Abstract: A novel vending machine system integrating a food storage container and a high speed stored energy cooking oven capable of cooking foods in under one minute such as that further described by U.S. Provisional Application 60/822,028 filed on Aug. 10, 2006 as well as co-pending application “Wire Mesh Thermal Radiative Element and Use in a Radiative Oven” filed on Dec. 30, 2008 by De Luca. The invention disclosing a novel configuration for the oven incorporating storage, a system allowing for the proper cooking of items and food positioning, an activation system, and an invoicing system.

Abstract: A method of using a data monitoring service may include transmitting a request for subscriber billing status information; in response to the request, receiving the subscriber billing status information in a response message; formatting a status message based in part on the received subscriber billing status information, the status message including an estimated cost for a billing cycle of the subscriber; and presenting the status message in a network application.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for generating, distributing, and accessing private investigation related documents. The system is operated by a host and utilized by a number of different entities that are involved in preparing and distributing private investigated related documents. The system also permits the automated invoicing and billing of private investigation related activities. The archiving of data related to private investigations can also be carried out by the present system. In still yet other embodiments, the system can permit real time editing of reports, the generation of reports via voice recognition, as well as access to streaming broadcasts. Other embodiments permit photographs and/or maps to be embedded into private investigation related reports.

Abstract: A computer device may include logic configured to manage an account creation process for customers, wherein the account creation process includes creating a DVD account in a DVD system, creating a digital account in a digital system, and creating a billing account in a billing system and manage a subscription generation process for the customers, wherein the subscription generation process includes associated a subscription with the DVD account, associating the subscription with the digital account, and associating the subscription with the billing account. The logic may be further configured to detect a broken account generated by the account creation process and fix the detected broken account in response to detecting the broken account; and detect a broken subscription generated by the subscription generation process and fix the detected broken subscription in response to detecting the broken subscription.

Abstract: In the first state in which the position of an external device is included in the first area where a power supply unit executes wireless power supply and is included in the second area wider than the first area where a communication portion performs communication, the power supply unit is controlled to execute wireless power supply. It is determined whether the state of the external device has transited from the first state to the second state in which the position of the external device is included in the second area and is outside the first area. If it is determined that the state has transited from the first state to the second state, information based on the power supply executed in the first state is communicated with the external device via the communication portion.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a data processing method comprises, using a merchant booking computer, associating a reservation record with a location identifier, wherein the reservation record comprises a user identifier; using a service provider computer system, matching a transaction ticket stored in a point-of-sale (POS) computer of a merchant to the location identifier of the reservation record, based upon obtaining one or more POS data values from the POS computer, and obtaining ticket data specifying one or more items in the transaction ticket; based upon the user identifier and a user account that associates the user identifier with a mobile computing device identifier, communicating the ticket data to a mobile computing device; receiving, from the mobile computing device, a request to pay a payment amount based upon the ticket data; requesting a payment gateway computer to initiate a payment transaction in which user payment account data associated with the user account identified as payer and in which a merchant

Abstract: A computer processor is embedded in a vehicle and a display device embedded in the vehicle is communicatively coupled to the computer processor. The computer executes logic to receive a price per unit of energy that is stored in the vehicle, compute an energy consumption rate of the vehicle over a time period, multiply the price per unit by the energy consumption rate to determine a cost of the energy consumption rate over the time period, and display the cost of the energy consumption rate for the time period on the display device in the vehicle.

Abstract: A system may provide connectivity service in a multi-tenant network. A first node in the multi-tenant network can receive data packets, each of the data packets identifying one of a plurality of tenant devices. The first node can determine an Internet Protocol (IP) address associated with each of the data packets. The first node can determine a Virtual Local Area Network Identifier (VLAN ID) based on the IP address, the VLAN ID being a unique identifier of a respective one of the tenants. The first node can add the VLAN ID of a corresponding one of the tenants into a header of each of the data packets. The first node can transport the data packets to a second node in the multi-tenant network via a multi-tenant network tunnel protocol.

