Abstract: A system and method for managing an insurance company's relationships with service providers is disclosed. Data about a service provider's performance is obtained for a variety of metrics. Performance rating models and business rules may be used to evaluate the data and to rate the performance of service providers. The resultant ratings can be used as a basis for recommending service providers to customers. Feedback may be provided to the service providers so as to inform them of their competitive position relative to other service providers.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods for enabling communication between vendors and individuals qualified to offer financial products, insurance products, warranty products, and/or other products and services related to vehicles and vehicle sales are provided. In one embodiment, a salesperson at a remote location interacts with the vendor's customer using data, video, and/or audio transmissions over a network. In one embodiment, the remote salesperson may possess relevant expertise or training, which the salesperson uses to process the transaction. In one embodiment, the remote salesperson completes the transaction using a system that manages the transaction and communication.

Abstract: A method and a system of paying a public transportation fare via a mobile device are provided. The method includes connecting the mobile device to an Access Point (AP) installed to a Transportation System (TS), transmitting a first message, from the TS to a Communication Service Providing Server (CSPS), including a list of mobile devices connected to the AP, including the mobile device, identification-information regarding the AP, and the current location information regarding the mobile device, transmitting, when the mobile device is disconnected from the AP, a second message, from the TS to the CSPS, including a list of mobile devices connected to the AP, excluding the mobile device, the identification-information regarding the AP, and the current location information regarding the TS, and calculating, by the CSPS, the transportation fare to charge the mobile device and transmitting a transportation fare charge message to the mobile device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are processor-executable methods, computing systems, and related technology for the generation of software code based on spreadsheet data models. A spreadsheet data model may be parsed, and an intermediate representation may be generated based on the spreadsheet data model. Software code may be generated based on the intermediate representation. The software code may be in a high-level language such as C or C++, or in any other appropriate language. Alternatively or additionally, the software code may include the use of General Purpose Computing On Graphics Processing Units (GPGPU) technology. The software code may be compiled, and then executed to obtain results data.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer-storage media are provided for distributing advertising content with improved accessibility for users and with a reduced-cost architecture for the web site provider. An advertising service directory (ASD) intercepts advertising requests containing registered words and phrases so that their location can be determined in a data structure. Through user profile, web site preference or additional information in the reference data structure, the delivery format of the content can also be detected. The request is then forwarded to the provider, removing the need for the first web site provider to actually serve the advertising content. Users can use a phrase or format in order to “push” for advertising content. Thus, brand names and products can be accessible without the need to bid for ad placement. The effectiveness of advertising across many platforms can be increased by offering users an easier-to-remember retrieval method.

Abstract: The systems and methods of the invention provide a workflow system for processing a financial application in an automated manner. The workflow system may include an interface portion, the interface portion inputting application information into the workflow system for processing by the workflow system and a workflow looping portion. The workflow looping portion may include performing underwriting processing to effect underwriting of the application based on the application information, performing issue processing to effect issue of the application, and performing settlement processing to effect settlement of the application. A rules logic portion may be provided to control the implementation of rules applied to the processing of the application as the application passes through the automated processing.

Abstract: A method and system assigns trust ranks to nodes from disparate sources, such as user profiles found in social networking websites across the Internet. The score assigned to a profile is calculated from the subjective scores given to it by the connected profiles that have ranked it, and weighted according to the scores of those connected profiles. The score and associated data are stored in a central server with a searchable database that communicates with one or more third party application servers. The score and associated data are displayed on social networking websites according to user-defined criteria and available for use by third party users to assess the risk of doing business with a user.

Abstract: A system and method efficiently solve the expected utility maximization problem in large-scale financial asset portfolio optimization. The system and method solve the expected utility maximization problem employing a factor representation of asset returns. Additionally, the system and method calibrate the optimization model to a benchmark to obtain unconditional mean returns and enable active management based on conditional expected return predictions. The system and method also enable options to be considered as part of the portfolio.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of aggregating and valuing intellectual property in a financial exchange. The present invention provides means whereby holders of intellectual property rights may sell, or license intellectual property to an aggregator and receive shares of stock or cash for the contribution based on the aggregated value of the intellectual property held by the aggregator.

Abstract: A method and system for reserving future purchases of goods or services or events including plural electronic options with associated option fees for the goods or services or events. The plural electronic options include electronic option terms established by one or more suppliers who can supply the goods or services or events. The purchase of the electronic option is accepted according to electronic option terms established by the desired supplier. The option terms may vary greatly among the individual suppliers and no two suppliers may use the same option terms. The electronic option includes a personalized electronic coupon dynamically created by a server network device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of aggregating and valuing intellectual property in a financial exchange. The present invention provides means whereby holders of intellectual property rights may sell, or license intellectual property to an aggregator and receive shares of stock or cash for the contribution based on the aggregated value of the intellectual property held by the aggregator.

