Abstract: Methods and systems for preventing piracy. One method includes providing software having an intended end user and configuring the software is to be installed and activated by the intended end user. The method includes dividing the software into a restricted feature and an unrestricted features. The method includes providing an activation file that indicates whether the software is activated and accessing the activation file and confirming that the software is activated when the software receives a request to perform the restricted feature. The method includes performing the restricted feature only when the software is confirmed to be activated and performing the unrestricted feature irrespective of whether the software is confirmed to be activated.

Abstract: Methods and systems for preventing piracy. One method includes providing software having an intended end user, where the software is configured to be activated by the intended end user. The method includes providing a database of allowed keys and storing a unique key associated with the intended end user within the database of allowed keys. The method includes requesting a key to be entered by a user to activate the software, matching the key entered by the user to the unique key, matching the unique key to the intended end user associated with the unique key, and presenting to the user the intended end user associated with the unique key. The method includes activating the software only when the key entered matches the unique key and the user matches the intended end user associated with the unique key.

Abstract: The system and method disclosed utilize a smart metering system that combines real-time traffic data and statistical traffic models to control vehicle flow. Also disclosed are a system and method for using dual-use traffic lanes that function as regular traffic lanes under regular traffic conditions and as emergency traffic lanes in an emergency. Vehicle speed control devices can be used to prevent or break up slower traffic waves when they occur.

Abstract: A method and system of billing consumers includes preauthorizing a purchase with a consumer's credit card and using the preauthorization as collateral against receipt of an alternate form of payment. In this way the retailer is allowed to extend credit to a consumer without assuming the risk of non-payment or the costs associated with determining the creditworthiness of a consumer. The retailer also reduces the processing costs associated with using credit cards by encouraging other forms of payment that typically cost less in terms of processing. In the event the consumer does utilize an alternate form of payment, the retailer is authorized to charge the consumer's credit card for the purchase plus a percentage of the purchase price. The retailer thus recoups the cost associated with accepting credit card payments.

Abstract: The present invention is a computerized electronic voting system that employs an easy-to-use, paperless, voting station to collect and tally votes. In one embodiment, the voting system includes a voting server (12, 52, 62) coupled to a voter security card station (24, 56, 66) and a plurality of voting stations (28, 70). Alternatively, the voting system may include a voting server that is connected to an existing computer network (50) and coupled to a voter security card station. In another embodiment of the invention, the voting system comprises a voting server connected to a plurality of work stations or voting stations and a voter security card station, forming a computer network. The system software installed on the voting server preferably includes a voting application and an administrative application for controlling operation of the voting process.