Abstract: A computer implemented method includes: receiving location information and data about a pre-established trip from one or more vehicles each having a respective navigation device; retrieving a comprehensive computerized map of parking spaces and tow zones within a target area; a processor of the data processing system providing navigation information that enables vehicle operators to locate at least one of approved parking spaces and safe parking spaces; and the processor providing alerts for drivers to avoid parking in tow zones and other restricted parking spaces in response to receipt of location information which indicates the driver's vehicle is in close proximity of a restricted parking space.

Abstract: A computer implemented method includes: receiving location information and data about a pre-established trip from one or more vehicles each having a respective navigation device; retrieving a comprehensive computerized map of parking spaces and tow zones within a target area; a processor of the data processing system providing navigation information that enables vehicle operators to locate at least one of approved parking spaces and safe parking spaces; and the processor providing alerts for drivers to avoid parking in tow zones and other restricted parking spaces in response to receipt of location information which indicates the driver's vehicle is in close proximity of a restricted parking space.

Abstract: A computer implemented method includes: receiving location information and data about a pre-established trip from one or more vehicles each having a respective navigation device; retrieving a comprehensive computerized map of parking spaces and tow zones within a target area; a processor of the data processing system providing navigation information that enables vehicle operators to locate at least one of approved parking spaces and safe parking spaces; and the processor providing alerts for drivers to avoid parking in tow zones and other restricted parking spaces in response to receipt of location information which indicates the driver's vehicle is in close proximity of a restricted parking space.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product that enables an individual to efficiently create dynamic communication networks (DCN) to communicate with members that have particular interests and experience, according to a network contact profile. A utility enables spontaneous creation of a dynamic network defined by: (a) location of members; (b) particular affiliation of members; (c) experience of members; (d) authenticated credentials; and/or (e) other characteristics. The utility enables creation of a network contact profile or imports existing profile information from a particular social networking application to the system. The system allows individuals to create a network that may comprise members identified by various network affiliations, enabling cross platform communication. The system uses a target communication mechanism to enable a user to initiate a communication with a particular individual or a group of individuals.

Abstract: The method, system and computer program product efficiently generates a target word by processing an input character sequence to an electronic device from a user utilizing an abbreviated word format. A dynamic text entry (DTE) logic/utility detects receipt of the input sequence that is provided by the user and, in response to receipt of the input character sequence, DTE logic determines from the input sequence whether there is a matching sequence stored in a particular DTE library accessible to DTE logic. If there is one target word that is mapped to the input sequence, DTE logic appropriately displays the target word instead of continuing to display the input sequence. However, if DTE logic determines that multiple candidate target words are available, DTE logic displays the candidate target words to enable the user to select the target word. If the number of target words exceeds a threshold maximum number, DTE logic enables the user to provide additional letters using the abbreviated word format.

Abstract: The method, system and computer program product generate online interactive maps linking tracked objects (in a live or pre-recorded video sequence) to multimedia content in real time. Specifically, an object tracking and link generation (OTLG) utility allows a user to access multimedia content by clicking on moving (or still) objects within the frames of a video (or image) sequence. The OTLG utility identifies and stores a clear image(s) of an object or of multiple objects to be tracked and initiates a mechanism to track the identified objects over a sequence of video or image frames. The OTLG utility utilizes the results of the tracking mechanism to generate, for each video frame, an interactive map frame with interactive links placed in the map frame at a location corresponding to the object's tracked location in each video frame.

Abstract: A method, a system and a computer program product for providing an individual with management/distribution control of the individual's personal information and transaction information. A transaction data management (TDM) utility executes on a data processing system and receives transaction reports from internal/external applications based on member permissions. Based on user configuration/request, the TDM utility records/displays the transaction information as a public announcement and/or a private record within a dynamic transaction/activity information profile. The TDM utility enables the individual to provide supplemental information describing transactions for which reports are received. In addition, the TDM utility enables the individual to provide a schedule of previous/future transactions. The TDM utility rates the individual according to the quality of transactions and the reliability of the transaction schedule . . .

