Abstract: A method for performing a financial transaction that includes identifying a plurality of payment options associated with a payer executing the financial transaction, wherein each of the plurality of payment options is linked to a financial account of the payer, obtaining cost data and benefit data for each of the plurality of payment options, wherein the cost data includes a cost of using the payment option for the financial transaction and the benefit data includes a benefit of using the payment option for the financial transaction, selecting a preferred payment option from the plurality of payment options for the financial transaction based on the cost data and the benefit data, and processing the financial transaction using the preferred payment option to obtain a transaction confirmation.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for creating reports from financial data in a financial software application includes receiving a selection of a report template to be used to create a report. The report template includes query parameters, layout information, and content field information. The method also includes receiving financial data from a data source, assessing whether the financial data is compatible with the report template by examining a data file type and contents of the financial data to ensure consistency with the selection of the report template and the content field information, and applying the received layout information and received content field information to the received financial data to generate a report having a layout specified by the layout information, and including content associated with the content field information.

Abstract: A token generator such as a keyfob is used to access the computer of an authentication entity different from the authentication entity that issued the token generator. The token generator stores authentication entity identification information identifying the authentication entity that issued the token generator. The token generator causes a user computer to transmit an authentication request including such authentication entity identification information together with a token generated in synchronization with the authentication entity issuing the token generator, so that the authentication request can be routed to the appropriate authentication entity that issued the keyfob for validation. The authentication request can be sent directly to the authentication entity that issued the token generator. The authentication request can also be sent to the authentication entity that issued the token generator via another authentication entity to which the user computer attempts to access.

Abstract: A graphical user interface is provided for facilitating entry of data into a telephone, personal digital assistant or other computing device having a touch-sensitive input component (e.g., a touch screen). The interface includes multiple initial contact areas associated with different input (e.g., characters, numerical values, commands), a home area and spokes positioned between the initial contact areas and the home area. The interface is manipulated using gestures. A data input gesture begins by touching in or near an initial contact area and moving to or toward the home area, generally in proximity to the corresponding spoke. Other illustrative gestures include tracing directly from one initial contact area to another (e.g., to add the corresponding data values), performing a “throwing” gesture out of the home area (e.g., to delete the last input), gesturing backward/forward in the home area (e.g., to move backward/forward through a series of fields), etc.

Abstract: Embodiments of a computer system that determines a performance metric are described. During operation, the computer system determines the performance metric for tasks performed by financial software during a time interval. This performance metric is based on a weighted summation of contributions from the tasks, and a given weight associated with a given task is based on a frequency of occurrence of the given task. Then, the computer system performs a remedial action to improve the determined performance metric during a subsequent time interval.

Abstract: A system that automatically classifies a financial transaction as a recurring financial transaction based on classification data obtained from a set of users is presented. The system can also determine the frequency at which the recurring financial transaction repeats. If the financial transaction is classified as a recurring financial transaction, the system can mark the financial transaction as a recurring financial transaction. Alternatively, the system can notify the user that the classification data indicates that the financial transaction can be classified as a recurring financial transaction.

Abstract: Embodiments of a computer system that determines a time history are described. During operation, the computer system receives a single command which accesses information associated with the time history, wherein the command is received from a user, and the information is to be used by financial software. Then, the computer system generates multiple queries corresponding to the time history, where the multiple queries access multiple data sources. Next, the computer system executes the multiple queries to obtain the time history.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that provides gift registry services to a user. During operation, the system enrolls a business with a registry system and identifies a first set of items offered for sale by the business. Next, the system populates the registry system with the first set of items. Finally, the system presents the first set of items to the user for inclusion in a gift registry associated with the user.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that enters items into a gift registry. During operation, the system photographically captures images of items at stores containing the items. Moreover, the images include a set of barcodes identifying the items. Next, the system obtains a set of product codes for the one or more items from the barcodes in the images. Finally, the system enters the one or more items in the gift registry using the product codes.

