Abstract: Various embodiments of systems, methods, and computer programs are disclosed for customizing participant information in an online conference. One embodiment is a method for customizing display of participant information in an online conference. The method comprises: a conferencing system establishing an online conference with a plurality of client devices via a communication network, each client device associated with a participant in the online conference; the conferencing system presenting a conference user interface to the client devices, the conference user interface displaying an interactive participant object identifying each of the participants; and during the online conference, one of the participants customizing presentation of at least one of the interactive participant objects via the conference user interface.

Abstract: Various embodiments of systems, methods, and computer programs are disclosed for customizing participant information in an online conference. One embodiment is a method for customizing display of participant information in an online conference. The method comprises: a conferencing system establishing an online conference with a plurality of client devices via a communication network, each client device associated with a participant in the online conference; the conferencing system presenting a conference user interface to the client devices, the conference user interface displaying an interactive participant object identifying each of the participants; and during the online conference, one of the participants customizing presentation of at least one of the interactive participant objects via the conference user interface.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage to implement a lending or cash advance system that can be (but is not required to be) integrated with an online commerce site. Sellers on the online commerce site can click a button or tab in their web browser that is visiting the online commerce site and information known to the online commerce site is automatically shared with a potential cash provider. Data from a delivery service can be automatically retrieved by the cash provider/cash server in order to determine the volume of shipments that the seller has been making. This volume can be used when the cash server determines the seller's score in order to evaluate an application for cash.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage to implement a lending system for use with electronic commerce web sites such as auction sites. A seller may receive a cash loan for items placed for sale but not yet purchased by a buyer. The seller can be required to pay back the loan after a predetermined amount of time or as soon as the item for sale is sold and payment is received from the buyer. The lender would charge interest or commission for the loan. In this manner, sellers can receive cash for items listed on auction sites before those items are actually sold, generating additional cash flow for the seller.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage to manage and display mini Graphical User Interface (GUI) applications, or widgets. A widget controller can be associated with a plurality of widgets, upon which a user of the widget controller can then cycle among the associated widgets to display a selected widget. This conserves space on an output device since space for only one widget is needed. Widgets controllers can be embedded on web pages which are part of social networking sites. Particular widgets associated with a widget controller can be automatically determined and associated based on content of a web page containing the widget controller.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage to implement an automated e-commerce monitoring system. Data can be extracted from different e-commerce sites in an inconspicuous manner. The different auction sites can be monitored for arbitrage situations and suspicious sellers or items for sale.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage to implement an automatic e-commerce site monitoring system. Data can be automatically gathered from online e-commerce sites such as online auctions and analyzed and stored in a database. A merchant can query the database to find all e-commerce sites selling their products. Suspicious transactions can automatically be identified to the merchant who then may have the option to shut down the particular offending sales. A suspicious transaction may be one that has characteristics likely of some prohibited activity, such as selling counterfeit or grey market goods.

Abstract: Methods for providing financial instruments to customers and applicants of a service provider are disclosed. One method, among others, includes providing a device such as a mobile telephone to a user, and providing the user with a contactless card having a financial account identifier that is associated with a financial account.

Abstract: An interactive media control module provides flexible subscriber VCR controls of and functions for an interactive media system that limit the consumption of bandwidth capacity. According to some of the embodiments, a reactivation function is provided when pause and rewind controls are deactivated in a viewing window and presents information that the pause and rewind controls have been deactivated and a reactivation function to reactivate the pause and rewind controls by ordering supplemental fixed VCR control time. According to some of the other embodiments, a post-viewing time function is provided when a viewing window ends and presents information that the viewing time is ended, viewing statistics, and an activation function to order supplemental fixed viewing time to view the remaining program time.

Abstract: An Interactive Media Control Module provides flexible subscriber VCR controls of and functions for an interactive media system that limit the consumption of bandwidth capacity. According to some of the embodiments, a reactivation function is provided when pause and rewind controls are deactivated in a viewing window such that the pause and rewind controls may be reactivated by ordering a bookmarked viewing window.