Abstract: A solar-powered system and method for producing a utility, such as electricity, hot water, and/or potable water is disclosed. The system may be configured to produce the utilities alone or in combination. The system may comprise a fluid medium, a converter, one or more solar concentrators, a storage tank, a collection tank, a dehydration tank, and one or more safety features. The system may be closed-loop or open-loop.

Abstract: An automated method and system is provided for facilitating interaction between a consumer and a merchant using a strong security framework. An offer describing a product and a predetermined means for acceptance is presented via a display. Once the offer has been presented, if the consumer accepts, the system performs various authentications, then facilitates receipt of the acceptance. The system then combines the acceptance data with identification and payment information, and transmits the relevant information to the merchant. Optionally, the system may customize the content or the presentation of the offer based on information about the targeted consumer.

Abstract: An access verifier may act as an intermediary to allow users to receive single use user IDs while protecting their anonymity. The access verifier has some relationship with the user that allows the access verifier to know details regarding the user that might be helpful in determining whether the user is a potentially desirable customer. The user may request a user ID from the access verifier. The user may then pass the user ID to the access provider when the user wishes to gain access. Upon receiving the user ID, the access provider may request verification that the ID is valid from the access verifier. The access verifier may respond that the ID is valid (if appropriate), and also may include user information. The access provider is thereby provided with some level of assurance that the user is a potential customer without knowing confidential information.

Abstract: An access verifier may act as an intermediary to allow users to receive single use user IDs while protecting their anonymity. The access verifier has some relationship with the user that allows the access verifier to know details regarding the user that might be helpful in determining whether the user is a potentially desirable customer. The user may request a user ID from the access verifier. The user may then pass the user ID to the access provider when the user wishes to gain access. Upon receiving the user ID, the access provider may request verification that the ID is valid from the access verifier. The access verifier may respond that the ID is valid (if appropriate), and also may include user information. The access provider is thereby provided with some level of assurance that the user is a potential customer without knowing confidential information.

Abstract: A solution is provided for a method for a user to shop online in a three dimensional (3D) virtual reality (VR) setting by receiving a request at a shopping server to view a shopping location, having at least one store, and displaying the shopping location to the user's computer in a 3D interactive simulation view via a web browser to emulate a real-life shopping experience for the user. The server then obtains a request to enter into one of the stores and displays the store website to the user in the same web browser. The store website has one or more enhanced VR features. The server then receives a request to view at least one product and the product is presented in a 3D interactive simulation view to emulate a real-life viewing of the product.

Abstract: A system which facilitates the purchase of an item qualifying for pre-tax treatment utilizing at least one flexible spending account (FSA). A host computer may receive a request from a point of sale (POS) device to authorize payment for one or more items. The host computer may process the request to determine if the item qualifies for pre-tax treatment. If the item qualifies for pre-tax treatment, the host computer may transmit payment authorization to the POS device and debit at least one FSA and/or at least one non-FSA account.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an icon with an additional level of functionality that allows a user to validate that current information (e.g., a web page) originates from the true owner of the icon and is not merely a copy. The method includes a user requesting a web page from a web site using a web browser. The web server receives the request, retrieves the web page and forwards it to an authentication server. The authentication server inserts an authenticity key into the web page, then the page (including the authenticity key) is returned to the user. If the page includes an authenticity key, the authenticity is verified at the user's computer because the user computer includes logic (e.g., software) to verify the authenticity. During the user configuration process, the user defines an authenticity stamp which determines the format of an authenticated page.

Abstract: An Enterprise Identity Management system includes a registration component, an ownership component, and an audit component. The registration component is configured to associate a user ID with specific accounts that are accessible via a computer system. The ownership component is configured to verify the ownership of the accounts. The audit component is configured to perform periodic checks to ensure the validity of the association between the user ID and the ownership of the accounts.

