Abstract: A method for providing a plurality of users with the ability to engage in the swap of a plurality of items comprising the following: providing a system for the entry of a plurality of items into inventory of a system by a plurality of users; providing a fixed number of credits for each said item entered which can be then used to obtain other items in the system's inventory wherein the number of credits received for each item will be automatically set by the system depending on each item's characteristics and where the total number of credits allocated represent the total value of all entered items.

Abstract: A system for creating a plurality of client mailers for a plurality of clients of a communication service provider having an account database storing client account data related to one or more services provided by the communication service provider to each client during a billing cycle includes first and second assembly modules. The first assembly module is operable to receive common data and variable data. The common data comprises data to be included in each client mailer, and the variable data is used for selecting client account data specific to each client for inclusion into the client mailer. The first assembly module is further operable to generate advisement data based on the client account data specific to the client and the variable data and store the common data, the selected client account data, and the advisement data in a mailer template file.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a payment mat that wirelessly communicates with a payment device for payment of items, such as goods and/or services, in a retail environment. A customer presents the payment device within the radiation range of an antenna contained in the payment mat for payment. The payment mat may also include a visual indicator, audio indicator, keypad, transaction display, advertising display, receipt printer, and transaction card reader. The payment mat may be constructed out of a rigid or flexible material. The payment mat may be placed flat on counters in retail stores, nearby cash registers or order entry devices. The payment mat may be placed on drive-thru windows in retail environment, such as quick service restaurants (QSR) or pharmaceutical stores. The payment mat may be placed behind a secure order entry window.

Abstract: An estimated tax reminder system generates and sends reminders to taxpayers of their estimated tax obligations. The system determines the estimated tax obligation for a taxpayer and receives filing status information for the taxpayer reflecting whether or not a payment has been made for the taxpayer. In an embodiment, a computer program product accepts payment instructions for fulfilling estimated tax obligations and carries out the instructions.

Abstract: A server for a merchant computer system, the server comprising: a file store for storing a range of audio/video products in respective product files; a dialogue unit having a network connection and operable to invite and receive a client selection from among the products via the network connection; a product reader for reading the product files to generate a digital audio/video signal; a digital signal processing unit having an input connectable to receive the digital audio/video signal from the product reader, a processing core operable to apply a defined level of content degradation to the digital audio/video signal, and an output connected to output the degraded digital audio/video signal from the processing core to the network connection. It is therefore possible for a content provider to change the characteristics of an audio or video data stream supplied over a network to a potential purchaser in a controlled and variable manner.

Abstract: A system constituted by a product information supply server 2, an automatic graphic server 3, an order processing server 4 and a product information database 1. The servers 2, 3 and 4 may be connected to product information database 1 on a network 5, wherein product information is supplied and an order is accepted on the basis of a request from a customer terminal 6. The product information supply server 2 searches and supplies various pieces of product information in accordance with the request from the customer terminal 6. The product information supply server 2 searches a product specification database 11 on the basis of the product specification information entered from the customer terminal 6, extracts a call number of a relevant product from the product specification database 11, and supplies the call number of the relevant product together with price information and delivery to the customer terminal 6.

Abstract: A rollover management system (RMS) receives and stores rollover data that includes subscriber identification and a balance of the rollover usage units that may be “rolled-over” to offset overage units used by a subscriber in excess of package plan usage units in a subsequent billing cycle. In response to receiving requests, the RMS presents rollover data elements to the requesting entities. The balance of the rollover usage units may be rolled over and measured in at least one of a plurality of billable units and may be shared by the subscriber's multiple communication services. The rollover usage units expire after a predetermined number of billing cycles where the predetermined number may vary between package plans. The RMS receives post-billing data elements to update the rollover data elements. The RMS is further operative to account for and present for review unbilled communication service usage to subscribers.

Abstract: An operator number setting control unit 45 sets the number of contracted operators for a commissioned call center service in response to a request of a user. A log-in time collecting control unit 42 calculates the log-in time of the operator. A log-in time computing unit 43 adds respective log-in times for each user. A billed service charge computing device 44 calculates an amount of charge billed in accordance with the total sum of log-in time added for each user. A charge is calculated and billed as such for the amount of use of commissioned call center services in accordance with the usage pattern of users, thereby promoting the commissioning of call center services and making it possible to operate a call center system without a huge amount of capital investment.

Abstract: Embodiments provide systems, apparatus, methods, computer program code, and means for completing transactions involving partial shipments.

Abstract: Disclosed is methods, systems, and computer program products for monitoring and reporting liquid product dispenser transaction states for book to physical reconciliation purposes. The method can provide virtual real-time status of sales transactions in order to perform liquid product fuel reconciliation regardless of ongoing sales. The method can include receiving a request to perform the liquid product book to physical reconciliation for one or more storage tanks at a retail facility. Once the requested is received, the method can entail identifying a duration for accumulation of measurement data used for the reconciliation and during the identified duration, monitoring the status of one or more dispensers that dispense liquid product from the one or more storage tanks. Based on the status of the one or more dispensers, the method can include updating either a physical inventory or a book value to appropriately determine the book to physical reconciliation.

