Abstract: Beverage dispensing nozzles and methods are described, including structures and mechanisms for selectively purging desaturated gas from the nozzle before dispensing, for ensuring beverage in the nozzle is maintained and dispensed at an optimal desired temperature, for disinfecting beverage-contacting surfaces, and for electronically activating a pour, among other things.

Abstract: The field of this invention is technology that supports and enhances natural face-to-face communication. Throughout the recent Pandemic, people have been adversely affected by the loss of real face-to-face human contact. The invention provides one or more safe ‘meeting spaces’ through which persons can talk to each other normally, without the risk of airborne pathogens passing between them. The meeting space of the invention offers no physical barrier such as glass, which would reduce the quality of communication and diminish the user experience. Persons may see and hear each other through the meeting space but pathogens cannot substantially pass through it. Various ways are provided that substantially destroy/inactivate/remove pathogens from the meeting space(s). Some embodiments are sustainable, carbon neutral and solar powered. Others are highly energy efficient. Further refinements create a pleasant environment for conversation and enhance the user experience.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to a network-based vulnerability detection system configured to access a database of customer transaction data corresponding to a set of card readers that includes transaction codes, receive an identification of a set of compromised card readers among the set of card readers, identify common transaction codes within the transaction data of the set of compromised card readers, and correlate the common transaction codes to one or more instances of fraud associated with the compromised set of card readers. In some example embodiments, the vulnerability detection system may be applied to monitor one or more card readers, receive transaction data corresponding to transaction conducted through the card readers, identify the common transaction codes correlated to the instances of fraud, and cause display of a notification that includes an indication of the instance of fraud at a client device.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to a network-based vulnerability detection system configured to access a database of customer transaction data corresponding to a set of card readers that includes transaction codes, receive an identification of a set of compromised card readers among the set of card readers, identify common transaction codes within the transaction data of the set of compromised card readers, and correlate the common transaction codes to one or more instances of fraud associated with the compromised set of card readers. In some example embodiments, the vulnerability detection system may be applied to monitor one or more card readers, receive transaction data corresponding to transaction conducted through the card readers, identify the common transaction codes correlated to the instances of fraud, and cause display of a notification that includes an indication of the instance of fraud at a client device.

Abstract: A communications system and method structures and coordinates face-to-face communication and face-to-face networking, providing new functionality, a better user experience, new commercial uses and new business methods for its monetization. Pathway versions of the system and method are a more dynamic variant, structuring user conversations as they move from one location to another, while tracking the mutation of discussion topics from one subject to another. A configurable version of the system and method enables it to be built in any business place, customized and configured to that specific location. New features of the system and method now combine face-to-face communication with online communication in ways that were not previously possible.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to a network-based vulnerability detection system configured to access a database of customer transaction data corresponding to a set of card readers that includes transaction codes, receive an identification of a set of compromised card readers among the set of card readers, identify common transaction codes within the transaction data of the set of compromised card readers, and correlate the common transaction codes to one or more instances of fraud associated with the compromised set of card readers. In some example embodiments, the vulnerability detection system may be applied to monitor one or more card readers, receive transaction data corresponding to transaction conducted through the card readers, identify the common transaction codes correlated to the instances of fraud, and cause display of a notification that includes an indication of the instance of fraud at a client device.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to a network-based vulnerability detection system configured to access a database of customer transaction data corresponding to a set of card readers that includes transaction codes, receive an identification of a set of compromised card readers among the set of card readers, identify common transaction codes within the transaction data of the set of compromised card readers, and correlate the common transaction codes to one or more instances of fraud associated with the compromised set of card readers. In some example embodiments, the vulnerability detection system may be applied to monitor one or more card readers, receive transaction data corresponding to transaction conducted through the card readers, identify the common transaction codes correlated to the instances of fraud, and cause display of a notification that includes an indication of the instance of fraud at a client device.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to a network-based vulnerability detection system configured to access a database of customer transaction data corresponding to a set of card readers that includes transaction codes, receive an identification of a set of compromised card readers among the set of card readers, identify common transaction codes within the transaction data of the set of compromised card readers, and correlate the common transaction codes to one or more instances of fraud associated with the compromised set of card readers. In some example embodiments, the vulnerability detection system may be applied to monitor one or more card readers, receive transaction data corresponding to transaction conducted through the card readers, identify the common transaction codes correlated to the instances of fraud, and cause display of a notification that includes an indication of the instance of fraud at a client device.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to a network-based vulnerability detection system configured to access a database of customer transaction data corresponding to a set of card readers that includes transaction codes, receive an identification of a set of compromised card readers among the set of card readers, identify common transaction codes within the transaction data of the set of compromised card readers, and correlate the common transaction codes to one or more instances of fraud associated with the compromised set of card readers. In some example embodiments, the vulnerability detection system may be applied to monitor one or more card readers, receive transaction data corresponding to transaction conducted through the card readers, identify the common transaction codes correlated to the instances of fraud, and cause display of a notification that includes an indication of the instance of fraud at a client device.

