Abstract: Systems and methods for the management of mobile banking resources are disclosed. In one embodiment, a self-propelled, mobile transaction resource may include an unmanned, self-propelled, mobile platform; a user interface for interfacing with a user for conducting a transaction; at least one controller that controls the movement of the mobile platform and the user interface; a communications interface for the at least one controller that communicates with a server; and a plurality of sensors that capture at least one characteristic of the user.

Abstract: A system for managing electronic trading, comprises an interface application including a mapping module that defines a plurality of controller signal relationships. Each controller signal relationship associates one or more of a plurality of game controller signals with one of a plurality of trading system commands associated with the electronic trading of financial instruments. The interface application receives a plurality of game controller signals generated by a game controller, and determines, based on the controller signal relationships, that one or more of the plurality of received game controller signals are erroneous. The interface application causes the communication of a command to lock the game controller based on the determination of the one or more erroneous game controller signals.

Abstract: A query including one or more keywords is received. An advertisement associated with the one or more keywords is identified, and display data for displaying the advertisement is generated and a determination is made as to whether the advertisement is associated with a video. Video selection data is generated for displaying the video proximate to the advertisement if the advertisement is determined to be associated with the video, and the display data and the video selection data are provided.

Abstract: Techniques are described for facilitating bidding on images. The techniques may include receiving bids includes presenting a first image and a bid associated with the first image. The first image is similar to a second image for which a bid is to be submitted for presenting sponsored content based on the second image. A bid is received for presenting a sponsored-content item based on the second image. The received bid is stored in association with second image and a sponsored-content item based to be presented based on the bid and the second image.

Abstract: The invention in some embodiments features a contextual content delivery system (CCDS) for enhancing conventional web content with pop-up bubbles that display information when a cursor hovers over a word, link, or icon. The CCDS is configured to identify words or links in a document, determine their context, select the appropriate bubble from a plural of bubble types for each of the words or links, select content for each bubble based, in part, on the context in which the words and hyperlinks are used. The context can be determined from various sources including the resource in which the word or link appears and the target resource to which the link points. Thereafter, the CCDS enhances the words or links so that bubbles are automatically invoked in response to the appropriate trigger.

Abstract: In an electronic trading system, prime brokerage services may be provided by assigning one or more dependent or child deal codes to a deal code. Prime broker trades are conducted via the dependent deal codes but appear to the market as deals with the parent deal code using credit assigned to the parent deal code. The prime bank customer is a dependent deal code of the customer bank which also trades on the system, allowing credit to be allocated by the customer dependent code for prime broker trades. A deal code may have several dependent deal codes which can trade with one another. Dependent deal codes can be used to expand the size of trading floors beyond that which can be supported by a single deal code and to assist in migration between system versions.

Abstract: A financial instrument is disclosed that provides spread exposure to volatility in an underlying security within an upper and lower range of prices. This is accomplished by combining a long option for the underlying security at one strike price and a short option for the underlying security at a different strike price, where difference between the two prices creates the spread exposure and the choice of option type for the high and low strikes determines whether the overall spread is short or long. The financial instrument is then priced such that the cost of the instrument prevents any possible negative value total returns at the exercise date of the underlying options. In other words, the option spread creates a lower limit on the possible downside risk in the transaction and the purchase price insures that at inception the financial instrument has no possible negative values. In this way, options market trading can be accomplished without requiring additional collateral, credit or insurance.

Abstract: A financial management system includes a portal which makes transaction information available to a corresponding mutual fund in real time. In one implementation, information related to multiple portals can be presented to a mutual fund. Suitable programming may optionally identify, at least partially, the users associated with transactions associated with a given mutual fund.

Abstract: A method of computer-assisted price modeling is provided, which uses a reference price to assist in evaluating discretionary pricing of transactional services provided (i) by a professional among his own transactions or (ii) by a target professional among others' transactions. A universe of pricing episode data is segmented into groupings based on price predictive parameters. These data are then arranged in each grouping according to price. A reference price is determined within each grouping based on a predetermined level, rank or percentile. This reference price can then be used to evaluate the pricing episode data and provide various calculations or comparisons, including the revenue opportunity that could have been obtained by pricing at the reference price.

Abstract: Computer-implemented methods, computer systems, and computer program products are provided for determining specified matrices. The matrices may be associated with financial institutions and the financial affairs in a banking practice. In one implementation, a base matrix is formed which may be used to create the specified matrices when processing mass data.

Abstract: A method, computer system, and computer program product for performing an asset analysis for at least one asset, using the Required Yield Method (RYM). The method provides first economic data relating to a first economy. The economic data includes a gross domestic product (GDP) per capita growth rate for the first economy. The economic data may further include an expected inflation rate for the first economy over a time interval. At least one asset characteristic (e.g, asset valuation) of each asset of the least one asset is computed. The at least one asset characteristic is a function of a portion of the economic data. The computing is in accordance with the RYM. The computed at least one asset characteristic is transferred to a tangible medium. The at least one asset may include an equity index, a bond, gold, a currency, a derivative, etc.

