Abstract: A system and method is described for creating a predictable flow of funds from an otherwise unpredictable source. An investment and receiving vehicle is established where participants pool their ownership of insurance policies so as to share in the proceeds from those policies.

Abstract: A method for radio communication between mutually mobile objects. Prior to radio communication between the objects, calculations are preformed with a communication and calculation unit of a first of the objects to produce established data, answer codes are generated from the established data, and one of the answer codes is selected for communication to a second of the objects. The communication between the objects is carried out, including transmission of the selected answer code from the first object to the second object and transmission of data from the second object to the first object. After radio communication between the objects, calculations are performed with the communication and calculation unit of the first of the objects. A final result of the communication of between the objects and calculations performed by the communication and calculation unit of the first of the objects is stored after radio communication between the objects.

Abstract: A work flow system is disclosed in which, when a manager server unit of a work flow system divides a work effort into a plurality of tasks and execute the tasks, the manager server unit allocates tasks to client units of task execution persons fitted for the tasks. The work flow system includes a personal data file that stores personal data of each task execution person and an ability to perform each executable task, and a function for allocating tasks to client units of task execution persons. The function for allocating tasks to client units of task execution persons. The function for allocating tasks to client units of task execution persons allocates tasks based on the personal data file. The personal data file is renewed based on results of completed tasks.

Abstract: A method and system for facilitating communications between technical support specialists in a call center environment. Under control of a first computer, the system displays on a display device a form for tracking time of a technical support specialist. The system then receives a request to communicate with a second technical support specialist and sends to an internet protocol address of the second computer request to communicate with the first technical support specialist. At the second computer system, the system displays on a second display device a form for tracking time of the second technical support specialist. In response to receiving a request sent by the first computer system, the second system displays on the second display device a window informing the second technical support specialist that the first technical support specialist has requested to communicate.

Abstract: A method is described of providing dealer authorization information to a remote processing system. A local processing system receives information from a manufacturer for updating a database of authorized dealers. The local processing system then receives a validation request from the remote processing system via a network. In response to receiving the validation request, the local processing system queries the database and transmits information to the remote processing system, including an indication of whether a particular dealer is an authorized dealer for one or more manufacturers. The validation request is generated in response to the remote processing system's having identified a predetermined HTML tag in a dealer World Wide Web page. Capability to recognize the tag and transmit a validation request in response thereto is provided by a Web browser plug-in downloaded to the remote processing system. The local processing system may also include a number of order processing units for electronic commerce.

Abstract: A method and system for providing an end-user with Internet access and allocating a cost associated with that access among the end-user and Internet sites 18 accessed by the end-user. A supervisory program module 58, such as a "JAVA" applet, resides on an originating station 24, such as a personal computer, operated by the end-user. The supervisory program module 58 may be activated by transmitting the supervisory program module to the originating station 24 from an Internet point of presence 22 operated by a local access provider. Alternatively, a trigger may be transmitted from the point of presence 22 to the originating station 24 to activate a supervisory program module 58 already residing on the originating station 24. The supervisory program module 58 monitors the duration of connections with specific Internet sites, and transmits messages to the point of presence 22 indicating the duration of these connections.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for debugging target procedures contained in an object library or dynamic link library (DLL) on a running computer system. A "trace" DLL is created, wherein the trace DLL comprises a plurality of trace procedures. The trace procedures have a one-to-one correspondence with the target procedures contained in a target DLL. The trace DLL then acts as an interface between a software application and the target DLL. Rather than invoking the target procedure in the target DLL, the software application invokes the trace procedure contained in the trace DLL. In turn, the trace function in the trace DLL invokes the target procedure in the target DLL through an alternative entry point. The trace procedure may include debug statements, breakpoints, trace functions, printing functions, and other instructions that are executed before and after the call to the alternative entry point in the corresponding target procedure in the target DLL.

Abstract: A system and method for shopping at a variety of different vendors easily and securely is disclosed. A user computer, a checkout processor, and one or more merchant computers are interconnected via a network. A user first selects a merchant and receives product information from the merchant. The user may select products from the merchant along with options for the selected items. When the user is finished shopping at a particular merchant, the user may select another merchant or checkout. At any time during the shopping or during checkout, the user may modify items previously selected by the user. When the user requests to checkout, product selection data is transferred to a secure central checkout processor and the checkout processor obtains order information from the user, performs review order processing, and then processes the order.

Abstract: A computer system for conducting an electronic loan auction over a computer network such as the Internet. The computer system includes a computer connected to the Internet, which performs the following functions: (1) receiving an electronic loan application form from a prospective borrower; (2) providing such application to a loan authorizer's computer over the computer network for approval; (3) receiving an electronic message from the loan authorizer's computer indicating whether or not such loan has been approved; (4) entering the loan application into a database that is accessible to lenders via the computer network, if the loan is approved; and (5) maintaining the loan application in the database for a predetermined period time during which lenders may submit bids and the borrower may accept a bid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a computer system for managing the allocation of mortgage pool risk between a mortgage originator and a funding institution. The mortgage originator issues a mortgage and the funding institution agrees to assume certain risks such as interest rate and credit risk for the mortgage up to a certain percentage. The mortgage originator and the funding institution enter into a Master Commitment agreement which has an overall credit enhancement value for mortgage funding by the mortgage originator. The system has an input device capable of receiving mortgage data from the mortgage originator. A memory has a database storing the data relating to the mortgage loan, Master Commitment, financial institution and rate and fees. A processor calculates a credit enhancement value as a function of the probability of foreclosure and the severity of loss indicated by mortgage data.

