Abstract: A system and method for viewing, entering, and editing information through a transparent screen are described. The invention allows a user to interactively view, enter, and edit information on a transparent window. In one embodiment, the window display device includes a transparent media configured for allowing the user to see through the transparent media; a display module coupled to the transparent media wherein the display module is configured for displaying information to the user; and an input module coupled to the transparent media wherein the input module is configured for receiving an input from the user, wherein the user is capable of viewing through the transparent media while viewing the information.

Abstract: A system and method for effecting a transaction between a person and a provider of goods or services over a network are provided. The method includes establishing, from a communication device, a communication link over the network with the provider, entering into the communication device information pertinent to effecting the transaction and activating in conjunction with effecting the transaction a biometric device to generate a unique identification trait (UIT) associated with the person. The method further includes, in response this activating, automatically transmitting from the communication device over the network to the provider both the information and a signal corresponding to the UIT. This signal may be a coded or uncoded signal verifying the person's identity. A communication device for performing this method also is provided.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating real time transactions between a user and multiple entities are described. In the system, an exchange of information related to a transaction involving a user and multiple entities is facilitated.

Abstract: A system and method for viewing, entering, and editing information. A system and method for entering information through biometric identifiers are described. The invention allows a user to create, edit, and store profile information including secure data and corresponding biometric identifiers. In one embodiment, the invention includes an input module for receiving a biometric input from the user; a matching module coupled to the input module for comparing the biometric input to a plurality of stored biometric identifiers; and an output module coupled to the matching module for outputting a secure data corresponding with one of the plurality of the stored biometric identifiers in response to the biometric input.

Abstract: A method of conducting a transaction between a user of a remote communications device and a second party includes: creating a transaction data structure based on input from the user that defines the transaction; creating a deferred transaction data structure, corresponding to the transaction data structure that defines a deferred transaction, when establishing communication between the remote communications device and the second party is delayed; storing the deferred transaction data structure in a memory; establishing communication between the remote communications device and the second party; and transmitting the deferred transaction data structure to the second party when the communication between the remote communications device and the second party is established.

Abstract: A platform- and browser-independent project tracking tool is described for tracking projects of interest to a large number of organizations connected via a wide area network. This project tracking tool includes a database server for managing project information and data, and a graphical user interface server for interacting with users in the interested organization. The graphical user interfaces are created such that they can be accessed over the wide area network using web browsers.

Abstract: A system and method for viewing, entering, and editing information through a transparent screen are described. The invention allows a user to interactively view, enter, and edit information on a transparent window. In one embodiment, the window display device includes a transparent media configured for allowing the user to see through the transparent media; a display module coupled to the transparent media wherein the display module is configured for displaying information to the user; and an input module coupled to the transparent media wherein the input module is configured for receiving an input from the user, wherein the user is capable of viewing through the transparent media while viewing the information.

Abstract: A system and method for viewing, entering, and editing information through a transparent screen are described. The invention allows a user to interactively view, enter, and edit information on a transparent window. In one embodiment, the window display device includes a transparent media configured for allowing the user to see through the transparent media; a display module coupled to the transparent media wherein the display module is configured for displaying information to the user; and an input module coupled to the transparent media wherein the input module is configured for receiving an input from the user, wherein the user is capable of viewing through the transparent media while viewing the information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed in which a secure link between a transaction device and a kiosk is automatically created. Access to functions of the kiosk is facilitated automatically for the transaction device. Furthermore, the kiosk can facilitate the exchange of information for the transaction device. By accessing functions of the kiosk for the transaction device, the extended functions of the kiosk such as its input mechanism (e.g., keyboard) and output mechanism (e.g., display) can be used for the transaction device.

Abstract: An Internet-based method and system for enabling merchant-to-merchant referrals and item brokering on behalf of the user. The method may enable the consumer to begin a research and/or a purchase session from a specific primary merchant using a unique and minimal amount of data and direct participation from the consumer. The method may also enable the automatic creation of a secure link between the primary merchant and any ancillary merchants in order to broker and exchange reference information with minimal to zero manual intervention required from the merchant or consumer. In addition, the method may enable a secure merchant-to-merchant, auto-exchange of consumer financial information and consumer-specific information necessary to facilitate the purchase.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a mid-stream payment model that automatically transfers funds from a consumer to a merchant are described. The invention allows a consumer to create, edit, and store profile information including merchants, and corresponding consumer accounts, increment payments and total transaction costs. In one embodiment, the invention includes a matching module for matching a merchant to a plurality of listed merchants from a merchant list and identifying a selected consumer account based on the merchant; a connection module coupled to the matching module for automatically connecting the merchant with the selected consumer account; and a transfer module coupled the connection module for transferring funds from the selected consumer account to the merchant in response to a confirmation.