Abstract: Approaches for determining a potential merchant breach are described. A system can acquire card transaction data from one or more sources such as merchants or financial institutions, in some instances at a predetermined time interval. Cards associated with the card transaction data can be analyzed to determine the health of a particular card, including the likelihood that the particular card has been compromised. A set of cards are accumulated, and their associated health data is stored. Based on the information obtained from a source, and the health associated with a set of cards, a potential date where a merchant was breached can be determined and fraudulent purchases can be prevented.

Abstract: Approaches for determining a potential merchant breach are described. A system can acquire card transaction data from one or more sources such as merchants or financial institutions, in some instances at a predetermined time interval. Cards associated with the card transaction data can be analyzed to determine the health of a particular card, including the likelihood that the particular card has been compromised. A set of cards are accumulated, and their associated health data is stored. Based on the information obtained from a source, and the health associated with a set of cards, a potential date where a merchant was breached can be determined and fraudulent purchases can be prevented.

Abstract: Approaches for determining a potential merchant breach are described. A system can acquire card transaction data from one or more sources such as merchants or financial institutions, in some instances at a predetermined time interval. Cards associated with the card transaction data can be analyzed to determine the health of a particular card, including the likelihood that the particular card has been compromised. A set of cards are accumulated, and their associated health data is stored. Based on the information obtained from a source, and the health associated with a set of cards, a potential date where a merchant was breached can be determined and fraudulent purchases can be prevented.

Abstract: Approaches for determining a potential payment card that has been tested or a testing site are disclosed. Based on a variety of information, including transaction information associated with one or more cards, information indicative of unscrupulous actors vetting cards can be determined. By reviewing transaction information, patterns can emerge such as a card being used in many different locations within a short time span. Based on these patterns, a test site or compromised merchant can be determined. After a test site is determined, other cards used at the particular test site can also be determined.

Abstract: Approaches for determining a potential merchant breach are described. A system can acquire card transaction data from one or more sources such as merchants or financial institutions, in some instances at a predetermined time interval. Cards associated with the card transaction data can be analyzed to determine the health of a particular card, including the likelihood that the particular card has been compromised. A set of cards are accumulated, and their associated health data is stored. Based on the information obtained from a source, and the health associated with a set of cards, a potential date where a merchant was breached can be determined and fraudulent purchases can be prevented.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for facilitating meetings, conferences and forums involving face-to-face discussion or conversation between participants. The invention may also be used as a form of entertainment or to enhance Internet cafes and leisure facilities. Other embodiments of the invention may be used to facilitate networking sessions, training sessions, educational programs and public consultations. In the method of the invention the communication system is used to structure and coordinate live face-to-face communication between users in person. The invention enables participants to immediately identify subjects that are of special interest and importance to each of them. Groups of participants are then able to concurrently discuss a very large number of subjects using the highly interactive protocols of natural face-to-face conversation. The invention also provides means to alter the trajectory of discussion between users, particularly in the light of previous discussions.

Abstract: A method for providing images to a customer includes receiving a request for an image from a customer. The request identifies at least one image criteria. A set of automation parameters is used to select a plurality of shooters to submit one or more images in fulfillment of the request. The occurrence of an escalation event is detected, and in response to the escalation event, the set of automation parameters are adjusted to modify the plurality of shooters selected.

Abstract: A method for providing images includes assigning a rating to each of a plurality of photographers in a photographer network. Software on a computer server is used to select a plurality of photographers from the photographer network in fulfillment of a customer request. The selection is based at least in part on the rating assigned to the one or more photographers.

Abstract: A method for providing images to a customer is provided. The method includes receiving a request for at least one image from a customer. Software on a computer server is used to select a plurality of photographers from a photographer network in response to the request. An uploaded image is received from each of at least two photographers. The uploaded images are displayed to the customer for selection of at least one image in fulfillment of the request, and a selected uploaded image is provided to the customer after the customer agrees to execute a license to use the uploaded image.

Abstract: A method for providing images to a customer includes receiving a request for an image from a customer. Software on a computer server is used to identify a plurality of photographers in a photographer network to receive an invitation to submit one or more uploaded images in fulfillment of the request. The invitation is communicated to the plurality of photographers. One or more acceptances is received from the identified photographers receiving the invitation, and at least one shooter is assigned to fulfill the request in response to receiving the one or more acceptances.

Abstract: A method for providing images includes receiving a first image and a second image from a photographer. The second image includes a release image. The first and second images are stored, and the first image is associated with the second image.