Abstract: A data distribution network for distributing data stores up-to-date or even real-time data in a central computer and disseminates the data through a plurality of data distribution nodes to a plurality of hand-held computers. The data distribution network distributes current or even real-time data to consumers and travelers directly to the location where the consumers and travelers are likely to require the data. In a preferred embodiment, such a data distribution network can function completely automatically, in real time, and without any effort or expertise on the part of the consumer or traveler. Such a data distribution network enables several novel methods of attracting and retaining consumers to a specific commercial location and travelers to a specific hotel or travel agency.

Abstract: A programming apparatus that authenticates the contents of driver licenses having both human recognizable information and machine readable information is disclosed. The contents of the driver licenses are verified without encountering any human error. The verified contents of the driver licenses may be transferred to a remote computer for other identification purposes such as preordained organ donors or possible criminal prosecution.

Abstract: A method and a system for playing a first type of data, such as audio stream data, for the user while simultaneously displaying an advertisement in the form of a second type of data, such as video data. The system and method enable advertisements to be displayed while music is being played from an audio file by the computer of the user, thereby providing an alternative revenue source for the owner of the rights to the audio data. Furthermore, since the advertisement is in a data format, preferably video data, which is different from that of the audio music file, the display of such an advertisement does not interfere with the enjoyment of the music or other audio data being played.

Abstract: A conference communication facilitator includes a hand-held computer used in conjunction with an alphanumeric identifier uniquely associated with a conference attendee. The hand-held computer is shaped to fit within a user's hand and bears an advertising indicia. The hand-held computer contains a microprocessor, a memory chip for storing data, an electrical contact connector for inputting data into the memory chip, an LCD display for displaying the data, a keypad for manipulating the data. The hand-held computer is preferably used in conjunction with a plurality of alphanumeric identifiers, each alphanumeric identifier being unique to each aspect of the data. In its preferred embodiment, the hand-held computer is used as a conference facilitator assembly for facilitating interaction with a conference attendee.

Abstract: A redemption voucher program having systems and processes for use in a credit card system. The following steps are carried about by the systems and processes and include, but are not limited to, identifying an account issued by an account issuer, generating a redemption voucher identifier corresponding to the account identifier and producing a redemption voucher including the redemption voucher identifier, distributing the redemption voucher to an account owner, and, at a merchant facility, receiving a redemption voucher from the account owner during a transaction having a specified value. Thereafter, such systems and processes take care of transmitting the redemption voucher identifier and the specified value from the merchant facility to an account number clearing authority for clearing against the account.

Abstract: A method and system of performing secure credit card purchases in the context of a remote commercial transaction, such as over the telephone, wherein only the customer, once generally deciding upon a product or service to be purchased, communicates with a custodial authorizing entity, such as a credit card company or issuing bank wherein such entity has previous knowledge of the credit card number as well as custodial control of other account parameters such as interest rate, payment history, available credit limit etc. The customer supplies the custodial authorizing entity with the account identification data such as the credit card number and a requested one of a possible plurality of predetermined payment categories which define the dollar amount for the purchase and specific, predetermined time parameters within which authorization by the custodial authorizing entity will remain in effect.

Abstract: Use right processing for mere viewing and listening of information and utilization right processing for utilization in users' own works can be separately performed, thereby reducing useless right processing in the process of creation and efforts to negotiate singly with an author for right processing. Virtual electronic information manipulation spaces are created on a network and managed by a management part. Information within the spaces is accumulated by an information accumulation part. An information manipulation space control part presents the virtual electronic information manipulation spaces to users while communicating with the management part over the network and obtains information managed by the management part by users' operations. Information in the information manipulation spaces is manipulated by an information manipulation part. When information is transferred out of the information manipulation spaces, right processing is performed by a right processing part.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and systems for trading and investing in groups of demand-based adjustable-return contingent claims, and for establishing markets and exchanges for such claims.

Abstract: System and method for providing a dynamic advertising content manifestation window within a windows based content manifestation environment provided within a web browser. The system and method include and involve an server system configured to transmit a software system and data related to a advertising content source via an electronic data network. Also included and involved is a web browser client operating within a data processing system that is coupled to the server system via the electronic data network. The web browser provides a content manifestation environment. The web browser client is operative to receive the software system and the data via the server system, to process the software system and the data to produce a window object within the content manifestation environment provided by the web browser client. The window object is configured to dynamically manifest therein advertising content received from the advertising content source in accordance with the data.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing data relating to use of a drug by a patient that receive patient information and determine a dosage of the drug on the basis of the patient information. The systems and methods may be operated to provide patient-specific information on drug cost and on comparative costs of alternative drugs, on side effects, on allergies, and on pharmacology, as well as information on use in pregnancy, on use in lactation, on drug interactions, on warnings and contraindications, and supporting references. The systems may also be operated to prepare drug orders and prescriptions.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products are configured for conducting time and motion studies using a portable computing device having a memory, wherein the internal clock of the portable computing device measures the elapsed time for an observed activity as a user (i.e., time and motion study analyst) identifies the observed activity and any associated parameters, counts, measurements or comments via one or more customized user interfaces displayed on the portable computing device screen. The customized user interfaces are generated from data tables created during setup. The elapsed time, activity name, and the associated parameters, counts and comments are recorded in the memory of the portable computing device as an activity record for subsequent analysis.