Abstract: A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes receiving a message associated with a detection of reactive power in an energy system and inducing a first quantity of reactive power at a power level specified in the message. The first quantity of reactive power is induced in order to mitigate a second quantity of reactive power that is detected on a specific segment of the energy system. The first quantity of reactive power is induced at a local level on which a source associated with the second quantity of reactive power operates. In more specific embodiments, the message is sent in response to a sensor detecting the second quantity of reactive power, where the first quantity and the second quantity of reactive power are the same. In other embodiments, the method can include receiving a second message to stop mitigating the first quantity of reactive power.

Abstract: A billing device and processing method is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes i) collecting a billing log according to performing a biz template at the business logic processing unit, ii) verifying validity of the collected billing log, iii) performing a standardizing process on the verified billing log, iv) generating billing data by applying a predetermined billing policy according to the standardized billing log, v) generating a billing file (MDR) to transmit to a billing legacy system of a mobile communication system using the generated billing data and vi) transmitting the generated billing file (MDR) to the billing legacy system.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes an obtaining unit, a calculator, and an output unit. The obtaining unit obtains fee information indicating a fee of a service used by multiple users. The calculator calculates a distributed price to be charged to each of the multiple users if the fee indicated by the fee information obtained by the obtaining unit is distributed among the multiple users. The output unit outputs data indicating distributed prices calculated by the calculator and items of identification information for identifying the multiple users to which the distributed prices are charged.

Abstract: Systems and methods of management of electronic office equipment through automated monitoring and reporting of usage and status are disclosed. A monitoring agent monitors electronic office equipment on a network and collects usage and status information to send to a control system. The control system can use the usage and status information to compile various reports responsive to the received information. The system allows for the automatic assessment, monitoring, re-supply, maintenance, and billing of networks of printing devices from a variety of different manufacturers. In some embodiments, the system enables a pay per use lease arrangement.

Abstract: Among other things, embodiments of the present disclosure allow the management of rules used for the automatic processing and/or resolution of conflicts, particularly in billing systems and applications applying edits to database records from multiple accounting software applications.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods are described for reducing latency during invoice generation involving credit distribution. In some implementations, references to invoice line items are sorted by supplemental charge rate and credits are applied to the invoice line items in decreasing supplemental charge rate order. An invoice is generated that includes the invoice line items and associated credits. The process of generating applying the credits is optimized to minimize latency and to provide the greatest financial benefit to the user.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes accessing, by a computer, information indicative of a plurality of services included in a service plan template, with a service in the service plan template associated with a pricing model, and with the services in the service plan template being candidates for inclusion in a service plan; obtaining usage information indicative of amounts of prior usage of the services included in the service plan template; for a particular service included in the service plan template, selecting an item of usage information that is indicative of an amount of prior usage of the particular service; applying, to the selected item of usage information, a pricing model for the particular service; generating, based on applying, a forecast of a charge for the particular service; and generating, based on forecasts of charges for the services in the service plan template, a simulated invoice for the service plan template.

Abstract: An billing apparatus and billing method for scheduling work in a billing system as described herein.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and programs for billing for electric power. A billing method may include generating billing information for an amount related to electric power transmitted by a power supply device, performing a billing process based on the billing information, and selectively transmitting electric power based on the result of the billing process. A power supply device may include a billing information generating unit, a billing processing unit, and a power control unit. Another billing method may include determining whether billing information has been received, performing a billing process after it is determined that the billing information has been received, transmitting a response signal to a power supply device, and providing notice regarding information related to the billing process. A power receiving device may include a billing processing unit, a power control unit, and a notice control unit.

