17th week of 2009 patent applcation highlights part 56 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20090106070 | Online Advertisement Effectiveness Measurements - Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, in which evaluation versions of advertisements are generated and served in different contexts. Based on received evaluation results, engagement rates, brand linkage and advertisement effectiveness measures are generated for each of the different contexts and for an overall context. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106071 | Goal Achievement Manager - The present invention relates to a method for controlling, planning, managing and enhancing the progressive achievement of user's future goals. The method allows for comparing and interpreting life-event data provided by the user in connection with his or her expected future achievements within a specific timeframe. It also enables ecommerce opportunities for sponsors and advertisers. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106072 | Associating Assets with Agreements - Method and apparatus for associating assets with an agreement, where the assets are typically equipment or machinery and the agreement is typically a service contract. When assets are sold or leased, service is often an important part of the transaction. A user is presented with a sequence of operations in order to streamline the process of creating service agreements to cover assets. The user enters data and proceeds through a flow to associate selected assets with service agreements. The method optionally includes obtaining approval and signatures authorizing the agreement. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106073 | BUSINESS TO MEDIA RESERVATION BUSINESS PROCESS - A process of developing a computer network based universal reservation system. In one embodiment, such a process includes the steps of obtaining a service interface broker, providing a service offering system that a service developer wants included in the computer network based universal reservation system with functionality of the service offering system being extended by functionality provided by the service interface broker, obtaining a marketplace interface broker, and providing a marketplace system that a marketplace supplier wants included in the computer network based universal reservation system with functionality of the marketplace system being extended by functionality provided by the marketplace interface broker. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106074 | BUSINESS TO MEDIA RESERVATION STANDARD - A business to media (B2M) reservation standard provides for the visualization and reservation of various resources, simultaneously, in real time, and over multiple analog and digital media in multiple analog and digital marketplaces. The B2M reservation standard describes a business environment which may involve four roles (clients, marketplace suppliers, the scheduling agent supplier and offer providers) and three component types (media, marketplaces and a scheduling agent). In accordance with the B2M reservation standard, one embodiment of a method for facilitating reservations by clients of services offered by service providers includes: (a) conducting an offer construction process involving one or more services providers offering services available for reservation by customers and the scheduling agent supplier providing the scheduling agent to which offers of services are communicated; (b) conducting a marketplace construction process involving one or more marketplace suppliers providing one or more marketplaces and one or more media for customer communication with the marketplaces, wherein services available on the marketplaces are provided by the scheduling agent; and (c) conducting a reservation process wherein the single scheduling agent operating separately from the one or more marketplaces processes reservation requests from clients relating to services offered by the one or more service providers on the one or more marketplaces and presented to the clients through the one or more media. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106075 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR ESTIMATION OF PROJECT SCHEDULES - One embodiment of the invention is directed to automatically extending a task in a project schedule. If certain information items associated with a task are not specified, the scheduled completion time for a task may be automatically extended under the assumption that if these information items are unknown, the task will take longer to complete than originally planned. The project schedule, incorporating the automatically extended tasks, may then be displayed. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106076 | System and method for a time sensitive scheduling data promotions network - Communications network based passive delivery of relevant and desired promotional content and time sensitive scheduling data to an entity is described. Promotional content is targeted based on targeting criteria. Promotional content based on the targeting criteria is distributed via the passive delivery communications network. Promotional content aggregated as part of time sensitive scheduling data streams is delivered via the passive delivery communications network. The passive delivery of promotional content in proximity to the relevant time sensitive scheduling data is presented to the entity via a time sensitive scheduling data receiving device. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106077 | Facilitating in-transit meetings using location-aware scheduling - Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, implementing and using techniques for facilitating in-transit meetings between users. Transit information is received for several users. The transit information for at least some users is compared. If an opportunity for an in-transit meeting between at least two users is detected when comparing the transit information, the at least two users are notified about the opportunity for the in-transit meeting. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106078 | SYSTEM FOR SELECTING DEMANDS FOR AND SUPPLIES OF SUBCONTRACTING AND MATCHING - A system for selecting demands for and supplies of sub-contracting and matching of a user of the Internet or an equivalent network and one or more other users of the Internet or an equivalent network comprises the following stages:
| 2009-04-23 |
20090106079 | Executive Field Service Task Start to Finish - Method and apparatus for completing a field service activity, where the field service activity typically involves providing on-site service for equipment or machinery. A user is presented with a sequence of operations in order to streamline the process of completing a field service activity. The user enters data and proceeds through the sequence of operations to complete the field service activity. The time spent by the user in various stages of completion of the field service activity is captured and recorded. The method optionally includes obtaining approval and signatures authorizing the agreement. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106080 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING A SURVEY FOR A COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ASSET - A system and method to manage a survey for a community development asset. The system includes a response repository, a sampler, a respondent profile filter, and an inference generator. The response repository stores a plurality of survey responses from survey respondents about a community development asset. The sampler selects a sample response of the plurality of survey responses. The sample response corresponds to an identified respondent. The respondent profile filter identifies a community with which the identified respondent is associated. The inference generator infers a similar response from the community associated with the identified respondent based on the sample response of the identified respondent. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106081 | INTERNET ADVERTISING USING PRODUCT CONVERSION DATA - Methods and apparatus for determining the effectiveness of web pages are described. For each of a plurality of conversion points corresponding to a particular product or service, a plurality of paths leading to the conversion point are determined. Each of the plurality of paths leading to the conversion point includes a plurality of web pages connected by links. Each web page is characterized with respect to each of selected ones of the plurality of conversion points which may be reached from the web page via at least one of the paths. Characterizing each web page and/or its content includes determining a measure of effectiveness which represents a likelihood that viewing of the web page will lead to one or more of the selected conversion points. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106082 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO FACILITATE TARGETED ADVERTISING - A method to facilitate targeted advertising can include receiving a plurality of schedule files that include scheduling information for at least one respective advertising media asset. Target attribute data is associated with each of the plurality of schedule files to identify at least one characteristic of an intended target audience of media content represented in each of the plurality of schedule files. Profile data associated with each of a plurality of uniquely identifiable network devices is received. The profile data characterizes known attributes of an audience serviced by each of the plurality of uniquely identifiable network devices. A plurality of playlist data files are generated based on analysis of the target data and the profile data. Each of the plurality of playlist data files includes scheduling information for at least one respective advertising media asset scheduled for playing out by at least one of the plurality of uniquely identifiable network devices. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106083 | DETERMINING A STOP FROM A LAYOVER IN A MULTI-STOP ITINERARY - To determine if an intermediate stop in a multistop travel itinerary is a layover or an intermediate destination, a passenger utility value is calculated for the intermediate stop and the passenger utility value for the intermediate stop is compared to a passenger utility for a layover. The intermediate stop is determined to be a layover in response to the passenger utility value for the intermediate stop being greater than or equal to the passenger utility for a layover and the intermediate stop is determined to be an intermediate destination in response to the passenger utility value for the intermediate stop being less than the passenger utility for a layover. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106084 | Market surveying - A Consumer Research Survey Management Apparatus comprising: a Survey Management Console interfaced with a Survey Participant Response Machine through which results of survey participation are collected and processed, and a method for holding surveys using the Consumer Research Survey Management Apparatus. The method comprises the steps of authoring a survey (Step I); determining whether the target population is ad-hoc or a set target (Step II); setting the survey schedule (Step III); activating the survey (Step IV); monitoring the survey in terms of its validity and integrity (Step V) monitoring participation levels (Step VI); optionally awarding incentives to survey participants (step VII); ensuring that the survey matches the research requirements in terms of population quotas (Step VIII) ensuring that the demographic profile of the survey participants matches the research requirements (Step IX); repeating at least part of the survey if necessary (Step X) and analyzing results (Step XI). | 2009-04-23 |