Abstract: A system for displaying a spending comparison report includes a spending data repository, a report module, and a display device. The spending data repository is configured to store a current spending amount associated with a current spending group ID and a current spending date, and a historical spending amount associated with a historical spending group ID and a historical spending date. The report module is configured to obtain a spending data grouping selected from multiple spending data groupings, obtain a current date range for the spending data grouping, generate multiple selectable historical date ranges based on the current date range, obtain a historical date range selected from the multiple selectable historical date ranges, retrieve the current spending amount, retrieve the historical spending amount from the spending data repository, and obtain a spending difference between the current spending amount and the historical spending amount.

Abstract: A computer system generates first executable code in a first programming language based on common source code, where the first executable code is configured to execute at a server in the client-server environment. Then, the computer system executes the first executable to produce relational objects that constitute a tree hierarchy, where a given relational object defines a relationship between nodes and end points in the common source code. Next, the computer system generates second executable code in a second programming language based on the tree hierarchy, where the second executable code is configured to execute at a client in the client-server environment, and where the second executable code implements a subset of the common source code associated with the relational objects which is based on a user context.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that facilitates exchanging assets between online virtual worlds. During operation, the system receives a first asset from a representative of a first player who controls the first asset in a first virtual world, and receives a second asset from a representative of a second player who controls the second asset in the second virtual world. Next, the system provides the first asset to a representative of the second player in the first virtual world, and provides the second asset to a representative of the first player in the second virtual world.

Abstract: Embodiments of a computer system for determining a social responsibility metric are described. During operation, the computer system aggregates information associated with financial transactions of a user to determine the social responsibility metric. Note that the financial transactions may be included in a data structure associated with financial software, and the data structure may be stored in a computer-readable medium. Next, the computer system may provide the social responsibility metric to the user.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and computer program products are disclosed that teach methods for establishing context of a subsequent electronic real-time communication. One method detects a connection attempt that is initiated by an instigator-identifiable for a subsequent electronic real-time communication that is directed to a target-identifiable. The instigator-identifiable is associated with a first identification characteristic and the target-identifiable is associated with a second identification characteristic. This method subsequently retrieves a reminder reference that is responsive to the first identification characteristic and the second identification characteristic and presents the reminder reference to the target-identifiable. The method also establishes the subsequent electronic real-time communication between the instigator-identifiable and the target-identifiable.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system for identifying audio content are described. During operation, the system receives a data stream from an electronic device via a communication network. Then, the system distorts a set of target patterns which are used to identify the audio content based on characteristics of the electronic device and/or the communication network. Next, the system identifies the audio content in the data stream based on the set of distorted target patterns.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that executes an application. During operation, the system physiologically monitors a user of the application with a set of sensors as the application executes. Next, the system assesses a mental state of the user based on physiological data collected from the sensors. Finally, the system changes the behavior of the application based on the assessed mental state to facilitate use of the application by the user.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that facilitates access to a website from an application. During operation, the system obtains community data associated with interactions between a set of users and the website and examines the community data to identify an interactivity request made by the website to users of the website. Next, the system obtains user-specific data from a new user of the application, which includes a response to the interactivity request from the new user. Finally, the system uses the user-specific data to automate access to the website for the new user.

Abstract: Internet enhanced local shopping system in which businesses having physical stores where products and services can be purchased submit their inventories and business terms, including their geographic locations, into a searchable database available to shoppers wanting to buy products and services locally so that shoppers can find stores in their area where the products and services they desire are available and can be purchased under specified terms.

Abstract: A check is printed on a generic form that does not include a pre-printed account number (e.g., a blank sheet of paper). In response to detecting a request for check printing on the generic form, fraud prevention techniques are performed to ensure validity of the printed check.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for automated transaction splitting. A central repository gathers details of multi-category transactions between a first payee (e.g., merchant, investment firm) and one or more users. Each category's proportionate share of the total of the transactions is calculated and used to configure an average or model transaction. When a new transaction is received, it is automatically split among the categories based on the model transaction. Multiple types or tiers of model transactions may be applied. For example, a user-specific model transaction may reflect one specific user's history of transactions with the payee. A community model transaction may reflect multiple users' transactions. Similarly, one type of model transaction may reflect transactions with a single payee, while another type may reflect transactions with related payees (e.g., payees having similar businesses).