Abstract: A system and method for printing a customized combination newsletter and product label for used in dispensing prescribed pharmaceutical products. An individual's medical status is determined based upon information provided to the dispensing pharmacist and a customized newsletter, which may contain standard information not customized for the individual, is printed onto a combination form that also contains a self-adhesive label which can be placed upon the dispensed pharmaceutical product container. The combination form containing both the newsletter and container label facilitate giving the newsletter to the proper individual.

Abstract: A CD-ROM provides all or part of a product labeling system for engaging purchasers. Executables, data, or both are recorded on a CD-ROM hang-tag or other product labeling structure in order to deliver to a consumer or purchaser engaging presentations of product information or registration templates. As a result, purchasers may receive launchers, browsers, viewers, e-mail systems, facsimile centers, players, or interface brokers for the foregoing, if they are organically installed already on a workstation of a purchaser. Software may provide catalog presentations, user registration templates, communications, linkers, or engines, and the like. Operation modules and profile builders may provide information over ready links implemented by software on the CD-ROM.

Abstract: A process for making industrial products available by the manufacturer of the industrial products for online ordering through a communications network such as the Internet by a customer for the industrial products that has access to the communications network.

Abstract: The System and Method for Developing a Customized Wetness Plan of the present invention provides a means of measuring a user's wellness by determining a user's physiological age. The disclosed system and method also provides a means by which a user can learn about personalized wellness options, where the wellness options have been chosen for the user based upon wellness factors input by the user, additional constraints input by the user and the most recently available information relating to the health sciences. The user can select one or more of the disclosed options, and determine the potential effect implementing the options could have on the user's physiological age over the short or long term. In this fashion, the user can continue selecting various groups of alternatives until he or she has determined the group of options that the user would like to implement as a wellness plan.

Abstract: A cyber mall system has a contents sales apparatus for selling digital contents, a contents purchasing apparatus, and a network for connecting those components. When the digital contents are registered into the contents sales apparatus, in the case where the digital contents are sold by the contents sales apparatus for defining digital contents using conditions constructed by a server side access control to the digital contents which is executed on the contents sales apparatus side and a physical act restriction to control an access to the digital contents which is executed on the contents purchasing apparatus side that purchased the digital contents, digital contents personal using conditions are generated on the basis of the digital contents using conditions and are given to a customer.

Abstract: A method by which a distributor owns, manages, and automatically replenishes the inventory of a business that is a customer of the distributor. The distributor collects information over a start-up period to reflect an inventory of certain designated items that are supplied by the distributor and sold to consumers by the business. From the information collected, a forecast is projected of the demand for the designated items by consumers following the start-up period. The distributor purchases from the business the inventory of designated items and then invoices the business on a unit of use basis for reimbursement, but only at the time when the designated items are sold to consumers by the business.

Abstract: A system and a process to facilitate transactions between individuals and providers of goods and/or services. The system includes a master database unit for retaining information related to various characteristics of interest of a plurality of individuals. Each set of information associated with a particular individual is provided with a unique personal code that is supplied to the individual. In any remote communications with the goods/services provider, the individual supplies the personal code. The provider in turn contacts the master database unit and supplies an access code and a particular one or more of the personal codes. The master database unit returns to the provider the set or sets of information associated with the personal code or codes. Based on that information the provider can ensure compatibility of the goods or services with the individual's interests and characteristics. The system of the invention reduces the interface time between the individual and the provider.

Abstract: A state-event engine manages behavior over time in response to events in deterministic fashion from user-supplied rules and policies for a set of dynamic objects. The campaign engine selectively generates and stores a campaign population, representing different types of marketing campaigns. A collection of dynamic object data stores maintains data on the corresponding marketing agent population, resource population, and listing population. A matching process orders members of the listing populations based on the target of at least two members of the campaign population such that a set of offers to buy and offers to sell the same resources is created. A prediction engines processes historical data to predict how campaigns can best match buyer to seller. Software agents negotiate on behalf of buyer and seller identify potential deals. The system is capable of being implemented using computer network and web-based technology.

Abstract: A method and device for using a computer to facilitate a transaction of secondary market shares of an investment company such as a mutual fund between a buyer and a seller, having the steps of: a customer determining the mutual fund to be traded receiving a schedule of fees from the central controller, the customer selecting the class of shares and inputting the quantity to be traded, the customer selecting the order type and adding any special instructions. The customer then submits the order to the central controller. The central controller will match buyers and sellers and determine which orders were executed. For all executions, the central controller will provide the seller with payments and the buyer with shares in the selected mutual fund.