Abstract: The technique relates to a system and method for generating billing data of a composite cloud service. The technique tracks and meters manual service usage along with the infrastructure and software usage to generate billing data for the composite cloud service. The technique involves receiving a user request for the composite cloud service. After receiving the user request, one or more infrastructure, software and manual resources required to fulfill the user request are provisioned. Thereafter, the consumption of the one or more infrastructure, software and manual resources in real time to fulfill the user request is measured based on a predefined monitoring metrics. Finally, billing data for the composite cloud service is generated based on the measured consumption data of the one or more infrastructure, software and manual resources, a predefined chargeback model and a predefined billing policy.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for brokering a charging process of an electric vehicle. In one embodiment, a process extracts event data associated with the charging process from a charge notification in response to receiving the charge notification indicating that the charging process of the electric vehicle is complete. The event data may include, but is not limited to, duration of the charging process, quantity of electricity transferred, or rate at which electricity was transferred during the charging process. The process then identifies, from an energy transaction plan, a set of payees participating in the charging process. Thereafter, the process disburses a payment owed to the set of payees. An amount of the payment is calculated using payment terms in profiles of the set of payees. The payment includes funds from at least one of a payer fund and an incentive fund.

Abstract: Offer based provision of fee based network access is presented herein. An access component can provide a complementary access of first content of a network to a device without a per-access fee to a user account associated with the device. A monitor component can receive, from the device, a request for an alternate access of second content of the network that is different from the first content. The access component, based on a characteristic associated with the network determined to satisfy a defined condition with respect to the alternate access, can send an offer directed to the device for purchase of the alternate access with the per-access fee to the user account.

Abstract: A riding yard maintenance vehicle may include a positioning module. The positioning module may be configured to store position information indicative of a position history of the vehicle responsive to operation of the vehicle defining a route. The positioning module may include a user interface, a memory for storing data received via one or more sensors, and processing circuitry in communication with the user interface and the memory. The processing circuitry may be configured to control operation of the positioning module and generate feedback via the user interface. The feedback may be provided to an operator based on the position information.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments relate to a method implementable on a computing device for determining color characteristics of an image. The method includes identifying one or more regions in the image based on a luminance value associated with pixels in the image. Each region comprises a set of pixels having a predefined range of luminance values. The set of pixels associated with the one or more regions are categorized into one or more predefined color categories corresponding to each of the one or more regions, based on a chroma value associated with each pixel in the set of pixels. The color characteristics of the image are determined based on a count of the categorized pixels in each of the one or more predefined color categories.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, at a client access module, a request from a client to process a loan transaction, wherein the request is associated with a particular loan system. The method also includes determining, by a processor, the particular loan system associated with the request, determining one or more rules associated with the request and a selected one of the client access module and the particular loan system, and applying, by the processor, the one or more determined rules to the request using the account information.

Abstract: A method for controlling a charging condition change in a real-time charging system that sends a QoS and charging rule request to be applied to a user terminal from a packet processing node to a real-time charging function server. If a charging condition change is detected, a charging rule change request is sent to a management server and a changed QoS and charging rule is sent, from the management server to the real-time charging function server. The changed QoS and charging rule is sent from the QoS and charging rule management server to the packet processing node. The changed QoS and charging rule are forwarded from the packet processing node to the real-time charging function server and, at the real-time charging function server, quotas for the user terminal are reallocated according to the changed QoS and charging rule.

Abstract: A method and system connects brands, users and communities via socially shared content elements that take the form of, for example, words, pictures/images, videos and/or audio objects. The method creates a social media engagement and distribution capability of dynamic, interactive impressions linking users to users and users to brands around shared “day in the life” moments. The spectrum of reach and range of content types combined with user daily lives creates a ubiquitous new web medium of social content. The user experience created by this method and system creates a sustainable stickiness for members, capturing, creating, sharing and responding to each other interactively in any communication format, at any time, in any place and for any reason.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods to mask identification information to create billing mechanisms in an online listing system are disclosed. In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method of operating an online listing system includes determining an identity of a user based on an identifier entered by the user that uniquely identified the user; and capturing call history information when routing a proxy telephone number from the user (e.g., a renter, a buyer, a prospective buyer, a mortgagor, etc.) to a lister (e.g., a landlord, a seller, a rental manager, a mortgagee, etc.). The identifier may be the proxy telephone number and/or a code entered after dialing the proxy telephone number. The proxy telephone number may be converted to an actual telephone number prior to routing the proxy telephone number to the lister.

