Abstract: Systems and methods associated with ordering, producing and/or distributing incentive messages. Systems can include means for receiving requests for incentive messages, for receiving payment for the incentive messages, and for transferring the incentive message to a receiver. Such incentive messages can include a trophy and a redemptive code.

Abstract: Systems and methods associated with ordering, producing and/or distributing incentive messages. Systems can include means for receiving requests for incentive messages, for receiving payment for the incentive messages, and for transferring the incentive message to a receiver. Such incentive messages can include a trophy and a negotiable instrument. The trophy can be detachable from the negotiable instrument. Methods can include providing one or more incentive messages.

Abstract: An investment company is administered by issuing one or more classes of shares that are bought from and redeemed with the company at a net asset value, issuing one or more classes of shares that are listed for trading on a securities exchange and that are bought and sold at negotiated market prices, and maintaining, in one or more computers, account data ofthe outstanding shares. A shareholder may acquire exchange-traded shares by requesting conversion of a designated number or dollar value of shares belonging to the one or more classes of shares that are bought from and redeemed with the company at a net asset value for a monetarily equivalent number of shares of the one or more classes of shares which are exchange-traded shares of the company. An authorized participant may purchase exchangetraded shares directly from the investment company in exchange for a basket of securities of generally equivalent monetary value. A direct purchase requires a purchase of a predetermined number of exchange-traded shares.

Abstract: A consumer-based bill management and payment system is configured to receive, analyze, manage and pay electronic billing statements received from the biller over the Internet. The system includes a notification manager that detects when the electronic bill arrives and notifies the consumer. The bill is stored in memory with other unpaid electronic bills. According to another aspect of the invention, the system has a cashflow analyzer that enables the consumer to coordinate the unpaid electronic bills according to different payment schedules for a bill payment cycle (e.g., a month). The goal of the manipulation is to permit the consumer to analyze how the different payment schedules affect the consumer's cashflow with an aim toward minimizing overdraft during the bill payment cycle. The cashflow analyzer can automatically compute an optimized payment schedule that minimizes overdraft of the consumer's account, while maximizing the balance to generate the most interest.

Abstract: A household budget book service system using mobile terminals is disclosed. The household budget book service system includes a master mobile terminal having budget book indexes for inputting a user's expenditures, capable of storing and sending any inputted expenditures, and receiving expenditures inputted in mobile terminals of the user's other family members that have been registered for integrated management of overall household expenditures, a budget book management server for receiving the expenditures inputted in the master mobile terminal and those inputted in each other family member's mobile terminal to control the operation of the master mobile terminal and capable of communicating with any card company's server and any bank's server, and a storing section connected to the budget book management server to store information sent from each mobile terminal according to the budget book indexes.

Abstract: The invention allows for receipt of an electronic expense document that includes an image of a receipt and access to the document, all in an electronic format. The invention solves problems associated with loss and management of paper expense documents such as paper receipts, and allows for linking of documents with electronic expense accounting data input to an expense accounting system. Accordingly, paper receipts may no longer need to be submitted since the images of the paper receipts provide another authentication mechanism, which improves the efficiency of almost any business.

Abstract: An automated check encoding system (200) at a point-of-sale includes a point-of-sale register (202) for determining a transaction amount, and an input device (208) coupled to the point-of-sale register (202) for receiving the transaction amount and determining a check amount in response to receiving an input from a user. A check encoder (204) is coupled to the point-of-sale register (202) and the input device (208) for receiving the check amount and encoding the check amount in a machine-readable format at a predetermined location (310) on a blank check (210).

Abstract: An improved process for the computerized conversion of preferred-return constant-dollar financial instruments into equivalent nominal-dollar instrument.

Abstract: A method provides for at least potential payment of rental costs by debit from a credit card. A renter's credit card program is established by a financial institution or other commercial lending establishment. A renter's credit card under that program is issued to a party who has rented or seeks to rent a real estate unit or tangible goods. Rental-transactional authorization is granted under said program to a party who has rented or seeks to rent a real estate unit or tangible goods. Optionally a security deposit or at least one increment of rent payment is transferred under a rental arrangement between these parties by debit on the renter's credit card.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an instantaneous settlement apparatus which settles a purchase of a customer at the spot of the purchase using a debit card and informs the customer of an account balance and an account transaction history.

Abstract: A request for a commodity that each office in an organization needs is sent from a terminal in the office to a general affairs service center in the organization. The request is then sent to a VAN center where it is entered into databases and appears in a home page of a WWW server. In the case of a request to order a commodity, a decision is made as to whether or not an estimate has been made for the commodity. If it has not been made, the order request is sent to the WWW server after a reply to the estimate request has been received from the vendor. The vendor acquires the request information that appears in a home page of the WWW server connected with a network and then makes an estimate for the commodity and delivers it.

