46th week of 2015 patent applcation highlights part 49 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20150324722 | METHOD FOR DETERMINING A SAFETY STOCK - A computer implemented method for determining a safety stock volume for a part is disclosed. The computer implemented method includes receiving a first input, via a Graphical User Interface (GUI). The first input is indicative of one or more production parameters associated with the part. The method includes displaying the production parameters on the GUI in an editable format. The method also includes receiving a second input, via the GUI. The second input is indicative of one or more processing parameters in order to determine the safety stock of the part. The method also includes determining the safety stock volume based on the first input, the second input, and a timescale associated with the production parameters. The method further includes generating an output, via the GUI. The output is indicative of the safety stock volume for the part based on the first input, the second input, and the time scale. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324723 | REGULATING APPLICATION TASK DEVELOPMENT - A technique includes receiving a plurality of metrics for a plurality of tasks associated with developing an application, where each of the metrics is associated with one of the tasks and indicates a progress of the associated task. The technique includes receiving weights, where each weight is associated with one of the tasks and indicates a user assigned importance of the associated task. The technique includes displaying with the tool an indicator to allow regulation of task development, where the displaying includes causing the tool to prioritize the tasks for future development of the application based at least in part on the metrics and the weights. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324724 | BENCHMARKING PERFORMANCE OF A SERVICE ORGANIZATION - A method and associated systems for benchmarking performance of a service organization. A processor collects recorded performance data that identifies how much time members of randomly selected service teams of the service organization required to perform tasks associated with sub-activities of an activity of interest. The data is sorted by sub-activity and data associated with certain biasing types of tasks may be discarded. For each sub-activity for which enough valid data exists, a sub-activity benchmark is identified as a function of a median of task-performance times associated with that sub-activity. This sub-activity benchmark may be used to derive statistical functions that characterize performance of another service team when performing tasks related to the same sub-activity. Such characterizations may be aggregated and exported to a scorecard report that identifies overperforming and underperforming service teams. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324725 | Optimized Planograms - Systems and methods disclosed herein relate to the selection of planogram templates for display in retail stores and in online retail environments and the automatic selection, assignment, and monitoring of items assigned to locations in those templates. Additionally, planogram templates, product assortments, and assignments may be dynamically updated in real time based upon feedback and other factors. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324726 | BENCHMARKING ACCOUNTS IN APPLICATION MANAGEMENT SERVICE (AMS) - An application management service account benchmarking. An account profile is generated associated with a target account. Data associated with the target account collected and prepared for benchmarking. A benchmarking pool is formed to include a set of accounts with which to compare the target account. Operational KPIs are designed for benchmarking analysis. Measurements associated with the operational KPIs are determined for the target account and the set of accounts in the benchmarking pool. Benchmarking is conducted based on the measurements. A graph of a distance map is generated and presented on a graphical user interface. Post benchmarking analysis is performed that suggests an action to be performed for the target account. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324727 | STAFF WORK ASSIGNMENT AND ALLOCATION - Correctly staffing retail settings is a challenge. While calendar based staffing decisions, such as increasing staffing for a holiday sale, may provide high-level staffing recommendations. The activities of customers may be monitored to provide a more granular staffing allocation. Customers who, for example, spend a certain duration of time within one portion of the retail setting may be determined to indicate a need for assistance and a staff member of the retail setting allocated to assist the customer or customers within an area with a spike in customer activity. Similarly, customers who indicate a desire to purchase an item requiring certain staff skills (e.g., verify customer identity, complete legal documents, lift heavy items, etc.) may be detected and an appropriate staff member allocated. As a result, the customer may receive assistance from staff members having the required skills to complete their purchase. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324728 | DYNAMIC TASK DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM - A system is provided that that dynamically distributes tasks. The system calculates scores for tasks, where each score is calculated based on a finish-by date-time for each task, a planned finish date-time for each task, a planned effort for each task, and a base priority for each task. The system further determines an order that the tasks are executed based on the scores. The system further displays the tasks and a project plan timeline within a user interface, where the tasks are displayed within the project plan timeline based on the order that the plurality of tasks are executed. The system further determines a buffer time distribution for the tasks based on the scores. The system further displays the tasks within the project plan timeline based on the buffer time distribution for the tasks. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324729 | SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR VERIFYING THAT ONE OR MORE DIRECTIVES THAT DIRECT TRANSPORT OF A SECOND END USER DOES NOT CONFLICT WITH ONE OR MORE OBLIGATIONS TO TRANSPORT A FIRST END USER - Computationally implemented methods and systems that are designed for receiving one or more first directives that direct a transportation vehicle unit to transport a first end user; receiving, while the transportation vehicle unit is en route to or is transporting the first end user, one or more second directives that direct the transportation vehicle unit to transport a second end user while transporting the first end user, the transportation vehicle unit having been determined to be able to accommodate transport of the second end user while transporting the first end user; and verifying that compliance with the one or more second directives will not conflict with one or more obligations to transport the first end user by the transportation vehicle unit. In addition to the foregoing, other aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324730 | VERIFICATION METHOD AND SYSTEM - Systems and methods for verifying and monitoring employees are provided. Employees call-in to the system at scheduled times. If an employee misses a scheduled call-in, an alert can be generated. An employer notification process can generate the alert, notifying a supervisor of the employee's missed call. The alert can include the employee's name, the location of the employee, and the time he/she was supposed to call. Such systems and methods can be used to verify that a worker is at the proper location at the proper time and awake and alert during the entire time period that he/she is supposed to be working. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324731 | EXPERT EXCHANGE DURING UML DESIGN UPDATES - A system and computer program product to enable software architects to optimally select resources to enhance reused or previously developed components of a UML model. During a UML design phase, if a component is detected to be an enhancement of a previously developed component, the system implement methods determining if the resource who developed the component previously is available for assignment. If available, the resource is selected as the optimal candidate. If unavailable, the system and methods look at several factors to determine if reassignment of resource is possible. These factors implement: a Keyword/Requirement Assignment; a Component History Detection or a Component Update History detection where a keyword triggers a search for developers who worked on a previous version; a Repository History where absence of a keyword triggers a search in component repositories for a component development history, and associated developers. After component developers are identified, their current availability is determined. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324732 | EXPERT EXCHANGE DURING UML DESIGN UPDATES - A method to enable software architects to optimally select resources to enhance reused or previously developed components of a UML model. During a UML design phase, if a component is detected to be an enhancement of a previously developed component, the method determines if the resource who developed the component previously is available for assignment. If available, the resource is selected as the optimal candidate. If unavailable, the system and methods look at several factors to determine if reassignment of resource is possible. These factors implement: a Keyword/Requirement Assignment; a Component History Detection or a Component Update History detection where a keyword triggers a search for developers who worked on a previous version; a Repository History where absence of a keyword triggers a search in component repositories for a component development history, and associated developers. After component developers are identified, their current availability is determined. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324733 | STATE DEPENDENT ELECTRONIC TRANSPORT LABEL - A transport label for use with a transport container includes one or more controllable, readable indicia for presenting information readable by a reader external to the transport container. Controllable, readable indicia can be updated to present different information based upon a time, location, or physical security parameter of the transport container. The transport label system includes control circuitry and a memory device for storing two or more indicia configurations for the controllable, readable indicia. Controllable, readable indicia, memory device, and control circuitry may be built into a transport container or packaged separately, e.g. for attachment to a transport container. Methods of controlling the transport label system are also described. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324734 | SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR VERIFYING THAT ONE OR MORE END USER TRANSPORT DIRECTIVES DO NOT CONFLICT WITH ONE OR MORE PACKAGE DELIVERY DIRECTIVES - Computationally implemented methods and systems that are designed for receiving one or more package delivery directives that direct a transportation vehicle unit to deliver one or more packages; receiving one or more end user transport directives that direct the transportation vehicle unit to transport one or more end users; and verifying that the one or more end user transport directives do not conflict with the one or more package delivery directives such that transport of the one or more end users by the transportation vehicle unit in accordance with the one or more end user transport directives will not violate one or more package delivery obligations of the transportation vehicle unit to deliver the one or more packages in accordance with the one or more package delivery directives. In addition to the foregoing, other aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324735 | SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR VERIFYING THAT ONE OR MORE END USER TRANSPORT DIRECTIVES DO NOT CONFLICT WITH ONE OR MORE PACKAGE DELIVERY DIRECTIVES - Computationally implemented methods and systems that are designed for receiving one or more package delivery directives that direct a transportation vehicle unit to deliver one or more packages; receiving one or more end user transport directives that direct the transportation vehicle unit to transport one or more end users; and verifying that the one or more end user transport directives do not conflict with the one or more package delivery directives such that transport of the one or more end users by the transportation vehicle unit in accordance with the one or more end user transport directives will not violate one or more package delivery obligations of the transportation vehicle unit to deliver the one or more packages in accordance with the one or more package delivery directives. In addition to the foregoing, other aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324736 | SPLIT SHIPMENT PROCESSING - Embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods, apparatuses, computer readable media and systems for obtaining authorization for a plurality of split shipments associated with a single order. In particular, embodiments of the present invention allow a merchant to submit a separate split shipment authorization request for each of the plurality of split shipments. The split shipments authorization requests are linked to the original order using verifiable linking data. The linking data may be extracted from a previous (e.g., initial) split shipment authorization request and/or a previous (e.g., initial) split shipment authorization request. The linking data may be validated by an authorizing entity (e.g., a payment processing network computer or an issuer computer) to ensure validity of a split shipment authorization request. Additionally, the split shipment authorization requests may be validated using one or more predefined split shipment rules. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324737 | DETECTION OF ERRONEOUS ONLINE LISTINGS - An aggregated online listing of vehicles or other items for sale is improved by identifying and removing potentially erroneous or fraudulent listings such as listings that are likely outdated or listings that include an unrealistic price. A variety of techniques may be used to identify these listings based upon historical sales data. For example, a decaying time model may be used to determine if a listed item should have sold after a certain period of time. As another example, a popularity model may be used to determine if a listed item should have sold after a certain number of views. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324738 | INVENTORY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - A method for managing inventory including selecting an item criterion and configuring a scanning device to intercept an item based on the item criterion. Additionally, scanning a plurality of items and determining whether the item includes the item criterion. The method also includes altering a user if the item includes the item criterion and preventing the user from scanning a second item if the first item includes the item criterion. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324739 | INSTRUMENT INVENTORY SYSTEM AND METHODS - Embodiments of the instrument inventory system create, record and enable access of data about collections of instruments and tools such as surgical instruments and dental instruments. The instrument inventory system includes at least one user interface, at least one instrument interface, an instrument processor and a database storing instrument records. The instrument inventory system includes a training function which enables the system to create a data record for new instruments when the system encounters new instruments. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324740 | Method Of Generating An Optimized Ship Schedule To Deliver Liquefied Natural Gas - A system and method is provided for generating an optimized ship schedule to deliver liquefied natural gas (LNG) from one or more LNG liquefaction terminals to one or more LNG regasification terminals using a fleet of ships. The method involves modeling the ship schedule via an LNG ship scheduling model and a LNG ship rescheduling model to provide optimized decisions for the LNG supply chain. The LNG supply chain includes the one or more LNG liquefaction terminals, the one or more LNG regasification terminals, and the fleet of ships. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324741 | System for Tracking Shipments - This disclosure describes, in part, systems and techniques for tracking shipments from multiple locations in transit with multiple couriers. In some implementations, this disclosure describes a tracking service which uses data sources to generate one or more tracking interfaces which may allow a user to dynamically monitor and/or modify each shipment. In some implementations, each tracking interface may include tracking data from the data sources such as shipment origin, courier information, tracking identification numbers for each shipment from the multiple locations, items in the shipment, and/or identification numbers for the items in the shipment. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324742 | LOCATION TRACKING IN A DISTRIBUTION NETWORK - The present invention relates to a fully automatic method and a system for distribution monitoring of shipments and automatic location assignment of objects with virtual location information and wireless technology. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324743 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CREATING AND USING A HYBRID-DIGITAL MAILBOX - A method, electronic device, and computer-readable storage medium are. In one embodiment, a method is provided for receiving tracking data regarding a delivery item, determining, based on the tracking data, whether supplemental content is associated with the delivery item, and automatically scheduling delivery of the supplemental content when supplemental content is associated with the delivery item. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324744 | SYSTEM FOR DELIVERING SHIPPING ITEMS - A system for delivering shipping items in vehicles includes a first communication module establishing a communication link to a communication terminal of a delivery person, the communication terminal receiving authorization data via a communication network; a first identification routine unambiguously identifying a delivery person; a second communication module establishing, via a wireless communication network, a communication link to a communication device of a control unit of the access arrangement on a vehicle; a second identification routine for unambiguously identifying the system by the access arrangement; a third communication module for receiving update request data from the driver; and an update routine for updating authorization data in a memory of the system. Upon updating authorization data, information is wirelessly transmitted relating to the successful delivery and the content of the delivery to the access arrangement. The driver assistance system displays an alert message about the delivery. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324745 | TRANSPORT LABEL SYSTEM WITH UPDATABLE ADDRESS - A transport label for use with a transport container includes a controllable, readable display that can be updated to provide for rerouting of the transport container, under the control of control circuitry. The transport label system includes a memory device adapted to contain two or more addresses to which the transport container may be directed, for example an original destination address and an alternative destination address. Determination of whether the transport container is to be rerouted is based on whether a parameter indicative of a state of the transport container and/or its contents meets a rerouting criterion. Controllable, readable display element, memory device, and control circuitry may be built into a transport container or configured separately, e.g. for attachment to a transport container. Methods of controlling the transport label system are also described. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324746 | Interactive Survey Feedback Tool - A method of optimizing one or more attributes of a product according to a product context. A product context and one or more attributes of the product are presented to a user via a software graphical user interface (GUI). A visual rendering of the product including at least one attribute of the product may be presented via the GUI. The user either may select or modify the at least one attribute and submit a user input that corresponds to the attribute and/or the modified attribute of the product in reference to the product context. The user input is received and the product is displayed via the GUI based on the user input. If the attribute of the product was modified, then the attribute of the product is modified and displayed substantially simultaneously. A correlation between the user input and the attribute of the product in reference to the product context is determined when a termination command is received. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324747 | TALENT ACQUISITION PORTAL, SYSTEM, AND METHOD - A talent acquisition portal, system, and method includes one or more servers collectively configured to implement: an employer function enabling the one or more employers to post opportunities and find candidates based on a two-tiered search structure; a counselor function enabling the one or more counselors to invite other counselors to join the talent acquisition portal, interact with assigned candidates of the one or more candidates, and assist the assigned candidates with finding an opportunity; a candidate function enabling the one or more candidates to sign up responsive to an invite from one of the one or more counselors, develop a resume, and search and apply for one of the opportunities; and a triangulated communication structure between the one or more employers, the one or more counselors, and/or the one or more candidates. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324748 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IDENTIFYING, TRACKING, AND COMPENSATING INDIVIDUALS IN JOB REFERRAL CHAIN - A method and system are provided to combine best practices with a new discovery method, incentive structure and tracking system for better results in the referral process, particularly in the domain of employment. Crowdsourcing using a tiered peer-to-peer referral incentive system that encourages higher quality inbound leads combined with data analytics and machine learning techniques of identifying high quality referrers and candidates improve success rates, and leveraging online and offline Social and Professional networks creates a frictionless user experience. Tracking technologies and methods inspired by the online advertising industry across a variety of platforms (desktop/handheld/wearable devices) enable improved crowdsourcing and reward strategies. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324749 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INTERNET-BASED HUMAN NETWORK BROKERING - Matches between search queries and potential targets of such search queries are automatically brokered by (i) comparing search criteria specified in the search queries with profile criteria describing the potential targets, and (ii) reporting instances of acceptable correspondence between the search criteria and the profile criteria, provided that access controls associated with the profile criteria of the targets permit such reporting in light of access levels assigned to the search inquiries. Initiators, using client applications at various remote locations, may formulate the search queries and the brokering may be performed at one or more server locations communicatively coupled (e.g., via the Internet) thereto. The profile criteria may include portions of rich descriptive profiles of the potential targets. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324750 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR EVALUATING JOB CANDIDATES - Human resource system for collecting and analyzing survey data from reference providers identified by a job candidate for use by an employer. The system sends an electronic communication to the reference providers to request completion of survey questions and electronically receives the survey data from the reference providers, preferably through webpages. An analysis module combines the received survey data from the reference providers and generates a confidential candidate report for an employer which excludes identification of any ratings or comments by any reference providers. The system also generates customized interview probe questions for use during job interviews and coaching tactics for use after the hiring, based on the weak areas that have been identified from the completed surveys in order to assist the hiring manager to bring the new hires up to speed quickly and effectively. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324751 | Monitoring Fitness Using a Mobile Device - Athletic performance monitoring and tracking may provide multiple ways in which to track athletic movement and activity. Workouts may also be tagged with various parameters including mood, weather, terrain, athletic equipment, friends used and the like. Workout information may be shared to social messaging and networking outlets. Workout information shared may include map information including images of maps, interactive maps, links to maps, route information and the like and/or combinations thereof. Additionally or alternatively, an application may be configured to execute within a context of a social networking system to facilitate athletic activity data transfer and generation of workout entries in the social networking site. Recommended activities to be performed or a recommended time to perform an activity may be determined based on a user's schedule, weather or conditions forecasts, or a location of the user or the potential activity. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324752 | COMBINE LOCAL OFFERS, SOCIAL NETWORK, AND CALENDAR TO PROVIDE PERSONALIZED EXPERIENCE FOR CONSUMERS - Method and apparatus and for combining local offers, social network and calendar to provide a user with personalized content items, such as advertisements (ads). In accordance with some embodiments, a computer implemented method generally includes a preference for an event type is determined for each of a plurality of social network users. A personalized ad associated with the preference is generated. The personalized ad includes a local offer from a business. A suggestion calendar is populated with the personalized ad. The suggestion calendar is accessible to each of the plurality of social network users. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324753 | SCHEDULING CONFLICT NOTIFICATION - One or more techniques and/or systems are provided for surfacing scheduling conflicts and/or for facilitating appointment scheduling based upon conflict detection. A user may maintain user appointment data comprising user appointments (e.g., calendar entries within a work calendar). Because user activity may not be fully reflected in the appointment data (e.g., no calendar entries for routine grocery shopping, soccer practice, etc.), potential conflicts may exist between user appointments and the true availability of the user. Accordingly, user signals (e.g., email(s), location check-ins, etc. associated with soccer practice) may be evaluated to generate a user inferred behavior pattern that may be used to identify a potential conflict with a user appointment (e.g., where the user consents to the gathering and/or use of such user signals). A warning of the potential conflict may be surfaced to the user (e.g., a Tuesday dinner calendar meeting conflicts with routine soccer practice on Tuesday evenings). | 2015-11-12 |
20150324754 | CONFLICT MANAGEMENT IN SCHEDULING MEETINGS - A floating meeting is set up such that the actual meeting time is not fixed until after pre-defined parameters are satisfied. One parameter is a point in time nearer to the proposed meeting date(s) than the time of the original meeting invitation. At the later point in time, subsequent and potentially conflicting meetings are automatically avoided to maximize invitee availability or otherwise meet a meeting organizer's objective. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324755 | CONFLICT MANAGEMENT IN SCHEDULING MEETINGS - A floating meeting is set up such that the actual meeting time is not fixed until after pre-defined parameters are satisfied. One parameter is a point in time nearer to the proposed meeting date(s) than the time of the original meeting invitation. At the later point in time, subsequent and potentially conflicting meetings are automatically avoided to maximize invitee availability or otherwise meet a meeting organizer's objective. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324756 | INTEGRATED, FLEXIBLE ELECTRONIC CALENDAR SYSTEM WITH DYNAMIC PERMISSIONS AND SHARING FUNCTIONALITY - A system and method for establishing and maintaining a shared, flexible electronic-calendar network with varying permission, notification, sharing, and functionality options, and a user interface from which the user can manage multiple electronic calendars. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324757 | Creating Electronic Calendar Entries from Email Messages - A method, system, and data structure for creating electronic calendar entries are disclosed. One aspect of the invention involves a computer data structure that includes an email message with an embedded link. The embedded link contains event information corresponding to multiple parameters for an event described in the email message. The embedded link is configured, upon activation, to initiate generation of an electronic calendar entry form with multiple fields. A plurality of the multiple fields contain event information from the embedded link. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324758 | Equipment Management System - A system may manage equipment distribution with an automated interface that is accessible over a network. The system may include data regarding a number of job sites and the equipment at each site, as well as any available equipment. The data may be monitored and updated for tracking, scheduling, and billing for the distribution of the equipment to job sites. In one example, a construction company may monitor and control the location of its construction equipment through an equipment management system that is also used by an operator of a job site for requesting the equipment needed for that job site. The equipment management system may handle the renting and assigning of equipment for each job site, as well as providing information regarding all the equipment and each job site. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324759 | EQUIPMENT PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULING - A method, system, and/or computer program product schedules preventive maintenance on a unit of equipment. An outage on a unit of equipment, which is the result of a maintenance operation being performed on a subcomponent of the unit of equipment, is detected. A determination is made that the maintenance operation is a superseding maintenance operation, which renders a subsequently scheduled minor maintenance operation on the subcomponent of the unit of equipment unnecessary. A critical maintenance operation on the subcomponent of the unit of equipment is also identified. Thus, the critical maintenance operation, but not the minor maintenance operation, is performed while executing the superseding maintenance operation on the subcomponent of the unit of equipment during the outage. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324760 | Smart waste device and waste tracking system - An electronic waste tracking device, process, and system to track waste from one location to another location. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324761 | System and Method for Recycling Electronics While Complying with Secondhand Transaction Reporting Laws - A system and method for recycling used electronic devices in a kiosk or a desktop device while reporting the transaction to law enforcement in a manner required by the local jurisdiction for secondhand dealers. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324762 | PAYMENT PROCESSING SYSTEM, APPARATUS AND METHOD IN REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS - Disclosed is a method for processing of earnest money checks comprising the steps of: a. Receiving a physical earnest money check from a buyer that is a party to a real estate purchase and sale contract for a real estate property, b. Via a computing device connected to the Internet, accessing an online application for the processing of physical check payments, c. Selecting a Send Earnest Money Check functionality in the application and at one or more prompts capturing a photo of an image of a front face of the physical check and an image of a back face of the check, and d. At one or more prompts inputting information for an earnest money payment transaction, the information comprising buyer information, the real estate property information and title company information for a title company that is approved by the buyer and a seller to the real estate purchase contract for managing escrow and closing. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324763 | MOBILE TERMINAL, METHOD FOR CONTROLLING MOBILE TERMINAL, PROGRAM PRODUCT, AND RECORDING MEDIUM - The object of the present invention is to shorten time from when a predetermined condition is satisfied till when recharging is completed. A mobile terminal directly requests an electronic money server to perform recharging. In response to this, the electronic money server secures funds and then generates a command group for recharging. Then, the electronic money server sends, to the mobile terminal, a storage instruction by which the mobile terminal is made to store the generated command group in an IC chip. The mobile terminal then does not immediately execute the command group but temporality stores the command group into a general-purpose IC chip. In this way, a stage of preparation for recharging is completed. Then, under a certain condition (for example, by user's operation, on the side of the general-purpose IC chip, the stored command group is executed. In this way, recharging is performed, and the value balance is updated. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324764 | Enabling a User to Transact Using Cryptocurrency - A system and method of enabling a user to transact using cryptocurrency of a value defined in relation to a different medium of exchange or financial instrument is provided. In the method, a request to create a voucher having a face value remaining defined in relation to the medium of exchange or financial instrument is received. A voucher having key data being associated with a voucher cryptocurrency address holding a token amount of cryptocurrency included therein is generated. A transaction ledger is monitored to determine whether a redeeming transaction against the voucher address has occurred against a destination cryptocurrency address. Responsive to a redeeming transaction against the voucher address occurring, an additional amount of cryptocurrency is transferred to the destination address. The additional amount of cryptocurrency being calculated such that the sum of the token and additional amounts substantially matches a cryptocurrency equivalent of the face value of the voucher. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324765 | PROCESS FOR PERFORMING TRANSACTIONS - The disclosure relates to a process for performing transactions among a number of participants, in which every participant has a unique pseudonym assigned to him and the assignment of a pseudonym to a participant and the participant's transaction data are stored on a notary server. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324766 | PAYMENT BY PROXY SERVICE USING PAYMENT CARD - The disclosure is related a payment-by-proxy service that receives a payment request made by a joint payment card and processes the received payment request by a primary payment card linked to the joint payment card through a payment card processing system including, user devices, a payment terminal of a merchant, a service server of the payment-by-proxy service, and financial institution servers associated with the payment card and the primary payment card. For such a service, a payment card may be configured to store an identification data used for requesting a payment and an initiation data used for processing a payment through the payment-by-proxy service, to generate an initiation message based on the stored initiation data upon receipt of a request signal for the identification data from the payment terminal, and to transmit the generated initiation message to the payment card processing system in response to the request for the identification data. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324767 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RECOVERING REFUNDABLE TAXES - A method for processing a transaction relating to a purchase and refunding a tax paid on the purchase. The method comprises receiving, over a network from a merchant apparatus, payment transaction data relating to a payment transaction associated with an electronic payment card; analyzing the payment transaction data to determine whether the payment transaction is eligible for a tax refund; determining a tax refund value corresponding to the payment transaction; determining that the payment transaction is authorised for a tax refund, and coordinating with at least an issuer associated with the electronic payment card in order to credit an account associated with the electronic payment card with the tax refund value. The invention is also expressed as a computing platform configured to perform the method steps previously described, and also to a system. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324768 | Systems and Methods for Managing Prepaid Cards in a Digital Wallet, including Transferring Value from Prepaid Cards and Managing User Selected Accounts - Disclosed are the methods and systems for transferring value from as first account to a second account via a consumer device. The methods may be consumer or merchant driven and may involve transferring value to peers, oneself, or a third party account holder with or without the creation of a user account. Based on information input by a user, various financial systems interact in a manner that results in creation of an escrow account and effectuates transfer of value from a funding account through that escrow account to a receiving account. Such novel methods allow for previously unavailable transfers of value. In certain embodiments, the methods and systems also encompass creation of a digital equivalent of the value and using the digital equivalent to make payments at as point of service. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324769 | SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR FACILITATING FUND TRANSFERS OVER A NETWORK - In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, systems and methods for facilitating financial transactions over a network include communicating with a financial institution over the network, wherein the financial institution includes a first user account related to a user. The systems and methods include receiving a fund transfer request from the financial institution on behalf of the user and establishing a second user account related to the user based on user information passed with the fund transfer request. The systems and methods include processing the fund transfer request by linking the first user account to the second user account based on the user information passed with the fund transfer request, receiving funds from the financial institution associated with the first user account, and depositing the received funds in the second user account on behalf of the user. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324770 | SCHEDULING FUTURE PAYMENTS TO AN EXTERNAL PAYMENT SERVICE - In some embodiments, a system receives promise-to-pay information associated with a loan past due from a user. The promise-to-pay information comprises a promised amount, a promised date, and a payment form. The system determines a minimum promise-to-pay amount for the user. If the promised amount is greater than the minimum promise-to-pay amount, the system determines an external payment service based on the payment form. The external payment service is a payment service that processes a payment for the promised amount. The system communicates to the determined external payment service portions of the promise-to-pay information used to process the payment for the promised amount within a predetermined time period before the promised date, and communicates an alert to the user. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324771 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING AN OPTIMIZED PAYMENT LOCATION FOR CASH PAYMENTS - Disclosed herein are systems and methods to facilitate fast and safe cash payments including systems and methods for generating an optimized payment location for a customer by: storing geolocation information for a plurality of points-of-service; receiving customer information including geolocation information for the customer of the bill provider from the bill provider; determining an optimized payment location for the customer by comparing the stored point-of-service geolocation information to the customer geolocation information; generating a token that is a reference to the customer information; and transmitting with the service provider system the optimized payment location and the token to the bill provider. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324772 | System, method, and computer program for conducting online banking using a computer or a mobile communication device and a human teller - The present invention relates to an online banking application for a computer or a mobile communication device that incorporates a human teller in the banking transaction using audio, video, and text communication between the customer and the banker. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324773 | SETTLEMENT SYSTEM, USER TERMINAL DEVICE, SALES SERVER, SETTLEMENT SERVER AND RECORDING MEDIUM - An example system includes: a sales server for performing sales processing pertaining to sales of a commodity; a settlement server for performing settlement processing pertaining to a commodity sold by the sales server in the sales processing; and a user terminal device having a communication unit configured to communicate with the sales server and with the settlement server via a network and an operation acceptance unit configured to accept operation pertaining to purchase of the commodity. The user terminal device has: a settlement request relay unit configured to receive a settlement request pertaining to a commodity, for which operation pertaining to purchase has been accepted by the operation acceptance unit, from the sales server and transmit the received settlement request to the settlement server; and a settlement information relay unit configured to receive settlement information pertaining to the result of the settlement processing from the settlement server and transmit the received settlement information to the sales server. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324774 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FACILITATING THE CONCLUSION OF AN ECOMMERCE PURCHASE TRANSACTION THROUGH A NETWORK CONNECTED AUTOMATED TELLER MACHINE - Systems and methods are provided for facilitating alternative payment submissions. According to a one aspect, responsive to a selection by a purchaser that enables receipt of an alternative payment submission in furtherance of a transaction between the purchaser and a vendor, a transaction notification is received, the transaction notification including a payment amount and corresponding to the transaction, a unique identifier is generated, the unique identifier corresponding to the transaction notification, and the unique identifier is provided to a paying party in order to facilitate receipt of the alternative payment submission in furtherance of the transaction. An input of the unique identifier is received at an automated teller machine (ATM), the alternative payment submission is elicited at the ATM, and the vendor is notified of receipt of the alternative payment submission. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324775 | METHOD AND SERVER FOR SENDING AND LENDING DIGITAL SERVICE CONTENT - The present invention provides a method and a server for sending and lending digital service content. The method for sending digital service content includes: receiving, by a server, a user request, in which the user request carries a user identifier and a label of the digital service content; determining a type of the label; if the label is a lending label of the digital service content, acquiring a borrower identifier in the lending label; and determining whether the user identifier is the same as the borrower identifier; if the user identifier is the same as the borrower identifier, acquiring a lending period matching the borrower identifier in the lending label, and determining whether the digital service content is in the lending period; if yes, sending the digital service content to a terminal used by a user and identified by the user identifier. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324776 | Invoice Issuing System and Invoice Issuing Method - A delivery server includes: a receiving unit for receiving, from a mobile terminal, a request for a reading process of a gas meter as a meter target; a calculation unit for performing a meter reading process according to the request to calculate the gas fee for a customer in the current meter reading month; a payment situation check unit for checking, from the payment situation of the storage unit, the gas fee payment situation for the customer prior to the current meter reading month based on the request, and reading the unpaid gas fee from the management unit, when the gas fee is unpaid; an issuing unit for issuing invoice information including the gas fee in the current meter reading month and the unpaid gas fee; and a transmission unit for transmitting the invoice information to the mobile terminal. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324777 | PAYMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD - Disclosed is a payment system and method. In one example, a method involves: (i) a mobile device capturing a code disposed on a medium, wherein the code encodes an identifier; (ii) the mobile device decoding the captured code to recover the identifier; (iii) the mobile device transmitting to a server via a communication network ( | 2015-11-12 |
20150324778 | PHONE-NUMBER-BASED PAYMENT FUNDING CONFIRMATION - Methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable media directed to phone-number-based payment authorization are described. A phone-number-based payment authorization system (PBA) may be configured to authorize payments from a payer party to a payee party based on a phone number of a payer party. The PBA may be configured to receive a payment authorization request, which may include a payment amount as well as a phone number for the payer party. In response to receipt of the payment authorization request, the PBA may make a determination of whether the payer is capable of making a payment of the requested amount. The determination may include determination of payment capabilities from various payment servicers. The PBA may also make an authorization request from a third-party authorizing entity based on identifying and/or financial information known to the PBA. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324779 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND DEVICES FOR TRACKING AND ESTIMATING INVENTORY - The disclosure herein provides system, methods, and devices for tracking and estimating inventory. A real-time inventory system for tracking and estimating inventory of a plurality of items comprises an electronic items database configured to store data relating to the plurality of items; an electronic inventory database configured to store inventory count data; a counting interface configured to receive current count data from a user access point system; a variance calculator configured to access the estimated current quantity to determine a first variance; a prioritization engine configured to analyze the first variance and to increase the first count frequency such that the first item will be counted more frequently than at least one other item. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324780 | Abbreviated User Authentication for a Retail-Affiliated Device - A method authenticates a user of an electronic device located in and affiliated with a retail environment. The method includes prohibiting certain operations from being performed on the electronic device in a locked state. The method also includes, responsive to a user authenticating himself or herself through an authentication process, allowing those certain operations to be performed on the electronic device in an unlocked state. The method further entails configuring an extent to which the authentication process required for authentication at any given time is abbreviated. The method performs this configuring depending on a level of customer activity detected within the retail environment with which the electronic device is affiliated and in which the electronic device is located. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324781 | PORTABLE SETTLEMENT TERMINAL DEVICE - In an information processing device (settlement terminal device), a first main body that accommodates a first information processing unit in a first housing including a first input display unit (first touch panel), and a second main body that includes a second housing from which a seat unit for detachably attaching the first main body extends, and accommodates a secure second information processing unit which includes a second input display unit (second touch panel) disposed in the second housing to be on the same plane as that of the first input display unit of the first main body attached to the seat unit, and which has tamper resistance, are provided. In the information processing device, the first input display unit and the second input display unit are preferably arranged on the same plane. A secure portion can secure physically high tamper-resistance performance and the high robustness of the entire device. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324782 | Automated Purchasing and Dispensing System for Livestock Feed - An automated purchasing and dispensing system for livestock feed comprises a plurality of bulk storage containers for storing and dispensing bulk product such as animal feed. The bulk storage containers are enclosed within an enclosure, the enclosure comprising a consumer-accessible point of sale terminal for initiating a purchase. After a consumer initiates a purchase at the point of sale terminal, a system controller actuates a conveyor, causing the product to dispense from the bulk storage container onto a conveyor that moves the product to a dispensing station for access by the consumer. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324783 | EVENTS AND RELATED RESPONSES BETWEEN AN EXPERT ENGINE AND AN ADVANCED MOBILE TRANSACTION PLATFORM - A method is disclosed herein in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The method may include deriving at a mobile transaction platform a multi-dimensional context from one or more user transactions and determining at least one life occurrence based, at least in part, on the multi-dimensional context. The one or more user transactions may be conducted through the mobile transaction platform. The one or more user transactions may be stored on a third-party source. In an aspect, the at least one life occurrence has yet to occur. In another aspect of the invention, the life occurrence has already occurred. The multi-dimensional context may include at least one of user location information and life occurrence location information. The multi-dimensional context may include at least one of a time of life occurrence and a current time. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324784 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR VERIFYING BALANCES ON RETAIL CARDS - Embodiments described herein are directed towards systems and methods for verifying the balances of gift cards associated with different retailers or service providers. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324785 | Card Transaction Device and Card Transaction Method - A card transaction device is provided. The card transaction device is configured to be used with a portable electronic device. The card transaction device includes a card reading head, a microcontroller, a security element, a first transmission interface, and a converter. The card reading head is configured to read fundamental information of a card. The microcontroller is electrically connected to the card reading head, the security element and the converter. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324786 | INSTRUMENT-BASED TRIGGER EVENTS ARCHITECTURE - A method is disclosed herein in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The method may include deriving at a mobile transaction platform a multi-dimensional context from one or more user transactions and determining at least one life occurrence based, at least in part, on the multi-dimensional context. The one or more user transactions may be conducted through the mobile transaction platform. The one or more user transactions may be stored on a third-party source. In an aspect, the at least one life occurrence has yet to occur. In another aspect of the invention, the life occurrence has already occurred. The multi-dimensional context may include at least one of user location information and life occurrence location information. The multi-dimensional context may include at least one of a time of life occurrence and a current time. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324787 | Policy-Based Control and Augmentation of Cryptocurrencies and Cryptocurrency Security - A system for policy-based control and augmentation of cryptocurrency security including policy rules that govern transactions that are embedded in the cryptocurrency transmission. The transactions are then adjudicated using the policy-based control system at the endpoint. The invention first secures the private key to the cryptocurrency in a secure hardware module to ensure that ownership is maintained. Then, the system uses a policy-based control subsystem to embed policy information within the cryptocurrency transmission. On receipt, the transmission is decoupled such that the policy information can be implemented resulting in a decision to approve or disapprove the transaction. The system can be used for multiple signatories on a single transaction as well as any other policy requirement desired. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324788 | MOBILE CHECKOUT SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A mobile checkout system and method for completing a purchase transaction to purchase items from an internet merchant. A user browses and selects items for purchase from the merchant through a shopping application or browser. During the processing of the transaction, a checkout application installed on a mobile communication device is launched. The checkout application receives a checkout token created by a checkout server that identifies the purchase transaction. The checkout application uses this token and communicates with the checkout server to cause the checkout server to complete the purchase transaction. When the transaction is complete, the shopping application or browser is relaunched and a results page is displayed. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324789 | Cryptocurrency Virtual Wallet System and Method - The present disclosure describes a method in which an encrypted request to transfer a requested amount of cryptocurrency from a user address to a destination address is received. The request includes a destination address, a requested amount, a user device encryption key, and biometric data. A partially signed transaction to transfer a requested amount of cryptocurrency from the user address to the destination address is also received. The partially signed transaction is cryptographically signed and a multi-signed transaction is broadcast to a cryptocurrency network to transfer the requested amount of cryptocurrency from the user address to the destination address. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324790 | MESSAGING-BASED PAYMENTS - Embodiments for messaging-based payments are described. A messaging-based payment system (MBP) may be configured to facilitate payments between parties based via a messaging protocol, such as a text messaging protocol. The MBP may be configured to receive a request via the messaging protocol for a payment to be made from a first party to a second party. The request may include a payment amount as well as identifying information for the party making payment. In response to receipt of the request, the MBP may request an authorization of the payment from the first party. The request for authorization may be performed via the messaging protocol. After receiving authorization for the payment, the MBP may facilitate the requested payment from the first party to the second party. Payment may be made to an account of the second party or through a payment facilitator. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324791 | STORAGE OF CREDENTIAL SERVICE PROVIDER DATA IN A SECURITY DOMAIN OF A SECURE ELEMENT - Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for efficiently storing credential service provider data in a security domain of a secure element of an electronic device are provided. In one example embodiment, an electronic device may include a secure element that, inter alia, receives credential service provider data from a secure element vendor subsystem, and that encrypts a key of the secure element with the received credential service provider data. The electronic device may also include a communications component that transmits the encrypted key to a credential service provider. Additional embodiments are also provided. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324792 | ESTABLISHMENT OF A SECURE SESSION BETWEEN A CARD READER AND A MOBILE DEVICE - Disclosed is a technique for establishing a secure communication session between a mobile device and a card reader. The technique can involve using a trusted, remote validation server to validate security information of both the card reader and a POS module in the mobile device prior to, and as a precondition of, the card reader and the POS module establishing a secure communication session with each other. In certain embodiments the POS module sends the security information of both the card reader and the POS module to the validation server. The security information can include cryptographic keys of the POS module and the card reader and additional security information related to the POS module and its software environment. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324793 | ESTABLISHMENT OF A SECURE SESSION BETWEEN A CARD READER AND A MOBILE DEVICE - Disclosed is a technique for establishing a secure communication session between a mobile device and a card reader. The technique can involve using a trusted, remote validation server to validate security information of both the card reader and a POS module in the mobile device prior to, and as a precondition of, the card reader and the POS module establishing a secure communication session with each other. In certain embodiments the POS module sends the security information of both the card reader and the POS module to the validation server. The security information can include cryptographic keys of the POS module and the card reader and additional security information related to the POS module and its software environment. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324794 | Secure Universal Two-Step Payment Authorization System - A system and methods expedite and make secure payment data entry, and payment and authorization and authorization, for both in-store and online purchases. A mobile app, or widget or browser extension or installed service, on a mobile communication device, generates a barcode to be scanned at a point-of-sale terminal. Optional confirmation is sent to an app, or browser extension or widget or installed service, on a mobile or fixed communication device, to confirm a purchase. An independent app, or browser extension or widget or installed service, on a mobile or fixed communication device, generates a barcode that is sent directly to an online point-of-sale system. The method allows a purchaser to use the same app, or widget or browser extension or installed service, to purchase from any retailer with installed collaborating software. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324795 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR COMMUNICATING LIABILITY ACCEPTANCE WITH PAYMENT CARD TRANSACTIONS - A computer-based method for communicating liability acceptance for payment card transactions is provided. The method uses a computer device including a processor and a memory. The method includes receiving, by the processor, a transaction authorization request message for a payment card transaction having a default-liable party. The transaction authorization request message includes a shifted-liability acceptance indicator identifying a different party to the transaction that accepts liability for the payment card transaction. The method also includes authorizing the payment card transaction based at least in part on the shifted-liability acceptance indicator. The shifted-liability acceptance indicator changes the liability for the payment card transaction from the default-liable party to the different party accepting liability. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324796 | DEVICE-BASED PAYMENT AUTHORIZATION - Embodiments of device-based payment authorization are described. A device-based authorization system (“DBA”) may interoperate with a device of a payer party, such as a mobile device of the payer, to facilitate authorization of a payment by the payer. The DBA may respond to a payment request, such as by a vendor, which may include a payment account number and identifying information about the payer. In response, the DBA may request authorization from the payer on a device of the payer, such as a mobile device. The DBA may send an authorization request that includes an authorization token. A payment authorization application (“PAA”) on the device may facilitate the payer in performing an authorization, such as by performing a signature. The PAA may return an authorization record, including the authorization token. The DBA may then facilitate payment from the payer to the payee. Other embodiments, may be described and claimed. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324797 | PHONE-NUMBER-BASED PAYMENTS - Methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable media directed to phone-number-based payments are described. A phone-number-based payment system (PBP) may be configured to facilitate payments between parties based on a phone number for a payer party. The PBP may be configured to receive a payment request for a payment to be made from the payer party to a payee party. The request may include a payment amount and the payer's phone number. The payment request may include a payment amount and a phone number for the customer. In response the payment request, the PBP may verify that the payee has an account with the PBP. The PBP may also request an authorization of the payment from the payer. After receiving authorization for the payment, the PBP may facilitate the requested payment from the payer to the payee. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324798 | POWER SUPPLY METHOD, BILLING PROCESSING METHOD, POWER SUPPLY SYSTEM, POWER SUPPLY CONTROLLER, POWER SUPPLY APPARATUS, POWER-SUPPLY CONTROL METHOD, MANAGEMENT SERVER, ELECTRIC VEHICLE, AND BILLING SERVE - A power supply system includes an authentication server. Before receiving power supplied from a power supply coil of a power supply apparatus, an electric vehicle is authenticated by the authentication server. For receiving power supplied from the power supply coil, the electric vehicle gives a power-supply request to request a power-supply controller, which controls the power supply apparatus, to issue a temporary ticket for receiving power supply. The electric vehicle transmits the temporary ticket to the power supply apparatus, and upon determining that the temporary ticket is legitimate, the power supply apparatus executes power supply. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324799 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR RANDOMIZED MOBILE PAYMENT - Systems and methods for improving security in mobile payment systems are described. A user device may be operated to request temporary account data for an account. No actual account number may be stored on the device. A remote system may correlate temporary account data to actual account data and transmit temporary account data to the user device, which use the data to make a purchase or generate a temporary account number than may be used to make a purchase. Temporary account data may be automatically erased or expire. A purchase authorization request may be sent by a merchant with temporary account data to a provider of temporary account data. The provider may transmit a request for purchase authorization using actual account data to a payment processor, sending a response to the merchant that does not include actual account data based on a response from the payment processor. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324800 | System and Method of Processing PIN-Based Payment Transactions via Mobile Devices - A system and method for using a Personal Identification Number (“PIN”) to authenticate payment transactions via a mobile device coupled to a reader device is described. The reader device may be modified to not only read and encrypt first identification information from a payment medium such as a magnetic strip of a payment card, but also receive a PIN from the mobile device and encrypt the PIN. The mobile device may be configured to prompt for and receive the PIN. The PIN may be communicated to the reader device for encryption. The mobile device may receive the encrypted first identification information and encrypted PIN and communicate the encrypted data to an adaptive payment server that decrypts the encrypted data for processing the payment transaction. The system may be used to securely process PIN-based payment transactions using a mobile device that is communicably coupled to a reader device. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324801 | PAYMENT IDENTIFICATION CODE AND PAYMENT SYSTEM USING THE SAME - A method for effecting electronic payment, safeguarding banking and account information, while utilizing existing payment systems. The method comprises generating a system routing number and a payment identification code (PIC) relating to the beneficiary's account information, distributing payment identification codes to the existing payment system and financial institutions owning the account related to the payment identification codes, and the originator receiving a system routing number and the beneficiary's PIC number. The method also includes the originator communicating a payment instruction to a financial institution of the originator, wherein the payment instruction includes the system routing number beneficiary's payment identification code, the originator's financial institution receiving the payment instruction from the originator, wherein if the received PIC matches the originator's financial institution internal list of PICs, the originator's financial institution performs an “on us” transaction, and transmitting a payment instruction to an existing payment system in a case where the received PIC does not match originator's financial institution internal list of PICs. The method also includes the existing payment system validating the received PIC, wherein if the PIC is invalid, the payment instruction is returned to the originator's financial institution, converting the PIC and system routing number to a receiving payment instruction in a case where the PIC is a valid PIC, wherein the receiving payment instruction includes the beneficiary's financial institution's routing number and the beneficiary's account number. The existing payment system transmits the receiving payment instruction to a financial institution of the beneficiary, that financial institution credits the beneficiary's account if no problem exists, and otherwise returns a receiving payment instruction to the existing payment system. Upon receipt of the returned receiving payment instruction, the existing payment system translates the receiving payment instruction into the payment instruction prior to transmitting the payment instruction back to originator's financial institution. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324802 | TRANSACTION ASSESSMENT AND/OR AUTHENTICATION - Systems and methods for assessing and authenticating transactions are disclosed. Some exemplary embodiments may authenticate transactions based at least in part on a comparison of a newly obtained electronic signature associated with a user with a previously obtained electronic signature associated with the user, where a payment instrument presented for use in the transaction is also associated with the user. Exemplary electronic signatures may comprise any information which may identify the user, such as browser fingerprints, computer fingerprints, IP addresses, geographic IP location information, information associated with a payment, and/or a typing patterns. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324803 | DEVICE-BASED TRANSACTION CONFIRMATION - In various embodiments, facilitation of transactions is described. A customer may provide identifying information, such as a communication address, to a provider of goods and/or services. The provider, may, in turn, send a request to a device-based transaction facilitation system (“TFS”) to determine whether the identified customer wishes to participate in the requested transaction. The TFS may send a message to a device of the customer, such as a mobile phone of the customer. The customer may be facilitated in sending back a confirmation that the customer wishes to participate in the transaction. This confirmation may include a unique identifier of the device under control of the customer. The TFS, on receipt of the unique identifier, may then send a confirmation that the customer wishes to participate, and the provider, in turn, may complete the transaction with the customer. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324804 | Automated Follow-Up Communications To Unsuccessful Communication Attempts - In some embodiments, a system facilitates receipt of a request from a user via a graphical user interface on a user device for a service agent to initiate a communication to the user using a first communication type. In response to receiving the request from the user, the system initiates a first communication attempt to the user using the first communication type. The system determines that the first communication attempt using the first communication type is not successful. The system accesses the rules for communicating with the user. In response to determining that the first communication attempt using the first communication type did not reach the first user, the system initiates a second communication attempt using a second communication type according to the rules for communicating with the user. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324805 | PUBLIC NON-COMPANY CONTROLLED SOCIAL FORUM RESPONSE METHOD - Users may post issues and questions on public social media websites and other public forums. A business or product of the business may be the subject of the post. With a properly trained system the business can determined if another community member is likely provide and accurate, sufficient, and timely response to the post. If so, the business can avoid allocating resources to respond to such posts. However, if it is determined that an appropriate response is not likely, or not likely within an acceptable timeframe, the business may notify an agent to provide an appropriate response. As a benefit, the business may leverage a community of knowledgeable users to provide assistance to other users and thereby not expend resources unnecessarily. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324806 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CUSTOMER CONTACT - A user of a personal computing device may identify an item of interest displayed in a user interface provided by a network-based service and would like to obtain more information. The user may submit one or more electronic contact requests to a contact service in communication with a contact distribution system in order to obtain more information. The contact distribution system determines accurate, real-time availability of service agents and enables communications between the customer and an agent to be established in accordance with user contact information provided by the user. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324807 | CARBON EMISSIONS CREDITS SYSTEM - A method of tracking and transferring carbon emissions credits for qualifying vehicles, including zero emissions vehicles and partial zero emissions vehicles, comprises registering the qualifying vehicle with a verification database; logging distance traveled over a time period of the qualifying vehicle, the qualifying vehicle having a carbon emissions rate; recording the distance traveled over the time period in a verification database; calculating a carbon emissions credit based on the distance traveled, time period and the carbon emissions rate; and transferring the carbon emissions credit to a third party, optionally through a carbon emissions credit exchange, where the qualifying vehicle owner/operator receives a rebate or payment in exchange for unused carbon emissions credits. The rebate or payment optionally being applied to a purchase price, future maintenance or vehicle inspection services for the qualifying vehicle. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324808 | Beacon-Based Identification System and Method - A system for exchanging information utilizes digital marketing devices, such as passes, to transmit and receive identifying information. The identifying information, which may be specific or general, can be used to assist users in identifying each other, relaying preferences or better assist others by providing easy access to preferences, historical data or the like. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324809 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING POLITICAL AFFILIATIONS AND ATTITUDES - A method and a system are provided for determining political affiliations and/or attitudes of payment card holders. The method involves retrieving from one or more databases a first set of information including payment card transaction information, and retrieving from one or more databases a second set of information comprising external information. The external information includes merchant political affiliation and/or attitude information and payment card holder political affiliation and/or attitude information. The method further includes analyzing the first set of information and the second set of information to identify one or more associations between the payment card transaction information and the external information, and determining political affiliation and/or attitude of one or more payment card holders based on the one or more associations. The method and system can be used by merchants or businesses to better target customers or enhance existing customer relationships. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324810 | PERSONAL UNIVERSAL PROFILE - A method and a system for creating, updating and processing a universal profile which includes an aggregation of previous transaction with multiple, distinct transaction entities. A universal profile (UP) manager creates a universal profile for an account. The universal profile comprises transaction data based on an aggregate of transactions with multiple, distinct transaction entities. The UP manager receives a universal profile preference indicating whether at least a portion of the transaction data is to be shared. The UP manager provides the transaction data to a particular transaction entity according to the universal profile preference. The UP manager receives, from the particular transaction entity, a transaction context comprising at least a portion of a transaction customized based on transaction data shared according to the universal profile preference. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324811 | Scoring Tool for Research Surveys Deployed in a Mobile Environment - A method for determining a score for a research survey to be deployed in a mobile environment is disclosed. The method includes receiving survey data descriptive of a survey to be distributed to a plurality of respondents, and analyzing the survey data to identify one or more attributes of the survey. The method includes generating a survey score for the survey based on the one or more attributes of the survey. The survey score is representative of a suitability of the survey for presentation at a mobile device. The method may include determining distribution information for the survey based at least in part on the survey score. The distribution information identifies a set of respondents of the plurality of respondents to receive the survey. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324812 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR OBTAINING CUSTOMER TRAFFIC DISTRIBUTION - A method and a device for obtaining a customer traffic distribution are provided. The method comprises steps of: obtaining position information of mobile terminals; determining at least one cluster center in a preset range and a heat value of each cluster center according to the position information; and generating the customer traffic distribution according to the at least one cluster center and the heat values. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324813 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING BY AN EXTERNAL ENTITY THE HUMAN HIERARCHIAL STRUCTURE OF AN RGANIZATION, USING PUBLIC SOCIAL NETWORKS - The present invention relates to a method for determining the hierarchical structure of an organization, using data from a social network, for example, Facebook. The method is partially indirect, as it includes some determinations with respect to the departmental division of the organization as well as determination of leadership personnel that are not explicitly indicated anywhere in the social network. The method of the invention is mainly based on analyzing the connections between people, or more particularly the method is based on analysis of “friends” lists of persons within Facebook (or another social network). | 2015-11-12 |
20150324814 | HARVEST CUSTOMER TRACKING INFORMATION - An embodiment of a system comprises one or more processors; and one or more memories adapted to store machine-readable instructions which when executed by the processor(s) cause the system to: receive tracked user device information from a distributed network of sensors configured for tracking user device information associated with one or more user devices of corresponding users in a proximity of the distributed network of sensors, wherein the user device information is tracked even when the corresponding users have not opted in the one or more user devices to be tracked by the distributed network of sensors; store the tracked user device information in a tracking database, wherein the tracked user device information is stored even for corresponding users that have not been identified and is for later use when such corresponding users are identified; and analyze the tracked user device information to infer interests of the corresponding users. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324815 | SEASONALITY-BASED REPORTING PERIOD SYNCHRONIZATION - An automated computer-implemented method for generating a time-based comparative report is provided. The method includes receiving a selection of a first time period from a user device, identifying a first seasonality characteristic of the first time period, determining a second time period such that the second time period has a second seasonality characteristic matching the first seasonality characteristic, receiving from one or more data storage devices a first data set defined by the first time period and a second data set defined by at least one of the second time period and a user-selected third time period, and generating a comparative report using the first data set and the second data set. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324816 | PREDICTING LOCATION BASED ON PAYMENT CARD USAGE - A system and a method for predicting the location of a person using prior point of sale transaction data are disclosed. Historical purchase data is used to develop logic for predicting a present or future location at any given time of the cardholder. The logic can be tested against transaction data to qualify its accuracy. Statistical techniques are used to develop the logic with a sample of payment cardholders during an analytical phase. The logic can be applied to a broader universe of cardholders to ascertain a higher level of confidence that can be assigned to the prediction. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324817 | DYNAMIC DEMAND RESPONSE EVENT ASSESSMENT - A method of demand response (DR) event issue assessment is described. The method may include receiving parameters that may include one or more of contractual parameters, ambient condition data, historical data, and energy price data. The method may include predicting a customer demand and a customer energy curtailment based on one or more of the parameters. The method may further include calculating a customer participation likelihood based on one or more of the parameters. The method may include determining a price threshold based on one or more of the parameters, the customer energy curtailment, the customer demand, and the customer participation likelihood. The price threshold may represent an energy price at which issuing a DR event is more profitable than not issuing the DR event. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324818 | Long-Term Flow Assurance In A Transportation System - A method and system for long-term flow assurance is provided. Data is periodically acquired from multiple transportation systems each having a transportation structure such as a pipeline, and a transported material such as hydrocarbons or oil and gas. The data is stored in a central location. A global predictive flow model is maintained based on the data acquired from the multiple transportation systems. A data set of a transportation system of the multiple transportation systems is analyzed via the global predictive flow model to determine a flow assurance issue of the transportation system. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324819 | METHOD FOR PROVIDING PERSONALIZED ENERGY USE INFORMATION - Techniques for providing personalized energy use information are described herein. An energy information system can obtain one or more of demographic, psychographic, behavioral, or consumption data for each of a plurality of utility customers, and segment the plurality of utility customers into a plurality of categories based on the demographic, psychographic, behavioral, or consumption data. The energy information system can select a target category from the plurality of categories based on a predetermined achievement goal and generate communications content based on historic energy consumption data for the target category. The energy information system can select an outbound communication channel for communicating with the target category. The energy information system can deliver one or more communications to the target category through the outbound communication channel at a specified time, where the one or more communications include at least a portion of the communications content. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324820 | INFERRING USER DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION FROM RATINGS - Existing recommendation systems leverage user social and demographic information, e.g., age, gender and political affiliation, to personalize content and make recommendations. However, users do not volunteer this information due to privacy concerns or to the lack of initiative in filling out their profile information. The current methods and apparatus provide principles in which the system may learn the private attribute for those users who do not voluntarily disclose them. In an exemplary embodiment, the system receives ratings for items, such as movies, for example, that may be used by a recommendation system. The inventive arrangements are based on novel usage of Bayesian matrix factorization in an active learning setting. Such a system can be carried out using significantly fewer rated items than previously proposed static inference methods. The system functions effectively without sacrificing the quality of the regular recommendations made to the user. | 2015-11-12 |
20150324821 | Multicultural Survey Response System - The present invention includes a system and method for generating survey results, comprising: designing a survey in one or more languages that is offered to one or more survey participants in a format selected from at least one of hard copy, verbal, or online in the language of the survey participant; receiving, by a computer, a survey content from each of the survey participant, wherein each survey participant has a unique identification code for each survey; determining, by the computer, whether the survey content obtained from the survey participant regardless of the format in which the survey content is received, has already been obtained and if the survey content has been obtained rejecting the later entry as a duplicate; and generating, by the computer, a summary of the survey results obtained from the survey content. | 2015-11-12 |