20090106085 | Social networking interactive shopping system - The social networking interactive shopping system includes a portable wireless user interface for use by a store customer when shopping. A merchant server is provided, the server having market survey, advertising, promotions, security, social networking services, web server capability, a quantitative prediction modeling system predicting behavior of the customer, a predictive response marketing/advertising system that targets advertising messages to the customer based on a predicted customer response to the advertising messages, and payment application software. The merchant server is capable of wired or wireless communication with the portable wireless user interface. A database is provided, and can be stored on site or off site. The database includes information associated with items for sale at the store, and is in operable communication with the merchant server. Using the portable wireless user interface, the store customer can purchase user selected store items thereby obviating necessity for travel through a store check-out line. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106086 | Systems and Methods for Planning, Estimating and Billing Advertising Impressions - The present invention relates to systems and methods for determining the number advertising impressions delivered by advertisements. The present invention also relates to systems and methods for planning and billing advertising. Herein are disclosed a variety of measures, estimates, and indexes that may be used to improve the accuracy of advertisement estimation. Also disclosed are methods and systems for using the described indexes and modifiers to plan, estimate, and bill advertisements. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106087 | CONTEXTUAL AUCTION BIDDING - Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, in which contextual bids for an auction are provided for advertisement requests for presentation of an advertisement in an identified context. Each contextual bid is based on an effectiveness measure associated with a corresponding advertisement and the identified context. Each corresponding advertisement can be served in a plurality of contexts, and the corresponding advertisement has a corresponding plurality of effectiveness measures, each effectiveness measure determined from evaluation results received from evaluations conducted in the plurality of contexts. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106088 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR STORING AND ACCESSING PERSONAL INFORMATION - Basic personal data of an individual is stored as different data files based on content or intended use. The selection of personal data for inclusion in a data file may be performed in accordance with service provider requests or by the end user, preferably with the assistance of templates. Each data file is assigned a unique identifier and is preferably stored in a network server (or, alternatively, in the user's mobile device). The data files may be organized into groups according to content or intended use. For each of the stored files, a graphical symbol is stored in the user's mobile device. When displayed to the user, the symbol preferably resembles a card. Moreover, each group of data files is preferably displayed as a pack of cards. In this manner, the organization of the cards is such that the user can easily select a card needed to obtain a service. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106089 | CONTENT SELECTION USING PERIODICALLY CHANGING INFORMATION - A method of providing electronic content to an electronic device by determining that an electronic device meets a proximity threshold with respect to a location. Electronic content is selected based upon periodically changing information about the location or based on one or more probable demographics of people present at the location determined by the periodically changing information about the location. The selected electronic content is then transmitted to the electronic device. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106090 | Method, Apparatus, and System for Presenting Three-Dimensional Shopping Destinations through an Electronic Information Distribution System - Some embodiments provide a method of electronic shopping through a computer network. The method presents, on a display of a computer system, a three-dimensional scene that represents a shopping destination. The three-dimensional scene includes multiple selectable objects and multiple non-selectable objects. The method also allows a user of the computer system to browse the three-dimensional shopping scene. Allowing includes receiving a selection of a particular selectable object. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106091 | REFERENTIAL INTERFACE TO ENABLE COMMERCIAL INTERACTION BETWEEN ENTITIES - A system, method and program product is provided for establishment of a referential interface between business entities such as manufacturers and distributors in a computerized marketplace. The interface allows commercial interaction between two potentially geographically and technologically disparate systems. The interface is established through definition and then deployment of a distributor profile document, interrelated with a set of referential interface terms and conditions and a referential interface business policy. The profile document has associated terms and conditions representing business rules and processes referring to the business policies which then have business logic implementations. The contract prescribes the business rules that will be followed between a manufacturer and a distributor with the business policies providing mapping to units of business logic in the implementation of the distributor. Additionally the interface allows and may require setup and customization of business policy command implementation logic specific to the desired distributor. The established interface is further customizable and extensible allowing a variety of distributors to be connected to a marketplace as required with relative ease. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106092 | Electronic voting system and method of voting - The present invention relates to an electronic voting system. Further, the electronic voting system includes methods and processes for voter registration, voter determination and eligibility, candidate information, on-line ballot generation, real-time voting, real-time voting tabulation, and voter demographics. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106093 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PUBLISHING MEDIA CONTENT - Systems and methods have been developed for manipulating media assets in a networked computing environment where processing power, bandwidth and/or storage capacity may be limited. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106094 | AUCTIONING AND ADVERTISEMENT PLACEMENT SYSTEM - A service station advertising display system that allows users locally at the service station and remotely to request, upload, purchase and bid on advertising display time for displays located in the service station environment. Displays may be located on fuel dispensers or other locations proximate to where customers interact for requesting fueling, and other services such as convenience store and quick service restaurant purchases. The invention allows users to access available advertising times for displays, and bid or participate in an auction to control the display time. The user can upload their own content to be displayed, or use advertising content and tools located on servers to create content. The system resolves any conflicts with overlaps in different requests for advertising, downloads the content to the displays to be displayed, and tracks the effectiveness of the displayed content for billing and/or other purposes. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106095 | Navigator With Dataform Decoder - A navigation system based on a web server that provides a client with a map of a destination having an associated dataform encoding an indication of the destination. A navigator is provided that includes a GPS receiver receiving signals from one or more satellites, a memory storing navigational data, a dataform reader that extracts a destination from the dataform, and a processor that calculates a route to the destination extracted by the dataform reader. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106096 | Online Advertisement Delivery Based on User Feedback - A method and system are provided for online ad delivery based on user feedback. In one example of the method, the method includes creating a categorized ad, serving the categorized ad and its integrated link to a user, receiving user feedback from the categorized ad to formulate a user feedback state of the ad for the user, and combining the user feedback state with existing ad serving criteria. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106097 | METHOD OF PROMOTING CHARITIES USING CUSTOMIZED JEWELRY - The present invention involves a method of promoting a cause of any charity or cause via personalized jewelry. The method comprises the following steps: (1) creating a personal jewelry item incorporating an intriguing generic symbol not associated with any specific organization; (2) providing said jewelry item to a person who desires to promote a specific charity; (3) instructing said person to associate said symbol with the charity of their choice; (4) displaying said jewelry in the presence of others in order to solicit inquiries concerning the jewelry inspired by the symbol; (5) responding to said inquiries by others by communicating information about the charity; whereby the cause of the charity is promoted. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106098 | AFFILIATED ADVERTISING WIDGET - A method of advertising includes providing a widget to an affiliate. The widget includes a link to a first network accessible location of an advertiser, and is configured to be placed on a second network accessible location of the affiliate. An affiliate identifier is associated with the widget. An identification that the link has been activated through the second network accessible location of the affiliate is made based on the affiliate identifier. An identification that a copy of the link has been activated through a third network accessible location of a third party is also made based on the affiliate identifier. An incentive is provided to the affiliate based at least in part on the activation of the copy of the link through the third network accessible location of the third party. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106099 | PERSONAL TARGETED ADVERTISING - A method for providing personal targeted advertising includes receiving, from a user, a submission of a search-ad comprising a personal targeted advertisement associated with at least one rare search term; storing the personal targeted advertisement; detecting a query for the at least one rare search term; and displaying the personal targeted advertisement in response to detecting the query for the at least one rare search term. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106100 | Method of digital good placement in a dynamic, real time environment - A method and system for advertising selection, placement management, payment and delivery in a dynamic, real-time environment wherein the production, listing, procurement, payment, real time management, re-allocation and financial settlement of all types of digital advertising mediums, with optional automated delivery for advertisement and messaging for such ads is performed. The planning, purchasing, delivery and payment for on-line and traditional media advertising is automated, standardized and tracked across multiple mediums, such as TV, Internet, satellite, radio, wireless telephone, outdoor screens, and other digital mediums that display dynamic content. As a result, transparency and discovery of price, performance and availability segmented by specific markets and customer profiles for specific products is achieved. A buyer/seller real time feedback is provided to allow both buyers and sellers to dynamically change existing ads, ad space, prices, etc, in a real time environment based on real time sale/conversion feedback. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106101 | Public transportation usage tracking method and apparatus - A method of tracking usage of a public transportation system for calculating a benefit for using public transportation includes: collecting trip data about a specific user and a specific trip on a public transportation system; and compiling trip data for the user and providing it to at least one of the following: the user and an entity interested in tracking the usage. A system for tracking a user's use of public transportation includes: a portable storage medium; a reading device for reading trip information from the portable storage medium the portable storage medium associated with a public transpiration system; a central data storage operatively connected to several reading devices for storing trip information read by the reading device; a data compiler configured to compile the trip information and generate a report of trip information and amount of credits entitled to a user; and an interface with the data complier configured to make available the report to at least one of the following two entities: the user to which the trip data pertains and an entity. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106102 | STORAGE FACILITIES FOR EMERGENCY RELIEF SUPPLIES - A method of community service including placing a storage structure at a strategic location for direct distribution of emergency relief supplies from the storage structure to a populace in the event of an actual disaster. In addition the method includes marketing advertising on the storage structure. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106103 | Click Conversion Score - A Click Conversion Score (CCS) is a tool to provide a new “Ad-Exchange” for connecting Publishers and Advertisers in the Pay-per-Click advertising market. The CCS provides checks and balances into the Ad-Exchange by assessing the quality of traffic each Publisher provides Advertisers using an adaptive, multi-dimensional profiling system. This assessment is directly used in the charges billed the Advertisers. The score is adaptive, and highly dependent on the conversion feedback loop provided by Advertisers. A CCS system scores each Click and each resulting Conversion an Advertiser receives from the Ad-Exchange. In the preferred implementation, the score reflects a ratio of the measured conversion rate for a Publisher's traffic with the “expected” conversion rate based upon Advertisers histories. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106104 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMPLEMENTING AN AD MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR AN EXTENSIBLE MEDIA PLAYER - In a method and system for creating an extensible media player, a multimedia player application is instantiated on a client system. A presentation data file is transmitted to the client system from a server. The presentation data file includes a playlist of timelines, with at least one multimedia file being played or at least one application being executed for each timeline. The presentation data file is parsed to activate an advertising manager module. The activated advertising manager module instantiates an advertising plug-in. The advertising plug-in connects to an advertising network and downloads select advertising policies and dynamically schedules advertisements for the timelines. Upon the occurrence of an event generated by a timeline, the advertising manager module inserts a blocking module to block execution of the timeline. An advertisement is dynamically retrieved and rendered in an advertising display overlaying a multimedia player application display. When the advertisement has concluded, execution of the timeline is resumed. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106105 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PROVIDING TARGETED ADVERTISEMENTS OVER A NETWORK - Methods and systems are provided for providing targeted advertisements over a network, and in particular to methods and systems for selecting and delivering employment advertisements to prospective employees over a network. In general, the methods and systems can allow an employer to identify and recruit qualified talent they cannot easily or efficiently reach using traditional employment advertising and online job posting systems. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106106 | Method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving IP-based two-way advertisement - Provided is a method of transmitting and receiving a two-way advertisement. The method is performed separately from a broadcasting being received by a client. When the client calls for the two-way advertisement, an Internet Protocol (IP)-based two-way advertisement receiving apparatus of the client requests and receives the two-way advertisement from an IP-based two-way advertisement server; stores the two-way advertisement in an advertisement storage unit, wherein the two-way advertisement is transmitted from the IP-based two-way advertisement server which refers to an advertisement area code included in the two-way advertisement and transmits the two-way advertisement by using a multicast group address corresponding to the advertisement area code; and displays the two-way advertisement on a screen of a client using terminal of the client. In the case where the client receives a summary advertisement and desires to obtain more detailed information, the client can receive a detailed advertisement and order a product via the screen. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106107 | Smart Digital Advertising Method - A method for delivering a message that contains a data packet consisting of a header part and a body part. Authorised recipients are allowed to receive the data packet in its entirety. Authorised recipients may retransmit the message to external recipients who are only allowed to receive the header part of the original data packet. External recipients may request to the system delivering of the body part of the data packet. The method enables the automatic recognition of external recipients followed by the delivery of the header part of the data packet. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106108 | WEBSITE MANAGEMENT METHOD AND ON-LINE SYSTEM - Provided is a website management method and system based on a search query. The website management method and system analyze behavior of clicking or purchasing a product or contents after a user inputs a search query on a website which provides information on products or contents or relays transactions, and dynamically updates a keyword group including a plurality of search queries having the same attribute information (category such as brand, theme, first-level classification, second-level classification, or third-level classification) in a database such that the search queries can be automatically managed. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106109 | BUSINESS TO MEDIA TRANSACTION STANDARD - A business to media (B2M) transaction standard provides for the visualization of, and transactions of wares, simultaneously, in real time, and over multiple analog and digital media in multiple analog and digital marketplaces. The B2M transaction standard describes a business environment which may involve four roles (buyers/clients, marketplace suppliers, the universal agent supplier and offer providers) and three component types (media, marketplaces and a universal agent). In accordance with the B2M transaction standard, one embodiment of a method for facilitating transactions of wares between customers and offer providers includes: (a) conducting an offer construction process involving one or more offer providers offering wares available for transaction with customers and the universal agent supplier providing the universal agent to which offers of wares are communicated; (b) conducting a marketplace construction process involving one or more marketplace suppliers providing one or more marketplaces and one or more media for customer communication with the marketplaces, wherein wares available on said marketplaces are provided by the universal agent; and (c) conducting a transaction process wherein the single universal agent operating separately from the one or more marketplaces processes transaction requests from customers relating to wares offered by the one or more offer providers on the one or more marketplaces and presented to the customers through the one or more media. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106110 | Method and system for promoting and transferring licensed content and applications - In accordance with the invention, digital content is able to be better promoted on mobile phones and other electronic devices. The digital content and/or references to the digital content are stored on a server device which is accessible by the mobile phones or electronic devices. In operation, a user of a mobile device acquires digital content. When the user obtains a second mobile device, to facilitate and promote the same or similar digital content on the second mobile device, the digital content or references stored on a server device are able to be used to present the possibility of acquisition of the digital content for the second mobile device. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106111 | Method for mobile device application advertisement information collection - A method for obtaining demographic and/or preferences information for the display of targeted advertisements into applications on mobile platforms. The described method has advantages of directly connecting the collected demographic information and preferences to the application in question and allowing any type of demographic or preference information to be requested and collected. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106112 | System and Method for Issuing and Using a Loyalty Point Advance - A system and method for spending loyalty points over a computerized network to facilitate a loyalty point transaction is disclosed. The system enables a participant of a loyalty program to accept an advance of loyalty point when a loyalty account balance is insufficient to make a desired purchase. An amount of loyalty points available as an advance to a participant is determined based on a number of criteria related to the participant, financial account activity, and loyalty account activity. The participant is allotted a predetermined length of time to earn or purchase enough loyalty points to repay the balance of advanced loyalty points. If, at the conclusion of such predetermined length of time, sufficient points have not been earned to offset the loyalty point advance, the participant is charged the currency value of each outstanding loyalty point. The participant may be assessed interest charges and/or fees at the time of the loyalty point advance, during reimbursement, or at the end of a time period for reimbursement. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106113 | INTERNET PUBLISHING ENGINE AND PUBLISHING PROCESS USING AD METADATA TO DELIVER ADS - Methods are provided for displaying advertising content to a user in an on-line environment using ad metadata. In accordance with a general embodiment, a set of brand rules is created for the display of brand advertising content in the on-line environment. Similarly, a set of general advertising rules is created for the display of advertising content in the on-line environment. One or more interactive processes are displayed to the user, with each interactive process being designed to obtain user information and/or user attributes from the user. A personalized knowledge base is created for the user based upon the user information and/or user attributes obtained from the user. The personalized knowledge base is then utilized to display content to the user that includes advertising content that is in compliance with both the brand rules and the general advertising rules. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106114 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING ADVERTISEMENT PLAYING AND PLAYING ADVERTISEMENTS IN GROUP SESSIONS - A method for controlling advertisement play in a group session disclosed herein includes: obtaining an address of an advertisement service platform corresponding to a group member and parameters of an personalized advertisement of the group member; sending to the advertisement service platform an indication message of playing the advertisement according to the address of the advertisement service platform, where the indication message carries the parameters of the personalized advertisement of the group member. A method for playing an advertisement in a group session includes: obtaining the indication message of playing the advertisement; and playing the advertisement to the terminal of the group member according to the indication message of playing the advertisement. Moreover, a system for playing an advertisement in a group session, a control function server, and an advertisement service platform is provided. The system enables playing of an advertisement to a group member in a group session. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106115 | E-Coupon Settlement and Clearing Process - A system that automates the clearing and settlement of electronic coupons (E-Coupons) by leveraging existing technologies and enabling E-Coupon redemption at any merchant having electronic funds transfer (EFT) capabilities, such as credit/debit card acceptance. The system reduces opportunities for fraud, reduces or eliminates the need for manual clearinghouse counting and sorting of coupons, and provides an electronic audit trail for coupon redemption, tying a specific purchase to a specific coupon. After registering and selecting coupons, consumers then use an E-Coupon card or account access device at a merchant's point-of-sale (POS) terminal. E-Coupon values are deducted from the consumer's final amount due. Both consumer package goods manufacturers (CPGs) and merchants may be charged a fee. Expired coupons are automatically removed from the account and their value refunded to the CPGs. Reports on redeemed coupons and consumer profiles can be generated and provided to CPGs or merchants. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106116 | UPDATING DYNAMIC INFORMATION WITHIN AN INTELLIGENT CONTROLLER UTILIZING A SMART CARD - A system for updating a control device includes a user's portable programmable media having a data storage device, and a primary controlling device including a computer having a data storage device for storing data. A primary reader/writer communicates with the primary controlling device, and the primary reader/writer transfers control data and transactional data from the primary data storage device to the user's portable programmable media. A secondary controlling device includes a secondary computer and a secondary data storage device for storing data. A secondary reader/writer communicates with the secondary controlling device and reads the control and transactional data included in the user's portable programmable media, transferring the data to the secondary controlling device for authenticating, completing a transaction, and storing at least part of the data in the secondary data storage device. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106117 | CONTENT REQUEST, STORAGE AND/OR CONFIGURATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR LIVE CONTENT OR EVENTS - A content request, storage, and configuration system is provided for attendees of live events or performances, which associates pieces of content with one or more keywords, and configures the content for the benefit of a user. Content owners load content into the system or link content elsewhere to the system, and optionally designate a set of actions to be taken. Keywords are assigned to the content and actions by the system based on user input and/or auto-generation by the system. Thus, while attending a live event or performance, any of a variety of methods, including but not limited to Short Message Service (SMS) and instant messaging, are used by a user to communicate these keywords to the system, to indicate user interest in the associated content. Receipt by the system of the keywords from the user triggers the system to retrieve the relevant pieces of content, associate said content with the user making the request, and to take the designated actions if appropriate. In addition, users may designate that the system retrieve the relevant pieces of content and associate said content with other users. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106118 | PAYMENT USING FUNDS PUSHING - Apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to present, via a networked client coupled to a first financial entity, a graphical user interface including an account associated with a first party, an amount to be paid, and an email address associated with a second party. Further activities may include receiving an indication from the graphical user interface to transfer, via a selected payment processor, the amount to be paid from the account associated with the first party and held by the first financial entity to an account linked to the email address. The amount to be paid may then be pushed from the account held by the first financial entity directly to the selected payment processor. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106119 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ONLINE COMMERCE - The invention provides a secure online payment method and system. In an embodiment of the invention, a transaction system facilitates online purchase of merchant items by customers and to have those purchased items billed, i.e., debited, to a telephone account. Particularly, the system comprises a number of customer web access devices, a TCP/IP communications network, a number of merchant computers, a centralized payment server, and a number of telecommunication company (TELCO) networks. Communications are bridged between the TCP/IP network and the number of TELCO networks implementing, for example a common channel signaling (CCS) based protocol, such as signaling system 7 (SS7). | 2009-04-23 |