Abstract: In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a single automated accounting and business analysis system is employed to acquire, organize, record, analyze and plan all the relevant financial and non-financial business metrics required by a company's management, suppliers, creditors, shareholders, regulators, etc. This includes all the internally generated metrics and external metrics such as data related to the economy, a particular industry, weather conditions, etc.

Abstract: Described herein are a hand-held electronic checkbook and methods for using the electronic checkbook to write electronic checks and reconcile remote financial accounts. The electronic checkbook allows the user to configure settings so that each check requires the user to complete only two check fields with the electronic checkbook completing the remainder. Reconciling remote financial accounts occurs via Internet up-link through the input/output port on the electronic checkbook.

Abstract: A system and method for electronically emulating banking statements and reconciling banking statements using the world-wide-web or Internet. A computer server is provided at a bank site for serving a plurality of remote bank customers. Each customer logs-on to the server using a pre-designated username or account number and a password for authentication. After a successful log-on to the banking server, the customer may request his or her bank statement to be displayed. In the event the customer wishes to reconcile his or her account, an electronic emulation of the bank statement reconciliation form (RF) is presented to the customer. If the RF is not complete with customer account data, then the customer is enabled to add information to the RF. The RF automatically imports data from the customer account to which it is linked. Subsequently, the banking server performs all reconciling calculations associated with balancing the customer account, and reconciled data is displayed to the customer.

Abstract: In a data processing system, a method for fetching information through a data network includes the following steps: (1) receiving a user profile comprising user preferences; (2) using an agent for periodically accessing current information from the data network as specified in the user profile; (3) fetching the current information from the data network; and (4) modifying the stored time sensitive information according to the current information. The method can be implemented in various information processing systems or devices such as a portable computer or a server linked to the portable computer by a wireless or wireline communication link. According to another embodiment the invention may be realized by a computer readable medium including programming instructions for any suitable data processing apparatus.

Abstract: The system disclosed is for making payments using a new type of bank check combined with electronic funds transfer (EFT) facilities The new type check is not a negotiable instrument and is intended for delivery to the payor's bank rather than to the payee. The check instructs the payor's bank to make a payment by EFT from the payor's bank account directly to the bank account of the payee at the payee's bank, normally via the Federal Reserve's Automated Clearing House (ACH) facility. The system includes means for making a true, but inoperative, copy of each check at the time the check is written. Other embodiments of the invention are special checks, which look like conventional checks, but on their reverse sides display printed matter stating that they are non-negotiable and are payable only pursuant to special procedures.

Abstract: A computerized system and method of managing a financial capacity of a business having electronic records of financial accounts. The method includes the steps of providing a software system for monitoring a cash position of the business, which software system includes one or more predetermined limits defined by the financial capacity of the business. The software system is periodically connected to the electronic records to receive updated transaction information to calculate a current cash position and then calculates a cash position of the business in respect of a proposed transaction by the business. Then it calculates a permitted cash position based on the updated transaction information and one or more financial limits defined by said financial capacity.

Abstract: A method implemented in a computer system for dynamically analyzing the status of a numeric system wherein the numeric system which includes one or more numeric objects such as inflow objects, outflow objects, account objects, variable objects, and pipe objects. The present invention also provides numeric objects having a growth property. In addition, the present invention provides single icons which represent either a row or column of a spreadsheet.

Abstract: A method of providing information regarding lockbox receipts to a customer having a lockbox account, the method comprising the steps of: having alert criteria containing alert conditions selected by the customer; creating a database file for each of the receipts of the lockbox account which are received after the customer has selected the alert criteria, each of the files comprising a plurality of fields containing data relating to a respective one of the receipts, the alert criteria defining certain of the fields as containing data to be compared against the alert conditions; comparing the alert conditions with the data of the fields of the database files defined by the alert criteria; and alerting the customer that one or more of said files contain data that have met the alert criteria.

Abstract: A computer network is provided comprising a plurality of computers (1,2) and a server (4) connected via a communications network (3). Each of the plurality of computers (1,2) contains an accountancy system (5) for storing records indicative of mutual obligations between companies. The plurality of computers (1,2) also each contain the invoice processing module (9) for monitoring the amendment of records within the accountancy system (5). Whenever an amendment is made to the records of the accountancy system (5) the invoice processing module (9) causes a message to be generated that is sent via the communication network (3) and the server (4) to a selected one of the other computers of the plurality of computers (1,2) associated with a company to which the mutual obligation of the record relates. On receipt of a message an invoice processing module (9) of that computer causes the accountancy system (5) within that computer to be updated to reflect the change of the mutual obligation.

Abstract: A bank device communicates with an account holder device, such as a telephone or computer operated by the account holder. The bank device receives therefrom check data that includes an account identifier, a check identifier, and an amount of funds. The account identifier indicates a financial account and the check identifier indicates a check drawn on the financial account. The amount of funds represents an amount to reserve for payment with the check. The bank device in turn makes the amount of funds unavailable for use in the financial account so the account holder may not withdraw or otherwise remove the amount of funds. The bank device generates a code that indicates the check, and transmits the code to the account holder device. Subsequently, a payee, such as a merchant presented with the specified check, may verify that the check does indeed have an amount of funds reserved for payment therewith.

