Abstract: Disclosed are an electromechanically coupled barrier, a method, and/or a system to provide temporary access to a parking garage and a secure physical space of the parking garage. In one embodiment, an access control system of the parking garage includes a barrier, a controller, the secure physical space and an access control hardware. The barrier of parking garage physically moves in an open state and/or a closed state to permit an automobile to enter the parking garage and/or restrict the automobile from entering the parking garage. The controller electromechanically coupled with the barrier communicates a signal to move the barrier based on a command of a centralized data processing system. The secure physical space in the parking garage is designated for non-automobile parking uses. The access control hardware of the secure physical space restricts access to the secure physical space for a limited duration of time to an automobile operator.

Abstract: The management and acquisition of sites (e.g., parking sites) in a manner that provides continuity of data access and storage during the transition of a site from one management entity to another is discussed. Also discussed are methods and systems for ensuring transparency regarding the current status and time to closing for a transaction involving sites.

Abstract: A catalog based price search method comprises, among other things, associating a price search data with a particular data classifier of the set of data classifiers using a processor; creating a database having the price search data associated with the particular data classifier of the set of data classifiers, and different price search data associated with different data classifiers of the set of data classifiers; automatically rendering a structured view in a structured format of the set of data classifiers having the particular data classifier and different data classifiers; and processing a payment of an interested party when the structured view develops a patron base above a threshold value; and offering a subscription service on the structured view associated with the interested party when the patron base is above the threshold value.

Abstract: Finding a best price available for a selected product, computed including all relevant factors available to the search engine. Searching separately for the product by price, and concurrently, searching for any available coupons or other discounts available for that product from the seller. When obtaining price information, querying for relevant information relating to purchase decisions. Obtaining relevant information from third-party sources. When obtaining discount information, querying for relevant information relating to applicability of that discount. Matching price information with coupon information for each selected requested product, and computing an effective price to the potential buyer. Aggregating the information it obtains, and presenting that aggregated information. Filtering or sorting those results. Maintaining separate pricing information for each product, uniquely identified by a code, in a database entry. Maintaining separate information for each discount.

Abstract: A self-uploaded indexing and data clustering method and apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of a server device includes processing a merchant-uploaded inventory data to determine a set of meta-data attributes associated with the merchant-uploaded inventory data and creating an index data using the set of meta-data attributes associated with the merchant-uploaded inventory data. The merchant-uploaded inventory data may be compared with a previous inventory data of a particular merchant associated with both the merchant-uploaded inventory data and the previous inventory data to identify at least a portion of the set of meta-data attributes which do not need to be updated. The index data may be created using an incremental algorithm that builds on preexisting indexes which have substantially similar data as the index data.

Abstract: A self-uploaded indexing and data clustering method and apparatus. In one embodiment, a method of a server device includes processing a merchant-uploaded inventory data to determine a set of meta-data attributes associated with the merchant-uploaded inventory data and creating an index data using the set of meta-data attributes associated with the merchant-uploaded inventory data. The merchant-uploaded inventory data may be compared with a previous inventory data of a particular merchant associated with both the merchant-uploaded inventory data and the previous inventory data to identify at least a portion of the set of meta-data attributes which do not need to be updated.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for trading loans in real time. Loan applications, such as home mortgage loan applications, are made available electronically to receive bids from a plurality of potential lenders. A transaction server maintains a database of pending loan applications and their statuses, which is accessible over a communications channel, such as the Internet. Each party to a loan can search and modify the database consistent with their role in a transaction. The invention provides smart computerized administration that ensures personal preferences of the participating parties are enforced, errors and duplication is avoided, and information relating to accumulated data is available to the parties consistent with their roles.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for trading loans in real time. Loan applications, such as home mortgage loan applications, are made available electronically to receive bids from a plurality of potential lenders. A transaction server maintains a database of pending loan applications and their statuses, which is accessible over a communications channel, such as the Internet. Each party to a loan can search and modify the database consistent with their role in a transaction. The invention provides smart computerized administration that ensures personal preferences of the participating parties are enforced, errors and duplication is avoided, and information relating to accumulated data is available to the parties consistent with their roles.

