. For example, the software that divides address image information into snippets is known to those skilled in the art. Such known technologies are intended to be used in the present invention. Likewise, software technology that attaches a code to each individual snippet of information is also known to persons of ordinary skill. Furthermore, the hardware and software that transmits snippet information to individual users is also known in the art. An example of such technology is the Internet connection between personal computers. The network connection may be through any of the networks currently known.
While preferred embodiments of this invention have been shown and described, modifications thereof can be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit or teaching of this invention. The embodiments described herein are exemplary only and are not limiting. Many variations and modifications of the system and apparatus are possible and are within the scope of the invention. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the process just described may easily have steps added, taken away, or modified without departing from the principles of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited to the embodiments described herein, but is only limited by the claims which follow, the scope of which shall include all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims.
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The IPC Athletics Grand Prix in Berlin, Germany, concluded on Sunday (21 June) with a total of six world records broken during the three-day meeting. Athletes will now move onto the IPC Athletics Grand Prix Finals at London's former Olympic Stadium which will take place on 26 July.
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