42nd week of 2009 patent applcation highlights part 46 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20090259527 | Multi-Stage Supply Chain Management System With Dynamic Order Placement - A global supply chain management system in an environment of multiple suppliers forming supply chains for one or more buyers connected over the Internet. The system includes a global processor with logic that maps “local” supply information for each buyer and each supplier, represented in one or more property tables having master information correlated to local information for each buyer and each supplier. The system manages processes from an input of lots to an output through supplier stages where clients each use fragmented different local information. A correlation means uses base lot indicators, one for each of the lots in common for all of said stages and executes supply chain management functions for tracking lots through the supplier stages and for dynamic creation of sets of purchase orders among groups of suppliers for processing the same lot through the supply chain. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259528 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR ENSURING DATA PRIVACY IN OFFBOARD TOLL COLLECTION - A method for determining toll routes, using a filter unit and a vehicle onboard unit onboard unit in communication with one another, the filter unit having map material so that toll routes are determinable on the basis of a position data, includes transmitting, by the onboard unit, the position data to the filter unit so that the position data is checkable for toll relevance without revealing an identity of the onboard unit. The transmitted position data is checked for toll relevance. Toll collection data is transmitted to the onboard unit for charge calculation and billing. The toll routes are stored by the onboard unit. The toll routes are transmitted to a toll collection point for the charge calculation. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259529 | Method for personalized advertising on communication device - The present invention discloses new communication device advertising methods for implementing the same. One method discloses by the present invention features downloading the personalized information while making a call; the method comprises the steps of: providing a request signal from the communication device to an information system after a dialing signal is generated on the communication device; generating personalized information, which is the combination of advertising data and value added information, by the information system according to said request signal and advertising data; playing the advertising data on the communication device; after the playing is finished, sending the dialing signal by the communication device to make a call; calculating bonus relating to the call; the user can also decide whether to play the value-added information or not after the call. Another method is pre-downloading the personalized information first and plays it without downloading it while making a call. The present invention also discloses a method for avoiding the dial fraud; the dial fraud means bonus earned by the user from the call exceeds communication fee of that call. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259530 | Open targeting exchange - A method for determining an ad to display in an ad unit is disclosed. A specification of a targeting vendor ad is received from a targeting vendor. A targeting vendor ad value is determined based at least in part on the specification. The ad to display in the ad unit is determined, based on a comparison of the targeting vendor ad with other ads, wherein the comparison depends at least in part on the targeting vendor ad value and the specification. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259531 | INTERACTIVE ADVERTISEMENTS - A system and method for providing interactive advertisements and collecting data for an advertiser includes a processor, a storage unit in communication with the processor, and a memory unit in communication with the processor, wherein the memory unit contains instructions. The instructions configure the processor to upload sequential media to a central server, wherein the sequential media is an advertisement, provide at least one tag, wherein the at least one tag is a keyword related to a subject matter of the sequential media, and provide the sequential media to a game player via a web portal, wherein the web portal includes a input area for entering words from the game player related to the subject matter of the sequential media. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259532 | PEER-TO-PEER COMPENSATION IN AN INTENT-COMPENSATION SCHEME - System(s) and method(s) are provided that facilitate intrinsically targeted, dependable peer-to-peer referral and compensation within an intent-compensation scheme. The referral system synergistically exploits trust mechanisms existing among a referring agent and a referred agent in order to generate high-quality referrals based on a determination of commercial intent from the referred agent. In exchange of conveyed intent at a time of a transaction with a referred agent, system platform directly compensates both the referred agent and the referring agent. Compensation of the referred agent is ensured via tracking mechanism that can identify a referral originating device. Information associated with referral(s) is scoped through privacy profiles, and referral/compensation integrity is maintained via an antifraud component and a tracking component that can identify referring and referred agents. Compensation can be funded trough advertisement spend. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259533 | SECONDARY MARKET FOR CONSUMER REWARDS - System(s) and method(s) are provided to trade compensation credit(s) in a customer price incentive scheme funded through advertisement. A secondary market for rewards is established through advertisement spend from a set of disparate category advertisers (e.g., brand advertisers and product advertisers). Market liquidity is injected through an advertisement component that directs a portion of advertisement spend to issue tradable compensation credit(s) at a initial offering price. A trade platform facilitates commercialization of compensation credit(s) among a set of registered advertisers: A regulatory component provides governance and establishes pricing of traded compensation credit(s), while a brokerage component facilitates negotiation among traders. Disparate advertisers can be joined for trading based at least in part on advertiser intelligence. Trade compensation credits can be utilized, for example, to directly compensate a consumer; increase advertisement; establish an exclusivity advertiser club; or to engage a third-party serviced provider. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259534 | INTERNAL BUSINESS ARBITRAGE - System(s) and method(s) are provided to conduct internal arbitrage within an organization. Within a service platform, a first functional unit oriented to service implementation and a second unit dedicated at least in part to advertisement management trade advertisement trade, the first unit and the second administer advertisement within a first and a second pricing model. Internal arbitrage profits result from the advertisement transaction when the second unit commercialized advertisement with an external advertiser. A pricing conversion component facilitates mapping a first price proposition for an advertisement within the first pricing model to a second pricing proposition for the advertisement within the second pricing model. Internal arbitrage profits can be directed towards financing an intent-based consumer price incentive scheme. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259535 | COUPON CLIPPER - A coupon clipping interface and related methods and apparatus are provided. The coupon clipper's features include displaying at least one online coupon, receiving selection of at least one selected coupon selected from the at least one online coupon, providing the at least one selected coupon for subsequent redemption in response to user selection of a redemption user interface feature associated with the at least one selected coupon, storing the at least one selected coupon as at least one clipped coupon in response to user selection of a clip coupon interface component associated with the at least one selected coupon, wherein the at least one clipped coupon is available for subsequent retrieval via a clipped coupons interface, and displaying a summary representation of the at least one clipped coupon. The coupon clipper's features may also include displaying the at least one clipped coupon in response to receiving selection of an interface feature associated with the summary representation of the at least one clipped coupon, and providing the at least one clipped coupon for subsequent redemption in response to user selection of a redemption user interface feature. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259536 | Method and System for Distributed Electronic Media Advertising in the Internet - A system and a business method for a dynamic, widespread and far-reaching advertising in the internet. A system wherein advertisements, can be pasted by end users in a variety of electronic media. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259537 | ADVERTISEMENT-FUNDED SOFTWARE - Systems and methods are provided to directly compensate an agent that utilizes a software application in exchange for the agent's intent in using the application, and for displaying intent-driven advertisement to the agent. Intent is inferred through information received from the agent, when utilizing the software application, according to an agent's privacy settings. Based on agent's intent, an advertisement is displayed and an associated software-related compensation is provided to the agent. Compensation accumulation profiles can be established based at least in part on privacy settings. Compensation possesses monetary value and can be directed towards (i) increasing software functionality, (ii) providing credits for training and literature related to the utilization of the application, or (iii) servicing a device in which the application is executed. The monetary aspect of the software-related compensation originated in intent-driven advertisement effectively funds the agent's software application. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259538 | Network-based rebate system - An online rebate system is disclosed. The online rebate system allows purchasers of products to gain nearly immediate determinations of whether they are eligible for any rebates. In one embodiment, a purchaser can provide a transaction identifier for a prior purchase transaction to the online rebate system, and then the online rebate system can examine the transaction, including the products purchased, to determine in near real-time whether the purchaser is entitled to a rebate. If the purchaser is entitled to a rebate, payment for such rebate can be automatically initiated. In the event the purchaser is not entitled to a rebate, the purchaser can be so notified. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259539 | PROXIMITY-BASED BROADCAST VIRTUAL UNIVERSE SYSTEM - In various embodiments, the proximity of an avatar with respect to a designated focal point object within a virtual universe is determined, and information associated with the designated focal point object is identified. A first of a plurality of representations of the information is selected based, at least in part, on the determined proximity of the avatar with respect to the designated focal point object. The first representation of the information is then transmitted to the avatar. Proximity-based transmission of information can disseminate relevant information to avatars, and can be used by virtual universe businesses to encourage avatars to move near the designated focal point object within the virtual universe so that the avatars can be exposed to products and advertisements. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259540 | SYSTEM FOR PARTITIONING AND PRUNING OF ADVERTISEMENTS - A system is disclosed for selecting advertisements for delivery. The system may be configured to assign the advertisements to categories. The system also may be configured to deliver the advertisements according to a frequency assigned to each category. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259541 | Savings from retail purchases deposited/transferred to savings accounts - A system and methodology for providing customers the option of receiving their savings or discounts for the purchase of goods and services as a reduction in the purchase price of the goods and services or pay full price for their goods and services purchased and take their savings or discounts in a form that can be deposited or transferred to a deposit account, preferably savings but not limited to a savings type account, at their preferred financial institution. Most stores and businesses offer sales, discounts and coupons to attract customers to make purchases from them and most stores and businesses also report the savings or discounts to their customers at the time of purchase but the customers are only offered one choice—take the savings or discount off the purchase price of the goods or services. With the renewed interest in moving away from excessive use of credit and a renewed emphasis toward saving for the future, customers need options to help them save for such needs as retirement, college expenses for their children or grandchildren, health savings and purchase of high cost items. Financial institutions are the primary drivers of savings for the future. This system and methodology gives customers the power to make decisions about savings for the future as they carry on the daily activities of purchasing goods and services necessary to meet their every day needs. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259542 | System for Managing Incentive Programs via Mobile Networks - This invention relates to the description of a system for enabling the management of incentive-based transactions (like campaigns, promotions, requests for, and redemptions of incentives) on mobile networks, coupled with a network based service for sending, receiving and organizing such communications. The invention describes how a mobile device identifier (like a phone number) can be used to direct the flow of information pertaining to requests, responses, redemption and delivery of incentive-based services. The invention further describes how user behavior in incentive communications is measured, for individual and aggregate transactions in order to provide the consumer with relevance to better target future transactions. Finally the invention describes ways in which consumers are provided context-based guidance to better organize their search for incentives, and for redemption and delivery of incentive-based services. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259543 | SENSOR NETWORK OPTIMIZATION ALGORITHM - An algorithm for modeling and optimizing control of a complex and dynamic system is provided to facilitate an allocation of the resources on the network that is the most efficient. The algorithm serves to depict the complex network of available resources using market-based negotiation wherein resources are defined as available buyers and sellers in an efficient market. Selling agents are offering their available resources for sale in accordance with parameters that correspond to the actual limitations of that actual resource and the buyers are looking to make a purchase from one of the sellers that presents a resource with the greatest utility to them. In order to overcome inefficiencies that result from the potential of inefficient allocation, the present invention has further endeavored to introduce an efficiency-arbitrage agent that scans the overall body of transactions to identify and remedy inefficient market transactions. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259544 | System And Method For Providing Short Message Targeted Advertisements Over A Wireless Communications Network - A method and system for providing targeted advertisement information to consumers over a wireless communications network. In one embodiment, local advertisers register to advertise on certain wireless communications devices that are in close proximity to the advertiser. As a consumer enters a cell site that is near the location of the advertiser, the wireless network delivers a message to the wireless device that is specified by the local advertiser. An acknowledgement signal is then received by the network, and the local advertiser's account is charged for transmission of the advertisement. In a further embodiment, each of the messages stored in the database is also associated with one or more demographic codes, and users of wireless communications device select from one more demographic codes to describer their advertisement preferences. Messages to be transmitted to particular wireless communications devices are selected based upon both the location information and the demographics codes that are associated with the messages. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259545 | UNIVERSAL SERVICE CODE FOR RESERVATIONS - Reservation of services using, for example, a computer network based universal reservation system (CNBURS) is facilitated by the use of universal service codes (USCs). In one embodiment, a CNBURS enabled reservation scheduling process ( | 2009-10-15 |
20090259546 | Method of Incentive Distribution For Cross Client Referral - The present invention relates generally to methods of generating business by providing incentives for clients to obtain goods and/or services from goods and service providers, wherein said providers refer clients to other providers and as said providers have incentives provided within the method to make said referrals. The method involves one central manager serving as a communications conduit among goods and service providers pooling their services into one joint goods and services cross-client referral cooperative group. The method provides an incentive system among group members for referring clients to other group members. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259547 | AFFILIATE AND CROSS PROMOTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A system for managing referrals between a consumer, merchant, and at least one affiliate; a referral identifier generator for an affiliate to give at least one consumer a referral identifier and representing a promotional offer for at least one consumer; an affiliate tracking system for accepting and tracking the referral identifier, wherein at least one consumer is awarded at least one promotion according to the referral identifier, the affiliate is awarded at least one affiliate reward according to the at least one consumers purchase history with at least one store and the merchant is awarded at least one merchant reward according to the at least one consumers purchase history with at least one store. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259548 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FLEXIBLE ELECTION OF PAYMENT TERMS - A method is disclosed for offering transaction account consumers with payment term options to pay a minimum amount due early, defer payment into the following payment cycle, and pay a standard amount when due. When generating a periodic billing statement, the invention determines a consumer's eligibility to elect early payment, deferred payment, and regular payment. When a consumer is eligible for early payment, a received payment is compared to a discount rate tier, then a discount amount is calculated and credited to the consumer's account. When the consumer is eligible for deferred payment, the system calculates a new current minimum payment due by multiplying the current non-deferred balance by a predetermined percentage amount and adding the result to the deferred balance. When the consumer is not eligible for deferred payment, the system calculates a new current minimum due by summing the current non-deferred balance with the deferred balance. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259549 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR OPTIMIZING FLOW - The present invention is a method of optimizing the flow of entities. The method includes the steps of:
| 2009-10-15 |