Abstract: A method and/or an apparatus of determining effect of offer price on distribution of time to sell real property are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of helping price a first real property on a computer includes determining a characteristic of a probability distribution on a first length of time to sell the first real property as a function of a first offer price for said first real property. The said first offer price for said first real property may be an MLS listing price for said first real property. The said characteristic of a probability distribution on the length of time to sell said first real property as a function of a first offer price for said real property may be a probability of selling said first real property within a first fixed time as a function of said first offer price for said first real property.

Abstract: The invention provides a technique for computerized multi-variable negotiation in networking environment. A user initiates a transaction by identifying a variety of parameters, specifying which parameters may be modified, and indicating limits of acceptable modification. This latter feature is particularly important with respect to entertaining counteroffers. The initiator of a negotiation selects the parties with whom they wish to negotiate. The parameters describing a transaction are sent to negotiating parties who may submit bids. The bids may contain new terms created by altering one or more of the parameters. These bids are summarized and presented to the initiator. The initiator of the negotiation reviews the bids and (1) eliminates bids from consideration, 2) accepts a bid, or (3) selects bids for advanced negotiations. This process continues until the parties decide to close the deal. A history of each involved in a negotiation is maintained in a database.

Abstract: A catalog based price search method, apparatus, and system are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes generating a set of data classifiers based on an offering classification, associating a price search data with a particular data classifier of the set of data classifiers, creating a database having the price search data associated with the particular data classifier of the set of data classifiers, and different price search data associated with different data classifiers of the set of data classifiers, and automatically rendering a structured view a structured format of the set of data classifiers having the particular data classifier and different data classifiers.

Abstract: A method and system to gauge effectiveness of deals in a shopping environment are disclosed. In one aspect, a method of a server device includes identifying a special offering data of a mark-up language site when identification data of the mark-up language site is matched with a deal marker data, comparing the special offering data with a parameter of a known offering data to determine a substantial match between the special offering data and the known offering data and periodically indexing the special offering data when the special offering data has a distinctive competitive advantage when compared with the known offering data. The deal marker data may be automatically populated through an algorithm that compares each offering on the mark-up language site with a market value of the each offering, such that the deal marker data is an identifier data associated with the special offering data having a selling price lower than a threshold value from the known offering data.

Abstract: A self-uploaded indexing and data clustering method and apparatus. In one embodiment, a method of a server device includes processing a merchant-uploaded inventory data to determine a set of meta-data attributes associated with the merchant-uploaded inventory data and creating an index data using the set of meta-data attributes associated with the merchant-uploaded inventory data. The merchant-uploaded inventory data may be compared with a previous inventory data of a particular merchant associated with both the merchant-uploaded inventory data and the previous inventory data to identify at least a portion of the set of meta-data attributes which do not need to be updated.

Abstract: Information of proximate properties through geographic positioning is disclosed. In one aspect, a method of a server module includes determining a route of a user to arrive at a set of properties that are indicated of interest to the user based on a geographical location of the user communicated by way of a client module indicating a present location of the user; optimally adjusting the route of the user to drive by the set of properties computed through a mathematical algorithm having a parameter related to the geographical location of the user communicated via a client module indicating a present location of the user; and automatically identifying at least one other marketed property proximal to the geographical location of the user communicated via the client module to the server module indicating the present location of the user in addition to the set of marketed properties based on property databases.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for trading loans in real time. Loan applications, such as home mortgage loan applications, are made available electronically to receive bids from a plurality of potential lenders. A transaction server maintains a database of pending loan applications and their statuses, which is accessible over a communications channel, such as the Internet. Each party to a loan can search and modify the database consistent with their role in a transaction. The invention provides smart computerized administration that ensures personal preferences of the participating parties are enforced, errors and duplication is avoided, and information relating to accumulated data is available to the parties consistent with their roles.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for trading loans in real time by making loan applications, such as home mortgage loan applications, and placing them up for bid by a plurality of potential lenders. A transaction server maintains a database of pending loan applications and their statuses; each party to the loan can search and modify that database consistent with their role in the transaction, by requests to the server from a client device identified with their role. Brokers at a broker station can add loan applications, can review the status of loan applications entered by that broker, are notified of lender's bids on their loans, and can accept bids by lenders. Lenders at a lender station can search the database for particular desired types of loans, can sort selected loans by particular desired criteria, can bid on loan applications, and are notified when their bids are accepted.