Abstract: In a method for specifying services provided by a franking machine, a program code is loaded into a data processing device via and, a first communication channel to a remote data center, authorization to access the franking machine is requested using an authorization request message. In response, via a second communication channel, data are provided from the remote data center to the franking machine. In response, the franking machine enables access for executing a specification process via a third communication channel via which communication between the data processing device and the franking machine is established using the program code executed by the data processing device. The specification process is executed using the program code to set at least one feature of at least one service provided by the franking machine.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present invention a method for detecting fraudulent use of credit cards is herein described. In the case when possible fraudulent use is detected the issuer or other responsible party, such as a third-party mediator, temporarily blocks the credit card account. This can be accomplished, for example, by making an artificial excess of credit limit of the credit card or otherwise temporarily closing a credit card account. In some embodiments an issuer or responsible party may send a warning message and/or alert to a client's mobile phone informing of an upcoming temporary block of client's credit card.

Abstract: Provide herein is a method and system capable of authenticating transactions involving at least one service provider and one or more users who are each in electronic communication. This electronic communication can be, for example, SMS, MMS, e-mail, or online account messaging. It is an aspect of certain embodiments where the transaction is an authentication and/or verification of an entity. Examples of such entities are products, actions and users.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, media and code for routing mail items to different destinations. A driven mail conveyor may receive: a first mail item that includes a paper envelope displaying in an addressee segment an institution name and institution address information, the first mail item including a first part; and a second mail item that includes a paper envelope displaying in the addressee segment the institution name and the institution address information and no other institution address information, the second mail item including a second part. A processor may electronically route, based on a first text string vector of the first part, the first mail item to a first mail item destination in the institution; and, based on a second text string vector of the second part, the second mail item to a second mail item destination in the institution.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for booking reservations in a booking system and synchronizing bookings among several booking systems. The system comprises at least one booking system; at least one service provider; a mediator service; a client, and at least one client terminal device that can be a mobile device and that includes a dialog. The client uses the dialog to enter information into the system and the mediator receives inquiries and answers from the at least one booking system, the at least one service provider, and the at least one client. The mediator transfers and adapts information between them. The method and system are particularly suited for use with mobile phone users by Small Message Service messages.

Abstract: A method and system for booking reservations for a car service and delivery of such services, wherein at least one booking system and/or at least one car service provider interact with a mediator/facilitator to arrange for and provide a car for a client using at least one client terminal device that can be a mobile device. In the method, information entered into the system via the client's mobile device is transferred and adapted by the mediator/facilitator to communicate with the at least one booking system, the at least one car service provider.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for an information system configured to manage parking facility resources. The system can create and apply models and profiles regarding customers, parking space usage, access patterns, events, traffic, and other factors related to the parking facility. Parking facility operators may use the models to seek optimized revenues or profits. Increased revenue for parking facility operators may be supported by allocating resources to longer staying and better paying customers. New opportunities such as reselling, auctions, or options may further improve revenue generation for parking facilities. Customers may interface with the information system for availability queries, interactive reservation, and various other functions that may improve convenience, security, privacy, and service quality for the customers as well as for neighboring businesses and venues. Improved efficiency in parking facility resource consumption may reduce street traffic congestion.

Abstract: Some example embodiments include a method for recharging a number of battery electric vehicles. The method include receiving (by a control module configured to control an electrical grid system that include a number of recharging stations that are configured to recharge the number of battery electric vehicles and from the number of battery electric vehicles) usage data that comprises a current charge level, a current location, and a planned itinerary that includes a destination. The method includes determining anticipated electrical loads in the number of sectors of the electrical grid system based on the usage data of the number of battery electric vehicles. The method also includes redistributing the electrical supply on the electrical grid system to at least one recharging station of the number of recharging stations based on the anticipated electrical loads, prior to actual usage defined by the usage data by the number of battery electrical vehicles.

Abstract: Systems and methods of vehicle freight/load distribution are provided to assist in determining optimal freight distribution. Although it is standard practice to fill each vehicle to its maximum limit, due to the non-linear nature of engine fueling maps (that is, fueling maps vary non-linearly as a function of torque and speed), the optimal distribution may not be obtained by the standard practice. Finding a solution for the optimal freight distribution may also need to account for the cost of fueling and operator costs, particularly if the situation involves multiple vehicles not filled to capacity. The benefit is increased freight efficiency in transporting cargo from source to destination amongst a fleet of vehicles.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a load planning system is provided for simulating shipments based on a shipping entity's planned routing of packages and a shipper's (e.g., shipping entity customer) historical shipping volume. By using the load planning system to simulate shipments according to a variety of package routing plans, a user of the load planning system may identify shipping routes along which certain shipments may by-pass the sorting process of regional shipping hubs. These by-passing routes allow the shipping entity to provide the shipper with more efficient and less costly shipping options according to various embodiments.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for system and method for providing just-in-time loading zone parking is provided. A next delivery destination for a delivery driver is determined. A just-in-time parking reservation at the next delivery destination is booked. The just-in-time parking reservation includes a parking location and start time. A time of arrival by the delivery driver at the parking location is estimated. An amount of time between the estimated time of arrival and the start time of the just-in-time parking reservation is determined. Parking in the parking location by other drivers is permitted when the estimated time of departure is sufficiently prior to the start time of the just-in-time parking reservation.