Abstract: Implementations of the present invention contemplate using the communicative connections between a telematics unit in a vehicle and a telematics service provider (TSP) to transmit information pertaining to a vehicle charging event from the vehicle to the TSP. Implementations further contemplate comparing such with information independently furnished to the TSP by a charge station or a communication service associated with a charge station. The present invention facilitates the charging of electric vehicles at charging stations by reducing the inconvenience associated with paying for the electrical power obtained from the charging station. By transferring the billing functions to a TSP, implementations of the present invention also enable charging stations to do away with equipment required for billing customers at the point of sale and thereby limit the costs of building such charging stations.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for consolidating and standardizing billing event data is implemented by a computing device coupled to a memory device. The method includes polling a plurality of billing event tables for a pending billing event, extracting billing event data associated with the pending billing event from at least one of the billing event tables, generating a billing output file based upon at least a portion of the billing event data, selecting a billing system from the plurality of billing systems based upon the billing event data, and routing the billing output file to the selected billing system.

Abstract: A utility cost engine for creating a contract cost template for a utility contract having a plurality of billing features, is disclosed. The cost engine preferably comprises a computer system including a display with a graphic user interface, and a design tool accessible by the computer system by a user via the interface and having stored therein a plurality of pre-programmed entities used to calculate cost. A user accesses the design tool from the computer system and selects a plurality of graphically displayed entities based on corresponding contract billing features, adding each selected entity to a base to form a contract template, and saving the formed template. Other uses for the engine such as utility monitoring and management, cost and billing verification, building automation, and informational display (e.g., building dashboard) are also disclosed.

Abstract: Described embodiments include a battery manager system and a method. The battery manager system includes an asset database that includes records related to at least two rechargeable traction battery pack systems and a management criteria respectively assigned to each rechargeable traction battery pack system. The system includes a compliance module configured to evaluate a fraction battery pack status report pertaining to an identified rechargeable traction battery pack system of the at least two rechargeable traction battery pack systems (hereafter “the identified rechargeable fraction battery pack system”), the evaluation with respect to the management criteria assigned to the identified rechargeable fraction battery pack system. The system includes a manager module configured to generate a management instruction responsive to the evaluation of the battery status report. The system includes a communication system configured to communicate with the identified rechargeable traction battery pack system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for bandwidth metering in large-scale networks are disclosed. Metadata for a network transmission involving a virtualized resource at a host of a provider network, including endpoint address information and a traffic metric, is determined at a metering component. The metadata is aggregated at another metering component and provided to a traffic classification node. The traffic classification node generates a categorized usage record for the network transmission, based at least in part on network topology information associated with the provider network. The categorized usage record is used to determine a billing amount for the network transmission.

Abstract: A renewable energy sponsorship and funding model may allow an entity (“sponsor”) to sponsor creation and/or operation of a renewable energy source without necessarily receiving power directly from the renewable energy source. The sponsor may engage in a contract for differences (CFD) with the renewable energy source through a service provider. The sponsor may periodically make payments or receive payments resulting from the differences determined under the CFD. The amounts of the differences are variable based at least on the production of renewable energy by the renewable energy source and the wholesale market rates used in the purchase of power produced by the renewable energy source. These variances may be difficult to accommodate in a financial budget implemented by the sponsor. Various techniques and systems are disclosed to offset and/or smooth these variances, including making purchases on a wholesale spot market, using a credit facility, and/or creating a forward contract.

