32nd week of 2010 patent applcation highlights part 57 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20100205011 | ENTERPRISE IMAGING WORKLIST SERVER AND METHOD OF USE - Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a networked healthcare data management system. Certain embodiments of the data management system include a healthcare data archive connected to a network wherein the archived data comprises diagnostic, therapeutic, and demographic data. Certain embodiments further include a worklist server connected to the network wherein the worklist server receives data descriptors from the healthcare data archive and compiles the data descriptors into worklists. Certain embodiments also include a client system connected to a network wherein the client system queries the worklist server and the worklist server answers the queries by providing at least the network location of the archived data. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205012 | System and method for providing a user interface for vehicle mentoring system users and insurers - System and method for communicating between an insurer and insured. The system detects operating characteristics of a driver or vehicle, and a cost of insuring the driver or vehicle, as decided by the insurer in consideration of the detected operating characteristics. The system provides an interface system for communicating the operating characteristics and the cost of insuring the driver or vehicle between the insurer and the insured. The system provides a vehicle monitoring system for monitoring the operating characteristics and for providing mentoring feedback to a driver, and a storage system for storing the operating characteristics. The system includes a processing system for deciding the cost of insuring the driver or vehicle based upon the monitored operating characteristics. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205013 | COMPONENT BASED INTERFACE TO HANDLE TASKS DURING CLAIM PROCESSING - A computer program is provided for developing component based software capable of handling insurance-related tasks. The program includes a data component that stores, retrieves and manipulates data utilizing a plurality of functions. Also provided is a client component that includes an adapter component that transmits and receives data to/from the data component. The client component also includes a business component that serves as a data cache and includes logic for manipulating the data. A controller component is also included which is adapted to handle events generated by a user utilizing the business component to cache data and the adapter component to ultimately persist data to a data repository. In use, the client component is suitable for receiving a plurality of tasks that achieve an insurance-related goal upon completion, allowing users to add new tasks that achieve the goal upon completion, allowing the users to edit the tasks, and generating a historical record of the tasks that are completed. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205014 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING RESPONSE SERVICES - Pertaining to information security services, embodiments consistent with the present invention comprise an outsourced bundle of services for the purpose of responding to a compromise of information asset(s). Many of these services and processes have never before been combined into one integrated bundle, and these novel combinations represent an improvement in efficiency and comprehensiveness over the state of the art. Methods and systems consistent with the present invention comprise several main steps and processes, some of which are optional or discretionary. These main steps are: receiving a request, obtaining preliminary information about the compromise, dispatching one or more teams to respond, creating and updating a case file, advising the customer with response decisions, notifying relevant parties about the compromise, acquiring forensics data, referring an insurance professional, implementing a training program, isolating the compromised information asset(s), neutralizing the compromise, creating a risk assessment report, implementing security technologies, and implementing security processes. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205015 | ACCOUNT LEVEL PARTICIPATION FOR UNDERWRITING COMPONENTS - An account management system has been developed that enables customer or client-related information to be stored, viewed and manipulated in a manner that reflects the relationship among different customers. The account management system includes an account data structure that defines accounts and relates customers to accounts so that the accounts include a group of related customers. In addition, a method of managing an underwriting account for an insurance policy has been developed. In particular, a method comprises the steps of establishing a plurality of participants; assigning each participant of the plurality of participants to an account; establishing business rules at an account level; and providing an underwriting decision for an account based upon the business rules. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205016 | Systems And Methods For Determining Concentrations Of Exposure - A system and method are provided for identifying exposure concentrations. The process of determining exposure concentrations may include organizing exposure data, defining parameters, determining elevated exposure concentrations, and providing output results. The exposure data may relate to at least geographical locations, policies, accounts, portfolios, treaties, and other exposure data. The parameters may be defined to include at least an area of analysis, a region of interest, a threshold amount, results parameters, and other parameters. The exposure concentration may include at least defining and locating exposure locations using various techniques. The results may be presented using textual, graphical, or other display schemes. The output may be configured to convey information such as positional accuracy of an identified area, exposure accumulation in a defined area, and other information. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205017 | Automated Transportation Call-Taking System - An automated, scalable call-taking system integrates with existing telephony infrastructures and enables, through use of speech recognition, DTMF detection, text-to-speech (TTS), and other related software or hardware, the inputting, access, and retrieval of information to and from multiple back-end dispatch and booking systems without the need for a human operator. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205018 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING INVENTORY - A system and method for managing inventory data are provided. A travel server obtains inventory data from one or more inventory suppliers and stores the inventory data as SKU group, SKU and SKU inventory records. The travel server utilizes the SKU group, SKU and SKU inventory records. The travel server utilizes the SKU group, SKU and SKU inventory records to process user requests for available inventory and supplier inventory action requests. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205019 | ARCHITECTURE AND METHOD FOR COMBINING COST DATA IN AUTOMATED MISSION PLANNERS - A system and method for combining cost maps including a multiplicity of cost service components for converting raw planning factors into standardized cost factors. A cost combiner component combines cost factors according to a cost configuration to generate a combined cost map | 2010-08-12 |
20100205020 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ESTABLISHING, MANAGING, AND CONTROLLING THE TIME, COST, AND QUALITY OF INFORMATION RETRIEVAL AND PRODUCTION IN ELECTRONIC DISCOVERY - A cost and quality controlled system for transforming collections of computer files and other electronically stored information by iterative culling and sorting so that production of relevant information can be made within estimated time and costs ranges and precision and recall ratios. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205021 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COGNITIVE DECISION SUPPORT IN A CONDITION BASED FLEET SUPPORT SYSTEM - A cognitive decision support fleet management and maintenance decision system may comprise a first cognitive decision support system to process information regarding a plurality of platforms and generate a list of condition based response activities and a weighted ranking of the probability of success of each condition based activity. A second cognitive decision support system may be tasked by the first to, and configured to, provide a plurality of ranked courses of action. A third cognitive decision support system may be tasked by the second to, and be configured to, assess resource availability for each condition based response activity. The second cognitive decision support system may be further configured to generate from the list of condition based response activities and the resource availability assessment for each condition based response, a plurality of recommended courses of action for the platform. The courses of action may be weighted according to an order of preference in carrying out each. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205022 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ANALYZING THE USE OF MOBILE RESOURCES - A system for analyzing the use of a mobile resource, such as a vehicle, includes a central processing unit adapted to receive a plurality of geographic locations and create an optimal travel route between the geographic locations, and an analyzer device incorporating global positioning satellite (GPS) technology being positionable with a mobile resource for comparing an actual route traveled by the mobile resource with the optimal travel route created by the central processing unit. The central processing unit includes mobile resource management software stored therein adapted to use pre-selected criteria for creating the optimal travel route. The pre-selected criteria may include time, distance, cost, load parameters, territory, and customer requirements. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205023 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISTRIBUTING DIGITAL CONTENT - A system and method for high speed and convenient delivery of digital content to a user is described. The system and method include systems for providing digital content to a user, monitoring and controlling an interface between the user and the system to provide for purchase or lease of digital content by the user. The system also includes a novel portable digital content storage device for receiving downloaded digital content for later use by the user on the user's playback equipment. The system and method also provide for control of the digital content in accordance with digital rights management and other content usage conditions. Also provided is an adaptor connectable to the portable storage device to convert signals representative of the digital content stored in the portable storage device to a form usable by a user's playback or storage equipment. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205024 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR APPLYING IN-DEPTH DATA MINING TOOLS FOR PARTICIPATING WEBSITES - A method for enabling a Website to provide a ranking formula for data relevant to visitor activities. The method includes aggregating the data, monetizing the activity data and correlating the data, such that information is derived to enable a desired expansion of at least one designated activity. Another method is disclosed for managing an ad campaign for a Website based a visitor's previous activities. This second method includes analyzing a visitor's behavior resulting in observations such as that a visitor is a gadget-lover or is interested in babies' accessories. The method also includes tagging a visitor's profile with the respective observation, deciding by the Website as to the demographic factor to be targeted for an ad. For example, if the Website is selling chairs, people are located who are building new houses or who are interested in furnishings. Finally the most relevant ads are served to each visitor according to his profile. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205025 | Innovation management - A system for management of ideas in a community is provided that includes a database with updatable user profiles for users of the community and means for receiving ideas from users. The system further includes means for receiving input providing information about the idea, means for handling and categorizing the ideas adapted to use the input, means for providing a set of process steps based on the categorization, means for storing the received, handled and categorized ideas, means for distributing the ideas to the other users of the community and means for enabling the users to process and evaluate the ideas. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205026 | INCOMPATIBILITY PROCESSING - A method of processing incompatibilities for a transportation plan comprising the following steps: Receiving data which is descriptive of orders, data which is descriptive of available vehicles, and data which is descriptive of available cross-docking locations; reading a set of compatibility types, and a set of compatibility rules with respect to the plurality of orders, vehicles, and cross-docking locations, each compatibility rule specifying a combination of two values which refer to first and second attributes of a defined compatibility type, and being indicative whether or not they are compatible; associating a value with each order, the value being descriptive of the characteristics of the order, such that orders having the same characteristics have the same value associated therewith; replacing the data descriptive of the characteristics by the value associated therewith; and outputting the order data resulting from the preceding step. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205027 | Business Driven Learning Solution Particularly Suitable for Sales-Oriented Organizations - Disclosed is a business driven learning solution and related methods for managing the learning and training needs of a sales-oriented organization in a manner that is responsive to dynamic business needs. The invention employs modules of interrelated and interdependent business processes for the identification and prioritization of learning needs, the selection of learning approaches, the development of learning content, the coordination and delivery of learning instruction, and the overall management and administration learning efforts. Embodiments of the inventions disclosed include sales training objects to provide a template for sales training that is focused on a solution, and how to position and sell the solution, rather than on the products that make up the solution. As a result, the sales force is educated, understands the customers' business requirements, and is able to craft specific value propositions to a given customer with respect to that solution. Thus, the training is customer-centric as opposed to product-centric. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205028 | DATA PROCESSING SYSTEM - A data processing system comprises a database located on a web site and a plurality of independent generators of raw data signals each associated with a user known to the owner of the web site and each able to be connected to the web site, such as through an internet service provide. The data signals are processed at the database, by means of an analysis engine in accordance with parameters chosen by or specific to each user or group of users, to produce processed data that are stored on a server associated with the database and which are selectively accessible to individual users on conditions prearranged with the owner of the database. The data processing system is particularly one in which the owner of some data-processing software sells licenses to firms or individuals who wish to use that software to analyze results of data-generating equipment sold to them by said owner. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205029 | SYSTEM FOR DIGITAL COMMERCE AND METHOD OF SECURE, AUTOMATED CREDITING OF PUBLISHERS, EDITORS, CONTENT PROVIDERS, AND AFFILIATES - The disclosure relates to a system and method of distributing digital content to authenticated users, such as on-line subscribers, wherein all interested parties, such as, but not limited to, publishers, editors, content providers, affiliates, payment processors, and service providers, are credited automatically for their contributions in such as manner as to be perceived as being fair, transparent, and resistant to abuse. The system and method may include a digital rights management system, but this is not required. The system supports a unique method of accounting that provides appropriate incentives to editors and affiliates, as well as publishers, with facilities for specifying a set of flexible parameters that enable automated payment, accounting, reporting, and administrative functions needed to support secure, subscription-based on-line publications. Such a system can be the basis for sharing revenues from subscriptions and/or advertising, or in a non-commercial context it can provide a useful, trustworthy metric for assessing the relative merit of individual contributors to a shared repository of information. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205030 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FACTOR-BASED PRICING FOR PRODUCTS AND SERVICES - Embodiments of the invention are systems and methods for determining factor-based prices for products and services. In one embodiment, a method for factor-based pricing of goods and services can be provided. The method can include receiving a plurality of factors associated with a pricing decision, applying at least one rule to the plurality of factors to determine a proposed price, outputting the proposed price to at least one client device. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205031 | METHODS, APPARATUS, AND SYSTEMS FOR EXCHANGING INFORMATION BETWEEN EXCAVATORS AND OTHER ENTITIES ASSOCIATED WITH UNDERGROUND FACILITY LOCATE AND MARKING OPERATIONS - Methods, apparatus, and systems for providing information regarding a locate and/or marking operation to identify a presence or an absence of at least one underground facility within a dig area. At least one notification indicating a status of the locate and/or marking operation is electronically transmitted and/or stored so as to inform at least one party associated with requesting the operation (a “requesting party,” e.g., an excavator, a property owner, a facility owner, a regulatory authority, a damage investigator, etc.) of the status of the operation. In one aspect, a requesting party may designate a preferred format, content, and/or method of receiving notifications regarding the locate and/or marking operation. In another aspect, a computer-generated GUI is provided to facilitate submission of requests, generation of “virtual white line” images to indicate one or more dig areas on a digital image of a work site, and/or selection of notifications and preferences for same. In yet another aspect, a requesting party may provide an acknowledgement of receipt (e.g., a “return receipt”) for one or more received notifications. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205032 | MARKING APPARATUS EQUIPPED WITH TICKET PROCESSING SOFTWARE FOR FACILITATING MARKING OPERATIONS, AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - Marking apparatus and methods, in which first ticket information relating to a locate request ticket is received, and second ticket information derived from the first ticket information is displayed on a display device of the marking apparatus. A field technician may provide some input to generate an electronic record or log of technician activity during a marking operation. In one example, a checklist may be generated (e.g., based at least in part on the first ticket information) and displayed locally to the technician as a guide to perform and verify various aspects of the operation. In another example, a set of instructions or “workflow” may be generated to guide the technician through a sequence of steps to perform the marking operation. Performance via a process guide (e.g., checklist or workflow) may be interactive in that the technician may provide input, or automated/semi-automated by analyzing various information collected by the marking apparatus with respect to the ticket information and/or other available information germane to the operation. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205033 | Method and Apparatus for Managing Workflow - A workflow process management application (WPMA) for a specific organization is created via a web application that can be implemented using a web server front end and a database back end. An administrator user operates the application by using a built-in administrative function to create objects such as users, groups, departments, locations, acuities, activities, and skills. The administrator or another suitable user can then use a built-in defining function to finalize objects and create instances of the objects corresponding to the organization. Appropriate users can use the plan function to allocate specific users to specific departments to ensure that all activities are assigned an appropriate amount of workers having the appropriate skills. When (or after) the work is performed the actual workflow data can be electronically gathered (if possible), or manually entered. Reports can then be generated to show differences between the planned workflow and the actual workflow. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205034 | METHODS AND APPARATUS TO MODEL CONSUMER AWARENESS FOR CHANGING PRODUCTS IN A CONSUMER PURCHASE MODEL - Example methods and apparatus to model consumer awareness for changing products in a consumer purchase model are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes receiving utility values associated with at least one of a product or a product attribute, and identifying an agent awareness state associated with the restage product and the original product. The example method also includes calculating a choice probability for the restage product based on the estimated utility values associated with the identified awareness state, and outputting the choice probability for use in a simulation of consumer purchase. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205035 | Providing Advertisements in Virtual Environments - The present invention pertains to a method and apparatus for providing advertisements in virtual world environments. In one embodiment, the method may include providing at least one advertisement to be displayed within a virtual world environment distributed to a plurality of user computer systems. The method may also include determining that a user is interacting with the advertisement in the virtual world environment. In one embodiment, the method may further include tracking one or more factors associated with the interaction. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205036 | Apparatus, Method and User Interface for Presenting Advertisements - An apparatus comprising a controller configured to provide a first advertisement statement; receive a motion signal; and provide a second advertisement statement in response to receipt of said motion signal is provided. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205037 | METHODS AND APPARATUS TO ASSOCIATE DEMOGRAPHIC AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION WITH INFLUENTIAL CONSUMER RELATIONSHIPS - Example methods and apparatus to associate demographic and geographic information with influential consumer relationships are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes receiving a communication record associated with a panel member, identifying from the communication record an influential relationship between a first individual listed within the communication record and the panel member, and in response to identifying the influential relationship, associating at least one of a geographic location or a demographic profile with the first individual. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205038 | TRAVEL MARKET ANALYSIS TOOLS - A method, system, and medium are provided for market intelligence tools for travel arrangements. A travel arrangement can be optimized by collecting and analyzing past event data for a desired travel selection. A data analysis engine aggregates, analyzes, and stores historical data of average travel ticket prices, as a function of the day of the year, for a travel selection. Another database analysis includes aggregating day-of-the-week data by the data analysis engine, wherein average travel ticket prices are given as a function of the day of the week, for both the departure day and the return day. Another database analysis includes aggregating advance purchase time data by the data analysis engine, wherein average travel ticket prices are given as a function of the number of days prior to a departure date. These database analyses are combined to form probabilities for the best and worst times to purchase travel tickets. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205039 | DEMAND FORECASTING - At least a first future external event is obtained as input. At least one future effect of the at least one future external event is predicted. The at least first future external event is similar to at least a first past external event. Future utilization of at least one tangible resource is forecast by superimposing events-normalized forecasted data and the at least one predicted future effect of the at least one future event similar to the at least first past external event. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205040 | METHOD FOR PROVIDING AND DISPLAYING POLITICAL CAMPAIGN INFORMATION - A method for providing and displaying information for a political campaign. The method includes the steps of collecting data from real property information, individual information, and political information and inputting the collected data into a database in a computer. Also included are the steps of determining a set of characteristics for a political action objective, cross-referencing the set of characteristics with the collected data in the database to create a shape, and displaying the shape. The method includes the final step of creating a plan of action based upon an analysis of the shape. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205041 | DETERMINING THE INTEREST OF INDIVIDUAL ENTITIES BASED ON A GENERAL INTEREST - An interest value indicative of the interest of a particular entity in one or more items can be determined based on a general interest value (e.g., a group interest/preference value) associated with a plurality of entities (e.g., persons, members of a group) that include that particular entity. The interest value can be determined based on Collaborative Filtering (CF) data and/or individual (or non-collaborative) data. In contrast to the Collaborative Filtering (CF) data which may include data associated with various entities, the individual (or non-collaborative) data typically pertains to one entity, namely, the entity whose interest is to be determined. It will be appreciated that both collaborative and non-collaborative data pertaining to individuals can be considered, thereby allowing for a better estimation of individual interests. The interest of a particular entity can be determined, for example, by considering the difference between a predicted CF interest value (determined based on CF data) and a group interest value and/or by considering the difference between a predicted individual interest value (determined based on non-collaborative data) and the group interest value. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205042 | Integrated risk management process - A method and system allowing the analysis of risk through the use of Monte Carlo simulation, statistical and data analysis, stochastic forecasting, and optimization. The present invention includes novel methods such as the detailed reporting capabilities coupled with advanced analytical techniques, an integrated risk management process and procedures, adaptive licensing technology, and model profiling and storage procedures. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205043 | VIRTUAL REALITY SYSTEM INCLUDING SMART OBJECTS - Embodiments of the invention include a virtual reality system that includes an instrumented device used to present a virtual shopping environment to a simulation participant. The participant's interactions with the virtual shopping environment may be used to conduct market research into the consumer decision making process. The virtual shopping environment may include one or more smart objects configured to be responsive to participant interaction. The virtual shopping environment may recreate a real-world shopping environment. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205044 | METHOD FOR MANAGING INVENTORY WITHIN AN INTEGRATED SUPPLY CHAIN - A method for managing inventory within a supply chain. The method is performed by providing forecasts of demand for items distributed within the supply chain, using the forecasts to establish base stocking levels and reorder points within the supply chain, and using the established base stocking levels and reorder points to position items within the supply chain so as to maximize efficiency and profitability when responding to an order for an item. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205045 | System and method for improving retail store customer loyalty - A system and method for improving and maintaining retail store customer loyalty through providing customers with quality services, timely assistances, and conveniences in all stages of product shopping. The system provides a web parts based collaborative online platform for retailers, product manufacturers, and service providers to share resources, distribute coupons, promote products and services, and communicate with customers. It further provides shopping assistances to help customers selectively receive coupons, redeem coupons online, build shopping lists online, retrieve shopping list and shopping reminders, find product shelf locations, place online orders, and manage budgets and nutrition. The system has the capability to collect customer shopping activity data, automatically analyze customer product purchase preferences, recommend products and services, and deliver relevant coupons and advertisements to customers. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205046 | INTERACTIVE BUSINESS ENTERPRISE SYSTEM, METHOD AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR COLLECTING SELF-REPORTED EXPENDITURES AND REVENUE ON ZERO RELATIVE COST ACTIVITIES - A method, computer program product and system are disclosed for collecting self-reported expenditures and revenue from members of an MLM business structure via an intendance server, and of subsequently rewarding third-parties with the revenue. The intendance server uniquely collects the self-reported expenditures, which expenditures are not necessarily monetary in nature. The overrides generated on self-reported expenditures are distributed throughout a hierarchical, multi-level marketing (MLM) business structure in accordance with a predetermined commission criteria. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205047 | Promotional Electronic Recipe Distribution - A method and system is described distributing electronic recipes within an electronic cookbook system. The electronic cookbook system is comprised of an electronic cooking device, electronic cooking server, and preferably and electronic cooking website. Particularly, a method and system of distributing a promotional electronic recipe is described, wherein the promotional electronic recipe is efficiently received, stored, and organized by a user's electronic cookbook device. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205048 | System and Method for Media Monetization and Distribution - A system and method for media monetization and distribution, which includes at least a monetization engine, system and method, which includes at least one database of at least one media assets, at least one user defined mini-site utilizing at least one of the media assets, a recommendation engine that matches the mini-sites with at least one advertisement, and a delivery engine that integrates the at least one advertisement with the mini-site and allows for the monitoring of the integrated advertisement. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205049 | ADVERTISEMENT MANAGEMENT FOR LIVE INTERNET MULTIMEDIA CONTENT - Managing advertisements for multimedia content delivered over the Internet for a live event. In one embodiment, the method receives the multimedia content over a network connection for playback on a media player, and receives a first advertisement marker that indicates a first start time and a first scheduled duration of a first advertisement break. The method adjust the first scheduled duration to a first adjusted portion, and selects one or more advertisements for playback on the media player to fill the first adjusted duration of the first advertisement break, instead of the first scheduled duration. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205050 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ACCEPTING CLOSED LOOP CARDS AND CODES AT A MERCHANT POINT OF SALE - Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for redeeming a closed loop card/code funded with an amount of money. The system receives from a merchant point of sale an indication of use of a closed loop card/code not issued by the merchant and presented by a consumer, queries and receives a confirmation of an amount of money in an account associated with the closed loop card/code, presents the consumer with an offer to buy the closed loop card/code at a discount price, and upon accepting the offer, closes out the closed loop card/code and pays the discount price to the consumer. Paying the discount price can include applying the discount price to a purchase by the consumer at the merchant. The merchant can provide cash back to the consumer for excess value of the discount price over the consumer's purchase. Merchants can apply more than the discount price. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205051 | CALCULATION METHOD OF SALES COMMISSION USING TRANSFORMATION COEFFICIENT IN ON-LINE, CALCULATION SYSTEM AND RECORDING MEDIUM THEREOF - Disclosed are a method and a system of calculating a sales commission using a transformation coefficient in on-line by reflecting sales of members receiving sales commissions and new sales of sub-members, and a record medium thereof. Members receive sales commissions based on members' own sales, so that old sub-members as well as new members actively sell commodities. The property of the tree to which the members belong is more increased, so that the members have reliability and affection for a company. The revenue of the members is more increased, and a company attempts to increase sales and members. A company determines sales commissions paid to members at a constant commission payment rate for the sales of the members without being affected by the enlargement of an organization due to the increase of the members and the amount of sales. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205052 | SELF-UPLOADED INDEXING AND DATA CLUSTERING METHOD AND APPARATUS - A self-uploaded indexing and data clustering method and apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of a server device includes processing a merchant-uploaded inventory data to determine a set of meta-data attributes associated with the merchant-uploaded inventory data and creating an index data using the set of meta-data attributes associated with the merchant-uploaded inventory data. The merchant-uploaded inventory data may be compared with a previous inventory data of a particular merchant associated with both the merchant-uploaded inventory data and the previous inventory data to identify at least a portion of the set of meta-data attributes which do not need to be updated. The index data may be created using an incremental algorithm that builds on preexisting indexes which have substantially similar data as the index data. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205053 | HTTP TRIGGER FOR OUT-OF-PROTOCOL ACTION - A hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) request is used to actuate a secondary communications protocol (e.g., Short Message Service). A server receiving the request may be configured to take actions not specified by the URL associated with the request in response to the characters encoded in the request, such as accessing a secondary communications protocol. The server parses the request to identify action codes and/or content in the request itself, and takes action based on the code or content value. A token code representing a value or fixed number of uses may be utilized in connection with the techniques disclosed herein. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205054 | CONTINGENCY-BASED ELECTRONIC AUDITING - Transaction auditing involving the provision of payment from a third-party to a transaction party is facilitated. In accordance with one or more example embodiments, a transaction auditing approach involves processing payment from a third party to one of a buyer and seller involved in a transaction to which the third-party payment is applicable. When an auditing criterion is met, such as when the buyer and seller agree to contract terms or when the buyer pays the seller, payment from the third party is authorized and processed based on the authorization. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205055 | Method of knowledge accumulation based on attribution for all contributions - A method is disclosed for knowledge accumulation from citizens based on attribution for all contributions. The steps include: providing an electronic database stored on a computer; configuring the computer to enable access to the electronic database; preparing an author contribution form on paper; providing the author contribution form to an author; receiving and scanning a completed author contribution form to create a digitized version with the author's real name; storing the digitized version; preparing and storing an index entry; enabling the author to supplement the digitized version; displaying the digitized version to real identified people; accepting and storing data supplementing the digitized version; and, enabling direct contact with the author. Optional steps include: identifying commercial information; enabling commercial transactions; offering and displaying advertisements; enabling storage of real time data; identifying the availability of local products and services; recording and displaying changes in such availability. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205056 | ADVERTISEMENT INFORMATION MANAGEMENT METHOD, ADVERTISEMENT INFORMATION MANAGEMENT DEVICE, AND ADVERTISEMENT INFORMATION MANAGEMENT PROGRAM - An advertisement information management method includes associating advertisement information with keyword information. The keyword information is sent externally. Voice information vocally input in a received call is acquired. The voice information is phonetically analyzed to extract text information included in the voice information. From an advertisement information database built with the keyword information and the advertisement information associated with each other, advertisement information associated with keyword information corresponding to the text information is extracted. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205057 | PRIVACY-SENSITIVE METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND MEDIA FOR TARGETING ONLINE ADVERTISEMENTS USING BRAND AFFINITY MODELING - Privacy-sensitive methods, systems, and media for targeting online advertisements using brand affinity modeling are provided. In accordance with some embodiments, a method for constructing brand audiences for targeting advertisements is provided, the method comprising: collecting visitation data relating to user-generated micro-content from a plurality of browsers; extracting a quasi-social network from the collected visitation data, wherein the quasi-social network comprises a plurality of links that are induced between the plurality of browsers visiting the user-generated micro-content; selecting seed nodes from the plurality of browsers, wherein the selected seed nodes have performed a brand action relating to the user-generated micro-content that is indicative of brand affinity; determining candidate nodes from the plurality of browsers based at least in part on a distance from the seed nodes in the quasi-social network; calculating a brand proximity score for each of the candidate nodes, wherein the brand proximity score includes one or more brand proximity measures and wherein the brand proximity score is an aggregated distance measurement between the candidate nodes and the seed nodes; generating a ranking of the candidate nodes based on the brand proximity score; and selecting a brand audience for serving an advertisement based on the generated ranking. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205058 | Contents Servicing System and Method through a Network - Disclosed is an Internet broadcasting contents consignment sale system and method. An Internet broadcasting station makes a consignment sale contract with companies or individuals who have copyrights of authored pieces, such as computer and video game makers, filmmakers, music producers, television broadcasting stations, and publishers; generates the consigned authored pieces into specific contents data; allows users to use the contents data only through a specific execution program provided by the Internet broadcasting station; permits Internet users to download the contents data via wire and wireless Internet free of charge and keep them; and allows the users to use desired contents data by receiving restoration information on the Internet. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205059 | AD SERVER SYSTEM WITH CLICK FRAUD PROTECTION - An ad server system takes into consideration information about a user who clicks on an ad in determining whether to charge the advertiser for the click event, and/or in determining an amount to charge the advertiser. In one embodiment, unless the user is recognized, the advertiser is not charged for the ad selection event. Thus, advertisers do not have to pay the ad placement provider when the users who click on their ads are not recognized. If the user is recognized, the ad server system may determine whether and/or how much to charge the advertiser based on information about the recognized user. This information may include, for example, whether the user has set up an account, whether a valid credit card is on file for the user, and/or other types of user information that can be used to hold fraudulent users accountable for their actions. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205060 | CONTEXT-SENSITIVE ROUTE GENERATION SYSTEM - Embodiments of the present invention describe systems and methods for automatically generating route(s) based on users' trip intent and conditions. A user enters his/her trip intent and conditions. A context-sensitive route generation system generates one or more routes based on information surrounding the user's trip intent, such as destination, time, means of transportation, purpose and identity(ies) of traveler(s), and conditions, such as user's limitations, needs, and preferences, for the user. Once the user chooses a route to follow, context-sensitive route generation system (CRGS) keeps track of user's movement and can modify the user's route when a need arises. The CRGS searches one or more networks and the system database(s) for profile and real-time (or instant) information for route generation, and continues to mine networks for information related to the trip to ensure the best route is recommended to the user. In one embodiment, profile and real-time information relevant to the trip is used in generating and modifying the route. In addition to generation, monitoring and updating route(s) for the user, the CRGS also can present advertisements of interest to the user for business and services along user's route. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205061 | INCENTIVE MARKETING WITH A CONTEXT-ENRICHED MESSAGE - Disclosed are a system, method, and article of manufacture of incentive marketing with a context-enriched message. In one embodiment, a message is generated with a computing device. A context of the computing device pertaining to a message component is determined. A context data derived from the context is linked with the message component. An ad message related to at least one of the context of the computing device and the message component is provided. The ad message may be associated with the message. The message and the ad message may be communicated to a recipient computing device. The ad message and the message may be rendered with a user interface. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205062 | Touchscreen Computer System, Software, and Method for Small Business Management and Payment Transactions, Including a Method, a Device, and System for Crediting and Refunding to and from Multiple Merchant Accounts in a Single Transaction and a Method, a Device, and System for Scheduling Appointments - A system includes a device and software with a touchscreen, cash drawer, bar code scanner, and other point-of-sale peripherals. The device processes payments according to a method and can process a payment from multiple payment sources to multiple credit-card merchant accounts. Likewise, the system processes returns according to a method from multiple-merchant accounts. A scheduler is included with an appointment builder and manager that are especially useful in a beauty salon environment and other schedule-intensive service businesses. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205063 | ELECTRONIC PAYMENT TRANSACTION SYSTEM - A method of pre-staging a financial transaction includes sending payment information entered using a device at a user location, via an electronic communication channel, for pre-staging the financial transaction. The method includes receiving a pre-staged transaction receipt corresponding to the financial transaction from an intermediary entity implemented on at least one processor. The method also includes manually tendering a payment amount, the payment amount corresponding to the payment information and the pre-staged transaction receipt, at a retail location. The method also includes paying a payee the payment amount, the payee being specified in the payment information, based on matching a transaction request from the retail location with the pre-staged financial transaction. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205064 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR ELECTRONIC FILE PLAYBACK - Methods and apparatus are disclosed for facilitating online storage of files (e.g., audio tracks, video, etc.) for playback/access or sale/exchange by the owners of the files without violating copyrights that copyright holders have in the files. For example, by providing a playback service that does not store additional versions of an audio file when the file is transmitted to, and immediately played on, a user device without buffering, the present invention avoids violating copyright laws by not making copies of the file. Numerous other aspects are disclosed. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205065 | Interactive Funds Transfer Interface - In a software suite for enabling viewing and manipulation of data through a single portal accessible from a data-packet-network, a software interface for enabling proxy transfer of funds from one financial account to another is provided. The software interface comprises, an interactive main window for configuring transfer funds orders, viewing pending transfers, viewing transaction history, and viewing active account balances related to registered financial accounts, an interactive selection window accessible through the main interface, the selection window for enabling selection of individual accounts for grouping into a list of activated accounts and an automated confirmation window enabling confirmation of data parameters of a requested funds transfer. A user operating the main interface may initiate funds transfer orders to be performed between accounts at requested times by proxy in a fashion transparent at the time of execution to the requesting user. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205066 | SHARING INFORMATION ON A NETWORK-BASED SOCIAL PLATFORM - A system for sharing information on a networked-based social platform is provided. A request from a first user of the network-based social platform is received. The request is to add an item to a list associated with a second user of the network-based social platform. The list is for watching items associated with a network-based platform distinct from the network-based social platform. Next, the system determines whether the first user is authorized to add the item to the list associated with the second user based on relationship information that identifies a relationship between the first user and the second user on the network-based social platform. Finally, the system communicates the request to the network-based platform to add the item to the list associated with the second user. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205067 | Method of conducting a maximum buyout price amount auction - A method of conducting a maximum buyout price amount auction that comprises the steps of: 1. placing an item for auction on an auction site by a seller; 2. stating a maximum buyout price amount for the item on the auction site by the seller; 3. indicating a start time for the auction on the auction site; 4. listing all bids received from bidders for the item on the auction site; 5. accepting the highest bid from the highest bidder on the auction site by the seller, even though the highest bid may not be the maximum buyout price amount; 6. stopping the auction on the auction site; 7. informing the highest bidder that the bidder has won the auction on the auction site; 8. making payment to the seller of the item by the highest bidder; and 9. sending the item to the highest bidder by the seller. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205068 | Integrated electronic shopping cart system and method - Integrated shopping cart functionality is provided on a first website so that products/services from different affiliated websites can be integrated into the shopping cart at the first website and the e-commerce functionality of the first website can be utilized to purchase the selected products/services. A framework for integrating this functionality enables the first website to integrate with affiliated websites so that an increased number of users may access the first website since the proprietor of the first website may offer various products/services from a multitude of different affiliated websites, for example by providing URL links to the affiliated websites that a user may access in order to select items from the affiliated websites. These items can be integrated into the shopping cart at the first website and purchased with a single transaction. Increased user traffic is expected at the first website since a user's shopping interests can be fulfilled at a single website. Additionally, affiliated websites are benefited by this integrated shopping cart functionality since the e-commerce functionality of the integrated shopping cart is performed by a server that is associated with the first website. Therefore, affiliated websites need not include their own e-commerce functionality. Instead, they may take advantage of the e-commerce functionality of the first website and still receive the benefits of the sale of their offered products/services to the user. Maintenance costs and overhead costs with respect to including an e-commerce software engine are therefore reduced and often eliminated as a result. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205069 | Integrated Electronic Shopping Cart System And Method - Integrated shopping cart functionality is provided on a first website so that products/services from different affiliated websites can be integrated into the shopping cart at the first website and the e-commerce functionality of the first website can be utilized to purchase the selected products/services. A framework for integrating this functionality enables the first website to integrate with affiliated websites so that an increased number of users may access the first website since the proprietor of the first website may offer various products/services from a multitude of different affiliated websites, for example by providing URL links to the affiliated websites that a user may access in order to select items from the affiliated websites. These items can be integrated into the shopping cart at the first website and purchased with a single transaction. Increased user traffic is expected at the first website since a user's shopping interests can be fulfilled at a single website. Additionally, affiliated websites are benefited by this integrated shopping cart functionality since the e-commerce functionality of the integrated shopping cart is performed by a server that is associated with the first website. Therefore, affiliated websites need not include their own e-commerce functionality. Instead, they may take advantage of the e-commerce functionality of the first website and still receive the benefits of the sale of their offered products/services to the user. Maintenance costs and overhead costs with respect to including an e-commerce software engine are therefore reduced and often eliminated as a result. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205070 | Methods for Assisting a Person in Transitioning from One Disposable Absorbent Product to Another - The present disclosure generally relates to methods for assisting consumers in transitioning from a current absorbent product to a future absorbent product. Also described are transition aids for assisting in this transition. In particular, the transition aids provide a consumer with a means for comparing different characteristics of their current absorbent product with characteristics of a future absorbent product. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205071 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS OF MAINTAINING AND MONITORING VEHICLE TRACKING DEVICE INVENTORIES - Systems and methods of tracking an installer's inventory of vehicle tracking devices performed by the supplier of the devices are provided. Inventory levels of the devices are checked based on activation and/or registration of a tracking device and a subsequent stock-out notification is sent to the installer based on the checked inventory level. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205072 | METHOD AND SYSTEM THAT MONITORS SUPPLY OF PHYSICAL CONSUMABLES RELATIVE TO CONSUMPTION SPECIFICATIONS - A method and system for monitoring supply of physical consumables for one or more vehicles receives at an input port supply data associated with a corresponding one of the one or more vehicles. The supply data is originated at a supply device that supplies the physical consumables. Consumption specification data associated with the one or more vehicles are retrieved from a storage device. The consumption specification data is specified by at least one of a vehicle manufacturer or an authority, e.g. a commercial, governmental or military authority. The method and system provides the supply data to a processing unit over a physical transmission medium to determine a variance relative to the consumption specification data. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205073 | INVENTORY SURVEY SYSTEM USING RADIO FREQUENCY - The present application relates to an inventory survey using radio frequency, where the monitoring procedure is carried out automatically by means of a movement self-monitoring of the inventory in cabinet ( | 2010-08-12 |
20100205074 | Network leasing system and method thereof - A network leasing system and a method thereof are provided, which lease a translation service through network connection, generate an authentication code based on a product serial number, and use the authentication code to decide whether to install a program data or not, so as to solve the problems that a software lease service cannot be performed in a network and an installation of an illegal program data cannot be restricted, thereby implementing a software lease service in a network, and achieving the technical effect of providing a translation service to a lessee in real time by an authentication process. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205075 | LARGE-SCALE ITEM AFFINITY DETERMINATION USING A MAP REDUCE PLATFORM - Pair-wise item affinity is based on transaction records. Each transaction record includes an indication of a bucket and an indication of an item transacted corresponding to that bucket. The method comprises a Phase | 2010-08-12 |
20100205076 | Methods and Apparatus for Analysing and/or Pre-Processing Financial Accounting Data - In an on-line method of analysing financial accounting data, uploaded financial accounting data is received at a server ( | 2010-08-12 |
20100205077 | RESTRICTING ACCESS TO COMPROMISED ACCOUNT INFORMATION - A notification service protects different user accounts from being exposed to fraudulent activity when one of the accounts is compromised. The notification service instructs an issuer of the compromised account to automatically close, freeze or place the other associated accounts on a watch list to prevent potential exposure to the other accounts due to a security breach associated with the compromised account. The card holder may receive notification of the compromised account from the notification service or the issuer via a mobile device. The mobile device may directly contact other issuers with one request to restrict access to any accounts associated with the compromised account. In the event that the compromised account is loaded on the mobile device, the account is cancelled and a new account is loaded to the mobile device. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205078 | PUSH PAYMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD INCLUDING BILLING FILE EXCHANGE - Systems and methods for processing bill payments. A consumer may send a bill payment request online to a payment processing network, such as through an online bill payment interface. The payment processing network can coordinate with a non-bank acquirer to settle the bill payment with the biller. The liability for the transaction may fall on the issuer, who may be responsible for all parties fulfilling the transaction. The non-bank acquirer may coordinate among the various parties, but may not have liability for fulfillment of the transaction. The non-bank acquirer can deposit funds for the bill payment in a biller bank, and accounts receivable data can be sent to the biller for reconciliation of the bill. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205079 | Method and Apparatus for Configuring and Establishing a Secure Credential-Based Network Link Between a Client and a Service over a Data-Packet-Network - A system for establishing a direct network connection between a first and a second node over a data-packet-network includes a third network node having connection to the data-packet-network for providing an electronic interface accessible to the first node; a navigation agent directed by the third network node for navigating over the network to the second node to gather information; and at least one machine-readable instruction containing the instruction for directing and implementing the direct network connection. The electronic interface may be a Web page providing bill consolidation and payment services to a client operating the first node and wherein the connection established via the instruction enables transparent login payment of a bill at the second node, which may be a direct billing party interface of the client registered and listed on the Web page. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205080 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONDUCTING COMPUTER-ASSISTED TRANSACTIONS - A system and method may include a central security transaction-assisting machine receiving from at least a subset of a plurality of system participants initial orders to buy and sell a security; a processor of the machine matching at least a subset of the initial buy orders to at least a subset of the initial sell orders based at least on quantity; the processor forming an order block of at least a subset of the matched orders; responsive to a threshold volume of matching orders being reached, the central machine broadcasting a cross announcement to each of the plurality of participants, where the cross announcement indicates a beginning of a time window during which further matching orders to buy and sell quantities of the security are presentable for inclusion in the order block; and, at an end of the time window, executing the order block. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205081 | COMPUTERIZED TRADING SYSTEM - The present invention relates to computerised trading systems and associated methods, particularly those that implement trades in basis trading where the two instruments have different and non-universally agreed pricing mechanisms and metrics, such as futures crosses in the European derivative markets. The present invention allows traders to enter orders expressed in terms of their own metrics. These orders are then converted to be expressed according to a standardised metric such that comparisons may be made and orders matched. Once matching orders are identified, these orders can be reported back to the traders, expressed in terms of their own metrics. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205082 | INFORMATION PROCESSING SYSTEM ENABLING COUNTERMEASURE AGAINST GLOBAL WARMING TO BE DISSEMINATED MORE EXTENSIVELY - An information processing system according to the present invention comprises a plurality of measuring instruments; and a summary server connected to the plurality of measuring instruments via a network. Each of the measuring instruments comprises a detector measuring the amount of energy usage, and an instrument controller generating an individual data piece including information on the amount of energy usage or information on carbon dioxide emission. The summary server comprises a storage storing a reference amount of usage on each of individual data pieces, and a controller which, when the individual data piece is received from the measuring instrument, calculates the amount of carbon dioxide that has been reduced as a surplus value on the basis of both the amount of carbon dioxide emission or the amounts of emission of the received individual data pieces and the reference amounts of usage of the plurality of individual data pieces. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205083 | Radar Display of Trader Requirements - A system for providing an operator interface comprises a memory and a processor. The processor generates a radar display comprising trader requirements indicia that correspond to trader designated parameters. The processor receives market data and determines a probability of the market data satisfying a trader designated requirement. A market data circle corresponding to each trader parameter is displayed on the interface at a distance from the trader requirements indicia that indicates the probability. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205084 | Computer system and method for networked interchange of data and information for members of the real estate financial and related transactional services industry - An Interchange Party Computer System (“IPCS”) comprising: a plurality of units of allocated resources, configured for a lender party, broker party, transaction party and/or investor party, each unit of allocated resources including one or more administrator user interfaces that allow a participating party to manage its allocated resources and define which of its users and which other participating parties may access its allocated resources and use elements thereof, wherein at least one of the allocated resources include database allocated resources that are managed by the participating party assigned the resources, the allocated resources for the database being accessible and usable by a participating party on terms defined by the participating party responsible for managing the database allocated resources wherein at least one of the allocated resources include at one or more modules selected from the group of: a Rate and Loan Program Module that includes means to define loan programs or search defined loan programs in a database, an Automated Underwriting Module, a Mortgage Pools Module; a File Status and Transaction Party Module, which includes means to do two or more of: assign tasks, present task status, control viewing of task status, assign viewing privileges, monitor satisfaction of lender conditions, and upload loan documentation that are managed by the participating party assigned the resources; the allocated resources for the selected modules being accessible and usable by a participating party on terms defined by the participating party responsible for managing the selected modules allocated resources. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205085 | MLP Financing System - The MLP Financing System extends the properties of shares in a publicly traded entity that does not generate UBITs to create a new asset class that permits the underlying assets to be specifically structured for financing. MLP Financing System requires a minimum of three markets entering into transactions involving a company, a publicly traded entity, and a third entity in the financial industry. Each market establishes an asset value, price, yield, and risk. Asset price differentials between markets identify arbitrage opportunities. The market asset value, price, yield, risk, and financial constraints of entities operating in those markets provide the initial transaction specifications between company-MLP, financier-MLP, and company-financier. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205086 | ANONYMOUS BLOCK TRADE MATCHING SYSTEM - Disclosed is an anonymous block trade matching system which allows users that wish to cross large blocks of stock to submit orders, or indications of interest, with the option of utilizing market peg benchmarks or future price cross benchmarks. Orders submitted may be subject to minimum thresholds, including a threshold requiring that the order represent ‘X’ % of average daily volume. After submission of a firm order in the system, an alert is generated to provide the order data to other users with potential to cross the order. Visibility of order data by other users may be restricted based upon a data interaction group to which the ordering user or the other user belongs. The system may provide users viewing order data with a capability of negotiating with the submitting user via a restricted two-way messaging interface. Flat rate and rebate/fee cost models may be utilized as a means for charging a user for access to the system. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205087 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO PROMOTE LOAN REPAYMENT - Methods and systems permit data management for promoting repayment of loans, such as mortgage loans. In an example embodiment, a remuneration account may be established and associated with a loan or mortgage loan. The remuneration account represents a monetary remuneration amount conditionally payable to a borrower on the loan upon satisfaction of a repayment condition of the loan. Delinquency information representing whether or not the borrower is delinquent on a payment of the loan is monitored. The delinquency information can be associated with the remuneration account value. By examining the delinquency data, all or a portion of the remuneration account value can be released as a function of the examination of the delinquency data by the digital processor, such as by making payment of the remuneration to the borrower upon satisfaction of the repayment condition or cancellation of the remuneration account upon detection of delinquency or default conditions. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205088 | Methods and systems for netting of payments and collateral - The present invention generally provides for systems and methods for netting payments and collateral. Generally, systems and methods of the present invention maximize market liquidity and minimize financial risk and collateral burdens of participants. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205089 | System and Mehtod for Providing a Credit Account for Debt Recovery - The invention includes systems and methods for providing a credit account for debt recovery. A recovery credit account is provided for a customer with an existing charged-off debt. Some of the customer's charged-off debt may be forgiven as part of a settlement when the customer enrolls in the recovery credit account, but the opening balance of the recovery credit account will represent the entire debt obligation of the customer going forward. The recovery credit account includes a credit limit that is lower than the opening balance. Reducing the account balance to less than the credit limit triggers open-to-buy status, issuance of a credit card, and activation of over the limit fees for future balances over the credit limit. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205090 | ELECTRONIC DEFERRED CHECK WRITING SYSTEM - A method and system for electronic deferred check processing is disclosed. A processing center receives an account identifier and a plurality of deferred payment amounts. The deferred payment amounts may be specified in a check, which can be digitized and electronically transmitted for further processing. The account identifier is correlated to a purchaser checking account. The deferred payment amounts are transferred to a merchant account in accordance with one of a plurality of predefined merchant transfer schedules, and each transfer may have a fee associated therewith that is deductable from the deferred payment amounts. The funds corresponding to the deferred payment amounts are also transferred from the purchaser checking account according to a predefined deduction schedule. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205091 | AUTOMATED PAYMENT TRANSACTION SYSTEM - A secure system for using credit card accounts to cause payment into an account of said vendor on behalf of said vendor. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205092 | Pre-Funding System and Method - A method for pre-funding is disclosed. The method includes sending a plurality of pre-fund authorization requests to a buyer financial institution, and then receiving a plurality of responses to the pre-fund authorization requests from the buyer financial institution, where each response either accepts or declines a pre-fund authorization request. A funds transfer request is sent to the buyer financial institution, where the funds transfer request corresponds to a total value of the accepted pre-fund authorization requests. Notification that funds have transferred from the buyer financial institution in response to the funds transfer request is received. Then, the sending of the funds to a supplier financial institution is authorized. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205093 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR AN INTER-FINANCIAL INSTITUTION TRANSACTIONAL NETWORK - Systems and methods for conducting transactions across financial institutions are presented. More specifically, in one embodiment a financial transaction center may be provided such that transactions may be coordinated and controlled utilizing the financial transaction center. The financial transaction center may determine a financial institution associated received requests and issue requests to financial institutions. By coordinating the fulfillment of transactions between financial institutions through the financial transaction center a level of abstraction may be introduced whereby transactions may be conducted across financial intuitions without knowledge of host systems at the financial institutions or overly compromising the privacy or security of these host systems. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205094 | Reserve account mortgage method and system - A method and system are provided to resolve financial problems and/or discretionary financial decisions by mortgagors and other borrowers. If a mortgage is current, then any extra money received from the mortgagor is automatically credited to a reserve account, which pays down the mortgage principal. If a mortgage payment is due but has not been paid or is only partially paid, then whatever money is needed for the mortgage payment is automatically deducted from the reserve account and applied toward the mortgage payment, thereby increasing the loan principal. As a limit, if the reserve account is depleted, the lender may commence conventional foreclosure procedures. The method and system can similarly be applied to other types of loans. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205095 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TRANSFERRING ELECTRONIC FUNDS - A method and system for transferring electronic funds over the Internet wherein a sender provides payment information to a transfer processing system. The sender may choose from a plurality of different types of funds transfer, such as wire transfer, Western Union money transfer, various types of checks, and transfers to ATM debit/credit cards. The transfer processing system sends an electronic payment message to a recipient indicating the transfer of funds and a transfer message to a financial institution providing instructions to debit the sender's account and make those funds available to the recipient. If the recipient has an account with a financial institution that is affiliated with the transfer processing system of the present invention, the funds are credited to the recipient's account wherein the payment message serves as a confirmation message. If the recipient does not have such an account, the recipient may access the transfer processing system to access the funds made available by the system wherein the payment message serves as a payment availability message. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205096 | Virtual Share Exchange Apparatus and Method - A method and apparatus that includes a method and apparatus for pooling resources into a common fund such that the risk benefit is held low by assigning rating to the individual members as well as allowing people with similar characteristic or profiles to participate in the pool. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205097 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR FUNDING TRANSACTIONS USING DEBIT CARDS ISSUED BY ONE INSTITUTION AND FUNDS FROM ACCOUNTS AT OTHER INSTITUTIONS - Methods and apparatus for funding transactions are presented herein. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an account information unit to store information about an account, the account being associated with a first financial institution. The apparatus can also include a transaction processor to receive a request for a debit amount, to determine that the account is associated with one or more funding sources, and to determine if the one or more funding sources authorize the request for the debit amount. The one or more funding sources are associated with one or more financial institutions other than the first financial institution. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205098 | E-MAIL LAUNCHED WEB TRANSACTION - A method includes receiving, at a processor, an e-mail including a description of an offer and a selectable indicia configured to indicate acceptance of the offer in response to actuation of the selectable indicia. A browser is launched on a display coupled to the processor in response to actuation of the selectable indicia. An indication of acceptance of the offer to a transaction server in response to actuation of the selectable indicia is transmitted. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205099 | SYSTEM AND METHODS TO FACILITATE CONNECTIONS TO ACCESS NETWORKS - The described aspects relate to methods and systems for enabling connectivity agreements between access terminals and access networks. The connectivity agreements may be established through user-side negotiations or third party negotiations for a connection with an access network. In addition, the described aspects relate to methods and systems for paying access networks for a connection. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205100 | Real-Time Collaborative Selection of Service Providers - A method and system for customer service, comprising enabling a customer to provide a request for service, receiving the request for service from the customer and providing a website that enables a service provider to view the request for service, interactively chat about the request for service with other service providers, and respond to the request for service by creating and sending an offer of service to the customer and enabling the customer to accept the offer of service. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205101 | METHOD, APPARATUS AND ARTICLE-OF-MANUFACTURE FOR THE CREATION, ISSUANCE, TRADING, AND EXERCISE OF REFUND OPTIONS FOR ATTENDANCE RIGHTS - Computer-related methods, apparatus, and/or articles of manufacture to permit/facilitate the creation, marketing, and/or distribution of options to purchase tickets or obtain refunds to a particular future event, particularly an elimination format competition, when the chosen competitor's qualification for such a game is currently uncertain, but where the uncertainty will be resolved prior to the commencement of the particular future event. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205102 | Method and System for Manipulation of Scheduling Information in a Distributed Virtual Enterprise - A method, system, apparatus, and computer program product for processing e-commerce information are presented. A business entity may transfer e-commerce agreements through an electronic marketplace. The business entity retrieves dependency information about a commercial transaction from an e-commerce agreement. The business entity incorporates the dependency information, e.g., dates, costs, deliveries, etc., as dependency relationships within a project model that represents a project for a product or service for sale by the first business entity. User input is received for manipulating a scheduling dependency relationship within the project model while constraining the user input to ensure that another type of dependency relationship is not incompatible with modifications to the scheduling dependency relationship. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205103 | REAL-TIME CUSTOMER SERVICE ASSISTANCE USING COLLECTED CUSTOMER LIFE CYCLE DATA - A computer-implemented method is performed during an online chat session between a customer service representative (CSR) of a merchant, and the merchant's customer. Conversational text of the session is analyzed to determine a mood of the customer. Previously collected information about the customer is accessed, from a database that stores information about customers of the merchant. A tip is determined and sent to be displayed to the CSR. The tip is determined based on the mood and the accessed previously collected information. Other embodiments are also described and claimed. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205104 | METHOD FOR OPERATING A SHIPPING PROCESS WITHIN A LOGISTICS SYSTEM - There is provided an exemplary method for operating a shipping process within a logistics system. An exemplary logistics system includes a first client and a shipping station that comprises a second client. Both the first client and the second client are connected to a server. A shipment may be deposited at the shipping station. The exemplary method comprises receiving identification and/or authentication data on the shipment via the first client and forwarding the data to the server. The exemplary method also comprises processing the data and preparing a pre-configuration of the shipping process. The pre-configuration of the shipping process is forwarded to the second client. The pre-configuration of the shipping process via the second client may be supplemented when the shipment is deposited at the shipping station. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205105 | System and Method for Providing Electronic Passenger and Luggage Handling Services over a Distributed Network - An online Skycap Service provides for the use of managing luggage handling services across multiple service partners and destinations. It further provides for the tracking of luggage via an embedded RF chip. Users and Service Providers initially register with the mySkyCap Service and are provided additional functionality. For users, the system provides for families to schedule all the individual travel segments separately and have the entire itinerary transaction acted upon as a single financial transaction. It also allows for a hassle-free method for the transportation of luggage between travel destinations. For Service Providers, the ability to track luggage and associate it with travelers provides for increased security. A distinct advantage of this system is that it allows for the pickup and drop off of luggage at the convenience of the traveler and allows them to travel without worrying about their luggage. Another advantage is that it saves time from having to deal with luggage check-in and out at each destination—this is especially advantageous for large families with lots of children. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205106 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR INCREASING THE OPERATIONAL SAFETY OF A SYSTEM - A method for increasing the operational safety of a system with regard to an event impairing said operational safety, has the following steps: preparing structured assessment information concerning the event, whereby a frequency value is stored in a data structure as an item of assessment information for each damage parameter value from each quantity (S) of preset damage parameter values and for a probability from a quantity (P) of predetermined probabilities, evaluating the assessment information data of the data structure in order to calculate a risk of the event impairing the operational safety. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205107 | Financial options system and method - A method and system that allows the valuation of financial, exotic, employee, and strategic real options using a family of highly flexible and customizable lattices, where the method can be used to solve real-life situations and conditions or to value financially engineered situations. The method uses specialized algorithms to solve complex and large models very quickly, and also allow simulation to be run on the inputs. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205108 | Credit and market risk evaluation method - A method and system allowing banks and financial institutions the capability to perform advanced risk analyses that central banks and banking regulators require, such that the banks are in compliance with the Basel II Accord requirements. This system is both a standalone and server-based set of software modules and advanced analytical tools that is used to quantify and value credit and market risk, as well as forecast future outcomes of economic and financial variables, and generate optimal portfolios that mitigate risks. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205109 | Closing in an Electronic Market - A method for trading a security in an electronic market includes receiving closing orders and orders for the security traded in the electronic market, disseminating an order imbalance indicator indicative of predicted trading characteristics of the security at the close of trading, determining a closing price for the security based on the closing orders and orders, and executing at least some of the closing orders at the determined closing price. | 2010-08-12 |
20100205110 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ENABLING SMALLER INVESTORS OR OTHERS TO CREATE AND MANAGE A PORTFOLIO OF SECURITIES OR OTHER ASSETS OR LIABILITIES ON A COST EFFECTIVE BASIS - Smaller investors can create and manage on a cost-effective basis a complex portfolio of securities using a mechanism that enables the investor to provide to the system the investor's preferences regarding his portfolio, to generate a portfolio, including fractional shares, that reflects the investor's preferences. The system then permits aggregation of the orders, and netting of orders, generated by multiple investors at various times during the day for execution. In addition, the structure of the computer-based system of the present invention allows its cost to be based on access to or usage of the system (such as a monthly fee) as opposed to by securities orders entered into the system as per common brokerage. The result is that the investor can create a portfolio of directly owned securities with attributes, such as diversification, similar to a mutual fund. | 2010-08-12 |