Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling commands in several application files, whereby an access condition corresponding to said command is associated with each command in each application file, each command in each application file is executed if a user orders the execution thereof and if the access condition corresponding to said command is stored. According to the invention, the access conditions are stored jointly for all application files.

Abstract: A method for managing access to service entities (e.g., such as a devices, resources, and services, which are limited resources) is provided. The method includes requesting a priority level. In response, a priority object with an assigned priority level is returned. A service is then requested from a service manager, and the request includes data for carrying out the requested service and the priority object. The service manager is configured to identify at least one service entity that is required to carry out the requested service. Access is then requested to at least one service entity. A determination is made as to whether the at least one service entity is in-use. If at least one service entity is in-use, a further determination is made as to whether at least one service entity that is in-use has an assigned priority level that is higher than the assigned priority level, which is associated with a current request.

Abstract: A method of monitoring orders includes sending a message to a market participant that accepts order deliveries for execution and monitoring an amount of time between sending the message to the market participant and receipt of a response message from the market participant. The method can also include logging an amount of occasions the market participant does not respond within a pre-specified amount of time.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering content on-demand by way of a cable network are disclosed. Provision of such content is controlled over a data network. Advantageously, a user interface at a conventional computing device may be used to order content and to control its delivery and playing. Commands from the computing device may be provided by way of data network to a network interconnected server. The server under software control causes a media receiver at the customer premises to be properly tuned to receive content on-demand, and content on-demand to be played, as requested by the computing device. The media receiver may include a conventional set-top box that may be tuned remotely in response to a customer placing an on-demand order.

Abstract: A process and system for managing and leasing memory capacity on a plurality of smartcards and/or smartcard terminals. The capacity is leased to developers of various applications who wish to load their applications on desired smartcards and/or smartcard terminals.

Abstract: Even when a movie or the like is distributed in an electronic state, reproduction control can be effectively performed for each region at a distribution destination, thereby providing a reproduction control program capable of widely distributing distributed information in an effective manner. The reproduction control program acquires distribution information which is distributed along with region information indicating a reproduction permitting region, and the reproduction control program is installed to a terminal T to operate the terminal T for reproducing the acquired distribution information. The region information indicating the reproduction permitting region based on the reproduction control program is stored in the terminal T, and it is confirmed whether or not a coincidence is made between a region indicated by the stored region information and a region indicated by stream region information included in the acquired distribution information.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method, including receiving a request to receive or pick-up a printed issue of at least one of a periodical, a newspaper, and a magazine, at a retail facility or a store pursuant to a subscription, processing information regarding the request with a processing device, wherein the processing device determines whether the subscription is active or not active or determines whether any issue or any issues of the at least one of a periodical, a newspaper, and a magazine, remain to be fulfilled pursuant to the subscription, and transmitting a message in response to the request, wherein the message contains an authorization or a denial of the request, and further wherein the message is transmitted to a point-of-sale transaction device located at the retail facility or the store.

Abstract: A digital watermark embedding apparatus generates an echo signal, which is delayed a time period corresponding to digital watermark information to be embedded with respect to each tone signal that forms an original audio signal, and inserts the generated echo signal in the original audio signal by spreading the echo signal on the time axis, thus outputting a watermarked audio signal. A digital watermark detection apparatus despreads echo signals contained in the watermarked audio signal on the time axis, and extracts digital watermark information from the generation time of the despread echo signal contained in the watermarked audio signal.

Abstract: A method, program and system for administering tests in a distributed data processing network are provided by the present invention. The invention includes combining predetermined test content and multimedia support material into a single encrypted test file. The multimedia support may include visual and audio files for presenting test questions. The invention then exports the encrypted test file to at least one remote test location. The test locations import and decrypt the encrypted test file and load the test content and multimedia support material into a local database. The test is administered on a plurality of client workstations at the testing location, wherein the test may include audio questions and verbal responses by participants. During the course of testing biometric data about test participants is recorded and associated with the test files and participant identification.

Abstract: A system and method for creating a unified commercial real estate data model through collection, distribution and use of information in connection with commercial real estate and for creating a web-based marketplace that facilitates the efficient and secure buying and selling of commercial properties. The invention provides a digital marketplace in which the members of the commercial real estate and related business community can continuously interact and facilitate transactions by efficiently exchanging accurate and standardized information. The present invention also facilitates mortgage lending and provides enough information to allow lenders to underwrite a property. The present invention also provides a mobile data gathering and dissemination vehicle as well as a system tracking and dispatch of mobile vehicles. The present invention further provides correlation of data stored in a remote location to vehicle position in real time.

