Abstract: A device and method to improve the automation for answering questions in multiple computer forms is described herein. For example, an electronic questionnaire form seeking information from an institutional asset manager in a questionnaire format may require the asset manager to answer the same question for multiple potential clients. The tool described herein stores previous questions and answers, and provides the answer to a question if a near-exact question has previously been asked. If a similar question has been previously asked the tool identifies the closest answers, and then uses a large language model to combine the previous answers into a new answer. The tool may parse a questionnaire into questions and then use the cosine similarity score to determine the closeness of the question to previously answered questions.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein enable a user to generate an audio-visual project. Certain embodiments enable a user to use one of a plurality of predefined templates to generate a project easily and quickly. Other embodiments enable a user to generate a custom project that gives more control to the user, compared to if the user selected one of the predefined templates. Each project includes one or more segments, which may be specified by a user directly, or may be specified by the template selected by the user. An effect is applied to each segment, wherein the effect specifies how many video and audio slots are included in the segment, if any, and can specify one or more other properties of the segment. Projects generated using embodiments disclosed herein can be saved and shared with other users.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing video feed metadata for respective video feeds and controlling an indicator for at least one the video feeds on a video wall. The video stream indicator can allow a viewer of the video wall to reduce the likelihood of missing an event of interest in the video feeds.

Abstract: A liner for a horizontal well, the liner comprising a substantially hollow elongated body having a plurality of orifices in the liner body that each allow limited ingress of fluid into the liner body. Each orifice has a predetermined shape, size and spacing in the liner body. The shape, size and spacing of the orifices provide that pressure of fluid in an annular space located between the liner body and the horizontal well is substantially uniform along the horizontal well.

Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed that relate to creating and providing an interactive video program. One disclosed embodiment includes combining a first interactive video segment of a first type and a second interactive video segment of a second, different type than the first segment. The first interactive video segment includes a first video component, a second video component related to the first component, and metadata including information related to a possible user input that triggers the second component. The interactive video program includes an active viewing route that proceeds through the first and second interactive video segments, and includes playback of the second component. The active viewing route is triggered by receipt of an actual user input that corresponds to the possible user input. The interactive video program also includes a passive viewing route that proceeds through the first and second interactive video segments without playback of the second component.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein enable a user to generate an audio-visual project. Certain embodiments enable a user to use one of a plurality of predefined templates to generate a project easily and quickly. Other embodiments enable a user to generate a custom project that gives more control to the user, compared to if the user selected one of the predefined templates. Each project includes one or more segments, which may be specified by a user directly, or may be specified by the template selected by the user. An effect is applied to each segment, wherein the effect specifies how many video and audio slots are included in the segment, if any, and can specify one or more other properties of the segment. Projects generated using embodiments disclosed herein can be saved and shared with other users.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing video feed metadata for respective video feeds and controlling an indicator for at least one the video feeds on a video wall. The video stream indicator can allow a viewer of the video wall to reduce the likelihood of missing an event of interest in the video feeds.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein enable a user to generate an audio-visual project. Certain embodiments enable a user to use one of a plurality of predefined templates to generate a project easily and quickly. Other embodiments enable a user to generate a custom project that gives more control to the user, compared to if the user selected one of the predefined templates. Each project includes one or more segments, which may be specified by a user directly, or may be specified by the template selected by the user. An effect is applied to each segment, wherein the effect specifies how many video and audio slots are included in the segment, if any, and can specify one or more other properties of the segment. Projects generated using embodiments disclosed herein can be saved and shared with other users.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein enable a user to generate an audio-visual project. Certain embodiments enable a user to use one of a plurality of predefined templates to generate a project easily and quickly. Other embodiments enable a user to generate a custom project that gives more control to the user, compared to if the user selected one of the predefined templates. Each project includes one or more segments, which may be specified by a user directly, or may be specified by the template selected by the user. An effect is applied to each segment, wherein the effect specifies how many video and audio slots are included in the segment, if any, and can specify one or more other properties of the segment. Projects generated using embodiments disclosed herein can be saved and shared with other users.

Abstract: A shared environment is provided for electronic media devices such as game consoles which have Internet connectivity for receiving streaming video content. The shared environment is a virtual world which includes the video content as well as avatars which represent a group of users who have agreed to watch the content together, and scene elements which provide a realistic and eye-catching appearance. The users can enter commands to cause their avatars to emote, such as by cheering. The users can also explore the shared environment from different camera angles. A voice and/or video chat channel can also be enabled to allow the users to speak to and see one another. The video content is synchronized among the electronic media devices of the users so that the users' interactions are more meaningful as they can react to the same portion of the video content in real time.

Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed that relate to assessing a user's ability to recognize a target item by reacting to the target item and performing a target gesture. For example, one disclosed embodiment provides a method of assessing a user's ability to recognize a target item from a collection of learning items that includes the target item. The method includes providing to a display device the learning items in a sequence and receiving input from a sensor to recognize a user gesture made by the user. If the user gesture is received within a target timeframe corresponding to the target item, then the method includes determining whether the user gesture matches a target gesture. If the user gesture matches the target gesture, then the method includes providing to the display device a reward image for the user.

Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed that relate to creating and providing an interactive video program. One disclosed embodiment includes combining a first interactive video segment of a first type and a second interactive video segment of a second, different type than the first segment. The first interactive video segment includes a first video component, a second video component related to the first component, and metadata including information related to a possible user input that triggers the second component. The interactive video program includes an active viewing route that proceeds through the first and second interactive video segments, and includes playback of the second component. The active viewing route is triggered by receipt of an actual user input that corresponds to the possible user input. The interactive video program also includes a passive viewing route that proceeds through the first and second interactive video segments without playback of the second component.

Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed that relate to providing an interactive video viewing experience. For example, one disclosed embodiment includes receiving an interactive video program that comprises a first video segment and one or more branch video segments that each corresponds to a branch along a decision path. The method includes pre-buffering a transition portion of a corresponding branch video segment for each possible user input of one or more possible user inputs along the decision path. The method includes sending the first video segment to a display device and, based upon an actual user input, branching from the first video segment to a transition portion of a branch video segment that corresponds to the actual user input.

Abstract: A system and method for verifying the existence of a deposit account, such as a checking account, are provided. The system and method may also be used to determine whether the deposit account is configured to receive automatic transactions for withdrawal. For example, a lender may extend an offer of credit to a borrower where payments of principal and interest are to be made by automatic withdrawals. Prior to transferring the principal, the lender verifies the existence and configuration of the borrower's deposit account by charging a fee to establish the line of credit and retrieving the fee by automatic withdrawal. Once the transaction clears and the lender receives the fee, the lender is assured that the account does exist and is configured to receive automatic transactions. Two exemplary methods of retrieving the fee are electronic funds transfer and remote creation of a paper negotiable instrument.

Abstract: A shared environment is provided for electronic media devices such as game consoles which have Internet connectivity for receiving streaming video content. The shared environment is a virtual world which includes the video content as well as avatars which represent a group of users who have agreed to watch the content together, and scene elements which provide a realistic and eye-catching appearance. The users can enter commands to cause their avatars to emote, such as by cheering. The users can also explore the shared environment from different camera angles. A voice and/or video chat channel can also be enabled to allow the users to speak to and see one another. The video content is synchronized among the electronic media devices of the users so that the users' interactions are more meaningful as they can react to the same portion of the video content in real time.

Abstract: A system and method for extending a firm offer of credit contingent upon receiving a one-time authorization to execute recurring automatic withdrawals from a deposit account is provided. In providing the one-time authorization to execute recurring automatic withdrawals, a prospective borrower may elect from a plurality of automatic withdrawal repayment options. One such option is electronic fund transfer, such as the initiation of a withdrawal entry into the Automated Clearing House network. A second option is by the remote creation of a paper negotiable instrument, which is then converted into an electronic substitute check capable of electronic routing. Upon receiving the one-time authorization, the lender may make recurring automatic withdrawals from the borrower's deposit account.

Abstract: Credit underwriting of bill payments, or other financial transactions on a transaction by transaction basis. A customer is enabled to request the approval of a loan for the payment of a particular financial transaction. The customer provides sufficient information to identify the account and transaction amount. A front end engine performs an approval process and if the customer is approved, provides the terms and conditions of the loan for the payment of the financial transaction. If the customer accepts the terms and conditions, the funds for payment of the transaction are presented to a merchant for payment. The customer is then required to repay the loan after a particular period of time, along with any fees.

Abstract: Prepaid debit card and cash-back bonuses as an incentive tool for debt recovery. Charge-off accounts are obtained from third party credit holders. The customers for these accounts are contacted for enrollment into a prepaid debit card program. The prepaid debit card program is an incentive to get the customers to pay their outstanding balance down. A participating customer earns a prepaid debit card by meeting minimum performance criteria. Other performance based incentives may also be provided.

Abstract: A system and method for verifying the existence of a deposit account, such as a checking account, are provided. The system and method may also be used to determine whether the deposit account is configured to receive automatic transactions for withdrawal. For example, a lender may extend an offer of credit to a borrower where payments of principal and interest are to be made by automatic withdrawals. Prior to transferring the principal, the lender verifies the existence and configuration of the borrower's deposit account by charging a fee to establish the line of credit and retrieving the fee by automatic withdrawal. Once the transaction clears and the lender receives the fee, the lender is assured that the account does exist and is configured to receive automatic transactions. Two exemplary methods of retrieving the fee are electronic funds transfer and remote creation of a paper negotiable instrument.

Abstract: A system and method for extending a firm offer of credit contingent upon receiving a one-time authorization to execute recurring automatic withdrawals from a deposit account is provided. In providing the one-time authorization to execute recurring automatic withdrawals, a prospective borrower may elect from a plurality of automatic withdrawal repayment options. One such option is electronic fund transfer, such as the initiation of a withdrawal entry into the Automated Clearing House network. A second option is by the remote creation of a paper negotiable instrument, which is then converted into an electronic substitute check capable of electronic routing. Upon receiving the one-time authorization, the lender may make recurring automatic withdrawals from the borrower's deposit account.