Abstract: Accounting data is classified to facilitate transaction processing and management. According to an example embodiment, data based rules are implemented for classifying transaction-related data into accounting categories. Accounting information is processed as a function of the data based rules and accordingly automatically classified. This processing involves, for example, the identification of particular data based rules to apply to the accounting information, applying the rules and processing the information accordingly.

Abstract: An optical disc has a security feature in the form of an RFID tag that communicates with a voltage controlled optical modifier layer in the optical disc. In the presence of an interrogation signal, the RFID tag allows the optical disc to be used normally by outputting a voltage to the optical modifier layer. In the absence of an interrogation signal, the optical modifier layer prevents a laser from reading from or writing on the optical disc. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: An optical disc has a security feature in the form of an RFID tag that communicates with a voltage controlled optical modifier layer in the optical disc. In the presence of an interrogation signal, the RFID tag allows the optical disc to be used normally by outputting a voltage to the optical modifier layer. In the absence of an interrogation signal, the optical modifier layer prevents a laser from reading from or writing on the optical disc. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is integrated tax return preparation systems and methods that provide a taxpayer with options related to review and signing of a tax return by a tax professional. The integrated systems and methods are computer-based and web-based online tax return preparation systems and tax software used by taxpayers to prepare their own electronic tax returns. Communications with a tax professional and various forms of automated electronic communications are supported so that taxpayers that prepare their own tax returns using a self-preparation tax product may have them reviewed and signed by a tax professional. Signature and review service options that are available from a retail tax preparation service and typically available to only customers of the tax preparation service are also provided to taxpayers who prepare their own tax returns using an online tax preparation system or tax software.

Abstract: A customer self-checkout system includes one or more checkout stations and multiple supervisor terminals. The supervisor terminals provide support to, and control over, the self-checkout system and checkout stations. A controller is used to coordinate communications among the checkout stations and supervisor terminals over a wired and/or wireless network interfaces. A user may provide input at supervisory terminal using an interface providing context sensitive prompting to enable control using a simple keyboard interface.

Abstract: A system for computer device component audit and inventory management operates in a data network and includes an inventory agent installed on a target computer device for detecting and compiling software and hardware inventory data associated with the target device. An inventory-commence message is deployed through an electronic message handling system, operable on the data network, which requests inventory data from the inventory agent which then compiles the inventory data into executable language statements for incorporation into a host database accessible by a client. Multiple reports may be generated regarding the inventory data. Fees may not be charged for aggregate inventory data. The system provides a client with the ability to remotely request, compile, analyze and report inventory data from target devices that do not necessarily have access to the data network at the time of the inventory request.

Abstract: Disclosed is a virtual real-time liquid product book to physical reconciliation process within a dynamic environment. The method can include receiving a request to perform a liquid product book to physical reconciliation process for one or more storage tanks at a retail facility. Once received, the status of one or more liquid product dispensers corresponding to the one or more storage tanks can be identified. A plurality of measurements can be made while the one or more liquid product dispensers are in an active state and dispensing the liquid product. With the data indicative of the plurality of measurements, the method can automatically perform the liquid product book to physical reconciliation process.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the advanced batching of liquid colorant for dispensing into loads of wet concrete are described. A color station makes the batches of liquid colorant at the direction of a central authority. The color station includes numerous different liquid colorants that are combined to form a specific color of liquid colorant. The color station is in contact with the central authority and receives and transmits information and data to and from the central authority. Proximity detection is used to initiate the processing of the batches of liquid colorant.

Abstract: A computer software tool for processing timecard related information representing services to be billed wherein the software tool is part of a purchase order procurement system. The software tool is single software system for procurement services composed of a timecard module integrated with a procurement management module. The timecard process includes a base of functions compatible with existing procurement software systems. The system allows a contractor (buyer) to generate a timecard including services, descriptions and amounts. The generation of the timecard triggers a notification to an approving body which then either approves or declines the timecard. Once approved, timecard information can be exported, e.g., using XML, to a payroll or other external service.

Abstract: This invention relates to a terminal device capable of communicating with an accounting center, an accounting system, and a data processing method. A point memory 45 of a recording/reproducing device 10 stores accounting point information. An HDD 15 stores information distributed from an external source. A CPU 11 updates the accounting point information stored in the point memory 45 and updates attributes of the distributed information when the distributed information is stored onto the HDD 15. Thus, such inconvenience that communication with a distribution/accounting center 1 is carried out every time information is distributed to the recording/reproducing device 10 is avoided.