Abstract: A network system for key management, including a server, a key management system providing process logic for key management system management located on the server, a key management system storage providing a secure data storage for the key management system, an application using the key management system to manage an application key, and an interface providing a means for managing the key management system.

Abstract: A transponder-reader payment system includes a RFID reader for interrogating a transponder, and a fob including a transponder which is associated with fob data file funded by one or more funding sources. In exemplary operation, the fob identifying information may be presented to the RFID reader for completion of a transaction request. The transaction request may be provided to a fob issuer system which may process the transaction request in accordance with a funding protocol wherein the transaction request is satisfied according to a fob issuer predefined funding criteria relative to the multiple funding sources.

Abstract: The transaction is made between an object and a terminal. According to the invention, an authentication value is inserted in the object which is a digital signature appearing on an identifier of the object. Each object also has a diversified key created from a base key diversified by the identifier. The terminal can thus authenticate the identifier and check that the debit has actually been made. Application to electronic payment.

Abstract: Disclosed is an information providing apparatus comprising first reception control means for controlling the reception, from a first information processing apparatus, of user identification data for identifying a user of the first information processing apparatus and a request for purchasing a content, first transmission control means for controlling in response to the request for purchasing the content the transmission of the request for purchasing the content to a second information processing apparatus, second reception control means for controlling the reception of the content and usage conditions thereof supplied from the second information processing apparatus, storage control means for controlling the storing of the content and usage conditions thereof in correlation with the user identification data, third reception control means for controlling the reception of the user identification data and a request for sending the content supplied from the first information processing apparatus, and second trans

Abstract: A method and system for paying for goods or services which includes a mobile radio device and a base telecommunication station which communicates with the mobile radio device via electromagnetic waves. The base telecommunication station transmits the data required for payment to the mobile radio device. The latter asks the user for confirmation for the payment. After the confirmation, the mobile radio device performs a payment operation by transmitting payment instruction data. In addition, either the mobile radio device or a telecommunication device of a financial institution transmits acknowledgment data for the payment operation to the base telecommunication station.

Abstract: The present invention relates to producing and presenting negotiable instruments and, more specifically, to printing and presenting checks, which are resistant to forgery or fraud. The negotiable instrument comprises a numeric sequence printed in MICR font upside down across the top face of the negotiable instrument for electronic reading by a MICR reader. The numeric sequence provides for authentication of the payee name and the payment amount by a secure authentication server.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a method for storing a normal scrambled digital program is provided. The method includes receiving a scrambled program, and receiving a plurality of access requirements. Each access requirement can descramble the scrambled program. The method also includes selecting at least one of the access requirements, and storing the scrambled program and the selected requirement.

Abstract: The invention provides techniques for issuing electronic seals of certification to online entities, such as online merchants, in a manner that prevents non-certified parties from easily stealing or otherwise misusing the seals. A central seal issuer verifies the credentials, policies or business practices of each merchant and issues a corresponding seal of certification. For each merchant, the seal issuer generates a unique media object representing an electronic seal. The media object includes an encrypted watermark containing an expiration date. The media objects are stored on a seal server such that the merchants can dynamically retrieve and display the electronic seals when accessed by a user. The seal issuer can easily revoke or update the centrally stored seals.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates secure electronic commerce. The system operates by first providing a consumer with a file of security data relating to an account maintained by a financial institution. The consumer then creates a financial transaction with a merchant using security data from the file to protect the financial transaction. This financial transaction is structured to prevent the merchant from knowing the account number for the account. Next, the merchant validates that the financial institution identified by the financial transaction is acceptable using security data from the file. The merchant then requests that the financial institution authorize the financial transaction. Upon receiving authorization to complete the financial transaction, the merchant completes the financial transaction. Finally, the merchant notifies the financial institution that the financial transaction is complete.

Abstract: Methods and systems for organization management using an electronic boardroom to facilitate review of business specific information in a uniform format are described. In one embodiment, the method comprises receiving and storing information relating to a business into databases accessible to authorized users and organizing the information which includes reviewer comments and approvals or disapproval. The information is then reported to a user for further actions. While described in terms of a business deal, the methods and systems described are applicable for other aspects of a business including financial, business development and compliance issues.