Abstract: A method performed by a network system operated by a network operator, the method comprising monitoring traffic over a network communicatively coupling the network system to a device that includes an application enabling the device to access, over the network, a particular end point that is outside of the network and operated by or on behalf of an entity other than the network operator; identifying, within the traffic, data transfers associated with access to the particular end point by the application; obtaining an offset based on the data transfers associated with access to the particular end point by the application; allocating at least a portion of the offset to an account associated with a sponsor, wherein the sponsor is not a user or a subscriber associated with the device; and sending information to the device to assist in causing a user interface of the device to present a notification.

Abstract: Scalable handling of billing events that affect one or more accounts. A computing system partitions received events into a number of channels, perhaps by account identifier. The channels receive the events, process the events, and forwards the events to an aggregator to allow the events to be aggregated by account to allow for easier computation of a bill. The aggregator also performs de-duplication of events to help reduce the risk of double billing.

Abstract: A modular learning system provides billing for learning users who have engaged in a variety of learning services in the modular learning system. For example the learning user may engage in learning application purchases, performances, learning facility access, tutor access, and learning tool access. The purchase of these varieties of learning services are used to provide various billing items for each type of learning service. The learning service purchases are consolidated and offset by prepaid learning services as well as modified by any applicable taxes.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and system are disclosed for modifying a computing environment hosting one or more workload patterns. A computer system obtains a list of deployed workload patterns on a on a computing environment, wherein each workload pattern is configured to support a predefined workload. The computer system identifies an extension to be deployed on a selected pattern from the list of deployed patterns. The computer system deploys the extension on the selected pattern. The computer system informs a user of the computing environment of new billing information based on deployment of the extension.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus embodiments for electric power grid and network registration and management of physical and financial settlement for participation of active grid elements in supply and/or curtailment of power, wherein Internet Protocol (IP)-based messages including IP packets are generated by transforming raw data content into settlement grade content. Settlement is provided for grid elements that participate in the electric power grid following initial registration of each grid element with the system, preferably through network-based communication between the grid elements and a coordinator, either in coordination with or outside of an IP-based communications network router. Messaging related to settlement is managed through a network by a Coordinator using IP messaging for communication with the grid elements, with the energy management system (EMS), and with the utilities, market participants, and/or grid operators.

Abstract: A system and method for performing network-based electronic invoicing with reverse invoicing. An invoice creation screen is presented to a client user, through a client device connected via a network to an electronic invoicing system. The method includes accepting invoice data input by the client user via the invoice creation screen. The method further includes generating a first invoice document based on the invoice data input by the client user, the first invoice document including an invoice identifier and the amount payable. The first invoice document is presented to the client user on an invoice review screen which includes an actuator to post the first invoice document to an account of the vendor user. The first invoice document is presented to the vendor user on an invoice approval screen which includes actuators to approve the first invoice document or to contest the first invoice document.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for managing modular remittances in a modular learning system. Learning applications are stored in the modular learning system, each associated with a service charge and a remitted user. The remitted user is also associated with a remittance cycle. The modular learning system receives a purchase request from a learning user specifying a learning application, and subtracts a service charge associated with the specified learning application from an account balance of the learning user to compute an updated balance. Based on the remittance cycle of the remitted user associated with the specified learning application, the modular learning system determines a time to remit the service charge to the remitted user. The modular learning system remits the service charge at the determined time, and displays the updated balance to the learning user.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments relate to a method implementable on a computing device for modifying color characteristics of an image. The method includes identifying one or more regions in the image based on a luminance value associated with one or more pixels in the image. Each region comprises a first set of pixels having a predefined range of luminance values. The first set of pixels is categorized in a first set of predefined color categories corresponding to the each region based, at least in part, on a chroma value associated with each pixel in the first set of pixels. Each predefined color category in the first set of predefined color categories comprises a second set of pixels. The color characteristics of the second set of pixels are modified based on a region and a predefined color category associated with the second set of pixels.

