Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for processing derivative product orders at an exchange. Traders provide derivative product order risk data to the exchange. The order risk data may include maximum delta, gamma and/or vega utilization values for derivative product contracts based on the same underlying product. Before executing a trade, a match system analyzes the trader's current utilization state and the utilization that would result after the trade. The match system may then execute all or a portion of the trade.

Abstract: Converting electronic files comprising financial transaction data for supporting international electronic financial transactions. A gateway financial institution that processes electronic payments can organize files comprising international financial transactions according to the destination country. The gateway financial institution can transmit the organized transaction files to an interface that is coupled to the computing systems of foreign financial institutions. The interface can convert the transaction files from the format of the originating financial institution to the format of the receiving financial institution. The converted transaction files can then be forwarded to the respective foreign financial institutions. The interface can also transmit additional data associated with the transaction files to support settlement of the transactions.

Abstract: An automated payment system for processing payment by a customer to a company. The payment system includes a document scanning system which has an input receptacle adapted to accept a document. After receiving an authorization agreement from the customer, the scanner acquires at least one image from the document. Also provided is a first computer adapted to receive images from the document scanning system. Adapted to communicate information represented by the image, a first communication link couples the document scanning system and the first computer. The payment system also includes a second computer adapted to receive images which is in communication with the first computer via a second communication link. The second communication link is adapted to communicate images and payment information.

Abstract: A method for generating financial plans for an individual includes requesting and receiving one or more data feeds from an individual's personal information aggregator. One or more financial plans for the individual are generated based on the data contained in the received data feeds.

Abstract: System, method, and program for preventing gaming in a trading system. The systems, methods and programs can receive an order from a trader to trade securities in an alternative trading system, determine if gaming is occurring, set a price collar for the order, and submit the order to the alternative trading system with the price collar.

Abstract: Data processing for novel form of relationship management links, supervises, and balances depositors, marketing agents, financial intermediaries, mortgage brokers, and borrowers in an inflation-adjusted financing program. Funds are deposited in participating financial institutions in return for certificates of deposit yielding a fixed rate of interest, plus principal growth at a yearly rate equal to that year's rate of growth in the Consumer Price Index-All Urban Consumers, All Items. Funds on deposit are loaned to borrower, either directly or through brokers, at a rate calculated by adding three components: a fixed debt service rate, a fixed constant interest rate, and an inflation factor interest rate which reflects the effects of inflation on the outstanding loan balance.

Abstract: The present invention overcomes the deficiencies and limitations of the prior art by providing a direct tracking module for keywords. In one embodiment, the system comprises a direct tracking module, a bid management system, a web analytics tool and a search engine. The direct tracking module interfaces with the bid management system to provide user interfaces for reviewing data about specific keyword and ads/text pairs. The direct tracking module uses unique codes to provide specific information about which combination of keyword and text generated specific Web traffic, such as traffic that generated a sale. This is particularly advantageous because the keyword/text pairs that generate a large number of sales can be reused to generate future traffic. Similarly, keyword/text pairs that do not generate Web traffic can be eliminated from the words that are purchased by the advertiser.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling certificate-based open payment transactions involving a merchant and a customer utilizing various types of networks and terminals. Prior to accessing a merchant POS terminal or, for example, a merchant website, a customer obtains a certificate from a service provider (SP), such as a bank, certifying his identification (ID) and his relevant financial information, in a form that is understandable by the SP. The SP is capable of performing multiple functions. For example, the SP is capable of acting as a certificate authority when it issues the customer's certificates, an authenticator when it receives private-key encrypted certificates from the customers to be decrypted using the corresponding public-key, and an authorizing authority when it checks the value available in a customer' chosen payment account against the requested purchase or transfer amount.

Abstract: Financial assessment systems, methods and graphical user interfaces are described. Financial information for an individual is received and integrated in a financial plan. A synopsis view of the financial plan is graphically presented. The synopsis view of the financial plan may include one or more financial recommendations for the individual. The recommendations and the synopsis view may be updated in real-time in response to a change in the financial information. The recommendations and the synopsis view may be used by the individual who is the subject of the financial plan or may be used by financial advisors. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: A high-performance capability assessment model helps a capital markets business meet the challenges of the global marketplace. As a result, the capital markets business can achieve the clarity, consistency, and well-defined execution of core processes that reduce inefficiencies and waste that result from unnecessary process complexity and exceptions. In addition, the high-performance capability assessment model helps the capital markets business to identify specific areas in which improvements may be made, to understand how to make said improvements, and to establish levels of capability along the way to reaching an ultimate capability goal.

Abstract: An optically imaging pen for interacting with a printed substrate. The pen includes: a nib for interacting with the printed substrate; an image sensor for imaging an area of the printed substrate to provide image data; a processor configured for: (i) identifying target elements in the image data and inferring a perspective transform due to a tilt of the pen; (ii) acquiring and decoding coded data contained in the image data; (iii) calculating a nib position using a tag location, the perspective transform and a known geometry of pen optics; and (iv) generating digital ink based on the nib position.