Abstract: In one example a method includes: receiving a first input value associated with a first data field; responsive to determining that the first data field is associated with an increment operation, selecting a second input value associated with a corresponding second data field of a previously transmitted message; comparing the first input value and second input value to determine if the first input value includes a sum of the second input value and an increment value; when the first input value includes the sum of the second input value and increment value, generating a message that omits the first input value for the first data field, and providing an operator symbol indicating the increment operation to specify that the first data field of the message is to be associated with the sum of the increment value and second input value of the second data field in the previously transmitted message.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and instructions stored on computer-readable mediums for calculating a volatility score for each of a plurality of securities and calculating a reference volatility score for a benchmark. A relative volatility score is derived for each of the plurality of securities based upon the volatility score for each of the plurality of securities and the reference volatility score. An aggregated volatility score is derived for each of a plurality of accounts based in part on securities held within an account and the relative volatility scores for the securities. A sentiment index is determined based upon the aggregated volatility score for each of the plurality of accounts.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for processing binary options (also referred to as digital options) in existing clearing systems, such as futures clearing systems. The binary option is treated, or processed, similar to standard options on a non-tradeable cash-settled underlying futures contract. A hypothetical instrument, referred to as a book instrument is created to facilitate clearing of the binary option. The book instrument has an expiration date after the expiration of the binary option, such as the day after the expiration of the binary option. For each binary option that expires in the money, a transaction is created for the book instrument future. The underlying book future has an assigned price that is a fixed amount less that the final price for the underlying statistical or actual value of the binary option at expiration. Transactions are loaded in the clearing system and processed and all positions are liquidated.

Abstract: A periodic reset total return index may be based on a standard index, such as an equity index. The value of the periodic reset total return index may be the sum of the standard index plus the income flow generated by the index, such as dividends generated by stocks. The periodic reset total return index valuation may be deployed as the basis for a futures contract. On a periodic basis, the income flow accrued for the preceding period are passed from the short to the long position holder, with a corresponding adjustment of the settlement price of the contract. The expiration of the contract may be settled at the sum of the underlying index quotation plus the income flow accrual for the previous period. A buyer of a futures contract based on a periodic reset total return index receives the performance of the index plus the intervening income flow accrual.

Abstract: An automated insurance quote system allows users to apply for one or more insurance quotes through a self-service communication channel. The system includes an interface that may receive applicant data from a remote location. A front-end processor selectively passes applicant data to a record keeping system retained in a memory. A controller or quote processors selects and transmits one or more insurance policies that are allowed under a user's governmental law and are tailored to the user's price and/or coverage preferences. The system conveys coverage details to users through the interface.

Abstract: Anonymous mobile payments enable a user to make and/or receive payments without disclosing personal or private information to another party. In some aspects, a provider of a payment may request an anonymous payment for a specified value from a host. In response, the host may transmit to the provider a code that is available for redemption. The provider may then relay the code to a recipient, who may redeem the code from the host. In other aspects, a recipient may request a temporary identifier (special code) from a host. The recipient may relay the temporary identifier to a provider, who may in turn transmit a payment, via the host, using the temporary identifier. The recipient may then claim the payment from the host. In additional aspects, the codes of the anonymous payments may include expiration times and/or restrictions on a number of uses of the code.

Abstract: A real time auction system operates in a non real time mode, and an end game mode in which the users are placed in a forum. In both modes the users are capable of placing bids along with times when those bids should be executed. An agent treats the bids as secret until the time, and then at the time executes those bids.

Abstract: A method for effecting transfer of a payment amount to a merchant during a transaction between a customer and the merchant includes determining, using a processing device, a funds shortfall, accessing a funds sharing network comprising a plurality of users, identifying one or more of the users of the funds sharing network, requesting funds from the identified one or more users, and applying funds received from the one or more users to the funds shortfall. In some embodiments, identifying one or more of the users includes determining whether one or more of the users are indebted to the customer, determining levels of connection between two or more of the users and the customer, and developing a hierarchy of users based on the indebted users and the levels of connection.

Abstract: A method is implementable in an electronic system coupled to an electronic device, which is, in turn, coupled to a display device. A web page displayable on the display device is served to the electronic device. The displayed web page includes a user interface, which, in turn, includes a frame and at least one stile defining a plurality of panes within the frame. In a first one of the panes, at least one field into which a tax-data provider can input tax data is displayed. In a second one of the panes, information of a first type of a plurality of information types operable to assist the provider in performing a first operation of a set of operations using the user interface is displayed. Input tax data is received from the electronic device.