Abstract: An individual's identity is verifiable using voice biometrics. A voice biometric system includes a receiver configured to receive, from a remote communications device, a voice biometric sample of a party attempting to obtain a service from a remote system. The service is provided contingent on authentication of the party as the individual. The voice biometric system also includes a processor configured to compare the voice biometric sample received by the receiver to voice biometric information obtained from a storage to authenticate the identity of the party as the individual. The receiver and processor are provided within a communications network.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to provide an electronic agent are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to certify digital signatures are disclosed. An example method includes receiving a request to certify a digital signature from a user, receiving information about a physical characteristic of the user, comparing the information about the physical characteristic to stored physical characteristic information, and based on the comparison, at least one of certifying the digital signature based on the comparison or requesting certification of the digital signature based on the comparison.

Abstract: A method for providing a service over a communications network includes interacting, by a first networked communications apparatus, over the communications network with a remote requesting party according to a script. The method also includes interacting, by the first networked communications apparatus, with a second networked communications apparatus according to the script based on information received from the remote requesting party.

Abstract: Electronic coupon systems and methods to operate the same are disclosed. A disclosed example coupon management system includes a processor to determine an applicable coupon for an item to be purchased, and a network interface to receive a coupon selection from a remotely located user device, and to send the coupon to a remotely located point-of-sale terminal, wherein the point-of-sale terminal is to identify the item to be purchased and to apply the identified coupon to the item to be purchased.

Abstract: An audio content item, submitted by and spoken in a voice of an author, is received and registered along with an insertion point and associated content information. An audio advertisement submitted by an advertiser is received and registered. At least one targeting criterion is associated with the audio advertisement. User information and at least one content pushing criterion are stored for a user. Without being selected by the user, the audio content item is automatically selected for pushing to the user based on the content information satisfying the at least one content pushing criterion. The audio advertisement is automatically selected for insertion at the insertion point based on the content information and the user information satisfying the at least one targeting criteria. A package that includes the audio content item with the audio advertisement inserted at the insertion point is created and pushed to the user.

Abstract: Systems and methods are describe wherein a service provider provides media services that can include, but are not limited to, telephone, radio, interactive and television services. A user residence and/or a user receiving device are designated as a primary location or device for receiving the services of the service provider. An authorization center authenticates a request to provide the service(s) at one or more secondary location/device. The verification process can include, but is not limited to, password(s), Personal Identification Numbers (PIN) and biometric identifiers such as voice, retina, finger print and DNA.

Abstract: A method for using an update engine to promulgate a transaction tool to a recipient. The method may include the steps of: generating a transaction tool operation request signal wherein the transaction tool operation request signal includes a request for a new transaction tool and/or an updated transaction tool, transmitting the transaction tool operation request signal to a transaction tool issuer, receiving a transaction tool update signal from the transaction tool issuer wherein the transaction tool update signal includes a new transaction tool and/or an updated transaction tool, determining the recipient, and transmitting the transaction tool update signal to the recipient.

Abstract: A centralized biometric system for verifying the identity of a user over a communications network includes a device that stores biometric information in association with information that identifies users. The system further includes a receiver that receives, from a media content presentation device via a communications network, a biometric sample provided by a user requesting media content from a provider. The provider delivers the media content requested by the user from the communications network to the media content presentation device for receipt by the user contingent upon the identity of the user being verified. The system further includes a processor that compares the biometric sample provided by the user to stored biometric information of the user. The processor verifies the identity of the user upon a sufficient correspondence between the biometric sample provided by the user and the stored biometric information of the user.

Abstract: A centralized biometric system is provided for verifying an individual's identity over a communications network. The centralized biometric system includes a receiver that receives, from a remote communications system, a biometric sample from a party attempting to obtain a service using the remote communications system. The service is provided contingent on authentication of the party as the individual. The system also includes a processor that compares the biometric sample to biometric information obtained from a storage to authenticate the identity of the party as the individual. The receiver and the processor are within a centralized system in the communications network.

Abstract: A change management system coordinates information of a transaction tool managed by a transaction tool management system. The system includes a receiver that receives, over a communications network, activity information and/or lifecycle event information for the transaction tool. The system also includes a storage that stores the received information. Additionally, the system includes a processor that manages a change in a status of the transaction tool based on the received information.

Abstract: Inter-process communications between a first process and a second process are secured. A first process recognizes that inter-process communications must be initiated with a second process. A first computer that supports the first process submits a request to initiate inter-process communications with a second computer that supports the second process. The second computer replies to a request to initiate inter-process communications by replying to the first computer with a request for information of a digital certificate that authenticates the first process.

Abstract: A system is provided for managing a transaction tool for an individual. The system includes a receiver that receives a request from the individual to initiate a process for managing the transaction tool. A processor analyzes the request from the individual and dynamically selects, based upon the requested process, at least one authentication method to be used for authenticating the identity of the individual before the request can be honored. The selected authentication method(s) are used to verify the identity of the individual.

Abstract: A system is provided for verifying an identity of a calling party. The system includes a storage that stores voice sample information in association with information that identifies an individual. The system also includes a receiver that receives, from a communications platform called by the calling party, a request to authenticate the identity of the calling party as the individual, using a digital audio sample packetized according to voice over internet protocol and obtained from the calling party during the call. Additionally, the system includes a processor that compares the digital audio sample to the voice sample information to authenticate the identity of the calling party as the individual.

Abstract: A centralized biometric system is provided for verifying an individual's identity over a communications network. The system includes a storage that stores biometric information in association with information that identifies an individual. The system also includes a receiver that receives, from one of a communications device and a network communications platform, a biometric sample from a party attempting to obtain a service from the one of the communications device and the network communications platform. The service is provided contingent on authentication of the party as the individual. The system also includes a processor that compares the biometric sample to the biometric information to authenticate the identity of the party as the individual.

Abstract: A scanner discovers digital certificates by scanning an address range. The scanner scans the address range to determine whether a digital certificate has been installed for each address in the address range. The scanner receives digital certificate information when the digital certificate has been installed for an address. The address range that is scanned may include addresses associated with an installed digital certificate and addresses not associated with an installed digital certificate.

Abstract: Email can be securely stored using a secure record management system. An encrypted email is received at the secure record management system. The received email is a duplicated copy of a transmitted email and is decryptable by the secure record management system. The received email is processed and providing to an archive for archiving.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for providing access to an interactive service offering. A method incorporating teachings of the present disclosure may include receiving a first communication in a format that complies with a first protocol. The first communication may be associated with a desired interaction between a first device and a voice activated service (VAS) platform. The method may also include receiving a second communication in a different format that complies with a different protocol, and the second communication may also be associated with a desired interaction between a different device and the VAS platform. A system implementing the method may recognize that the VAS platform does not support the first protocol, and translate the first communication to a platform-supported format to facilitate the desired interaction.

Abstract: A pectoral implant is disclosed of a soft silicone material that is contoured to the chest of a male. The implant is split partway therethrough so that it can be folded and inserted into a small slit under the armpit of a male and moved into the chest area to simulate the built-up chest appearance of the male.