Abstract: A method, computer program product and computer system for issuing and servicing a Home Appreciation Participation Note (HAPN) for a real estate property, which includes issuing an Participation Contract (PC) for the property to PC investors, where the PC has a value derived from a sharing formula based on a change of a proxy for the value of the property relative to an initial value of the proxy, and the proxy is independent of an actual current condition of the property (after the initial valuation); and issuing a HAPN Bond for the property to HAPN Bond investors, where the HAPN Bond has an initial value set as a sum of an amount paid for the PC and an amount paid for the HAPN Bond. Both the PC and the HAPN Bond represent claims on the property, and the HAPN Bond is a performance bond for the PC if the value of the PC is negative.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method that is useful in connection with providing discount factors for an exchange-traded mark-to-market derivative product that has a variable tick rate, such as an interest rate swap product. In some embodiments, the method includes providing a series of consecutive settlement values, which collectively represent a settlement value curve for the derivative product. The curve is evaluated by determining, for each consecutive pair of settlement values, whether the difference between the first settlement value in the pair and the second settlement value in the pair exceeds a threshold. The threshold represents the value at which a discount factor derived from said pair of settlement values, in conjunction with other parameters, would be negative. In other embodiments the disclosed invention encompasses an apparatus and a computer-readable medium.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system can include a centralized storage module, for example a database, that stores data relating to petroleum, natural gas and other related products taken from several different sources and entities. The entity storing and maintaining this data can be an entity independent from the operators, producers and/or other working interests. This system can use automated techniques to reconcile distributions to all entities associated with a well due to the removal of a mineral, for example, petroleum, natural gas and/or other related products, from that well, on a periodic basis. These automated techniques include, for example, reconciling all agreements associated with the well, reconciling the amount of mineral removed at the well, reconciling the spot market price associated with the well at the time of removal, automating approval by the removing entity, automating payment and the like.

Abstract: An authorization system and computer program for provision and process of a personal identification number (PIN) via a short-message-service (SMS) text message to a mobile communication device. The authorization system and computer program receive a communication from the user indicating a one-time-authorization mode. The authorization system and computer program retrieve information from a point-of-sales location and process a unique identifier for the mobile communication device. A text message is sent to the identified mobile device. The message communicates a one-time-use PIN with required PIN return via the point-of-sales system. The confirmation is processed, which authorization only occurring after confirmation. The PIN response period is voided after a short time, further improving security of the transaction.

Abstract: A method and related system for determining the weighted average conversion (or click-through) probability (WACP) associated with an activity, such as an internet advertising bid activity. The method involves gathering information associated with prior actions relevant to future actions, such as bidding on internet advertisement placement, for example. The gathered information, such as clicks, impressions and conversions resulting from an advertisement placement, is used in an algorithm to calculate the WACP. The method may be carried out as part of a system including one or more computing devices and the execution of instructions embodied in computer-readable media. The algorithm may include the option of weighting the data used, such as by valuing recent data more than older data.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method that is useful in connection with providing discount factors for an exchange-traded mark-to-market derivative product that has a variable tick rate, such as an interest rate swap product. In some embodiments, the method includes providing a series of consecutive settlement values, which collectively represent a settlement value curve for the derivative product. The curve is evaluated by determining, for each consecutive pair of settlement values, whether the difference between the first settlement value in the pair and the second settlement value in the pair exceeds a threshold. The threshold represents the value at which a discount factor derived from said pair of settlement values, in conjunction with other parameters, would be negative. In other embodiments the disclosed invention encompasses an apparatus and a computer-readable medium.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system can include a centralized storage module, for example a database, that stores data relating to petroleum, natural gas and other related products taken from several different sources and entities. The entity storing and maintaining this data can be an entity independent from the operators, producers and/or other working interests. This system can use automated techniques to reconcile distributions to all entities associated with a well due to the removal of a mineral, for example, petroleum, natural gas and/or other related products, from that well, on a periodic basis. These automated techniques include, for example, reconciling all agreements associated with the well, reconciling the amount of mineral removed at the well, reconciling the spot market price associated with the well at the time of removal, automating approval by the removing entity, automating payment and the like.