Abstract: An apparatus including a secure kiosk capable of containing products and a consumer access device to unlock and retrieve a product from the kiosk is disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for a context-aware switching model enabled between different access points such as web sites are described. The invention allows a user to be automatically transferred securely to another site from the current site without requiring intervention from the user, such as redundant entry of information. In another embodiment, the invention can also be utilized to switch from one application to another application. The invention also is capable of gathering context sensitive information and passing this context-sensitive information to another location. In one embodiment, the invention operates in conjunction with a secured transaction exchange, automatic population of fields, digital rights management, controlled content access, and the like. In one embodiment, context data is captured on a transaction device; the context data is stored on a storage device; and the context data is distributed from the storage device to a remote location.

Abstract: A system and method to transmit embedded content for use by a transaction device are described in detail below. In addition, authorization for use of the embedded content can be confirmed locally within the transaction device. Further, registration and payment for use of the embedded content can be performed locally within the transaction device. In one embodiment, access is requested from a secure entity. The access to the secure entity is granted if authentication information identifying a user requesting the access is provided to the secure entity. In one embodiment, embedded content is received within a transaction device; the transaction device locally verifies an authorization to use the embedded content; and the transaction device utilizes the embedded content in response to the authorization.

Abstract: A system and method for viewing, entering, and editing information. A system and method for entering information through biometric identifiers are described. The invention allows a user to create, edit, and store profile information including secure data and corresponding biometric identifiers. In one embodiment, the invention includes an input module for receiving a biometric input from the user; a matching module coupled to the input module for comparing the biometric input to a plurality of stored biometric identifiers; and an output module coupled to the matching module for outputting a secure data corresponding with one of the plurality of the stored biometric identifiers in response to the biometric input.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a reverse payment model that automatically transfers funds a merchant to a consumer are described. The invention allows a consumer to create, edit, and store profile information including consumer accounts and corresponding default accounts. In one embodiment, the invention includes an input module for receiving a confirmation; a matching module coupled to the input module for comparing the confirmation to a plurality of consumer accounts and matching a selected account from the plurality of consumer accounts wherein the selected account has a default account; and a connection module coupled to the matching module for automatically connecting a merchant bank with a consumer bank associated with the default account corresponding to the selected account.

Abstract: A system and method for viewing, entering, and editing information through a transparent screen are described. The invention allows a user to interactively view, enter, and edit information on a transparent window. In one embodiment, the window display device includes a transparent media configured for allowing the user to see through the transparent media; a display module coupled to the transparent media wherein the display module is configured for displaying information to the user; and an input module coupled to the transparent media wherein the input module is configured for receiving an input from the user, wherein the user is capable of viewing through the transparent media while viewing the information.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a secure transaction and authentication system through a gaming console are described. The invention allows a consumer to utilize a game console to conduct secure transactions and authenticate the identity of the consumer using the game console. In one embodiment, the invention includes a game console for use by a consumer; a biometric pad coupled to the game console for receiving a biometric input from the consumer to authenticate an identity of the consumer; and a control pad coupled to the game console for entering information by the consumer.

Abstract: Information-based digital currency and bartering shares a pre-defined level of information about a consumer to a party offering an item to the consumer. A value for the item is based on the level of information shared with the party. In a barter situation with another consumer, a barter valuation for the level of information shared is calculated. The item may be a physical or non-physical product or a service.

Abstract: Transaction information from more than one supplier on a network-enabled portal is consolidated by a consolidation payment service and a user provides payment information to the consolidation payment service a single time to pay the suppliers. A consolidation payment service receives a first transaction data from a first supplier located on a network-enabled portal. The consolidation payment service receives a second transaction data from a second supplier located on the network-enabled portal. The consolidation payment service consolidates the first transaction data and the second transaction data. The consolidation payment service receives payment information a single time from a user to pay the first supplier and the second supplier. The user is presented with a single transaction history that includes the first transaction data and the second transaction data.