Abstract: An Enterprise Identity Management system includes a registration component, an ownership component, and an audit component. The registration component is configured to associate a user ID with specific accounts that are accessible via a computer system. The ownership component is configured to verify the ownership of the accounts. The audit component is configured to perform periodic checks to ensure the validity of the association between the user ID and the ownership of the accounts.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an icon with an additional level of functionality that allows a user to validate that current information (e.g., a web page) originates from the true owner of the icon and is not merely a copy. The method includes a user requesting a web page from a web site using a web browser. The web server receives the request, retrieves the web page and forwards it to an authentication server. The authentication server inserts an authenticity key into the web page, then the page (including the authenticity key) is returned to the user. If the page includes an authenticity key, the authenticity is verified at the user's computer because the user computer includes logic (e.g., software) to verify the authenticity. During the user configuration process, the user defines an authenticity stamp which determines the format of an authenticated page.

Abstract: A system and method providing a privacy service for facilitating the auditing and control of privacy data such as demographic and financial information. In accordance with one embodiment, the system suitably includes a database, a registration module, a tracking module, and an audit module. A consumer, corporation, or other user may use the system to perform a self audit of their privacy data to see how the privacy data is collected, used and disseminated by various third party entities such as merchants, financial institutions, marketing organizations and the like. Tracking information related to the use, collection and dissemination of the privacy data is stored by the system for later access by the user.

Abstract: An automated method and system is provided for facilitating interaction between a consumer and a merchant using a strong security framework. An offer describing a product and a predetermined means for acceptance is presented via a display. Once the offer has been presented, if the consumer accepts, the system performs various authentications, then facilitates receipt of the acceptance. The system then combines the acceptance data with identification and payment information, and transmits the relevant information to the merchant. Optionally, the system may customize the content or the presentation of the offer based on information about the targeted consumer.

Abstract: An Enterprise Identity Management system includes a registration component, an ownership component, and an audit component. The registration component is configured to associate a user ID with specific accounts that are accessible via a computer system. The ownership component is configured to verify the ownership of the accounts. The audit component is configured to perform periodic checks to ensure the validity of the association between the user ID and the ownership of the accounts.

Abstract: A method and system for facilitating the management of user identities includes an ownership component, a registration component, and a servicing component. When a user first desires to access a system using the present invention, the registration component verifies the user's ownership of the underlying account by asking a variety of questions. Thereafter, when a user desires to service his account, the user may be re-queried to determine if he is attempting to access the correct information. An authentication and access component provides the functionality to access a system of the present invention. An audit component can be configured to periodically monitor the various accounts to ensure a continued linking between users and accounts.

Abstract: An automated method and system for facilitating interaction between a consumer and a merchant are provided. In accordance with the method, an offer is presented via display describing a predetermined means for acceptance. Once the offer has been presented, if the consumer accepts, the system facilitates receipt of the acceptance, combined the fact of acceptance with identification and payment information, and transmits the relevant information to the merchant. Optionally, the system may customize the content or the presentation of the offer based on information about the targeted consumer.

Abstract: A system and method providing a privacy service for facilitating the auditing and control of privacy data such as demographic and financial information. In accordance with one embodiment, the system suitably includes a database, a registration module, a tracking module, and an audit module. A consumer, corporation, or other user may use the system to perform a self audit of their privacy data to see how the privacy data is collected, used and disseminated by various third party entities such as merchants, financial institutions, marketing organizations and the like. Tracking information related to the use, collection and dissemination of the privacy data is stored by the system for later access by the user.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for providing and/or facilitating complete on-line payment services while protecting the privacy of the transaction participants. The comprehensive payment service is based upon a consolidated account used to store value acquired through on-line transactions. The invention provides private payment numbers for protecting the identities of the participants and includes processes for authenticating participants, authorizing transactions, and settling payments. Thus, the present invention enables merchants to effectively accept non-standard forms of payment without changing their current payment infrastructures and enables the provision of value for purchases at any network merchant using any source of value.