Abstract: A cash rebate award system with increased payout options is presented, wherein a consumer using a financial alternative to currency is rewarded based on the purchases made by the consumer within a given time frame, and is allowed to electronically transfer the award into any number of banking or investment accounts. A standard electronic currency transfer system, such as the ABA routing number system, or the ACH routing system, can be used so as not to limit the accounts into which the consumer can transfer their award. Consumers can also choose to transfer their award to multiple accounts, or accounts belonging to others, such as family or charities. Account information can also be saved for more efficient subsequent transfers, and automated transfers can also be set up by the consumer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for effectuating a buyer-driven and buyer-executed commerce system. The system allows prospective buyers and sellers of goods and services to anonymously exchange conditional Requests For Bids and Conditional Sales Offers based on the buyer's guaranteed ‘purchasing loyalty’ for a self-defined minimum quantity of goods or services, and/or quality of goods of services and/or the length of time or price to which the buyer would agree to be bound or any combination of those condition's. That buyer guarantee permits a seller to easily pre-determine their offers based on the calculated value of ‘capturing’ that buyer's ‘guaranteed purchasing loyalty’. In a preferred embodiment, the method and system of the present invention includes a controller which receives Requests For Bids from prospective buyers and also receives, stores and displays to prospective buyers, bindable sales proposals from a multitude of prospective sellers.

Abstract: An automated method is provided for administering a single investment company that issues one or more classes of shares that are bought from and redeemed with the single investment company at a net asset value and issues one or more classes of shares that are listed for trading on a securities exchange and that are bought and sold at negotiated market prices. One or more computers maintain account data of the outstanding shares. An owner of any share of any share class has an undivided interest in the single investment company.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide price protection on commodity purchases in which a consumer can select, accept, or otherwise agree to a depletion constraint on the consumption of the commodity thus purchased. Based on the agreed depletion constraint, a provider may adjust terms and/or the price of the price protection. In some embodiments, the depletion constraint can be time-based, quantity-based, value-based, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the depletion constraint can be linear. In some embodiments, a consumer may be required to purchase a certain amount of the commodity during a specified time frame. In some embodiments, the provider of the price protection may receive a payment from the consumer when the retail price of the commodity at the time of the purchase is below a specified floor price. In some embodiments, the commodity is motor fuel.

Abstract: A system providing billing support for the exchange of media is disclosed. An embodiment of the present invention may provide for the authorization of and billing for the delivery of media from a media server to local storage for consumption on a television display. The media may be audio, still pictures, video, or data. Other embodiments may provide for the authorization of and billing for the transfer of media from a media peripheral to a media server for media backup or distribution. A media peripheral may be, for example, a digital camera, digital camcorder, personal computer (PC), personal digital assistant (PDA), multi-media gateway, and MP3 player. An embodiment may support pre-payment, payment at time of use, and post-use billing for the media exchange. In an embodiment of the present invention, the storing or accessing of media may be performed without identifying the user to the media server.

Abstract: A market-indexed mortgage system and method are provided that enable one or more borrowers to finance or refinance a real estate property and have at least a portion of the payments indexed to local relevant real estate values. The mortgage loan provides upfront liquidity to purchase or refinance the property; the borrower has payment stream going back to a lender (or holder of the note) wherein one or more payments are adjusted or determined based on the index. Such market-based mortgage loans can be pooled in a fund and fund shares can be issued against the fund. The mortgage can be a residential mortgage in which the regular (e.g. Monthly) payments (interest and or principal) fluctuate with a price index for the local house market. Balance upon prepayment can also fluctuate with such an index.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing an insurance premium in association with an insurance strike price for a commodity are disclosed. By paying the insurance premium a consumer may obtain price protection for a commodity purchase. In particular, in one embodiment a consumer may obtain the right to be reimbursed for any amount paid over the insurance strike price for the commodity.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for executing a hedge transaction in connection with the execution of a derivative product order in which the price of the derivative product is defined by one or more variables. The hedge transaction may be executed at an exchange or match engine that is different from the exchange or match engine executing the derivative product order. The execution of derivative product transaction may be contingent on the existence of an appropriate hedge transaction. Alternatively, a best efforts approach may be used to fill the hedge transaction order after executing the derivative product transaction.

Abstract: The present invention includes systems and methods employing branded virtual characters across multiple network platforms throughout various stages of complex transactions (eg, selling insurance). These characters initially engage prospective customers on a network platform, such as a social network, and persist over time across other network platforms (eg, university and company websites) to educate consumers until they are ready to purchase—from their “trusted advisor”—particular products and services offered by various providers. Even after completing transactions, these characters continue to provide various services, such as notifying a customer whose circumstances have changed of a relevant product or service, while remaining available to answer questions and provide information upon demand.