Abstract: An approach is provided for processing invoices that includes the use of a purchase order system to verify information on the invoices. Invoice image data that represents an invoice is received and one or more text fields represented in the invoice image data are obtained. The one or more text fields represented in the invoice image data are compared to purchase order data from a purchase order system. If the one or more text fields represented in the invoice image data do not match the purchase order data from the purchase order system, then the one or more text fields represented in the invoice image data are designated for special processing. If the one or more text fields represented in the invoice image data match the purchase order data from the purchase order system, then the invoice is designated as verified and the one or more text fields are transmitted to an accounting system for processing.

Abstract: A server provides data to software applications executing at mobile devices. Billing information for each wireless device is shared with a provider of a software application. The server formats usage information into a transaction record for the content provider. A customer of a network carrier is charged differently based upon a type of content accessed through the server.

Abstract: A system consolidates user interactions with providers of goods and/or services. The system includes an electronic data storage device to store user information corresponding to a user. The system also includes a data processor to administer electronic communications with a plurality of the providers of goods and/or services. The system also includes a consolidation manager to aggregate information from the plurality of the providers into a consolidated format for presentation to the user. Embodiments of the system may aggregate quote information, billing information, and other similar types of information.

Abstract: A billing method is received and authenticated; the billing method includes a function or procedure for computing a bill for the usage of cloud-based computing resources.

Abstract: A service provisioning method includes providing a differentiated set of information exchange services to a user. In some embodiments, differentiation between or among the provided services may include differentiated access networks, differentiated physical network layers, and/or differentiated service providers. An integrated service identity may be generated and/or maintained by the service provider(s) or by a third party. The integrated services identity may enable the user to define preference settings applicable to the information exchange services, to process billable events and activity and to issue integrated statements encompassing all of the information exchange services provided to the user, and enabling the user to access customer support services for any of the information exchange services and further enabling the logging of all customer support activities to the integrated service identity.

Abstract: A system and method for postage payment utilizes passive RFID tags as postage “stamps”, with the amount of the postage automatically billed to a previously-established customer account. The tags are stored in a separate stamp database and are “enabled” by linking the individual tag to a customer account. The use of the RFID stamps eliminates the need for the customer to know the proper postage beforehand. The existence of a customer account with a proper return address reduces the likelihood of a dead letter. Also, a special category of stamps may be used for automatic reply mail. By virtue of using an RFID tag, the mailed item's progress through the postal delivery system may be tracked from dispatch to delivery.

Abstract: Document processing devices and account manager systems are presented which verify validity of pairings of installed consumables and document processing devices for permissive enablement of document processing functionality based on validity of the pairings.

Abstract: A system has a hierarchal data structure for at least one offering, at least one provider of the offering and at least one receiver of the offering. In one embodiment, the system receives an input for a transaction involving the provider and receiver. The system generates cost information, which is available to system users.

Abstract: A construction payment management system stores project data stored on a computer-readable memory for a plurality of construction projects. The system accesses stored project data for a first construction project and electronically generates a first request for payment on behalf of a first participant in the first construction project in response to information received by the application server from the first participant. The first request for payment is generated based at least in part on the accessed project data and is displayed to a general contractor for the first construction project. A payment is initiated from a project owner for the first construction project to the first participant based on the first request for payment after receiving approval of the request for payment from the general contractor. The stored project data stored is then updated based on the payment made to the first participant.

Abstract: A method comprising inspecting a traffic flow associated with a device; identifying a requested access within the traffic flow; determining, based on a set of access rules, whether the requested access is within a service profile, the service profile defining a first data service, a first service usage associated with the first data service being accounted for separately from a second service usage associated with at least a second data service available to the device, the service profile identifying a particular network end-point, a particular end-user-device application, a particular content type, or a combination of these; and if the requested access is within the service profile, creating or modifying a record, the record for assisting in providing an accounting of at least a portion of the first service usage to a paying entity responsible for subsidizing or paying for the at least a portion of the first service usage.