Abstract: A method, a system and a computer program product for providing an individual with management/distribution control of the individual's personal information and transaction information. A transaction data management (TDM) utility executes on a data processing system and receives transaction reports from internal/external applications based on member permissions. Based on user configuration/request, the TDM utility records/displays the transaction information as a public announcement and/or a private record within a dynamic transaction/activity information profile. The TDM utility enables the individual to provide supplemental information describing transactions for which reports are received. In addition, the TDM utility enables the individual to provide a schedule of previous/future transactions. The TDM utility rates the individual according to the quality of transactions and the reliability of the transaction schedule . . . .

Abstract: The method, system and computer program product efficiently generates a target word by processing an input character sequence to an electronic device from a user utilizing an abbreviated word format. A dynamic text entry (DTE) logic/utility detects receipt of the input sequence that is provided by the user and, in response to receipt of the input character sequence, DTE logic determines from the input sequence whether there is a matching sequence stored in a particular DTE library accessible to DTE logic. If there is one target word that is mapped to the input sequence, DTE logic appropriately displays the target word instead of continuing to display the input sequence. However, if DTE logic determines that multiple candidate target words are available, DTE logic displays the candidate target words to enable the user to select the target word. If the number of target words exceeds a threshold maximum number, DTE logic enables the user to provide additional letters using the abbreviated word format.

Abstract: A method, a system and a computer program product for enabling an individual to efficiently create dynamic communication networks to communicate with members that have particular interests and experience, according to a network contact profile. A dynamic network creation (DNC) utility executes on a data processing system and enables an individual to spontaneously create a dynamic network defined by one or more of: (a) location of members; (b) particular affiliation of members; (c) experience of members; (d) authenticated credentials; and (e) other characteristics. The DNC utility enables the user to create a network contact profile or import existing profile information from a particular social networking application to the DNC system application. The DNC system allows individuals to create a network that may comprise members identified by various network affiliations. Thus, the DNC utility enables cross platform communication.

Abstract: A method, a system and a computer program product enables directed product advertising to users of an interactively-configured social environment/media that enables real time tracking and reporting of social activities and related information associated with usage/consumption of specific products or patronization of the social establishment by the user. An interactive stock exchange (ISE) utility pre-selects temporary target/bid prices to apply to a product during a “crash”/sales event and dynamically adjusts the standard item price towards the temporary target price, according to sales volume and/or other conditions. The ISE utility triggers an item price crash, and registered patrons are encouraged to use electronic devices to purchase items particularly at crash prices and to interact with other patrons.

Abstract: An intelligent navigation and vehicle tracking (INVT) utility collects/generates vehicle activity and location information for vehicles equipped with an intelligent navigation device. The INVT utility obtains GPS/location data for various vehicles from information provided by corresponding navigation devices and uses the received location information to calculate congestion and identify alternate routes. Additionally, the INVT utility provides an incentive mechanism for motorists to receive credit/cash rewards for selecting less congested routes. The INVT utility utilizes congestion data to determine the time efficiency and energy efficiency for traveling along particular routes. Furthermore, the INVT utility enables motorists to select routes based on energy expended, time expended and/or available credit/cash rewards.

Abstract: The method, system and computer program product generate online interactive maps linking tracked objects (in a live or pre-recorded video sequence) to multimedia content in real time. Specifically, an object tracking and link generation (OTLG) utility allows a user to access multimedia content by clicking on moving (or still) objects within the frames of a video (or image) sequence. The OTLG utility identifies and stores a clear image(s) of an object or of multiple objects to be tracked and initiates a mechanism to track the identified objects over a sequence of video or image frames. The OTLG utility utilizes the results of the tracking mechanism to generate, for each video frame, an interactive map frame with interactive links placed in the map frame at a location corresponding to the object's tracked location in each video frame.