Abstract: A message string output system which allows increased input motivation of a user with respect to a specific string is provided. A point information storage (48) stores point information in correspondence with user identification information. A specific string storage (44) stores a specific string. A user identification information acquiring unit (34) acquires user identification information corresponding to a message string which is input by an input unit (30). A judging unit (36) judges whether or not the message string which is input by the input unit (30) contains the specific string stored in the specific string storage (44). A point information updating unit (40) updates, based on a judgment result by the judging unit (36), point information stored in the point information storage (48) in correspondence with the user identification information acquired by the user identification information acquiring unit (34).

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing insurance related activities are provided. Software can be implemented to provide an application that includes an interactive interface for use by insurance professionals in managing clients, marketing insurance, and storing information. For example, a network application can be implemented that a user can access via a web browser and which is intuitive for quick comprehension and interaction by users. The application can include multiple layers directed to particular stages of the insurance-client relationship. The application can include a workflow wizard to aid the user in managing and maintaining client information and tracking progress. Aggregation services can also be incorporated into the application. Interactive insurance-and-client specific display pages can be incorporated to aid in understanding a client's current insurance information and to generate presentations.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a method of creating and managing an index fund based on an index of funds of hedge funds, including steps of (a) identifying potential funds for an index of funds of hedge funds; (b) identifying which of the potential funds meet specific criteria selected so as to minimize biases including selection bias and survivorship bias; (c) creating an index by indexing funds identified as meeting the criteria; (d) acquiring a portfolio of funds in the index; and (e) allocating capital to funds in the portfolio. The invention also includes software to perform the steps of the method described above. In particular, the invention includes software wherein data regarding potential funds is stored in a database according to object role modeling. A preferred database structure is described.

Abstract: An order processing system includes an order structure in which an order includes multiple objects representing items being purchased, shipping methods, payment parameters, and other parts of an order. The order can include one or more of each of the types of objects. Items in the order can be divided among shipping methods and payment mechanisms using a relationship model to describe the relationships between the different types of objects. Shipping methods and payment mechanisms also can be related. The order may be represented as an order object, which represents the order and can be related to particular shipping methods and payment mechanisms. Relationship objects describe the relationships between objects. Relationship objects can use different relationship types to characterize the extent of the specified relationship.

Abstract: Profiling data for a consumer can be generated from one or more of the consumer's own financial records. The profiling data can be provided by the consumer him or herself through use of one or more computing devices subject to terms, conditions, rules, and/or other parameters set by the consumer. The profiling data may be provided to one or more interested parties in exchange for value, with the exchange negotiated by one or more software agents acting on behalf of the consumer. The profiling data may be provided in a manner such that it is accessible only in a manner specified by the consumer. For instance, profiling data may be subject to digital rights management or other restrictions such that the receiving party or parties may only access the data for a limited time.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a linear spread in an electronic trading environment are described. According to one example embodiment, a trading system can receive market information associated to a trading strategy, known as a spread. The trader may also define a market volatility parameter to utilize in the calculation of a linear spread price axis. The received market information and a divide spread algorithm are also used to determine the linear spread price axis. The trading application determines a linear spread price axis, at which price levels are separated by consistent linear tick increments. The linear spread price axis allows for more efficient and effective trading in the electronic trading environment especially when certain tradeable objects are traded or when certain spread algorithms, like the divide spread algorithm, are utilized.

Abstract: Systems and method for facilitating trading in a financial exchange including generating a pitcard interface on a wireless handheld computer. The pitcard interface includes a plurality of information display windows; a plurality of user input controls; and a view-specific data window, wherein the selection, order and arrangement of data in the view-specific data window is dependent upon the view currently selected by the user. In particular examples the wireless handheld computer allows a user to customize the particular interface components with shortcuts, hints, and/or auto-fill capabilities that enable the user to enter transaction information quickly and efficiently. Because these customizations are selected for a specific user, they support the needs of the specific user and are more efficient than direct entry of all transaction information using keyboard/keypad entry devices.

Abstract: A method and apparatus which provides for a referral program where a financial institution, such as a broker dealer, can refer customers to an independent financial advisor, under an on-going referral fee sharing agreement. The on-going referral fee sharing agreement provides that the financial advisor will pay the referring financial institution an on-going referral fee based on the asset management fee that the advisor charges. These referral fees are processed automatically and the transfers are done electronically, allowing the referral program to be implemented efficiently and effectively.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for providing a real estate auction system. In architecture, the system includes a server device on a network comprising a mechanism for posting a real estate property for auction, a mechanism for acquiring a plurality of data items describing the real estate property for auction from a seller remote device, a mechanism or making the real estate property available at auction to a bidder remote device; and a mechanism for accepting a bid on the real estate property for auction from at least one potential buyer for a predetermined period. The present invention can also be viewed as a method for providing a real estate auction.