46th week of 2011 patent applcation highlights part 56 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20110282708 | INTEGRATING EXTERNAL DATA IN HUMAN WORKFLOW TASKS - A system and method for integrating external data in human workflow tasks. In accordance with an embodiment, the system allows a workflow process designer working with a human workflow system to provide a definition of external data within a human workflow payload, and then retrieve that external data into the human workflow system. In the human workflow system, routing conditions and participants are specified according to the external data which can be materialized on demand. In accordance with an embodiment, the external data can be retrieved by calling any service, such as a Web service. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282709 | DYNAMIC HUMAN WORKFLOW TASK ASSIGNMENT USING BUSINESS RULES - A system and method for dynamic human workflow task assignment using business rules. In accordance with an embodiment, a human workflow system is integrated directly with business rules, to determine human task routing patterns, and participants in human tasks. Routing of tasks can also be determined by business rules. In accordance with an embodiment, at business process modeling time the workflow process designer creates human tasks in the process and specifies the business rules that determine the pattern, participant and routing information. These are integrated into the workflow task in the process. The integration of rules into human workflow can be performed using service component architecture, so that other rules engines can be plugged-in as required. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282710 | ENTERPRISE RISK ANALYSIS SYSTEM - A system for analyzing enterprise risks is provided and includes a first subsystem to permit creation of enterprise risk management (ERM) templates and modification thereof into instances of searchable and retrievable ERM content, a second subsystem to permit visualization and editing of the ERM content, a plurality of integrated analysis tools and an ERM work product generator supported by the first and second subsystems to produce ERM analytical results and ERM work product based on the ERM content and a platform. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282711 | System and Method for Syndicated Transactions - A Web server hosted by a first enterprise has a first mechanism receiving a request for information or services to be provided to an end user, and a second mechanism determining whether the request comes directly from the end user, or from a server hosted by a second enterprise. If the request is determined by the second mechanism to come from the server hosted by the second enterprise, any information or service provided to the end user by the first enterprise is identified as coming from the second enterprise. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282712 | SURVEY REPORTING - A method is described for presenting a report. The method comprises the following steps. Survey results are obtained to plurality of customer surveys for a predefined location over a data accumulation period. Each customer survey includes a plurality of attributes each having at least one weighting factor. A location average result is calculated for each of the plurality of attributes. Survey results are obtained to a plurality of peer surveys over the data accumulation period for at least one corresponding peer. Each peer survey including a plurality of attributes. Calculating a peer average result for each of the plurality of attributes. A peer difference score is determined for each of the attributes as a difference between the location average result and the peer average result for the corresponding attribute. A ranking score is determined for each attribute based on a combination of the at least one weighting factor and the peer difference score. The ranking score is used to determine a priority in which to present the attributes in the report. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282713 | PRODUCT POSITIONING AS A FUNCTION OF CONSUMER NEEDS - There is described a computer-implemented method for evaluating a living environment having a plurality of elements therein, the method comprising: presenting, via a user interface, a first series of questions, the questions being divided into at least three first categories, each first category having at least one question associated thereto, each question having a plurality of answers with varying weights associated thereto, each first category corresponding to an aspect of the living environment; storing in a memory received answers for the first series of questions; and using a processor for: calculating, for each first category, a score as a function of received answers and associated weights; positioning the score for each first category as a point on a corresponding axis in a first multi-dimensional coordinate system, the intersection of all axes representing a score of 100% and each axis having progressively decreasing values extending from the intersection; creating a surface in the first multi-dimensional coordinate system by joining the points on each axis together, the size and shape of the surface representing a degree to which each aspect of the environment is met; and outputting the surface to the user interface. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282714 | COMPUTER SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING ANALYTICAL DATA RELATED TO THE PROJECT BID AND REQUISITION PROCESS - A comprehensive, web-enabled computer system and method is provided for producing analytical data related a project bid management system. Transactional data related to the bid and project are entered into the computer system through an on-line bid, project requisition and payment process. Using the transactional data stored within the system, virtually any type of analytical data related to single or multiple projects performed by one or more vendors for one or more buyers can be generated. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282715 | BUSINESS ACTIVITY MONITORING ANOMALY DETECTION - An anomaly detector compares a first event from a business activity monitoring system to a second number from an independent trusted source, wherein the first event includes a first number. The anomaly detector determines that the first number from the business activity monitoring system is inconsistent with the second number. The anomaly detector generates a calibration relationship between first number and second number based on time, responsive to a determination that the first number is inconsistent with the second number. The anomaly detector stores the calibration relationship. The anomaly detector receives a third number from the business activity monitoring system at an interval after comparing the first number. The anomaly detector displays the third number to a dashboard. The anomaly detector displays a qualifier to the third number. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282716 | Method for Visual Presentation of Key Performance Indicators of a Business Utilizing a Squarified Tree Map - Data representing key performance indicators of a business enterprise are displayed by computer as a squarified tree map having major nodes each of which represents a profit center of the enterprise and minor nodes each of which represents a project associated with a particular profit center. Size, color and position of each of the minor nodes within a major node and size and position of each the major nodes within the squarified tree map is specified so as to produce a visual display which is highly appealing to the visually perceptive/intuitive processes of the human mind therefore enables rapid managerial response to visually perceived, intuitively sensed deviations from selected performance criteria. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282717 | METHOD FOR COLLECTING TOLLS FOR LOCATION USAGES - A method for collecting tolls for location usages of an on-board unit, which has a unit identifier in a road toll system and a mobile telecommunications identifier in a mobile telecommunications network. The method includes storing the unit identifier and the mobile telecommunications identifier of the on-board unit in a control centre of the road toll system, sending the position-fix data from the on-board unit, under the mobile telecommunications identifier as sole identification, to a toll calculation server, calculating location-anonymised toll data in the toll calculation server, and sending said toll data under the mobile telecommunications identifier to a control centre of the mobile telecommunications network, charging a user account assigned to the mobile telecommunications identifier in the control centre of the mobile telecommunications network, sending a confirmation to the control centre of the road toll system under the mobile telecommunications identifier, and retrieving the unit identifier associated with the mobile telecommunications identifier and providing the confirmation in the control centre of the road toll system. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282718 | INTERACTIVE LOCATION BASED AUTOMATED GUIDE SERVICE - A location based remote guidance system suitable for supervising tours of a locale being undertaken by tourists. The system may transmit and annunciate messages relating to points of interest throughout the locale and also to availability of supporting goods and services, all based on proximity to the tourists. The system may utilize stationary beacons disposed throughout the locale to ensure reliability of location based messages. The system may be operated as a commercial service which supervises self-guided tours by subscribers solicited directly by the operator of the system, and also on a compensated basis which supervises self-guided tours undertaken by subscribers solicited by other tourist related commercial entities. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282719 | PROMOTIONAL MARKETING VIA BAGGAGE TAGGING - Systems and methods for distributing marketing materials to airline consumers are disclosed. A promotion management system receives information regarding an airline consumer's checked baggage. The promotion management system has a processor and databases holding such information as client profiles, destination information, and vendor promotions. The processor determines which vendor promotion is mostly likely to be of interest to the airline consumer, and then transmits the selected vendor promotion to a remote device that provides the marketing material. This marketing material, which may be a coupon or a promotional offer, is then attached to the baggage of the airline consumer. The baggage and the attached marketing material are processed and transported to the arrival baggage claim. The airline consumer retrieves the baggage, reviews the marketing material, and may then choose to respond to the marketing material. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282720 | DATA PROCESSING SYSTEM AND DATA PROCESSING METHOD - A method for distributing advertisement data to display terminal devices from a distribution server via a relay server. The relay server receives status notifications of the display terminal devices and transmits a tenor of receipt of the status notifications to the display terminal devices. The distribution server receiving status notifications and transmits the tenor of receipt of the status notifications to the relay server. The distribution server determines whether the reproduction schedule of the advertisement data has been changed and transmits a notification on a change. If the distribution server receives a request for acquisition of the as-changed reproduction schedule, the distribution server sends the as-changed reproduction schedule to the relay server. If the relay server determines that the reproduction schedule acquired from the distribution server has been changed, the relay server transmits the notification on the change of the reproduction schedule. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282721 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING FUNCTIONAL ADVERTISEMENTS - One example embodiment includes a computing environment that includes an application for connecting a remote user to a client. The application performs a method of providing functional advertisements to the user. The method includes providing a functional advertisement, where the functional advertisement includes an advertisement that the user can interact with. The method also includes connecting a user to the client over a network and transmitting the functional advertisement from the client to a user over the network. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282722 | NETWORKED REFERRAL SYSTEM - Method and system for a referral system is provided. The method includes: (a) creating a vendor account for linking a vendor system with the referral system, the vendor system used for offering a vendor product and service; (b) establishing a referral rule based on which a user earns an amount from using the referral system; (c) establishing a threshold value based on which a user is permitted to redeem the amount earned by using the referral system; (d) creating a user account with the referral system that allows the user to electronically refer another entity to buy the vendor product and service; (e) sending an invitation to the another entity on behalf of the user, wherein the referral system sends the invite on the user's behalf with a review of the user's experience with vendor product and service. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282723 | Methods for Implementing a Loyalty Program - A method of rewarding loyalty of a user may include providing a personal terminal to the user, detecting whether the personal terminal is within proximity of an interaction terminal, and based at least in part on the proximity of the personal terminal to the interaction terminal, providing a benefit to the user. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282724 | Reward Based Interactive Kiosk Advertising - A method of subsidizing purchases through consumer participation in interactive advertising at the kiosk includes providing a user an option to receive a subsidy towards a kiosk purchase, a promotional coupon, or a reward voucher in exchange for viewing an advertisement and participating in a corresponding survey. After presenting the advertisement and survey to the user, the kiosk provides a reward to the user at the kiosk or at a participating vendor. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282725 | AD REDEMPTION - This specification describes technologies relating to content presentation. In general, one aspect of the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in methods that include the actions of sending one or more redeemable content items to a user, each content item being configured for redemption at a physical retail location; receiving a request from the user to redeem a content item of the one or more content items at a particular physical retail location; validating, using one or more processor, the content item for redemption; if the content item is valid for redemption, notifying a corresponding retailer of the content item redemption to be applied to a pending retail transaction; and logging the redemption. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding systems, apparatus, and computer program products. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282726 | PROVIDING CONSUMERS WITH INCENTIVES FOR HEALTHY EATING HABITS - A method, system, and program for providing consumer healthy habits incentives are provided. A consumable item, consumed by an individual, is detected. A health factor is detected for the consumable item. An electronic incentive is selected for the individual according to the health factor, such that the individual is encouraged to consume a healthy selection of consumable items. An electronic incentive may be further specified according to the personal health history, exercise history and consumption history of an individual. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282727 | CONTENT MANAGEMENT IN OUT-OF-HOME ADVERTISING NETWORKS - A system and method for delivering advertising and non-advertising content includes a content management system for receiving content, editing received content (if necessary), storing content, and scheduling content for display in display systems. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282728 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENGAGING AND ACQUIRING CUSTOMERS - Improved systems, methods and apparatus are needed to provide gaming establishments within the casino, lottery and gaming industries a unified platform and middleware for the attraction, registration, engagement, delivery, management and measurement of new player acquisition through interactive mediums and channels. Acquisition of new players using such systems and methods and benefits from integration of external information on the new player. The systems and methods are configured to require entry of external information as part of delivery and/or redemption of incentives designed to attract and engage new and even existing players. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282729 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO PRODUCE AND CONTROL SUBSIDIZATION OF TARGETED MATERIALS AT POINT OF SALE - Disclosed is a system and method to produce and control subsidization of targeted advertising materials. According to one exemplary method, customized printer material and targeted advertising material is provided to a consumer, where the price of the customized printed material is subsidized in exchange for the consumer agreeing to receive the targeted advertising material. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282730 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SELECTING AND IMPLEMENTING AN INTERNET ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN - A system, method and a computer program product for identifying and implementing an optimized Internet advertising campaign provides for selecting a representative sample of Internet-based advertisers in a targeted business category, instrumenting websites of the representative sample of Internet-based advertisers to collect data from desired customer actions generated by a selection of advertising options in the targeted business category, building a database including campaign performance data and a targeting library, analyzing the data to determine relative cost and efficiency of each of the plurality of advertising options in the targeted business category, generating and displaying a selection matrix comparing the relative cost and efficiency of each of the selected advertising options in the targeted business category, and uploading an ad campaign to a selected advertising network. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282731 | Systems and Methods for Optimizing Marketing Investments - Systems and methods for optimizing marketing investments are provided. The system includes a computer system in electronic communication with a business over a first communications link, means for electronically receiving marketing expenditure information from the business using the first communications link. The system executes an optimization algorithm which processes the marketing expenditure information and estimates at least one optimized future marketing expenditure for the business based upon the marketing expenditure information. the system electronically transmits the at least one optimized future marketing expenditure to a user using a second communications link, for subsequent display of the at least one optimized future marketing expenditure to the user. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282732 | UNDERSTANDING AUDIENCE INTERESTS - The present invention provides techniques for use in providing advertisers and other entities with information relating to target audiences. Techniques are provided in which, in reply to an advertiser query, the advertiser is provided with, in connection with a specified target audience, topics of interest, levels of interest per topic, and a level or levels of engagement with the advertiser. Other information may also be provided, including topic of interest trending information, as well as topics of interest that best differentiate between the target audience and a specified comparison audience. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282733 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO CONTROL ON-DEMAND MARKETING CAMPAIGNS AND PERSONALIZED TRAJECTORIES IN HYPER-LOCAL DOMAINS - A method of providing targeted communications within a hyper-local domain from a first user to a second user, the method including receiving a communication from a first device, the first communication related to the hyper-local domain, receiving an input from a second device, comparing the input to the communication, and transmitting the communication to the second device, a third device, or combinations thereof, based on the comparing of the input to the communication. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282734 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS USED FOR PUBLISHING AND AGGREGATING REAL WORLD AND ONLINE PURCHASES VIA STANDARDIZED PRODUCT INFORMATION - The present disclosure relates to enabling users to broadcast their purchases by means of a service provider. Service provider catalogs such purchases based on standardized product data, such as UPC or RFID, allowing for the aggregation and consequent utility of such data for commercial purposes. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282735 | Software Module And Method For Retrieval And Presentation Of Advertising Content - A software module which can be embedded into new or existing computer program. The module obtains advertising content from content providers and presents the content to a user on a computer during operation of the computer program. The content can be data, text, images, audio, video, 3D models, interactive content, or a combination thereof. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282736 | METHOD OF PROVIDING TARGETED COMMUNICATIONS TO A USER OF A PRINTING SYSTEM - According to one aspect of the disclosure, provided are methods of providing user requested printed material, including one or more targeted communications to the user. According to one exemplary embodiment, the targeted communications are associated with an auction, whereby an optimal reserve price is determined to maximize profits. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282737 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATED GENERATION OF COMMUNICATIONS INVOLVINIG PRODUCTS OR SERVICES - A system for automatically preparing customized replies in response to communications from a plurality of clients. To facilitate automation and tracking, each original communication to the client (or each original response from the client) is tagged with a unique label, and replies to client responses are each correspondingly labeled. The system provides individualized replies to each of a variety of response options that a client might exercise in response to a received communication, whether an original communication or a reply to a previous response. The system is applicable to mass marketing communications, and is particularly well suited to the generation of personalized replies to each and every one of a multitude (tens of thousands and up to millions) of communications from clients. The system is also capable of continuing to generate replies to follow-up responses from clients and to thereby maintain an ongoing “conversation” until the client makes a purchase decision, or no longer responds. Communications may be delivered through a variety of means, such as the internet, the mails, by facsimile, on a host communication, etc. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282738 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENABLING CHANNEL PROMOTIONS IN AN IP MARKETPLACE - A comprehensive platform for merchandising intellectual property (IP) and conducting IP transactions is disclosed. A standardized data collection method enables IP assets to be characterized, rated and valuated in a consistent manner. Project management, workflow and data security functionality enable consistent, efficient and secure interactions between the IP Marketplace participants throughout the IP transaction process. Business rules, workflows, valuation models and rating methods may be user defined or based upon marketplace, industry or technology standards. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282739 | Method and System for Optimizing Advertising Conversion - A call and web-based analytics system that optimizes advertising conversion includes collection of call and web-based transaction information to establish digital entity based on customer transaction history. The collection of call and web-based data establishes buyer purchasing cycle scorecard that reflects the buyer's transactional history. Advertisers can search, match and/or bid for customers that meet the criteria based on both call and web-based transactional history. Ads are delivered based on customer buying cycle process stage to match the timing of purchase and buying cycle. Optimized response rates and sales conversions are achieved by targeting matched ads during the customer purchasing cycle stage based on matched customer transactional history and collected customer profile information. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282740 | INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - To combine thrifty power consumption with up-to-dateness of displayed information, an information processing apparatus ( | 2011-11-17 |
20110282741 | METHOD FOR OFFERING ADVERTISEMENT ACCORDING TO SEARCH INTENTION SEGMENTATION AND SYSTEM FOR EXECUTING THE METHOD - Disclosed are an advertisement providing method and system. The advertisement providing method, including: defining a search intention for each keyword and a content type for each search intention; and providing, when a user inputs the keyword, an advertisement content list based on a search intention of the inputted keyword. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282742 | Advertisement Displaying Browser and Advertisement System - An internet browser equipped in itself with a function to obtain and display video advertisement data along with an advertisement system that is connected to one or more advertisement data storing websites located on a communication network and the communication network itself, includes the user terminal equipped with the browser as described in embodiment 1, and displays to the user data obtained from the browser, according to the advertise management function. The browser is equipped with social functions, and is a system where the user can receive a reward for browsing advertisements. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282743 | ASSOCIATIVE ONLINE ADVERTISEMENT - Embodiments of methods and apparatuses for associative online advertisement are disclosed. In various embodiments, an online advertisement of a product or service provider may be selectively associated with a member of an online social network, under the selection control of the member. In various embodiments, the association enables at least another member of the online social network to select the online advertisement from a social media associated with the member to be likewise associated with the online advertisement, or purchase for the member, a product or service of the associated product or service provider. Other embodiments may be disclosed and/or claimed. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282744 | NETWORK-BASED SYSTEM OF RELAYING CONTENTS FOR ADVERTISEMENT PRODUCTS AND ONLINE SHOPPING THE ADVERTISEMENT PRODUCTS AND METHOD THEREOF - A network-based system for relaying contents for advertisement products includes a plurality of display devices for advertisement configured to display the advertisement products and represent identifiers which distinguish the advertisement products, respectively, and one or more mobile terminals for requesting for the relay of a content for an advertisement product of interest via a network by using an identifier of the advertisement product. A management server management server recognizes which content is for the advertisement product of interest based on the identifier from the mobile terminal, and relays the recognized content to the mobile terminal via the network to thereby interwork with the mobile terminal. The mobile terminal reproduces and searches for the content for the advertisement product relayed from the management server, and performs purchase of the advertisement product. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282745 | System And Method For The Presentation Of Alternative Content To Viewers Video Content - According to certain embodiments of the present invention behavioral patterns are utilized in order to calculate a predicted level of interest of viewers in a specific video item at any given moment throughout the length of the video item. More specifically, according to certain embodiments, this calculation allows to identify instances of peaks of high and low interest throughout the length of the video item. This allows predicting the occurrence of critical moments throughout the video item when is likely that viewers would abandon the video item on one hand, and moments when viewers are most likely absorbed in the currently presented video, on the other hand. This information allows to capture viewers when their interest in the viewed content is low or decreasing, and to synchronize the presentation of alternative content to these instances. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282746 | REAL-TIME TRAFFIC CONDITION MEASUREMENT AND PRESENTATION OF SPONSORED CONTENT - In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for identifying a first location, at time one, of a plurality of automobiles using cell phone tower triangulation to locate a cell phone within each of the plurality of automobiles, identifying a second location, at time two, for each of the plurality of automobiles using cell phone tower triangulation to locate the cell phone within each of the plurality of automobiles, calculating a vehicle speed for each of the plurality of automobiles using the first and second locations already identified, and creating a traffic condition measure for a route in proximity to the first and second locations. The computer program product may repeat this process in real-time to calculate a real-time traffic condition measure that may be a traffic density measure the computer program product may use to predict a travel time, and may display the real-time traffic condition measure on the user's cell phone along with product availability data from a store or stores in proximity to the route and can include where such stores are located with the roadway presentation. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282747 | System and method for advertising - A system of the present invention provides system and method for location based advertising of goods and services provided by retailers to attract potential consumers. The system networks the retailers and the consumers subscribed to the system. A controller of the system allows the retailers to input the information about the goods and services to be sold through virtual coupons. A program of the controller is adaptable to store predetermined numerical or non-numerical identifiers with each of the identifiers representing a particular good and service of the retailer. A global positioning system is operably communicated with the controller to determine location of the consumer proximate to the retailer and electronically transmitting virtual coupon(s) to the communications device of the consumer thereby providing the consumer with option to redeem the coupon in exchange for discount or free goods and/or services at the retailer's establishment. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282748 | APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR USING A PERSONALIZED DATA REPOSITORY - The APPARATUS, METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR USING A PERSONALIZED DATA REPOSITORY (“PDR”) transform merchant promotional offer inputs and individual user or consumer transaction inputs into targeted promotional offer outputs, which are distributed to individual user or consumers. In one embodiment the method includes a personalized data repository processor-implemented method that includes receiving, over a communications network, communication messages associated with a user's mobile communication device, whereby the communication messages associated with the user's mobile communication device are aggregated and packaged, upon authorization, from the mobile communication device. Merchant promotional offer information corresponding to promotional goods information or promotional services information is received over the communications network. The received user's sale transaction information is then correlated with the received promotional offer information for determining one or more targeted promotional offers based on the promotional goods or promotional services information and the purchased goods or purchased services information. The one or more targeted promotional offers are sent over the communications network to a mobile communication device of the user. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282749 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING ADVOCACY AS ADVERTISEMENT - Entities seeking to promote goods, services, offers, candidates, etc., may elect to use advocates in a social networking environments instead of advertising. Social networking user profile characteristics are analyzed to identify advocates for subjects of advocacy such as brands, products, services, offers, political candidates, etc. Profile characteristics may include the advocate's own profile information as well as profile information of those in the advocate's social network. An advocate may select a subject of advocacy and generate advocacy materials or customized advocacy materials may be created and/or combined with user materials. The advocacy materials may be analyzed using neuro-response data to generate effective and targeted materials for distribution using social networking channels. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282750 | SOCIAL NETWORK FOR MAPPING GRADATIONS TO TARGET INTENT - Systems and methods for social networking. Location-related data and other behavioral and exogenously generated characteristics are used to replace or supplement self-generated profiles in order to enhance the quality and trustworthiness of the matches made using the system and facilitate the inputting of profile information. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282751 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ADVERTISING USING MINIMUM INCREMENT BID - A method and system for providing an advertisement using a minimum incremental unit are provided. The advertisement providing method includes adjusting a minimum incremental unit based on an initial bid price, an input bid price, and a maximum bid price bid price during an auction. The minimum incremental unit includes a minimum value of increment to be included in a current input bid price in addition to a previously input bid price. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282752 | Website Creation Method - Creation of a website that gathers data on visitors as if it is run by an actual company related to the content of the website. The data gathered on visitors is then sold and/or the entire website is then sold. The website is not a shell or template, but rather is an actual operating website that generates its own traffic and advertisements. The website can even feature polls, contributions, and email lists. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282753 | PAYMENT CARDS AND DEVICES OPERABLE TO RECEIVE POINT-OF-SALE ACTIONS BEFORE POINT-OF-SALE AND FORWARD ACTIONS AT POINT-OF-SALE - A payment card or other device (e.g., mobile telephone) is provided with a magnetic emulator operable to communicate data to a magnetic stripe read-head. A user can utilize buttons located on the card to perform activities that would otherwise be performed at an ATM, payment card reader, or by a waitress. A user can provide instructions on a card to accelerate a transaction. The information a user enters can be communicated to a point-of-sale device. For example, a user can enter into his/her card that the user desires $100 withdrawal from a checking account. The user can also enter his/her PIN into the card. The user can swipe his/her card into an ATM and instantly be provided with the desired $100. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282754 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENABLING CHANNEL AGREEMENTS NEGOTIATIONS IN AN IP MARKETPLACE - A comprehensive platform for merchandising intellectual property (IP) and conducting IP transactions is disclosed. A standardized data collection method enables IP assets to be characterized, rated and valuated in a consistent manner. Project management, workflow and data security functionality enable consistent, efficient and secure interactions between the IP Marketplace participants throughout the IP transaction process. Business rules, workflows, valuation models and rating methods may be user defined or based upon marketplace, industry or technology standards. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282755 | Apparatus System and Method for Exchanging Lead Information - An apparatus, system and method is described for exchanging lead information in a bid process that provides end users, consumers, lead buyers, aggregators and sellers that aggregate the leads through marketing a platform to bid on the leads based on pre-determined criteria such as zip code, buy price field, etc without having duplicate lead information pass to any one entity. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282756 | SYSTEM FOR INTERACTIVE PARTICIPATION BY REMOTE BIDDERS IN LIVE AUCTIONS - A distributed auction system allows remote bidders to interactively participate by computer in live auctions conducted on-site by an auctioneer. A client program that runs on the computers of the remote bidders displays real time auction status information extracted from status messages, and provides functionality of the remote bidders to submit live bids that are based on such status information. A network of nodes may be used to filter out invalid bids from the remote bidders so that such bids need not be processed by an auction server. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282757 | System and Method for Online Design and Ordering of Architectural Millwork - A method and system for the online design, real-time visual rendering, ordering, and manufacturing of various architectural millwork products such as wainscoting panels, cabinet doors, fireplace mantels, and columns. A user logs on to a system server over the Internet using a personal computer and common browser, chooses one of many configurable designs, inputs dimensional and critical build criteria, receives a real-time image displayed on his computer screen from such input, receives further real-time images with each user selectable change to such inputs, so as to render immediate visual images of the as-designed product on the user's computer screen. After the user submits his final order through an online-cart and check out process, the order is further reviewed by a backend system and thereafter processed for generating CNC machine code and other related manufacturing instructions to further automate the manufacturing process. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282758 | ITEM RECOMMENDATION SERVICE - A computer-implemented recommendation service uses item-to-item relationship mappings to select items to recommend to the user. The item-to-item relationship mappings may reflect user-behavior-based (e.g., purchase-based) item relationships, content-based item relationships, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, personalized recommendations are generated for a user by a process that comprises retrieving from the mapping, for each of a plurality of items of interest to the user, a respective related items list; weighting the related items lists based on information regarding the user's affinity for the corresponding items of interest; combining the weighted related items lists to form a pool of scored items, and selecting items from the pool to recommend to the user. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282759 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PERFORMING AN ACTION ON A PROGRAM OR ACCESSING THE PROGRAM FROM A THIRD-PARTY MEDIA CONTENT SOURCE - A program may be selected from a list of programs that is presented to the user. It may be determined whether the selected program is scheduled to be broadcast by a first media content source within a certain pre-determined time period. If the selected program is scheduled to be broadcast by the first media content source within the pre-determined time period, then the user may be provided with an opportunity to perform a certain action on the program. On the other hand, if the selected program is not scheduled to be broadcast within the pre-determined time period, the user may be provided with an opportunity to access the program from a third-party media content source. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282760 | Server apparatus and information processing system - Provided is a server apparatus including a first payment-information transmitting and receiving unit and a copy-permission-information providing unit. The first payment-information transmitting and receiving unit transmits and receives, via a network with respect to an information processing apparatus capable of reproducing a medium for rental in which a content protected from copying is recorded, information about payment necessary for obtaining a copy permission of a content recorded in the medium. The copy-permission-information providing unit provides information of permitting copying of the content via the network to the information processing apparatus every time when the copy-permission-information providing unit confirms completion of the payment through the transmission and reception of the information about the payment with respect to the information processing apparatus of the user. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282761 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENABLING MARKETING CHANNELS IN AN IP MARKETPLACE - A comprehensive platform for merchandising intellectual property (IP) and conducting IP transactions is disclosed. A standardized data collection method enables IP assets to be characterized, rated and valuated in a consistent manner. Project management, workflow and data security functionality enable consistent, efficient and secure interactions between the IP Marketplace participants throughout the IP transaction process. Business rules, workflows, valuation models and rating methods may be user defined or based upon marketplace, industry or technology standards. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282762 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENABLING IP MARKETPLACE APIs - A comprehensive platform for merchandising intellectual property (IP) and conducting IP transactions is disclosed. A standardized data collection method enables IP assets to be characterized, rated and valuated in a consistent manner. Project management, workflow and data security functionality enable consistent, efficient and secure interactions between the IP Marketplace participants throughout the IP transaction process. Business rules, workflows, valuation models and rating methods may be user defined or based upon marketplace, industry or technology standards. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282763 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TINTING AND SELLING PAINT - A method and a system for ordering paint to cover a surface includes, retrieving a color value from a machine-readable memory to a processor. The processor retrieves a paint quantity from a machine-readable memory. The processor compiles an order for paint including the paint quantity and color value and then transmits the order from the processor to a vendor for formulating the paint quantity having the color value when painted upon the surface and allowed to dry. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282764 | VIRTUAL PARTIES AND PACKS - A party pack is purchased from an electronic store that includes everything necessary to have a party including games, prizes, food items, an invitation template, and prizes for the party recipients. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282765 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENABLING IP DATA ACCESS IN AN IP MARKETPLACE - A comprehensive platform for merchandising intellectual property (IP) and conducting IP transactions is disclosed. A standardized data collection method enables IP assets to be characterized, rated and valuated in a consistent manner. Project management, workflow and data security functionality enable consistent, efficient and secure interactions between the IP Marketplace participants throughout the IP transaction process. Business rules, workflows, valuation models and rating methods may be user defined or based upon marketplace, industry or technology standards. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282766 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENABLING INTEGRATED CHANNELS IN AN IP MARKETPLACE - A comprehensive platform for merchandising intellectual property (IP) and conducting IP transactions is disclosed. A standardized data collection method enables IP assets to be characterized, rated and valuated in a consistent manner. Project management, workflow and data security functionality enable consistent, efficient and secure interactions between the IP Marketplace participants throughout the IP transaction process. Business rules, workflows, valuation models and rating methods may be user defined or based upon marketplace, industry or technology standards. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282767 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING ACCESS TO PRODUCT RELATED ELECTRONIC CATALOG FUNCTIONALITY - An aggregation of functionality related to a product within an electronic catalog hosted by a wholesaler web system is provided by presenting on a client computing device a webpage in which a single product is directly associated with a single access point. The single access point provides a means by which plural wholesaler web system functions related to the single product are made available to a consumer. A listing of the plural wholesaler web system functions related to the single product is displayed within the webpage in response to an activation of the single access point by the consumer. In response to a selection by the consumer from the displayed listing the wholesaler web system initiates a performance of the one of the plural wholesaler web system functions so selected. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282768 | SYSTEM FOR INVENTORY MANAGEMENT - The present invention relates to a system for detecting and communicating the position of a pusher assembly on a shelf. In an embodiment, a system includes a control module, a pusher assembly, and a laser scanner. The laser scanner is configured to transmit a swept beam to a mirrored reflective surface located behind the pusher assembly. The control module analyzes the laser beam at the laser scanner to detect the position of the pusher assembly on the shelf. In another embodiment, a system includes a control module, a pusher assembly, and an infrared transceiver that sends and receives infrared signals. The transceiver may be located behind the pusher assembly. The control module analyzes the infrared signals to determine the position of the pusher assembly on the shelf. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282769 | Method and System for Quantifying Interactions with Digital Content - A computerized system and method for displaying content to a plurality of users via a communications network, and for quantifying interactions between the users and the digital content utilizes a first computer program stored in a memory of a computer accessible to a user. A program module in the computer program causes the computer to confirm access of the digital content by the user, and to quantify a plurality of interactions between the user and the digital content. Data representative of the interactions are stored and/or uploaded via the communications network to a database. A second computer program is stored in the memory of a computer accessible to an entity authorized to access the data in the database. The second computer program may include an accounting module for creating an account record which reflects a charge to the accessing entity which varies based on the data in the database. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282770 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IN-ROOM DRINKING WATER SERVICE IN A HOTEL - Disclosed is a system and method for providing an in-room drinking water service at a hotel. The system includes a plurality of drinking water dispensers provided in guest rooms of the hotel. The system further includes a computer program running on one or more computers of the hotel and configured to manage the in-room drinking water service. In the system and method, when providing of the service in a particular guest room is confirmed, the computer program coordinates charging a fee to an account of the particular guest room for the service. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282771 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATED TRANSACTION COMPLIANCE PROCESSING - A system for automated transaction compliance processing comprises a list server providing access to one or more lists of securities with trading restrictions and a rules engine which processes compliance requests to determine if, based upon the relationship between the requesting party and the company on behalf the compliance is being performed, the transaction is permissible. Compliance determinations are made using a set of predefined compliance rules. When a request is evaluated, a compliance rule set indicating which rules are to be evaluated at that time is generated in accordance with a party profile indicating the relationship between the party and the company. A message indicating whether or not the transaction complies with trading restrictions is then returned. The system can be stand-alone or integrated with an electronic trading system. The compliance processor can also be used to analyze reports to ensure that the report contents comply with confidentiality requirements prior to public release of the report. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282772 | SYSTEM FOR REDUCING INFORMATION REQUIRED TO OPEN A NEW ACCOUNT - An existing customer of a financial institution may open a new account with their financial institution using an optimized online interface. Initially, the interface presents a standard application for a new account in which an extensive number of fields for personal and financial information must be completed. A link is provided on this long application for use by existing account holders only. Upon selection of the link, an existing account holder is instead presented with a short application in which only the account holder's name, a portion of their social security number, their existing account number, and their account confirmation identifier are required to be entered. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282773 | Method For Sequestering Carbon Dioxide Via Fertilization Of A Body Of Water From The Air, And For Acquiring Compensation Therefrom - A method of sequestering carbon dioxide in a body of water such as an area of ocean by seeding the water surface with a fertilizer including iron. The seeding is conducted from the air using an aircraft equipped with a device to record or otherwise document the details of the iron distribution, where the method of distribution has been approved in advance for acquisition of carbon sequestration credits by an appropriate agency. Evidence of the success of the application is presented to the appropriate regulatory body and the carbon credits acquired. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282774 | Beehive Planet Method: Collective Property Buying and Mass Securitization of Real Estate through a Real Estate Buyer's Club Brokerage service and a Real Estate Securities Exchange - Beehive Planet Method is a computerized method spanning Real Estate and Finance fields. It creates an investment avenue for the registered investor base of a real estate brokerage through mass securitization of investment real estate into single property, no to low leverage, tradable securities created through the brokerage's services leading to a new demand based trading environment where collective purchasing creates real estate securities in primary market that trade on an inseparably linked Securities Exchange in secondary market. It uses Property Management standardization with operation and leverage classifications and exchange determined valuations and limits to convert single properties into tradable financial instruments. Complete computerization with automated property selection and collective purchasing conduct data transformation of investment criteria within buyer groups into trade transactions on an electronic exchange. Finally, it fills a void by opening up large scale investment in properties with complete investor control over choice of invested property. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282775 | System and Method for Improved Order Entry Using Market Depth - Market depth information pertaining to the hedging side is utilized to intelligently break a non-hedging order into multiple orders, such that the orders rest at cascading price levels. This way, the trader can benefit from sweeps in the book and still properly account for the market depth on the hedging side. Further, there is a greater probability of receiving “partials” on the spread order. In addition, hedge orders may be sent at multiple price levels, or sent to the market in pieces over time. By applying a more intelligent process to hedge orders (as opposed to “fire and forget”) an alternative beyond limit orders that can be leged or market orders is provided. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282776 | AUTOMATIC GENERATION OF AN ORDER IN AN INSTRUMENT IN A SPECIFIED CURRENCY - In an automated trading system wherein orders in an instrument in a specified currency are received and a trade in the instrument is performed when, for a certain volume of the instrument, a bid price matches an ask price, a method is provided for automatically generating an order in the instrument in said specified currency. The method comprised the steps of receiving from e.g. a currency market or a market maker a current exchange rate between a currency other than said specified currency and the specified currency; receiving from a trader an order in the instrument in said other currency; calculating a price of the order in the specified currency based on the received order and the current exchange rate; and generating the order in the instrument in the specified currency. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282777 | METHOD, APPARATUS AND INTERFACE FOR TRADING MULTIPLE TRADEABLE OBJECTS - An interface for trading multiple tradeable objects includes a price axis or scale. A first indication of quantities represented in a market for a first tradeable object is displayed in association with the price axis or scale. A second indication of quantities represented in the market for a second tradeable object is displayed in association with the price axis or scale. The first tradeable object may be different than the second tradeable object. Alternatively, the first tradeable object and the second tradeable object may be the same, but the indications of quantity may be provided from different sources, such as different exchanges. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282778 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR EVALUATING FRAUD RISK IN AN ELECTRONIC COMMERCE TRANSACTION - Transaction information is received and applied to multiple fraud risk mathematical models that each produce a respective raw score, which are transformed with respective sigmoidal transform functions to produce optimized likelihood of fraud risk estimates to provide to a merchant. Respective fraud risk estimates are combined using fusion proportions associated with the respective risk estimates, producing a single point risk estimate, which is transformed with a sigmoidal function to produce an optimized single point risk estimate. The sigmoidal functions approximate a relationship between risk estimates produced by fraud risk detection models and a percentage of transactions associated with respective risk estimates; the relationship is represented in terms of real-world distributions of fraudulent and non-fraudulent transaction. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282779 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONSUMER INTERACTION BASED ON SPEND CAPACITY - Share of Wallet (“SoW”) is a modeling approach that utilizes various data sources to provide outputs that describe a consumer's spending capability, tradeline history including balance transfers, and balance information. These outputs can be appended to data profiles of customers and prospects and can be utilized to support decisions involving prospecting, new applicant evaluation, and customer management across the lifecycle. In addition to credit card companies, SoW outputs may be useful to companies issuing, for example: private label cards, life insurance, on-line brokerages, mutual funds, car sales/leases, hospitals, and home equity lines of credit or loans. “Best customer” models can correlate SoW outputs with various customer groups. A SoW score focusing on a consumer's spending capacity can be used in the same manner as a credit bureau score. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282780 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING FEES AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATES FOR A VALUE TRANSFER TRANSACTION - A method for a value transfer operation includes determining a sender currency using the account information of the sender and a receiver currency using the BIN associated with the sender account. The method further includes determining a currency exchange rate, transaction fee, and currency markup fee based on the sender and receiver currencies and various attributes of the sender account and the receiver account. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282781 | System and Method for Average Daily Balance Optimization for Accelerated Loan Payoff - A system and method for average daily balance optimization forecast for accelerated loan payoff. A computing apparatus configured using computer readable program code enables optimization of an average daily balance using user-specified configuration of dates of income deposits and expense item withdrawals. Based on user-specified line of credit parameters and loan details, the configured computing apparatus can generate a recurring draw threshold and recurring draw amount that can be used by an individual in leveraging a line of credit for accelerated loan payoff. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282782 | Portfolio Synchronizing Between Different Interfaces - An account coordination system includes an Internet-connected server executing software from a non-transitory, machine-readable medium. The software provides direct linking between the server and two or more financial enterprises hosting each at least one financial account for a specific user and having an interactive interface through which the user may interact with his/her account, direct linking between the server and one or more third-party enterprises providing interactive interfaces through which the user may access and interact with one or more of the financial accounts at the financial enterprises, and tracking functionality whereby the server tracks activity by the user at any of the interactive interfaces through which the user may interact with one of the financial accounts. The server propagates any change made in an account by the user at any one of the interactive interfaces to the sites hosting the other interactive interfaces. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282783 | Method and Apparatus for Configuring and Establishing a Secure Credential-Based Network Link Between a Client and a Service over a Data-Packet-Network - A bill-paying service has an internet-connected server executing software from a non-transitory, machine-readable medium, the software providing functionality accessing, on behalf of a user, a plurality of billing servers, logging in with credentials supplied by the user, and downloading information concerning one or more bills which the user is responsible to pay, functionality receiving a selection by the end user, indicating a bill the user wishes to pay, and functionality transmitting to the user a deep-link plug-in (DLP) for the billing server where the bill selected by the client is associated, the DLP redirecting the user to a page at the billing server where the user is enabled to pay the bill selected. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282784 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REASSIGNMENT OF A VIRTUAL CARD - A method stored in memory executable by a processor for transferring ownership of a virtual value card in a virtual card management system is provided. The method includes, at a virtual card manager, receiving a request for reassignment of the virtual value card from a source virtual card engine to a target virtual card engine at a virtual card manager. The method further includes, at the virtual card manager, modifying card data in a manager-side associative card profile included in the virtual card manager and requesting modification of card data in a provider-side associative card profile to permit use of the virtual value card by the target virtual card engine and inhibit use of the virtual value card by the source virtual card engine in response to reception of the request for reassignment. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282785 | GESTURE BASED AUTHENTICATION FOR WIRELESS PAYMENT BY A MOBILE ELECTRONIC DEVICE - A method of gesture based authentication for wireless payment by a mobile electronic device is disclosed. In one aspect, the method includes determining that an applied gesture above a touch receptive area of a target device is associated with a user-defined payment gesture stored locally within the mobile electronic device. The method may include comparing the applied gesture above the touch receptive input area of a mobile electronic device with a user-defined payment gesture stored locally within the mobile electronic device. If the applied gesture above the touch receptive input area of a mobile electronic device matches the user-defined payment gesture stored locally within the mobile electronic device, the method includes permitting the wireless transfer of protected payment data resident on the mobile electronic device to an external reader using near-field communication technology. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282786 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING A PAYMENT SYSTEM OVER A NETWORK - Apparatus and methods provide an accumulator that processes electronic payments from an employer to a recipient via a network. The payments processed may be, for example, child support payments collected from an employee by the employer. The employer may submit one transaction made up of payments collected from multiple employees bound for multiple recipients and the accumulator may receive, translate, batch, and deliver the payments to the multiple recipients. The accumulator, employers, and recipients may communicate via a network such as the Internet. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282787 | MONEY TRANSFER SYSTEM AND METHOD - A monetary linking system (MLS) allowing real-time arid non-real-time linking of funds from a source bank account to one or more destination bank accounts. This system allows the owner of the destination account (the intended receiver) to access linked funds immediately by depositing them into their account via current and future banking services (i.e. online bank web site, bank teller, ATM) or withdrawing them from an Automated Teller Machine (ATM), a bank teller and other current and future withdrawal services. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282788 | Anonymous Electronic Payment System - Systems and methods for autonomous online payments to an individual are described. A request to generate an electronic payment user interface associated with an individual for a transaction to an account associated with an entity is received. One or more individual defined criteria associated with the electronic payment user interface for the transaction is received. An Internet accessible address to the electronic payment user interface is generated. A request input from a payer to access, via the Internet accessible address, the electronic payment user interface associated with the individual is received. An authorization input from the payer to make an electronic payment of monetary funds from an account of the payer to the account of the individual is received, and access by the individual to personally identifiable information of the payer regarding the transaction is prevented. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282789 | CARD FALSE-POSITIVE PREVENTION - A method for authenticating a transaction is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: receiving data identifying a region where a transaction is being requested; receiving data identifying a mobile communication device associated with a person requesting the transaction; determining from Location Register (LR) data for the mobile communication device data identifying a region where the mobile communication device is located; comparing the data identifying the region where the transaction is being requested with the data identifying the region where the mobile communication device is located; and authenticating the transaction in dependence on the result of the comparison. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282790 | GLOBAL COMPLIANCE PROCESSING SYSTEM FOR A MONEY TRANSFER SYSTEM - An improved money transfer system includes a rules database, a customer database, and a transaction processing system. The rules database includes information representative of transaction rules, at least some of which include an aggregation threshold. The customer database includes information representative of customers' transaction histories. The transaction processing system is connected to the rules database and customer database and includes point of entry ports, a customer identifier, a rules coordinator, an aggregation engine, and a transaction rules service. The point of entry ports receive transaction requests from points of entry and provide transaction responses to the points of entry. Based on information received in transaction requests, the customer identifier identifies customers and the rules coordinator determines applicable transaction rules. The aggregation engine determines aggregation values as a function of customers' transaction histories. The transaction rules service determines whether information received in the transaction requests meets the applicable transaction rules and causes the aggregation engine to determine aggregation values if the applicable transaction rules include aggregation thresholds. The transaction rules service generates transaction responses based upon the information received in the transaction requests along with any information received in response to any requests for additional information and any aggregation values, and updates the customer database as a function of the transaction. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282791 | CUSTOMIZED FINANCIAL TRANSACTION PRICING - Enabling innovative merchant transaction pricing capability, while improving pricing process efficiency, is disclosed. When a merchant submits financial transaction account records to a payment processor for payment, the payment processor utilizes granular transaction data to calculate complex merchant transaction pricing rules. The system accesses individual transaction data, aggregate transaction data, transaction history, customer data, merchant data and product data to enable flexible, innovative and dynamic pricing capabilities that increase revenue and increase customer satisfaction. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282792 | CONTROLLING DATABASE COPYRIGHTS - Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a utilization permit key may be pre-defined to permit at least one of displaying, editing, storing, copying, and/or transferring of digital data. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282793 | CONTEXTUAL TASK ASSIGNMENT BROKER - An automated broker provides contextual assignment of tasks. Service providers send the broker service provisioning information indicating the services they provide, with bids for referrals. Service consumers send the broker service requests, including criteria which the broker matches against the service provisioning information. The broker selects a recommended service provider, based on the service request's criteria, the referral bids, and reviews of the candidate service providers. Service request criteria may include a service provider's reputation in the consumer's social network, geographic proximity of the service provider to the location of the task, particular skills or experience of the service provider, the service provider's availability, and price. After a predetermined number of task assignment rejections by a service provider, a human administrator is notified. A referral bid payment or other payment made by the recommended service provider to the broker, may be shared with the service consumer. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282794 | METHODS AND APPARATUS TO EXCHANGE A TOKEN CURRENCY AMOUNT FOR GOODS OR SERVICES - Methods and apparatus to exchange a token currency amount for goods or services are disclosed. In one embodiment, a token currency amount offer is received by a device of an offeree. The device of the offeree evaluates a trust indicator that indicates a level of trust associated with a token currency balance of the offeror. The offer is accepted when the trust indicator indicates an acceptable level of trust. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282795 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR INTELLIGENT JOB ASSIGNMENT THROUGH AN ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK - A method for intelligent job assignment between multiple assignees and at least one client via an electronic network is disclosed. The method enables a business to consistently and systematically provide its customers with the best possible quality, in the shortest time, at the lowest possible cost given its talent pool at any given time. The method includes receiving graduated feedback from the client(s) per certain performance criteria concerning a job performed for the client(s) by an assignee in a job type category, digitizing the feedback based on a client's weighted range of the performance criteria for a job of the client's to be to assigned, computing a qualifying value for each of the assignees in the category based on an average of the digitized feedback and assigning the client's job via an electronic transfer of the job from the client to an assignee in the category having the highest computed value. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282796 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENABLING CHANNEL REGISTRATION IN AN IP MARKETPLACE - A comprehensive platform for merchandising intellectual property (IP) and conducting IP transactions is disclosed. A standardized data collection method enables IP assets to be characterized, rated and valuated in a consistent manner. Project management, workflow and data security functionality enable consistent, efficient and secure interactions between the IP Marketplace participants throughout the IP transaction process. Business rules, workflows, valuation models and rating methods may be user defined or based upon marketplace, industry or technology standards. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282797 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENABLING CHANNEL COMMUNITY RATINGS IN AN IP MARKETPLACE - A comprehensive platform for merchandising intellectual property (IP) and conducting IP transactions is disclosed. A standardized data collection method enables IP assets to be characterized, rated and valuated in a consistent manner. Project management, workflow and data security functionality enable consistent, efficient and secure interactions between the IP Marketplace participants throughout the IP transaction process. Business rules, workflows, valuation models and rating methods may be user defined or based upon marketplace, industry or technology standards. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282798 | Making Friend and Location Recommendations Based on Location Similarities - Method for making a recommendation to a first user in a computing network, including calculating one or more similarity scores between the first user and one or more remaining users in the network, identifying a portion of the remaining users having a highest similarity scores, identifying one or more locations visited by the portion of the remaining users but not by the first user, determining an interest level of the first user in each location, ranking the locations based on the interest levels, and displaying the locations based on the ranking as a first recommendation. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282799 | GPS Based Friend Location and Identification System and Method - A system and method for observing a personal networking event which shares the position of a number of friendly participants with other participants within a group. In one form, the position of unknown participants meeting certain criteria is also displayed to a user or one or more friendly participants. The views are selectable by friendly participants on, for example, a GPS equipped cell phone, to include a view from the participant's position, zoom, pan, and tilt views, or views from another friendly location or from another geographic location, giving increased situational awareness and identification of participants. Other information can be shared among friendly participants, including social information, status and directions. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282800 | GLOBAL MANUFACTURING STRATEGY OPTIMIZATION TOOL - Embodiments of the present invention provide for a seamless comparison of different global manufacturing strategies. In a specific embodiment of the invention, a computer-implemented method for analyzing a manufacturing scenario for an enterprise is provided. This method comprises a step of inputting a set of key cost inputs. The method additionally comprises a step of adjusting a set of manufacturing scenario levers to create a set of manufacturing scenario inputs. The method additionally comprises a step of synthesizing a scenario for simulation based on said set of manufacturing scenario inputs. The method additionally comprises a step of obtaining a result of said scenario for said enterprise by simulating said scenario using said key cost inputs. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282801 | RISK-SENSITIVE INVESTMENT STRATEGIES UNDER PARTIALLY OBSERVABLE MARKET CONDITIONS - System, method and computer program product for modelling Risk-Sensitive Partially-Observable Markov Decision Processes (POMDPs), e.g., in a high-risk domain such as financial planning and solving such equations exactly, such that agents maximize the expected utility of their actions. The system and method employs an exact algorithm for solving Risk-Sensitive POMDPs, for piecewise linear utility functions, by representing underlying value functions with sets of piecewise bilinear functions—computed using functional value iteration—and pruning the dominated bilinear functions using efficient linear programming approximations of underlying non-convex bilinear programs. Considering piecewise linear approximations of utility functions, (i) there is defined the Risk-Sensitive POMDP model that incorporates value functions V(b,w) where argument “b” is a belief state and argument “w” is a continuous wealth dimension; (ii) derive the fundamental properties of the underlying value functions and provide a functional value iteration technique to compute them; and (iii) determine the dominated value functions, to speed up the algorithm. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282802 | Apparatus For Displaying Orders For Financial Derivatives, And A System And A Method Thereof - A computer screen showing a computer generated bar chart representing orders for financial derivatives, wherein the bid and offer prices for the orders are represented by markers in the bar chart. The volatility of the derivatives is calculated and represented by a volatility line in the chart. The extent to which the bids and offers differ from the theoretical value is represented by the distance between the markers and the volatility line. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282803 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING INVESTMENT FUNDS - Method for establishing an investment mandate and for managing institutional investment funds associated with equity-based investments, bond-based investments and other investments. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282804 | System and Method for Market Analysis and Forecast Utilizing At Least One of Securities Records Assessment and Distribution-Free Estimation - The inventive system and method, preferably implemented in one or more data processing systems, provides various novel techniques for stock market analysis and forecast utilizing at least one technique selected from a group comprising: securities records assessment and distribution-free estimation, to analyze and forecast both long-term trends in various market situations as well as local, short-lived, stock fluctuations. Advantageously, the inventive system and method are capable of taking into account entire groups of stocks, which is particularly advantageous in the cases where individual stocks influence one another. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282805 | SECURITIES TRADING METHOD - A method and storage medium for trading securities comprise providing and selecting a first trading template; receiving via a communication network data relating to a trade relating to the first trading template; modifying the first trading template in accordance with a shift, the shift for adjusting the first template; automatically communicating via a network with a trading server to receive data for evaluating at least a condition precedent of the shifted trading template; and when the condition precedent is met, automatically communicating via the network with the trading system to request a first trade thereon in accordance with the first trading template. A system for implementing the invention includes a storage medium, an input port for receiving data, a communication port for receiving data via a communication network and a processor for modifying the first trading template. The invention provides for advantageous selection and implementation of trading strategies. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282806 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INVESTMENT ALLOCATION - A method for identifying an allocation of investment resources among a plurality of investments to construct an investment portfolio for an investor, the method comprising: generating a representation of a first joint probability distribution of one or more investor attributes, at least one of which is a representation of risk aversion, and of a plurality of attributes for a set of investments to be allocated; generating an objective function that incorporates the representation of the first joint probability distribution; and optimizing, using a microprocessor, an allocation of investment resources for each of the plurality of investments according to the objective function. | 2011-11-17 |
20110282807 | System And Method For Transporting Energy - A method for shifting energy in space and time includes charging an energy store from an energy source at a first location, transporting the energy store to a second location, and discharging the energy store at the second location to deliver energy to an energy consumer. A method for providing energy security to an energy consumer includes charging an energy store from an energy source at a first location, transporting the energy store to a second location, and when a primary energy source at the second location is unavailable, discharging the energy store at the second location to deliver energy to the energy consumer. A vehicle for wirelessly transmitting electric power from a first location to a second location includes a battery, at least one power converter, a controller, and power coupling electrically coupled to the at least one power converter. | 2011-11-17 |