Abstract: An advertising system is adapted to tracking consumer exposure to a number of different advertisements and to expose consumers to several different advertisements. The system simultaneously measures the number of consumers viewing different advertisements, while displaying different selected advertisements for viewing by the consumer. The system includes a display for displaying advertisements and other information. The system functions in either one of an idle mode, wherein potential consumers are not within a sensed proximity range, and an active mode, wherein the presence of potential consumers within the proximity range is detected. In the idle mode, the system displays programmed non-advertisement information. In the active mode, the display displays a programmed sequence of advertisements, that includes full-motion color commercials that may be interspersed with other information. A sound module may be provided for generating an audio portion of the advertisements.

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: In order to optimize the utilization of resources (e.g., technicians) in performing a number of jobs, each job is assigned a cost time-dependent function and each resource is assessed for the time at which it will be available. For each combination of jobs with resources, an actual can be determined. The combination giving the lowest overall cost is then determined. Additional features are disclosed to ensure incompatible job/resource combinations are not allocated, and to reduce the complexity of the calculation by prioritizing the jobs and resources.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program for processing plural types of transactions by a transaction processor connected to plural companies of different industries via a network. Use of the invention enables the efficient performance of a variety of transactions related to insurance utilizing one or a plurality of cards. In the invention the insurance card of a transactor is input, and a transaction screen including transaction keys related to preset transactions appropriate to the transactor is displayed. A transaction key showing a desired transaction is selected on the displayed screen and another card or other plurality of cards required for the desired transaction are inserted sequentially. The personal identification numbers of the cards are entered, and loan, inquiry, payment of insurance, contract, voidance/cancellation of a contract or payment of a premium transaction can be executed.

Abstract: An electronic statement presentment (ESP) system replaces the preparation and mailing of paper statements and invoices from a biller with electronic delivery. Electronic statements have the same look as paper statements as well as including video, audio, graphics, and custom enclosures. Statements are segmented into mandatory and optional components to minimize download time. The ESP system operates independently or is an enhancement to any suitable electronic bill payment system. A central switch computer coordinates template storage, validation, routing and message passing between billers, workstations and consumer financial institutions (CFI). A template authoring workstation (TAWS) creates a template of static biller information to serve as a basis for the electronic statement. The template is stored in a template library at the switch. The switch validates the template by sending it to a template validation workstation (TVAL).

Abstract: A system for use in mapping items such as financial transactions. Each transactions has line entries with each line entry relating to a particular object, such as an account. Each line entry has an entry in a first field or in a second field such as money entries in debit and credit fields. The system provides a graphical, visual representation linking objects (accounts) and illustrating (cash) flow between the objects (accounts). An item (transaction) memory stores entries relating to the items (transactions). A first object (account) memory stores entries relating to a first object (account). A second object (account) memory stores entries relating to a second object (account). An interface, keyboard or scanner inputs the line entries of the items (transactions) into the appropriate object (account) memory. A search engine searches the memories and locates the line entries which relate to each of the objects, such as entries which contribute money to or distribute money from an account.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for linking a Rolling Spot Currency contract with a Principle Market Maker program. In one aspect of the invention, the system includes an electronic brokerage and trading network having at least one computer coupled to receive and transmit bids and offers for international currency trading; a display terminal and input; and a principal market maker computer coupled to the electronic brokerage and trading network wherein the principal market maker computer is operative to receive and transmit the bids and offers and execute international currency trades by maintaining a market for such currencies. In another aspect of the invention, the method includes the steps of receiving and transmitting bids and offers for publicly traded currencies; storing the received bids and offers in a memory; identifying and executing the matching bids and offers; and identifying unmatched bids and offers and providing a complementary trade to maintain a market for such currencies.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically collecting and for analyzing information about time and work performed on a computer network which includes the following elements: a data collector for monitoring certain portions of a user's computer network activity and for logging into a log file those certain portions of a user's computer network activity; a data analyzer for determining by following user-defined rules showing which portions of those certain portions of a user's computer network activity constitutes continuous work activities, and how this work should be categorized by project and task with project; and an external interface for building the rules defining work. The data collector includes a resident module, such as a TSR (terminate-and-stay-resident) module, which extends the file system of the computer so that detailed records are kept of file activities.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing an inventory of rolls used in a rolling mill, the rolling mill having a plurality of rolling equipment each utilizing a predetermined combination of roll stands and roll guides. Each of the roll stands and roll guides utilizes at least one pair of rolls for respectively working and guiding an entry product of a predetermined size into an output product of a selected size. The method and system operates to compile and store data corresponding to individual rolls in the inventory. Operational parameters are defined for the rolling mill to produce the output product. The data corresponding to the individual rolls is iteratively correlated with the operational parameters to create an array of possible roll combinations for each roll stand or roll guide. Optimal family sets of rolls are determined from the array of possible roll combinations for the rolling mill in accordance with the operational parameters.

Abstract: A system for estimating price characteristics of a product from classified advertisements comprising a plurality of textual characters, comprises a relevant classified advertisement database, an attribute filter, a filtered classified advertisement database, a price analyzer and a graphing module. The relevant classified advertisement database stores relevant classified advertisement signals indicative of a subset of the classified advertisements which are directed to the product. The attribute filter receives the relevant classified advertisement signals, and generates in dependence thereupon numeric value signals indicative of prescribed subsets of characters in the subset of the classified advertisements. Each prescribed subset of characters represents a numeric value. The filtered classified advertisement database receives the numeric value signals and stores the numeric value signals.