Abstract: A method is performed via a computer. The method includes receiving a reservation from a customer. The reservation is based at least in part on an agreement reached between the customer and an entertainer as negotiated between the customer and the entertainer. The reservation reserving access for the customer to a bidirectional audiovisual live streaming session according to the agreement. The session is for an entertainment performance via the entertainer according to the agreement. The method further includes granting access to the customer for the session based at least in part on the reservation. The customer and the entertainer are at different locales during the session. The method additionally includes facilitating chat between the customer and the entertainer via the session during the session. The method also includes facilitating payment according to the agreement.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the instant invention provides for a computer-implemented method that includes at least the following steps of: periodically receiving investment transactional data identifying investment transactions of a plurality of investors; automatically determining, based on the investment transactional data, a document to be mailed to each investor of the plurality of investors; automatically generating a delivery data for each mailing to be mailed to each investor of the plurality of investors, where the delivery data includes: bucslip data or trade confirmation data, assembling data, and unique production control bar code data generated based on the assembling data and an investment transaction identifier from the investment transactional data; and printing a unique production control bar code based on the unique production control bar code data, where the unique production control bar code is configured to be used for: assembling each mailing envelope, and tracking such mailing envelope.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the instant invention provides for a computer-implemented method that includes at least the following steps of: periodically receiving investment transactional data identifying investment transactions of a plurality of investors; automatically determining, based on the investment transactional data, a document to be mailed to each investor of the plurality of investors; automatically generating a delivery data for each mailing to be mailed to each investor of the plurality of investors, where the delivery data includes: bucslip data or trade confirmation data, assembling data, and unique production control bar code data generated based on the assembling data and an investment transaction identifier from the investment transactional data; and printing a unique production control bar code based on the unique production control bar code data, where the unique production control bar code is configured to be used for: assembling each mailing envelope, and tracking such mailing envelope.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a method and system for communicating over a telecommunications network between a service provider and one or more users, wherein the service provider can have access to multiple distinct addresses in the telecommunications network and each user is identified by an address, more specifically where a first message can be sent over at least a portion of the telecommunications network to a user's address and based on a response from the user determining the message to which the response is a reply to.

Abstract: Disclosed are method and apparatus for processing of highway toll payments by a mobile telecommunications service provider. A mobile telecommunications device communicates with a mobile telecommunications service provider. The mobile telecommunications service provider receives a request to calculate a route to a destination. The mobile telecommunications service provider determines the location of the mobile telecommunications device from a global navigation satellite system or from a mobile telecommunications network and calculates a route. The mobile telecommunications service provider then identifies toll booths along the calculated route. The mobile telecommunications service provider pre-pays the tolls. The mobile telecommunications service provider sends turn-by-turn instructions to the mobile telecommunications device and tracks the location of the mobile telecommunications device and records the date and time at which the mobile telecommunications device passes through a toll booth.

Abstract: A communication device is provided, which includes a controller configured to select a first bandwidth, calculates a first communication time for transmitting data using the first bandwidth, to sum one or more periods of a first charging unit time for the first bandwidth to calculate a second communication time that is equal to or longer than the first communication time and closest to the first communication time, to calculate a data amount of a terminal data section to be transmitted within a last period of the first charging unit time, and to select a second bandwidth for transmitting the terminal data section at a lowest communication fee within a second charging unit time for the second bandwidth, the controller controlling a communication unit to transmit data other than the terminal data section using the first bandwidth and transmit the terminal data section using the second bandwidth.

Abstract: A predetermined amount, which may, in general, be zero, less than, the same as, or greater than a (yet-to-be-determined) final transaction amount, is charged upon first presentation of a payment device to a merchant. A final transaction amount is calculated, preferably at a central server, subsequent to the first presentation. A variable adjustment value is calculated, preferably at the central server, by comparing the predetermined amount already charged with the final transaction amount. A new predetermined amount charged, upon a subsequent presentation of the payment device, is modified by the variable adjustment value.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus stores a first threshold of a common carrier, the common carrier charging according to the first threshold to be applied to a packet communication volume in each first unit period; performs a packet communication to and from a communication apparatus of the common carrier; calculates a packet communication volume in each second unit period shorter than the first unit period; and controls the packet communication based on the packet communication volume in the second unit period so as to keep the packet communication volume in the first unit period below the first threshold.

Abstract: A communication device includes: a communication unit that is configured to execute communication of data according to one of a plurality of bandwidth guarantees with different communication charges per time unit; and a selection unit that is configured to select a first bandwidth guarantee with the lowest communication charges required for communication of specific data, among the plurality of bandwidth guarantees, using a data size of the specific data when the communication of the specific data is to be executed, wherein the communication of the specific data is executed according to the selected first bandwidth guarantee.