20090259550 | System and Method for Management of Advertisement Campaign - Disclosed herein are systems and methods for keeping records and managing allocation in advertising campaigns according to rational quantitative models. In one facet, various quantitative methods are presented to efficiently manage experimentation and reallocation of advertising resources among many opportunities, seeking the best available return on investment. In an additional facet, a number of automated tools are described that keep statistics and manipulate bids and active sets in large advertising campaigns. For instance, in one illustrative embodiment, a system is presented for calculating an estimate of the relationship between position and bid for ad sites on an ad service which defines position. In another exemplary embodiment, an ad-campaign management system is presented which includes a cost-side reporter, a revenue-side reporter, a Bayesian value generator, and a bid generator. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259551 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INSERTING ADVERTISEMENTS FROM MULTIPLE AD SERVERS VIA A MASTER COMPONENT - A system and method for rendering content may include an ad insertion system and/or content provider that, responsive to a request for media content from a terminal, provides to the terminal the media content, a program module, and ad insertion instructions, the ad insertion instructions including at least one link to a respective ad content providing entity. The terminal may render the media content via a media content player running on the terminal. For each of a plurality of ad insertion points during the rendering of the media content, the terminal may execute the program module to access a link of the at least one link, and, responsive to receipt of response data that is returned in response to the link access, load a content fetching program referenced by the response data, the loaded content fetching program subsequently obtaining ad content for rendering at the terminal. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259552 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING ADVERTISEMENTS FROM MULTIPLE AD SERVERS USING A FAILOVER MECHANISM - A system and method for providing ad content may include a processor configured to, for rendering ad content during a rendering of a user-requested content: receive from a first provider a first link to a second provider; access the second provider via the first link; in response, obtain a program component from the second provider, the program component, when loaded, configured to access the second provider to obtain a portion of the ad content; and subsequently receive a second link from the first provider, and/or use a second link provided by the first provided, for obtaining additional ad content. The processor may receive a failover link together with the first link for use in case of a failure which may occur during an attempt to obtain ad content from the second provider. The failover link may link back to the first provider. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259553 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENHANCED CUSTOMER KIOSK ORDERING - The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for presenting restaurant items for ordering through a customer kiosk, comprising the steps of displaying a first and second restaurant menu category selector within an ordering interface screen, receiving a selection signal representing that one of the first or second restaurant menu category selectors has been selected and displaying the restaurant menu that corresponds to the selection signal. The first restaurant menu category selector is representative of a first restaurant menu and the second restaurant menu category selector is representative of a second restaurant menu. Additionally, the first restaurant menu comprises a first set of restaurant item selectors and the second restaurant menu comprises a second set of restaurant item selectors. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259554 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENHANCED CUSTOMER KIOSK ORDERING - The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for presenting restaurant items for ordering through a customer ordering kiosk, comprising the steps of displaying a first restaurant item category selector within a first ordering interface screen, wherein the first restaurant item category comprises a first background indicia pattern, displaying a second restaurant item category selector within the first ordering interface screen, wherein the second restaurant item category selector comprises a second background indicia pattern that is visually different from the first indicia pattern and displaying a third restaurant item category selector within the first ordering interface screen, wherein the third restaurant item category selector comprises a third background indicia pattern. When a selection signal is received representing that one of the item category selectors has been selected, the kiosk displays a first restaurant item selector comprising a restaurant item background pattern that matches the corresponding category selector. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259555 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENHANCED CUSTOMER KIOSK ORDERING - The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for efficiently facilitating the selection and purchase of a restaurant item using a customer ordering kiosk comprising displaying a set of restaurant items available for purchase on a first ordering interface screen, receiving a triggering signal, displaying an overlay interface screen and preventing the first ordering interface screen from receiving any input from a customer while the overlay interface screen is displayed. The triggering signal can represent that a restaurant item has been selected, customization of a restaurant item has been completed, the customer has finished selecting restaurant items or a predetermined amount of time has passed without any input signals being received by the kiosk. Additionally, the overlay interface screen can facilitate meal creation, restaurant item customization, payment and kiosk system timeout. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259556 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENHANCED CUSTOMER KIOSK ORDERING - The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for presenting restaurant items for ordering through a customer ordering kiosk, comprising the steps of displaying a list of restaurant item selectors within an ordering interface screen, receiving a selection signal indicating that one of the restaurant items has been selected. displaying one or more of the selected restaurant items within an order cart interface screen, wherein each of the selected restaurant items includes a selector box representing dietary options for the selected restaurant items. A dietary option is a predetermined set of ingredients associated and in accordance with a known set of preferences or nutritional restrictions. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259557 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENHANCED CUSTOMER KIOSK ORDERING - The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for presenting restaurant items for ordering through a customer ordering kiosk, comprising the steps of displaying an electronic receipt within an ordering interface screen, displaying one or more restaurant items on the electronic receipt corresponding to restaurant items that were selected by the customer for purchase, displaying a restaurant item symbol corresponding to one or more of the restaurant items displayed on the electronic receipt, displaying an edit button for each of the restaurant items and displaying a total cost line item for aggregating the total cost for all of the selected restaurant items. The restaurant item symbol is displayed in close proximity to its respective restaurant item, and customers may modify existing orders by selecting the edit button and causing an edit signal to be generated. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259558 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENHANCED CUSTOMER KIOSK ORDERING - The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for presenting restaurant items for ordering through a customer ordering kiosk, comprising the steps of displaying a first restaurant item image within a first area of a first ordering interface screen, displaying a second restaurant item image within a second area of the first ordering interface screen and displaying a first restaurant item selector for selecting the first restaurant item, wherein at least a portion of the first restaurant item selector is positioned within the first area of the first ordering interface screen. The first and second restaurant item images represent first and second restaurant items that can be ordered respectively using the customer ordering kiosk. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259559 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENHANCED CUSTOMER KIOSK ORDERING - The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for presenting restaurant items for multi-item restaurant item selection through a customer ordering kiosk, comprising the steps of receiving a signal representing that a multi-item restaurant item selection has been made, displaying a first indicator representing that a first restaurant item of a predetermined plurality of restaurant items has been selected and displaying a second indicator representing that a second restaurant item of the predetermined plurality of restaurant items still needs to be selected. The multi-item restaurant item selection represents selection of the predetermined plurality of restaurant items comprising the first restaurant item and the second restaurant item. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259560 | Identity Theft and Fraud Protection System and Method - A system and method for preventing personal identity theft when making online and offline purchases requires a Purchaser to first subscribe and become a Member user by registering, providing relevant personal identity information, and establishing two-way multi-factor authentication information for security purposes. The subscribing Member provides relevant information to any one or more financial sources (e.g. credit card accounts, bank accounts) that will be used to fund subsequent purchase transactions. Once registered, the Member is assigned a user name and a password. The subscribing Member's personal identity information is then encrypted and stored at one or more highly secure locations. The ID protection system obtains a controlled use card (CUC) through a CUC issuer on behalf of the Member for use in making each purchase transaction. The CUC is anonymous with respect to user (Member) identity and may be a purchase-specific single-use card or a multi-purpose card with no traceable connection to any other financial account. The CUC is funded by the Member's one or more financial sources, as selected by the Member. When the Member makes a secure purchase, the Merchant is presented with anonymous information (i.e. not revealing the Member's real name, email address, billing information, etc.), except in instances where the Member's real identity information is required (e.g. airline tickets). The Merchant obtains credit approval and sends the shipping information to a shipper which independently obtains the correct shipping name and address from the ID protection system prior to shipping the purchased product(s) to the ultimate destination selected by the purchasing Member. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259561 | Method and System for Correlation of Product Quantities to Multiple Ship-to Addresses for a Single Online Order - A system for facilitating data entry and submission of an Internet-based ecommerce transaction includes a computing node having Internet access to an ecommerce server; and a secure memory drive removably coupled to the computing node for storing payment information, address information, and an interactive interface for recording data into forms and cross filling data between two or more forms. The system is characterized in that the memory drive is activated by an authentication procedure during an online transaction such that after authentication, information stored on the drive can be used to complete, to record for receipt, and to submit an ecommerce order form using the interactive interface, the form submission including a supplementary electronic form detailing accounting of quantities of items ordered to be shipped to different shipping destinations. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259562 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING GIFT BY USING COMMUNICATION NETWORK AND SYSTEM INCLUDING THE APPARATUS - Disclosed herein is a method and apparatus for providing a gift using a communication network and a system including the apparatus. The present invention includes a) providing information about products to a user terminal connected with a gift provision apparatus through the communication network; b) selecting at least one of the products by the user terminal and inputting information of a receipt terminal for receiving the product; c) the user terminal transmitting a message requesting gift provision or a message requesting gift reception for the product to the gift provision apparatus; and d) the gift provision apparatus providing a gift icon corresponding to the product to the receipt terminal when receiving the message requesting gift provision. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259563 | CUSTOMIZABLE METADATA AND CONTEXTUAL SYNDICATION OF DIGITAL PROGRAM MATERIAL - A system and method for providing video and/or audio on-on demand service to owners of video and/or audio program rights for offering digital versions of those programs to web site visitors. The method or system is an Application Service Provider (ASP) model, whereby the services are provided to the video and/or audio owners over the World Wide Web and where no specifics software need reside with the video and/or audio owners. Video and/or audio programs from the owners, once converted to an appropriate digital form, are streamed over the Internet or other IP networks for viewing in real-time direct from a remote device having video and/or audio servers that store the digital programs by viewers who have purchased the right to view them. Customizable metadata is utilized to thematically and contextually identify the digital file. This metadata is searchable by a person seeking digital files for download. E-commerce transaction processing is provided on behalf of the video and/or audio owner, and revenue is appropriately conveyed to the owner and/or the web site. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259564 | METHOD, SYSTEM, AND STORAGE DEVICE FOR AN ONLINE CONTENT MARKETPLACE AND EXCHANGE - A method, system, and storage device for an online content marketplace and exchange which enables independent content creators to protect their content while permitting interested buyers to financially compete over the rights to the content, thus achieving true market value for the creator based upon the market's willingness to pay for the content. The method is capable of receiving content (e.g. video, audio, image, etc.), transcoding the content, applying encryption and watermarks, configuring an auction, conducting the auction, finalizing the auction, and releasing the original content to the winning bidder. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259565 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING MOVING AND TRANSPORT SERVICE LEADS - Moving and transportation leads are provided by receiving customer data from a customer interface coupled to a communications network, the data comprising information related to a request for moving services; matching the customer data with moving and transport service capabilities stored in a user profile; providing notification to a user account associated with a moving an transport company having the associated matching data of a customer lead. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259566 | System, Method, and Apparatus For Organizing and Implementing A Real-Life, Physical Activity - A process for distributing information and processing results for an airgun shooting sport with geographically diverse participants may include receiving registration data from a user, distributing course-of-fire data, and receiving a metric from the user. The course-of-fire data may define at least one parameter of a shooting sport match. The user may record an overall elapsed time associated with shooting targets specified in the course-of-fire data and send this score to a server. The server may rank order the scoring data, providing a benchmark for competition among the geographically diverse users. Furthermore, the server may distribute a rule-set to the user. The rule set may define the real-life, physical activity and the rule-set may require a standard item for participation. For example, the standard item may include the disclosed foam airgun target. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259567 | System and Apparatus for Creating Customized Artwork at Point-of-Purchase - A method and apparatus creating customized artwork for a customer at a point of purchase which includes a display and user interface adapted for a point-of-purchase capable of creating layered images, and allowing a user to update the layered images and specify options for creating customized artwork printed on a specified canvas format. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259568 | APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ELECTRONIC REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS - The disclosure details the implementation of an apparatuses, methods, and systems for Electronic Real Estate Transactions. In one embodiment, the disclosure details a method for providing commercial transaction services of virtual real estate using a digital map. The system creates a digital map including general Points of Interest information. The system may then insert information on non-transaction regions including specific topographical features and public facilities. The system allows users to enter into a transaction and/or otherwise administer the virtual real estate by using the digital map on their computer terminal. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259569 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR INVENTORY MANAGEMENT - A method and system for inventory management includes a communication device at each of a plurality of point of sale locations communicatively coupled to a distribution center. Each communication device stores initial inventory information; periodically determines whether an item has been sold, and when an item has been sold, stores the sold item information; stores accumulated inventory information comprising the initial inventory information and the sold item information; and transmits the accumulated inventory information. The distribution center receives the accumulated inventory information; evaluates a current inventory at each of the point of sale locations using the received accumulated inventory information; identifies a demand information comprising an adequate supply of items to ship to each of the point of sale locations using the associated evaluated current inventory; and programs suppliers to meet the point of sale locations' needs using the demand information. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259570 | METHOD OF INVENTORYING AN ELECTRICALLY POWERED BEVERAGE BREWER - A method of inventorying electrically powered beverage brewers ( | 2009-10-15 |
20090259571 | INVENTORY MODULE FOR A VIDEO MONITORING SYSTEM, METHOD FOR TAKING INVENTORY OF A MONITORING REGION, AND A COMPUTER PROGRAM - An inventory module for a video monitoring system including at least one monitoring camera which is directed or directable to a monitoring region, in particular a storage and/or sales area which contains products, including a detection device which is designed to detect products, and when detection takes place, position information and information regarding the identification of detected product are ascertained, includes an assignment device which is designed to model—based on the position information and the identification information of a plurality of detected products—a spacial distribution of the products in the monitoring region. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259572 | Collaborative alert distribution and management system - A method for managing remediation of alerted products implemented using a computer having a processor and a display device is provided. The method comprises identifying an alert related to a product. The method also comprises facilitating handling of the alert by a user of the product. The method further comprises receiving data related to alert handling from the product user. The method further comprises analyzing the data related to alert handling with other data related to the alert. The method further comprises displaying the analyzed data on the display device. The method further comprises, based on the analyzed data, monitoring remediation efforts related to the alert. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259573 | METHOD FOR LOCATION-BASED ASSET MANAGEMENT - A method provides for real-time asset location tracking. An asset in a wide area network, be it a utilities network or a communication network, registers itself with a network management center. The registration process includes identification of a physical location of the asset usable for mapping and tracking the asset. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259574 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING WHETHER THE ORIGIN OF A PAYMENT REQUEST IS A SPECIFIC E-COMMERCE NETWORK SOURCE - A determination is made whether a purchase has been performed on a website for which a merchant and an acquirer have entered an agreement. At least one web-page associated with the website is equipped with at least one web-bug, which enables collection of information related to one or more customers visiting the website. If the web-page equipped with the web-bug is visited by a customer, a number of pieces of information from the web-bug relating to the customer are stored in a database. The number of pieces of information include a unique customer identifier and an identification of the web-page equipped with the web-bug visited by the customer. If a payment to an account associated with the website that includes the unique customer identifier is received from the merchant by the acquirer, then the stored number of pieces of information are retrieved from the database using the unique customer identifier as a key. Based on the retrieved number of pieces of information, a determination is made whether the payment to the account was performed on the website. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259575 | ACKNOWLEDGMENT DELIVERY SYSTEM - An acknowledgement delivery system is provided that is associated with at least one transaction between a transaction initiating party and a transaction fulfilling party. The transaction is given effect by the transaction fulfilling party. The transaction is initiated by a transaction instigation event and completed by a transaction fulfilment event. Each transaction is defined by a unique transaction identifier. The system transmits events associated with the transaction fulfilment event to the transaction initiating party by way of preset data sequences defined with reference to the unique transaction identifier. The preset data sequence is transmitted to a translate and relay mechanism when initiated. The preset data sequence is mapped to a corresponding first mapped data sequence by the translate and relay mechanism and then transmitted to said transaction initiating party. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259576 | TRANSACTION PROCESSING WITH CORE AND DISTRIBUTOR PROCESSOR IMPLEMENTATIONS - Transaction processing for distributor-based transactions is facilitated. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a transaction management approach involves the processing of aspects of a transaction between contracting parties using transaction rules associated with an administrator and at least one distributor sponsoring the transaction. In some applications, the administrator finances the transaction. Fees are assessed as a function of the transaction processing on behalf of the administrator and, in come instances, the distributor. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259577 | Providing Billing Instructions Associated With a New Protocol in a Network Environment - In one embodiment, a method includes receiving one or more billing instructions, the billing instructions being operable to initiate one or more billing actions associated with one or more token combinations. The billing actions are performed when the one or more token combinations match a portion of a received protocol. The matched portion of the protocol is associated with a new, unknown, or emerging protocol or protocol extension. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259578 | Customer exclusive data - A payment device, method, and apparatus configured to store customer exclusive data on to a payment card or payment device. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259579 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRANSFERRING MONETARY VALUE BETWEEN CURRENCY DOCUMENTS - A system and a method for transferring monetary value between first and second currency documents are provided. The method includes reading a first RFID tag on the first currency document to obtain a first monetary value stored in the first RFID tag, utilizing a first RFID scanning device. The method further includes selecting a transfer value that is less than or equal to the first monetary value, utilizing a first computer. The first computer operably communicates with the first RFID scanning device. The method further includes sending the transfer value from the first computer to a second computer. The method further includes reading a second RFID tag on the second currency document to obtain a second monetary value stored in the second RFID tag, utilizing a second RFID scanning device. The second RFID scanning device operably communicates with the second computer. The method further includes determining a third monetary value for the second currency document, by adding the transfer value to the second monetary value. The method further includes writing the third monetary value to the second RFID tag on the second currency document, utilizing the second RFID scanning device. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259580 | FINANCIAL MODELING SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Systems and methods for providing financial modeling are provided. A financial modeling method according to the present invention can comprise receiving comprehensive financial data relating to an entity. The financial data can be categorized into a plurality of financial components, which can comprise a protection component, and savings component, and a growth component. An additional step can comprise analyzing the financial data, along with a set of assumptions, to create a financial model based on the plurality of financial components. The method can display a graphical representation of the financial model, and the graphical representation can illustrate an application of one or more of the financial components to the financial data. An update to the financial data or the assumptions can be received and dynamically incorporated into the graphical representation. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259581 | Financial activity relating to natural peril events - A computer implemented method and system for automatically setting prices of financial products in a financial activity having a plurality of possible outcomes, includes receiving a first request from a participant terminal to purchase a financial product for one of the possible outcomes, i; and electronically computing a price for the requested financial product, in response to the first request, based at least in part on a first formula. In one example, the financial products include contracts in a one-sided market of buyer participants where the outcomes are mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive | 2009-10-15 |
20090259582 | System and Method for Trading - The present invention provides a system and method for trading mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”). A system for trading includes a plurality of workstations interconnected by a server. The workstations receive data representing inventories of their MBS pools, which in turn are delivered to the server. The server, in turn, is operable to perform a transaction based on an analysis of the inventory. One type of transaction includes a consolidation of like MBS pools found in different inventories in order to reduce the size of the inventories. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259583 | Method And Apparatus For Making Markets For An electronically Traded Financial Instrument - A method and apparatus enables quick and efficient adjustment of parameters of a strategy for making markets in a financial instrument traded on an electronic exchange. Implemented in software, the market making adjustment apparatus and method employs a user GUI (Graphical User Interface) with areas of the GUI configured for adjusting market making parameters such as Book Depth, Aggression and Bias. The user is able to map the adjustment areas of the GUI to specific levels of parameter adjustment. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259584 | BLOCK TRADING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING PRICE IMPROVEMENT TO AGGRESSIVE ORDERS - A first market participant submits an order comprising an indication of a level of visibility which the first market participant wishes to accord to notifications associated with the order. The indication of the level of visibility is independent of identities of second market participants. The notifications associated with the order are displayed on the computer systems of the second market participants only in accordance with the indication of the level of visibility. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259585 | EVENT-DRIVEN CREDIT OFFERS - A system may include detection of an event indicating a potential future credit need, identification of a person based on data associated with the event, determination of a credit product based on the detected event, and determination of whether the person qualifies for the credit product based on a creditworthiness of the person. In some aspects, the determination of whether the person qualifies for the credit product includes determination of a creditworthiness requirement associated with the credit product, and determination of whether the creditworthiness of the person satisfies the creditworthiness requirement. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259586 | METHOD AND COMPUTER NETWORK FOR CO-ORDINATING FINANCIAL SERVICES/PRODUCTS - The invention relates to a method and a computer for coordinating an electronic qualification form between a consumer and a plurality of financial service providers and wholesale investors. After receiving qualification form data, a special processing computer applies a filter to the data. The filter comprises selection criteria provided by financial service providers and wholesale investors which allows these organizations to filter out qualification forms that they do not want. After the data is filtered, the qualification form can be transmitted to those organizations who match the data in the qualification form based on the filtration. According to one exemplary aspect, a financial coordinator who runs a computer matching engine can be a single point of contact for a consumer with respect to several wholesale investors of the financial coordinator who may offer the consumer financial products or services. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259587 | Commissions Futures Trading - Implementing a method for trading commissions includes purchasing an expected commission payment from a real-estate agent or real-estate brokerage firm in exchange for a payment of funds to the real-estate agent or the real-estate brokerage firm. The expected commission payment is associated with a real-estate transaction. Funds are transferred in exchange for the expected commission payment. The right to the funds is not conditioned on completion of the real-estate transaction. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259588 | SECURITY SYSTEMS FOR PROTECTING AN ASSET - Security systems for protecting assets are described, including password-based security systems that can provide different levels of access responsive to entry of a primary or secondary password. In some versions, user-configurable security rules can provide customized responses to entry of primary or secondary passwords, including feigned or limited access, security alerts, etc. Passwords comprising overt and covert components can be used to provide enhanced security and improved user control over system response. Improved security systems involving transactions between multiple parties are also considered, with options for user-customized security rules including primary and secondary passwords, and reverse challenge and response methods. Systems for Limited Use Credentials are also disclosed to reduce the risk of identity theft. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259589 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MANAGING A FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT - A method and system for facilitating a redemption of a benefit provided by an organization for the purchase of non-prescription items from a retail store including associating a plurality of non-prescription items with a list; linking a plurality of members with the list, receiving a request for an account balance check of a member for one or more non-prescription items on the list that were presented for purchase by the member; determining if an account balance for the member has sufficient funds to cover the non-prescription items on the list that were presented for purchase by the member; and transmitting to the retail store an approval for the purchase by the member of the one or more non-prescription items on the list if the retrieved account balance for the member had sufficient funds to cover the non-prescription items on the list that were presented for purchase. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259590 | Vending System - A vending system server for a vending system for selling products or services, from at least one vending machine connected to a network, to purchasers having mobile communicators configured to communicate with the network by wireless data packet network connection, comprises an operator server, connected to the network by an operator network connection, wherein the operator server is configured to (1) receive via the operator network connection a communication from a mobile communicator of identifying data of a vending machine at which the mobile communicator is located, without receiving personal identification information from the mobile communicator, (2) transmit, via the operator network connection to the mobile communicator, vending machine identification information, (3) receive, via the operator network connection, authorization information from an external authorization center, and (4) authorize the vending machine to supply a good or service in response to the authorization information. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259591 | Information Rights Management - Information rights management (IRM) systems are used to protect the use of information within a data item. An IRM system is provided which will allow access to a data item following at least two interactions with one or more licensing entities. In some examples, the license entities may each issue a license containing part of the information required to access the data item. Each license part may correspond to part of a use policy. For example, a first licensing entity may issue a license to access a document based on one requirement and a second licensing entity may issue a license based on a different requirement. In other examples, a licensing entity may require a second licensing entity to perform a validation before it issues a use license. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259592 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMPLEMENTING A VIRTUAL AUTOMATED TELLER MACHINE - Method and system for implementing a virtual automated teller machine (“VATM”) system are described. In one embodiment, the system includes a VATM host connectable to each of a plurality of registered disbursement entities (“DEs”) via a secure connection, such as an SSL connection. The system further includes an accessing computer connectable to the VATM host via a secure connection, such as an SSL connection, the accessing computer comprising a card reader for reading user information from an ATM card and having installed thereon VATM client software executable by the accessing computer to interact with the VATM host to validate user information read from the ATM card and an associated PIN entered by a user and, responsive to the validation, present the user with a list of DEs comprising at least one of the registered DEs, prompt the user to select one DE from the list of DEs from which funds are to be disbursed to the user, and specify an amount of funds to be disbursed. The VATM host sends a disbursement order to the selected DE indicating the specified amount of funds to be disbursed. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259593 | ELECTRONIC COMMERCE METHOD, ELECTRONIC COMMERCE SYSTEM, CERTIFICATE TERMINAL, AND PRINCIPAL CERTIFICATION METHOD BY AGENT - In order to prevent without fail the abuse of certificate information which are exchanged on a network, an orderer inputs the certificate information to a certificate terminal when placing an order for a commodity, the certificate terminal encrypts the certificate information to send it to an order receiver and holds the certificate information and a decryption key. A deliveryman, at the time of commodity delivery, inputs the encrypted certificate information to the certificate terminal, and the orderer inputs data of terminal certification to the certificate terminal. The certificate terminal, when it certifies by the data that the orderer is the valid owner of the certificate terminal, decrypts the encrypted certificate information input by the deliveryman, by the decryption key in the certificate terminal, verifies decrypted certificate information with the certificate information in the certificate terminal, and the deliveryman hands over the commodity to the orderer when the certificate information match. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259594 | Collaborative Funding System and Methods - This invention is a collaborative funding system which allows many people to work together to fund a project or to purchase a product or service. A computer system offers services to users, typically over the internet. Users may enter a new product into the system, contribute to a fund for buying a particular product or quote a product to sell it to other buyers. Once a product is quoted, the system chooses the best quote and offers the product for sale to the users. Buyers' funds are held in trust until the product is furnished. The system also provides a mechanism for the seller to build the product in stages and be paid for each stage. The system allows a negotiation between buyers and seller to determine whether the product or stage is complete. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259595 | Systems and Methods for Operating a Computerized Trade Finance Network - This invention concerns forfeiting transactions. In particular it concerns methods of operating a computerized forfeiting exchange to develop forfeiting transactions. In another aspect it concerns a computerized forfeiting exchange. The exchange allows the parties to screen counter party types and asset types, to make the transactions more efficient. It also able to provide assistance in ensuring appropriate documentation is used and is properly completed. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259596 | Automated Risk Monitoring Method and System - The invention relates to an automated risk monitoring method and a corresponding risk monitoring system for automated risk monitoring, in the case of which control data for different companies are transferred to a monitoring unit and evaluated, a company specific asset distribution and a corresponding threshold value being determined, said threshold value corresponding to the expected value of the asset parameter for the occurrence of the insolvency of a company, recovery rate factors being determined by means of a standardization module of the monitoring unit, and wherein, using a MonteCarlo module of the monitoring unit ( | 2009-10-15 |
20090259597 | Method and apparatus for portfolio trading using margin - An automated portfolio manager system enables an investor or portfolio manager to quickly adjust the underlying risk of the entire portfolio without modifying the underlying investments in the portfolio. A user interface enables the user to adjust the risk (e.g., beta) of a portfolio of investments without adding or deleting investments from the portfolio by purchasing more or less of the entire portfolio on margin, thereby increasing or decreasing the riskiness of the portfolio. A predetermined portfolio of investments is provided to all investors. Each investor's desired risk/reward characteristic for his or her portfolio is accommodated by determining an appropriate amount of the predetermined portfolio to purchase on margin or an appropriate amount of the user's funds to place in cash reserves (or other less risky investment) to modify an actual risk/reward characteristic of the portfolio so that it matches the investor's desired risk/reward characteristic without changing the underlying investments. Moreover, this modification can be accomplished by interacting with the user in a simple manner, e.g., via a graphical user interface, that helps the user select a particular risk/reward characteristic, which is then used to calculate the above required values. Furthermore, the complexities of purchasing on margin and determining the appropriate cash reserves are hidden from the user, thereby enabling the user to focus on the portfolio characteristics rather than the trading exigencies. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259598 | GRAPHICAL DISPLAY OF MARKET DEPTH IN AN ORDER BOOK - Consolidated order book and market depth information from multiple fragmented markets is presented on a display. The display provides a graphical representation of market depth and price points, balance, liquidity and volume-weighted average price for tradeable objects. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259599 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ANALYZING INDIVIDUAL AND COMPARATIVE RETURNS ON ASSETS - A computer implementable graphical method and apparatus for presenting historical returns of one or more assets, liabilities, and/or indices is disclosed. A computer can plot an historical returns (in percentages) versus historical time for one or more user selectable assets, liabilities, or indices. Each historical return can be obtained by subtracting an historical price from a current price, and dividing the result by the historical price to obtain a ratio, which is multiplied by 100 percent. Alternatively, the historical return can be obtained by applying the described technique to a moving average historical price. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259600 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATED TRADING OF EQUITY SECURITIES USING A REAL TIME DATA ANALYSIS - A system and method for buying and selling securities based on volatility and liquidity rather than other fundamentals is demonstrated. The method involves: providing at least one decision model to buy and sell a security; inputting real-time data into the decision model; and automatically generating an order and executing transactions to buy and sell the security based in response to the decision model. The method continues in buying and selling the security based in response to decision model until the method is stopped. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259601 | Method of designing and building to a targeted cost for high tech facilities - The present invention discloses a methodology and device for predicting the cost of construction of a facility for use especially in conception stages of a project. The method proceeds by identifying a process application to be housed within the facility, identifying specified process equipment, minimum size of the facility, the support utility infrastructure required for all systems which will provide for the needs of the identified process application, and determining associated costs. A variety of other factors may also be examined in determining cost, and by identifying a project budget, the cost or budget itself may be adjusted. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259602 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SELECTING POSTAL INDICIA SIZE - According to some embodiments, a method of operating a postal indicia printing apparatus comprises storing, in the apparatus, a first indicia image format comprising a first dimension, storing, in the apparatus, a second indicia image format comprising a second dimension that differs from the first dimension, prompting a user of the apparatus to select one of the first and second indicia image formats, receiving a signal indicative of a selection of one of the first and second indicia image formats, and printing, on a mail piece, an indicia image in accordance with the selected indicia image format. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259603 | MOBILE INTELLIGENT METERING AND CHARGING SYSTEM FOR CHARGING UNIQUELY IDENTIFIABLE CHARGEABLE VEHICLE DESTINATIONS AND METHOD FOR EMPLOYING SAME - The instant invention relates to a mobile intelligent metering and charging system for charging uniquely identifiable chargable vehicle destinations (V) and method for employing the same. The system includes at least a power distribution system limb and a power consumption control and recordation limb. A vehicle system meter and at least one programmable command and control system identify unique vehicles, batteries, user accounts or other predetermined locations for charging and accounting purposes. Both the at least one programmable command and control system and the vehicle system meter are in communication with both the power distribution system limb and the power consumption control and recordation limb, and the at least one programmable command and control system controls the transmission of power through the vehicle system meter according to a predetermined and programmable algorithm, resulting in charging of the uniquely identifiable chargable vehicle destination. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259604 | METHODS, COMPUTER DEVICES, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCTS FOR REGRESSION FROM INTERVAL TARGET VALUES - Methods, computing devices, and computer program products for regression from interval target values are provided. Training data having an interval output are read. An initial model is estimated. Representative values for the interval output are assigned using the initial model. A regression model is estimated using the representative values for the interval output. A determination is made whether the regression model converges. The step of assigning representative values for the interval output is iterated and the step of estimating the regression model using the representative values for the interval output iterated, in response to the regression model not converging. In response to the regression model converging, the regression model is output. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259605 | HIGH RESOLUTION MONITORING OF CD VARIATIONS - An optical metrology method is disclosed for evaluating the uniformity of characteristics within a semiconductor region having repeating features such a memory die. The method includes obtaining measurements with a probe laser beam having a spot size on the order of micron. These measurements are compared to calibration information obtained from calibration measurements. The calibration information is derived by measuring calibration samples with the probe laser beam and at least one other technology having added information content. In the preferred embodiment, the other technology includes at least one of spectroscopic reflectometry or spectroscopic ellipsometry. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259606 | DIVERSIFIED, SELF-ORGANIZING MAP SYSTEM AND METHOD - A diversified, self-organizing map (SOM) system and method creates a number of special-purpose SOMs by filtering and training from a SOM Database which contains user preference data entries that include a wide range of fields or attributes of user preferences. Each special-purpose SOM is trained with a filtered subset of user preference data for fields and attributes related to its special purpose. Two or more special-purpose SOMs are harnessed inter-cooperatively together to provide recommendations of preferred items in response to queries. Multiple SOMs can be maintained at different websites and harnessed together through a global SOM interface. The system can function more efficiently than a single large SOM using a monolithic database with single-type data entries of large dimensionality. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259607 | SYSTEM, METHOD, AND PROGRAM FOR EVALUATING PERFORMANCE OF INTERMOLECULAR INTERACTION PREDICTING APPARATUS - The present invention provides a system, method, and program for evaluating the performance of an intermolecular interaction predicting apparatus. A performance evaluation system evaluates the performance of an intermolecular interaction predicting apparatus using a correlation between structure factors and physicochemical parameters of classification model construction compounds with high and low scores calculated by the intermolecular interaction predicting apparatus. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259608 | Methods and apparatuses for classifying electronic documents - Embodiments of the invention provide methods and apparatuses for classifying electronic documents (e.g., electronic communications) as either spam electronic documents or legitimate electronic documents. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, each of a plurality of electronic communications is reduced to a corresponding multidimensional vector based on a multi-dimensional vector space. The multi-dimensional vectors represent corresponding electronic documents that have been classified as at least one type of electronic documents. Subsequent electronic documents to be classified are reduced to a corresponding multi-dimensional vector inserted into the multi-dimensional vector space. The electronic documents corresponding to an inserted multi-dimensional vector are classified based upon the proximity of the inserted multi-dimensional vector to at least one previously classified multi-dimensional vectors of the multi-dimensional vector space. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259609 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING A LINEAR SIGNAL FROM A MAGNETORESISTIVE POSITION SENSOR - A method and system for providing a linear signal from a non-contact magnetoresistive position sensors utilizing a multilayer perception neural network. The neural network multiplies a number of non-linear inputs from the magnetoresistive position sensor by a number of first layer interconnection weights, which are summed by a number of first layer summing nodes and processed by a number of nonlinear activation function. The processed data can then be multiplied by a number of second layer interconnection weights and summed by an output layer-summing node. The output from the output layer-summing node can further be processed by an output activation function in order to produce a linear output signal. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259610 | VERIFICATION SUPPORT APPARATUS, VERIFICATION SUPPORT METHOD, AND COMPUTER PRODUCT - A verification support apparatus includes an identifying unit that, by using a pre-change specification and a post-change specification given before and after a specification change in a subject to be verified, identifies an area that has changed from among a plurality of specification items included in the post-change specification and a selecting unit that selects a specification item from among the areas identified by the identifying unit. The verification support apparatus further includes a searching unit that, by referring a transition graph concerning the specification items included in the post-change specification and by tracing specification items as origins of transitions from a starting point that is the specification item selected by the selecting unit, searches for a route made up of specification items affected by the specification change; and an output unit that outputs a search result of the searching unit. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259611 | Rule-Based Content Request Handling - An embodiment of a method includes receiving a content request including a first set of attribute values, using at least one of the attribute values from the first set of attribute values to determine a second set of attribute values, traversing a hierarchy of decision nodes, wherein each decision node implements business logic based on one of the attribute values from the first set of attribute values or the second set of attribute values, and generating a decision from a last node in the hierarchy, wherein the decision dictates how to respond to the content request. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259612 | MESSAGE CONDUIT SYSTEMS WITH ALGORITHMIC DATA STREAM CONTROL AND METHODS FOR PROCESSING THEREOF - A method for processing messages is provided where at least one algorithmic conduit is defined, and at least one conduit rule for controlling at least one algorithmic conduit is defined. An algorithmic conduit is a persistent connection, controlled by explicit, independent, dynamic rules, and capable of processing messages among data communicators such as devices, systems, or programs. Messages can be monitored, filtered, transformed, correlated, or processed in other ways without modifying the data communicators. A message conduit hub system allows creation and management of algorithmic conduits to serve as active, virtualized links carrying rules-based data streams among configurable endpoints. These “smart” connections are managed using parameters, logic, and other control interfaces for tailoring behavior to a particular application, site, or user. A message conduit hub system may be implemented as a stand-alone device, as part of a larger system, or as an “encapsulation layer” for an existing application. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259613 | Knowledge Re-Use for Call Routing - A method is described for semantic classification in human-machine dialog applications, for example, call routing. Utterances in a new training corpus of a new semantic classification application are tagged using a pre-existing semantic classifier and associated pre-existing classification tags trained for an earlier semantic classification application. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259614 | METHOD AND EXPERT SYSTEM FOR VALUATING AN OBJECT - A method for valuating an object is disclosed, which includes an expert system that determines a value for a rule from the features of the object, weights the value with a weight from [0, 1] and valuates the object based on the value with a rule editor for defining rules for the valuation with one respective weight from [0, 1]; a rule module for determining a value per rule from the features and a valuation module are also disclosed for valuating the object based on the values, wherein the valuation module weights each value determined for a rule with the weight associated with the rule; and in a simplified manner, the expert system determines temporal progressions of the weight in an evolutionary algorithm, commencing with a start value, and selects a limit of the weight as a new weight, when the weight is converging, and the evolution module determines temporal progressions of at least one weight in an evolutionary algorithm selecting a new weight based on a converging behavior of the characteristics. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259615 | Efficient Processing in an Auto-Adaptive Network - Feature values, which may be multi-dimensional, collected over successive time slices, are efficiently processed for use, for example, in known adaptive learning functions and event detection. A Markov chain in a recursive function to calculate imputed values for data points by use of a “nearest neighbor” matrix. Only data for the time slices currently required to perform computations must be stored. Earlier data need not be retained. A data selector, referred to herein for convenience as a window driver, selects successive cells of appropriate adjacent values in one or more dimensions to comprise an estimation set. The window driver effectively indexes tables of data to efficiently deliver input data to the matrix. In one form, feature inputs are divided into subgroups for parallel, pipelined processing. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259616 | STRUCTURE-POSITION MAPPING OF XML WITH VARIABLE-LENGTH DATA - A programming technique is disclosed for linking (or “mapping”) a query on the tree structure of an extensible markup language (XML) based computer-coded file to the “start” and “end” positions of the corresponding XML-coded data contained within the file, when the coded data has variable length in order to enhance the efficiency of querying an XML document (or other type of file). | 2009-10-15 |
20090259617 | Method And System For Data Management - The invention provides a method, a system and a computer program product for managing the data of Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools in data processing units. This data is managed by a database management system. Data entries that are added to a database are sorted, compressed and stored. These data entries can be easily retrieved from the database that is based on a retrieval key. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259618 | SLICING OF RELATIONAL DATABASES - A method and a processing device may be provided for creating a shadow database, having a size being approximately a desired percentage of a size of a relational database. Referential integrity of tables of the relational database may be preserved in the created shadow database. A representation of a connected graph may be created, based on a schema description of the relational database, and may be used to find driving tables and related tables of the relational database. Portions of driving tables of the relational database may be copied to corresponding tables of the shadow database and rows of tables of the relational database, related to the copied portions of the driving tables, may be copied to corresponding tables of the shadow database in a number of iterations until the size of the shadow database is approximately the desired percentage of the size of the relational database. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259619 | Online intelligent information comparison agent of multilingual electronic data sources over inter-connected computer networks - A method and system for real-time online search processing over inter-connected computer networks, in which an offline database information is maintained for a plurality of vendor sites from the inter-connected computer networks. The information includes URLs, search form URLs, description of domains, and vendor descriptions, and while the vendor descriptions comprise generalized rules about how product information is organized on each of the vendor sites. Parameters are processed for a price comparison request for a desired product using the information maintained in the offline database whereas price comparison request is received from an online user or buyer and/or from the system of the present invention. Real-time price and product information is then extracted from identified ones of the plurality of vendor sites, wherein the extracted price and product information are in a native language of the site; and the extracted price and product information are displayed to the user. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259620 | Method and system for real-time data searches - Methods and system for real-time data searches are described. In one embodiment, time period news data may be received from a media source. A topical attribute associated with the time period news data may be obtained. A search request for data from a target data source may be received. The search request may include request criterion. The search request may be processed using the request criterion and the topical attribute to obtain result data. The result data may be provided from the target data source. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259621 | PROVIDING EXPECTED DESIRABILITY INFORMATION PRIOR TO SENDING A RECOMMENDATION - Systems and methods are described for providing information to a recommending user reflecting an expected, or predicted, desirability of a recommendation of a media item for a potential recommendation recipient or a group of potential recommendation recipients. In one embodiment, the recommending user selects a media item to potentially recommend to other users. For each potential recommendation recipient or group of potential recommendation recipients, an expected desirability value reflecting an expected desirability of the media item is determined. The expected desirability values are then presented to the recommending user. Based on the expected desirability values, the recommending user then selects one or more of the potential recommendation recipients or groups of potential recommendation recipients to which to send a recommendation for the media item. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259622 | Classification of Data Based on Previously Classified Data - Embodiments of the invention generally provide methods, systems, and articles of manufacture that facilitate classification of unclassified data. When unclassified data records are found in a data tree, one or more classified data records near the unclassified data record in the data tree may be identified. The unclassified data record may be compared to the identified classified data record to determine one or more suggested classifications for the unclassified data record. The unclassified data record may therefore be classified into one of the suggested classifications based on, for example, user input. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259623 | Systems and Methods for Associating Metadata with Media - Embodiments provide methods and systems for associating metadata with media. Such methods may involve associating a media identifier with a media, storing, in an index of media identifiers, one or more entries each comprising the media identifier and metadata associated with the media, and incorporating or preserving a reference to the media identifier in the media. Certain embodiments involve creating metadata during development of the media using, for example, an electronic media processing tool. Certain embodiments involve using a media identifier in media to retrieve or otherwise use metadata associated with the media, including metadata that is stored at another location such as in one or more entries of an index of media identifiers. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259624 | EXPLOITING CONDITIONS TO OPTIMIZE EXPENSIVE DATABASE QUERIES - A fallback query mechanism that serves as a way to recover from query conditions (or criteria) that break due to excessively large result sets relative to a preset threshold. The fallback query mechanism detects when a query has failed to execute because the query requested more items from the database (or list) than allowed by the threshold, rewrites the query to examine no more than the threshold number of most recently created items that match one of the indexed filter criteria specified in a view, and then applies one or more of the other filter criteria. The mechanism then reruns the query and displays the results to the user. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259625 | METHODS INVOLVING TAGGING - A method for tagging data content, the method comprising, receiving a tag associated with a data content having a data content identifier from a first user, associating the tag with a tag identifier, associating the tag with a user identifier of the first user, saving the tag identifier, the data content identifier, the tag, and a privacy designation associated with the tag identifier in a first table responsive to determining that the tag associated with the data content identifier is not present in the first table, and saving the user identifier and the tag identifier in a second table responsive to determining that the user identifier and the tag identifier are not present in the second table. | 2009-10-15 |
20090259626 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IDENTIFYING PARTIAL ORDER PATTERNS IN SEQUENCES OF DATA - A method and system are disclosed for identifying partial order patterns of a set of motifs in a data sequence. The method comprises the steps of obtaining the data sequence, identifying a set of motifs in the data sequence, identifying a plurality of partial orders of the motifs in the data sequence, and using the identified partial orders to identify functions of the motifs. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the step of identifying the plurality of partial orders of the motifs includes the step of converting the identified motifs to an (n×m) incidence matrix, I, of expressions. Also, in this preferred embodiment, the step of identifying the plurality of partial orders of the motifs includes the steps of computing a partial order description of each of said expressions, and computing a redescription of each of said partial order descriptions. | 2009-10-15 |