Abstract: A cell format, an accounting device and a method for providing accounting information to a network for determining payment information between operators in the network. The cell format includes a data field including at least a portion of a data signal, a header field attached to the data field, the header field providing control information for processing the cell including a priority level field and an accounting field, wherein the accounting field indicates an entity that is to receive payment for the processing of the cell. The accounting bit is set to a first value to indicate that an entity on the ingress side of the network is to receive payment. The accounting bit is set to a first value to indicate that an entity on the egress side of the network is to receive payment. The entity is an Internet Service Operator. The first value includes a value of one.

Abstract: A consumer-based bill management and payment system is configured to receive, analyze, manage and pay electronic billing statements received from the biller over the Internet. The system includes a notification manager that detects when the electronic bill arrives and notifies the consumer. The bill is stored in memory with other unpaid electronic bills. According to another aspect of the invention, the system has a cashflow analyzer that enables the consumer to coordinate the unpaid electronic bills according to different payment schedules for a bill payment cycle (e.g., a month). The goal of the manipulation is to permit the consumer to analyze how the different payment schedules affect the consumer's cashflow with an aim toward minimizing overdraft during the bill payment cycle. The cashflow analyzer can automatically compute an optimized payment schedule that minimizes overdraft of the consumer's account, while maximizing the balance to generate the most interest.

Abstract: Improved assistance is provided to an operator to balance an out-of-proof transaction at a balancing workstation of an image-based financial document processing system used to process transaction items including debit and credit items. A number of suspect tests are invoked. The suspect tests have been previously arranged in an order which is based upon at least one characteristic data collected over a previous time period. The invoked suspect tests are applied to the debit items and the credit items in the particular order to improve assistance to the operator to balance the out-of-proof transaction.

Abstract: A system and method of collecting payments uses an automated system to generate a draft, payable to the creditor and drawn on the payor's checking account, pursuant to the payor's authorization. The draft is then executed by the debt collector as authorized signatory for the payor, and deposited into the payee's account to complete payment. The automated system has an input screen which shows necessary information for generation of the draft, and may be read to the system operator over the telephone by the authorizing payor. When verification is complete, the system generates a paper bank draft payable to the payor, using MICR ink so that the draft can be processed in the banking system like an ordinary check. The signature block of the draft is made for the collection agent "as authorized signatory for" the payor. The system provides for an authorization code to be given to a client system to permit printing of a specified additional number of checks.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of computerized intelligent agents to facilitate the integration of networked performance of financial transactions with computerized methods of financial accounting. Incorporated into this combined financial transaction/financial accounting system are intelligent agents that automatically analyze the system information to provide users with financial advice. This invention permits the automated performance on-line of a wide variety of financial transactions and integrates these transactions with computerized financial accounting. All of this information is collated and analyzed automatically by intelligent agents, which generate user-specific financial reports, profiles, and advice, and under appropriate conditions take action.

Abstract: An automated accounting system for an entity, such as an individual or business, is provided in which at least one file is established for the entity and a plurality of data inputs are provided to the file. The data inputs include electronically recorded transactions made between the entity and other entities. Access is provided to the file for agents of the entity so that one of the agents can perform one or more activities related to the data inputs such as entering, deleting, reviewing, adjusting and processing.

Abstract: In the present invention, utilizing a data processing system at one location such as the home office, and another data processing system at a remote location such as a convenience store, an authorized convenience store employee may print financial instruments. According to the present invention, pre-printed forms are not needed in order to print financial instruments. When a financial instrument is to be printed, a valid password must first be entered. Thereafter, the employee may insert blank paper into the printer included within the remote data processing system and print a complete financial instrument. All necessary parameters may be printed by the remote data processing system, including financial institution identification number, account number, financial instrument number, date, amount, and payee. A transaction log may be automatically maintained by the remote data processing system. A log entry may be created each time a financial instrument is created.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for grading carcasses, a carcass is rested on a support along a lengthwise face of the carcass as well as along a dorsal face, near the lower part thereof, namely near the part located toward the animal's neck. The support is pivoted for positioning the carcass angularly to take images from various angles at the hindquarters, thigh, upper part of the backbone, and front part of the carcass corresponding to the lower zone thereof. The recorded images are stored in the memory of a computer which already contains the weight and length measurements of the carcass. The support is retracted to remove the carcass from the surface on which it rests. The recorded image information is compared with stored theoretical data to grade the carcass. The support can be a belt forming a first resting surface with a movable flap forming the second surface or an element with two fixed surfaces. The support is moved vertically to optimize its support of the carcass.