20090106120 | Apparatus and system to market products via internet - A system to market products via the Internet pays an Internet surfer to view and evaluate offers for sale on the Internet. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106121 | UNIVERSAL BUSINESS TO MEDIA TRANSACTION SYSTEM - A computer network based universal transaction system (CNBUTS) architecture that enables transaction between one or more offer providers and one or more customers relating to offers of wares (e.g., goods/services) by the offer providers. In one embodiment, the architecture of the CNBUTS includes a universal agent system, one or more offering systems and one or more marketplace systems. The universal agent system receives one or more offers of wares available for transactions. Each offering system enables offer providers to define the offer(s) of wares available for transaction. Each marketplace system receives the offer(s) of wares from the universal agent system, presents the customers the offer(s) of wares, receives transaction requests from the customers, and communicates received transaction requests to the universal agent system. The universal agent system communicates the offer(s) of wares from the offering system(s) to the marketplace system(s) and processes transaction requests received from the marketplace system(s). | 2009-04-23 |
20090106122 | Method and Apparatus for Simplified E-Commerce Shopping Via Home Shopping Terminals - In a method and apparatus for connecting an e-shopping facility for example such as an e-concierge station or an e-service or merchandise provide, with an e-shopping or merchandise provider, with an e-shopping appliance for example such as a television interphone monitor or a central processing unit or terminal, via a communications network such as for example a private network, public network or internet and through an interface unit e-shopping software programs are installed into the memory of the central processing unit which selects processing and ordering e-service and/or e-merchandize on the basis of the programs. A stopping signal is generated and propagated between the shopping appliance and the interface unit and processed through the interface unit. An interfaced shopping signal is then communicated between the shopping appliance and the e-shopping appliance and the e-shopping facility. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106123 | NETWORK-BASED SYSTEM - The present invention relates to a method of conducting a transaction in a trading system. The invention is particularly directed to a trading system where a merchant sends goods and/or services to a customer when the customer is generally located remotely from the merchant. The invention is also directed towards providing a system for carrying out such transactions. The invention is particularly directed to the carrying out of the financial transactions and is not concerned particularly with the actual method of trading. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106124 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ORDERING AND DELIVERING OF MEALS - A method and system for taking orders, scheduling delivery and delivering products to customers. In the method, available pickup locations are selected, and a customer's order to is delivered to a pickup location that is convenient for the customer. The entity operating the delivery process aggregates orders assigned to the same pickup location. A Mobile Pickup Station (MPS), carrying all the orders assigned to the pickup location, is dispatched to the pickup location and stays at the pickup location for a predetermined period of time waiting for customers to pick up their orders. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106125 | Method and System for Information Handling System Consumables Automated Ordering - An automated consumable ordering system and method obtains an information handling system purchaser's preferences for ordering consumables used by devices of an information handling system ordered for manufacture and loads the consumable ordering preferences on a consumable ordering module of the information handling system during manufacture. Consumable usage by the information handling system is tracked to a predetermined level at which the module orders consumables automatically from the manufacturer. The order is placed with a message that uses a service tag number associated with the information handling system. The manufacturer determines account information for charging the order from the service tag. The module updates account information by directing the user of the information handling system to perform updates through a secure Internet connection with the manufacturer or other secure established connection. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106126 | INFORMATION PRESENTATION SYSTEM OF VISUAL FIELD AGREEMENT TYPE, AND PORTABLE INFORMATION TERMINAL AND SERVER FOR USE IN THE SYSTEM - A plurality of known markers is disposed in a specific district. A marker detection section detects the known markers existing in the image photographed by an image pickup device. A position/orientation relation calculation section identifies the detected known marker to calculate position and orientation relations between the identified known marker and the image pickup device. An associated information obtaining section obtains predetermined information associated with the identified known marker. An information processing section processes the obtained predetermined information based on the calculated position and orientation relations. A display device superimposes and displays the processed information on the photographed image. At least the image pickup device and display device are disposed in a portable information terminal, and the other sections are disposed in a server which can perform radio communication with the portable information terminal. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106127 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATED ENTRY INTO ON-LINE AUCTION OR SALE SERVICES EMPLOYING A WIRELESS DEVICE - A system for prompting data input by a user on a wireless device to prepare a listing for an item to be sold on a sales service provider site utilizing an integrated camera on the wireless device to obtain images of the item which are integrated into the listing. Upon completion of the listing, a sales service provider is contacted wirelessly by the device and the listing is transferred to the provider. Upon completion of a transaction by the provider, the wireless device receives transaction data for completion of the sale by the user. Prompts are provided on the display using screens with touchpad capability for data entry. Still and video images are prompted by the system and integrated camera capability in the wireless device is used to obtain the images. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106128 | Web Service Architecture for Product Selection and Dynamic Catalog Generation - Various systems and methods for providing product selection and dynamic catalog generation as a Web Service are disclosed. One method involves receiving a Web Service signature requesting access to catalog information. The Web Service signature comprises information indicative of a sales context. The method then dynamically generates a catalog, based upon the sales context. The method can also involve generating a second Web Service signature, which includes information indicative of the catalog, and sending that second Web Service signature to the application that requested access to the catalog information. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106129 | Web Service Architecture for Product Version Retrieval - Various techniques for providing product versioning as a Web Service are disclosed. One method involves receiving a Web Service signature requesting access to a product model. In response to receipt of that Web Service signature, a product model that includes several versions of a product is accessed, and the current version of the product is selected from the product model. The product model can include future versions of he product that are not yet effective; such versions will not be selected as the current model prior to becoming effective. Information representing the current version can then be returned to the request in a second Web Service signature. A single object broker can respond to Web Service signatures requesting access to the product model from various different sales channels. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106130 | Systems and Methods Involving Rotable Components - Systems and methods involving rotable gas turbine engine components are provided. In this regard, a representative system includes: a component pool control system; an inventory system operative to store inventory information corresponding to a current inventory of rotable components and to provide the inventory information to the component pool control system; and an inspection system operative to store inspection information corresponding to analyzed one of the rotable components and to provide the inspection information to the component pool control system. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106131 | REMOTE RECORDATION OF FINANCIAL DATA USING A PERSONAL MOBILE DEVICE - Systems and methods for processing financial transactions at remote locations on wireless communication devices is presented. A wireless communication device is configure with executable modules such that the device can interact with a user to, first, receive a first user indication to create a data record corresponding to a financial transaction on the wireless communication device. Thereafter, the device creates a data record corresponding to the financial transaction. Information corresponding to the financial transaction on the wireless communication device is received into a data record and stored in a temporary data store on the wireless communication device. Thereafter, the wireless communication device transmits the data record to a receiving service for processing in a financial application. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106132 | Electronic billing system utilizing a universal billing format data transmission - The electronic billing system comprises a means for isolating the service provider from directly engaging the billing guidelines of the consumer client through the use of a universal billing format file and a billing hub module. The billing process comprises a service provider computer system, on which specific billing data is stored, a service provider application that accesses the billing data and compiles a universal billing format file, a validation process to ensure that the billing data satisfies billing guidelines supplied by the service consumer, and a billing hub module that receives the universal billing format file and reconfigures the individual billing data entries into a client invoice that complies with the billing guidelines supplied by the service consumer. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106133 | Method and apparatus for pricing securities - The invention provides computer-implemented techniques and systems for parsimoniously modelling the price or value, expected rate of return or other relevant characteristics of securities issued by, or referenced to, firms (or other assets) by incorporating risk premia such that a range of different securities can be evaluated within a single, unified and coherent framework, thereby leading to significant reduction in the computing resources otherwise required. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106134 | APPLICANT AUTHENTICATION - A method of authenticating an applicant. A history is obtained of transactions performed on an account held by the applicant and for which the applicant has been previously authenticated. The transaction history includes information about each transaction. The applicant is asked one or more questions relating to the information in the history. Answers to the one or more questions are received from the applicant, and a decision is made based on the received answers and the transaction history whether the applicant is authenticated. The applicant may be applying for enrollment in a service, and enrollment may be accepted or declined based on whether the applicant is authenticated. The account may relate to a payment instrument, and the authentication may be performed by an entity other than the issuer of the payment instrument. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106135 | HOME WARRANTY METHOD AND SYSTEM - A method of selling a home includes entering into a contract with a buyer to sell a newly constructed home to the buyer, and entering into a warranty agreement with the buyer. The warranty agreement warrants a majority of the components of the newly constructed home for a time period from the date of the contract, requires the buyer to comply with a maintenance schedule to be verified by periodic inspection, and conditions at least a portion of the warranty on the buyer's compliance with the maintenance schedule. The method may include collecting a transaction cost from the buyer, where the transaction cost includes a cost for the home and a cost for the warranty. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106136 | Apparatus and method for a financial planning faith-based rules database - A method for providing financial management and planning in an electronic device according to various exemplary embodiments can include using a faith-based rules database to determine a financial and life purposed plan for a user; draft a vision statement for the user based on the financial and life purposed plan; establish personal goals and priorities based on the vision statement for the user; compile financial statement and reports for the user based on financial data of the user; generate a stewardship evaluation report that provides an analysis of management of finances by the user based on faith-based financial management rules and the purposed plan; develop financial plans for the user based on results of the stewardship evaluation report; prepare a spending and savings plan for the user to facilitate the financial plans; and iteratively monitoring and revising the steps of determining, drafting, establishing, compiling, generating, developing and preparing financial plans. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106137 | Power Transmitting Device, Power Receiving Device, Authentication/Billing Proxy Device, Electrical Charging System, Power Transmitting Method, Power Receiving Method and Electrical Charging Method - To realize charging while in non-contact processing operation for the purpose other than charging. An approach of a portable electronic device | 2009-04-23 |
20090106138 | Transaction authentication over independent network - A method of authenticating an online transaction over a first network uses 2-factor authentication of the user to defeat hacker attacks. A communication device is registered for use with the method. The communication device is configured to receive messages over a second network independent of the first network. The user is authenticated over the first network using a first factor, such as a username and password, and then initiates the transaction. A request to execute the transaction is received and a one-time password is obtained to be used as a second factor of authentication. The one-time password and details describing the transaction are sent to the communication device over the second network. The one-time password is received from the user over the first network to complete the second factor of authentication. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106139 | COST RECOVERY BILLING SYSTEM - A cost recovery billing system for a responder department includes a first computer based device having cost recovery billing software operably disposed thereon for purposes of billing a responsible party for an at fault incident. The system electronically receives responsible party incident report data from a responder, searches the responsible party incident report data for cost determinative data, manipulates the cost determinative data to provide cost data and associating the cost data with insurance claim data in order to produce bill data for presentation to an insurance provider. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106140 | GLOBAL FIDUCIARY-BASED FINANCIAL SYSTEM FOR YIELD & INTEREST RATE ARBITRAGE - A supply-and-demand-driven, bankless, interest-rate and yield-setting mechanism for a fiduciary-based financial system that includes parties who want to trade cash and assets as a way of originating arbitrage transactions for the purpose of making money, includes an interest-rate and yield-setting mechanism constructed to provide the parties with the rates and yields necessary to cooperatively mine arbitrage opportunities and, in turn, make money. The mechanism is constructed to operate according to a market-driven, rate-setting process that establishes interest rates without the participation of banks, and may be constructed for a global fiduciary-based financial system to operate in parallel with the global banking system. Many system and method embodiments are proposed, including an automated arbitrage trading-platform system, and a method of providing an alternative international fiduciary financial system that manages investments and risks associated with the transfer of funds between different parties, while enabling non-banking entities to provide traditional banking services without violating national and international banking laws. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106141 | Systems and Methods for Minimizing Effects of Authorized User Credit Tradelines - Systems and methods for identifying, evaluating, and accounting for effects of authorized user trade lines are disclosed. The systems and methods incorporate use of credit characteristics that describe the nature of authorized user trade lines on a credit file or across credit files, and the influence of those authorized user relationships relative to the non-authorized user trade lines on the credit file in the evaluation of credit risk. Systems and methods incorporating these credit characteristics can be used in identifying any bias in perceived credit risk, in the evaluation of credit risk, or other credit-related evaluation. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106142 | Method and system for reverse mortgage replication using remainder interests - Methods for providing remainder interests with protection to a seller and mitigation of the potential consequences suffered by related financial instruments. The protected remainder interest financial instrument includes submitting a seller to underwriting to accurately determine the seller's remaining life expectancy, and purchasing the protected remainder interest of an illiquid asset from the seller leaving the seller with a life estate. The method includes a client system for displaying information related to the transaction and inputting information related to the seller, illiquid asset, and the buyer. The client system is used to create a request to create the protected remainder interest. A server system accepts the request, stores the information in memory, and creates the protected remainder interest. The server system includes software for linking seller and buyers of protected remainder interests, which include terms of the protected remainder interest such as contingent sale or contingent purchase schedules. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106143 | Payment processing system - A payment processing system wherein payment data is entered into a database on a server. The server is accessible to clients via a Web page on the Internet. Clients, by selecting search parameters on the Web page, can comprehensively search payment activity from the time a payment is initiated, until and including, the time a payee's account is credited. Clients, and/or their back-offices receive active updates of payment status information. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106144 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING SELLERS ACCESS TO SELECTED CONSUMERS - A method and system for providing sellers access to desirable consumers includes a process for providing sellers access to desirable consumers whereby financial transaction data for various consumers is obtained from one or more sources using a computing system implemented financial management system. The consumers' financial transaction data is then used by a provider of marketing and advertising tools to categorize consumers. Sellers are then charged for access to the consumers based on the consumer's category and/or historical financial transaction data and/or based on the consumer's eventual business with the seller as indicated by monitoring the consumers' financial transaction data. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106145 | APPEAL MECHANISM FOR A CONTRACT DISPUTE IN A VIRTUAL WORLD - A method for appealing a decision in a contract dispute in a virtual world may include receiving a rejection of the decision in the contract dispute in the virtual world from at least one of a contractor and a contractee. The decision in the contract dispute may be made by a single arbitrator. The method may also include providing a mechanism to appeal the decision by the single arbitrator in the contract dispute in response to receiving the rejection from at least one of the contractor and the contractee. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106146 | Systems and Methods for the Provision of Postage - Systems and methods for providing postal services which allow customers to flexibly obtain postal services while also allowing customers to defer the payment of postage until the time of mailing or later. Information provided by a postal service is used to identify items that have been processed by the postal service, allowing a service provider to collect payment for those items after they have been provided to the postal service for processing. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106147 | SYSTEM FOR PROCESSING CONDITIONAL PAYMENT REQUEST IN AN ELECTRONIC FINANCIAL TRANSACTION - A mechanism is presented for processing conditional payment requests in an electronic financial transaction system. In particular, the mechanism provides for the handling of concurrent conditional payment events. The status of a payment condition may be categorized into three categories, and a priority assigned relative to the category. In this way, concurrent events may be prioritized according to their respective categories. Events may then be executed in order of assigned priority. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106148 | PRE-PAID FINANCIAL SYSTEM - A pre-paid financial system using a common interface system is provided. Transactions are initiated on a number of different interfaces via a secure network or an unsecured network to a back-end system. The system maintains accounts funded via a pre-paid funding system. Transfers are made between users of the system after funding of the accounts is completed. The technology includes receiving a plurality of transaction requests from at least a first transaction interface and a second transaction interface via the insecure network. Each transaction interface receives user input including transaction instructions and outputs the instructions in a transaction request via the insecure network in a common syntax. The transaction command, transaction parameters, user token and authentication token are parsed and each transaction request authenticated. The request is evaluated against a set of permissible transaction rules and if the transaction request is permitted, the transaction is executed. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106149 | GLOBAL COMPLIANCE PROCESSING SYSTEM FOR A MONEY TRANSFER SYSTEM - A money transfer system generally includes a rules database, a customer database, a transaction processing system, and an administrator port. The rules database includes information representative of transaction rules. The transaction rules include transaction type-based rules, point of entry-based rules, customer-based rules, and transaction location-based rules. At least some of the transaction rules include an aggregation threshold. The customer database includes information representative of customers' transaction histories. The transaction processing system is connected to the rules database and customer database and generally includes point of entry ports, a customer identifier, a rules coordinator, an aggregation engine, and a transaction rules service. The point of entry ports receive transaction requests from points of entry and provide transaction responses to the points of entry. Based on information received in transaction requests, the customer identifier identifies customers and the rules coordinator determines applicable transaction rules. The aggregation engine determines aggregation values as a function of customers' transaction histories. The transaction rules service determines whether information received in the transaction requests meets the applicable transaction rules, generates transaction responses requesting additional information if additional information is needed to meet the applicable transaction rules, causes the aggregation engine to determine aggregation values if the applicable transaction rules include aggregation thresholds, generates transaction responses, and updates the customer database as a function of the transaction responses. Transaction responses authorizing transactions are generated if the information received in the transaction requests, including any information received in response to additional information requests and any aggregation values, meet the applicable transaction rules. Transaction responses denying transactions are generated if the information received in the transaction requests, including any information received in response to additional information requests and any aggregation values, do not meet the applicable transaction rules. The administrator port communicates rule update information and the transaction processing system updates the rules database as a function of the rule update information. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106150 | UNIFIED IDENTITY VERIFICATION - Apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed that operate to register one time, at a financial entity, information comprising an identity uniquely associated with an individual having a financial account held by the financial entity. Additional actions include receiving a request at the financial entity from a requesting party to authenticate a customer purporting to be the individual, authenticating, by the financial entity, the customer as the individual by matching a token presented by the customer to the identity uniquely associated with the individual, and providing to the requesting party a previously-authorized portion of a profile associated with the individual. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106151 | Fraud prevention based on risk assessment rule - A system, method, and computer-readable storage medium configured to import fraud prevention rules from an issuer and implement them in real-time at a payment processor. Usually, a card issuing bank either approves or declines financial transaction; however, in embodiments of the present invention, the issuing bank creates fraud prevention rules, and the payment processor implements the created rules. A payment processor apparatus comprises a network interface, and a verification engine. The verification engine includes a transaction driver, and a real time decisioning processor. The network interface is configured to receive a fraud prevention rule from a payment card issuing bank, and to receive a proposed financial transaction from an acquiring bank. The transaction driver receives the fraud prevention rule. The real time decisioning processor compares the proposed financial transaction from the acquirer and the fraud prevention rule to determine whether the proposed financial transaction should be declined. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106152 | MONEY TRANSFERS UTILIZING UNIQUE RECEIVER IDENTIFIER - Methods, systems, and machine-readable media are disclosed for financial transfers utilizing a unique identifier to facility flexible payment options for the transaction. According to one embodiment, a method for supporting a money transfer transaction can comprise receiving a request to initiate the money transfer transaction. The request can include a unique identifier for a recipient of the money transfer transaction. A destination for transferring funds for the money transfer transaction to the recipient can be determined based at least in part on the unique identifier for the recipient. The funds for the money transfer transaction can be transferred to the determined destination and the recipient can be notified of availability of funds at the determined destination. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106153 | SECURING CARD TRANSACTIONS - A system for approving transaction card transactions in which a card reader associated with a transaction approving authority (TAA). A source for complementary security data is linkable to the TAA can send data to the TAA, and a database linkable to the TAA keeps renewable security data of a user. A database linkable to the TAA keeps records of geographical locations of subscribed businesses. The system of the invention is applicable as a countermeasure against identity theft. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106154 | Remote Deposit Gateway - The remote deposit gateway is a payment management system designed to capture many types of payments and provide basic management tools for tracking and researching these payments. Payment capture of check images are used for Check 21 Act processing. Recurring checks allow scanned checks to be used on a recurring payment plan. Credit card payments can be entered for single or recurring payments. Management of returns and special notes for each item are allowed in the system. Batching of payments and checking sums is a feature of the system. The system employs a smart calendar program to track processing chronologically. Use of the system speeds up funds collection times, reduces collection costs and increases collection rates on returned items. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106155 | System and Method for Archival of Electronic and Tangible Records - Systems and methods for record management are provided. The record management system may be used to track the location and ultimate disposition of tangible records and electronic record. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106156 | Network-based DRM enforcement - A method of network-based digital rights enforcement, and related enforcement device, the method including one or more of the following: embedding information into digital content requested by an end user; providing a signature for the digital content to a service provider; providing a key to the service provider, the key being necessary for reading the information embedded into the digital content; providing an algorithm to the service provider for extracting the information embedded into the digital content; providing an identification to the service provider of a content provider that provides the digital content; extracting the signature from the digital content requested by the end user; analyzing the signature to determine whether a signature match exists; and determining whether the end user is a legitimate authorized user of the requested digital content or capable of distributing content. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106157 | Funding a Radio Frequency Device Transaction - A transponder-reader payment system includes an RFID reader for interrogating a transponder and an RFID transponder device. The RFID reader receives, from the RFID transponder device, a code that is associated with a first funding source and a second funding source. The RFID reader communicates a request associated with a transaction to a payment processor. The request includes the code and the transaction is funded using the first funding source and the second funding source associated with the code. In one embodiment, the transaction is funded according to a funding account protocol associated with the code. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106158 | Conducting Financial Transactions - A payment device such as a debit card may be issued to an individual such as a minor. The debit card may be associated with spending control parameters to prevent overspending and other financial issues. Control parameters may include a weekly maximum that may be spent, approved transaction types (e.g., deposits only), authorized transaction entities (e.g., grocery stores, gas stations, etc.). Thus, transaction might only be approved if the transaction qualifies under the set control parameters. An individual may further access a banking interface that allows the individual to view financial education materials, games, savings trackers and the like. A savings tracker may be used to help an individual save money toward a particular goal. In one or more configurations, a parent, guardian or primary account holder may have the ability to modify control settings of the payment device and/or modify the banking interface (e.g., change the options available). | 2009-04-23 |
20090106159 | PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE FOR EXCHANGING VALUES AND METHOD OF USING SUCH A DEVICE - The invention concerns a portable electronic transfer device using a near-field wireless communication module and a method of using it. The device includes an element for entering an amount and an acceptance command so that a debitor can enter their personal identification number on their portable device and not on that of a third party. If the acceptance command is authenticated, a secure message containing the amount is sent via the near-field wireless communication module to a creditor. The creditor can then add their references to the message and send it to effect the transaction. Alternatively, the creditor sends their references to the debitor via the near-field wireless communication module and the debitor can formulate a transaction request including the amount and the references of the creditor. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106160 | AUTHORIZATIONS FOR MOBILE CONTACTLESS PAYMENT TRANSACTIONS - Embodiments generally relate to systems and methods for processing electronic payments for retail services and goods delivered by unattended retail device. In embodiments, an unattended retail device leverages a consumer's mobile appliance to send the transaction and payment information to an authorizing authority. The authorizing authority receives the payment and transaction information, authorizes or declines the payment of the transaction, and forwards the authorization or declination to the mobile appliance. The mobile appliance then sends the authorization or declination to the unattended retail device. If authorized, the unattended retail device provides the retail good or service. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106161 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DATA INTERCHANGE - An apparatus and method for data interchange provides a universal transaction mechanism for translating and sharing data, particularly financial data, thereby streamlining the exchange of financial information and approvals typically utilized in many brokerage transactions, including the verification of free funds or Prime Broker relationship through an electronic Letter of Free Funds or Prime Broker SIA 150, SIA 151 Schedule A in compliance with Regulation T and Prime Broker documentation rules related government-mandated rules and requirements. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106162 | ON-LINE SHOPPING SYSTEM - An on-line shopping system for selling a product over an electronic communication network such as the Internet (as detailed in | 2009-04-23 |
20090106163 | ELECTRONIC FORUM BASED ON GRAIN QUALITY - A method for providing an electronic forum for facilitating commercial transactions for grain includes collecting a grower profile for each of a plurality of growers, collecting grain bin data for the grain associated with each of the plurality of growers, determining a representation of grain quality using data comprising grain bin data, providing to a plurality of buyers access to the representation of grain quality through the electronic forum, and facilitating purchase of the grain from one or more of the plurality of growers by one or more of the plurality of buyers. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106164 | System and Method for Facilitating Transactions Between Two or More Parties - The present invention provides a system and method for facilitating a transaction between two or more parties. Electronic documents are received from a party and are posted to the secured account such that each party can retrieve and modify the electronic documents. Upon agreement, the electronically signed documents are provided to the parties. The present invention also provides a method for facilitating a proposed transaction between an originating party and a potential buying party using various levels of unrestricted and restricted descriptions of the proposed transaction tied to conditions of release. The requested restricted description is provided to the potential buying party whenever the potential buying party agrees to the one or more conditions of release for the requested restricted description. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106165 | System for intelligent search agent to access data in a distributed network - A commercial search agent (CSA) is used to access data in a distributed communications system. An initial search request constitutes a buyer's first search query at sellers' commercial database network. Analytical agents and seller promotions are used to inform the CSA, while negotiation commences after the initial RFQ. CSA's may be informed by analytical agents. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106166 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRIVACY NEGOTIATION - A method of negotiating an electronic commerce (e-commerce) transaction for the sale of a selected good can include identifying an asking price for the selected good and retrieving from memory merchant business objectives (MBOs) and consumer privacy rules (CPRs). The MBOs can specify incentive information corresponding to a proposed exchange of consumer information and the CPRs can specify asking prices corresponding to the proposed exchange of consumer information. The MBOs can be compared to the CPRs to determine if an agreement can be reached for the sale of the selected good with an incentive based upon the proposed exchange of consumer information. The e-commerce transaction for the sale of the selected good with the incentive can be consummated if in the comparing step it is determined that an agreement can be reached. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106167 | FLEXIBLE PREMIUM INCOME ANNUITY SYSTEM AND METHOD - A computerized method and system for providing a flexible income annuity includes inputting a plurality of premium payments for the income annuity from an investor, the flexible premium payments being received on different dates. The computerized method and system further includes computationally aggregating income benefits from the one or more investment vehicles of the income annuity where the income benefits are associated with premium payments received on different dates. The method and system further includes calculating an income payment based the aggregated income benefits and outputting the income payments to a payee on one or more selected disbursement dates. Therefore, the investor is provided the flexibility to make premium payments for the income annuity on varying dates. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106168 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR BUILDING SECURITIZATION POOLS - The present disclosure provides methods and apparatuses for building securitization pools. Using the methods and apparatus herein, users can more easily create securitization pools. Users can set asset properties independent of the way the assets are stored. Additionally, users can create expression definitions that are specific to a given deal. Also, changes to the expressions can be saved for auditing and reporting purposes. | 2009-04-23 |
20090106169 | METHOD FOR ENABLING AMERICAN INDIAN TRIBES TO ATTRACT EQUITY CAPITAL INVESTMENT - A business method for deferring federal corporate income tax, whereby a pass-through entity, such as an LLC, is linked to an FT Corporation, which functions as a portable subset of a tribal reservation. Such a structure enables investors to participate as direct equity shareholders in the pass-through entity, thereby ensuring their right to vote as a minor or majority equity interest holders. The structure also enables those investors to participate as virtual equity shareholders in the FT Corporation, so that they can enjoy the tax-exempt status and other financial benefits that have been conferred upon FT Corporations by the Federal Government as a means to help Indian Tribes achieve economic self-determination, without those business entities being disqualified for such special treatment. | 2009-04-23 |