Abstract: A system relating to a fee address is described. A method of directing mail to a public mailbox, determining a fee based upon the preferences of the mail recipient, receiving the fee and forwarding the mail to a private mailbox is also provided. Many different types of addresses can be employed, including for example, email, telephone, facsimile, pager, zip code and identification pin numbers. Fees may be determined by person, size, time or urgency.

Abstract: A system and method of decentralized e-commerce for searching and indexing non-standardized content is provided. The content is tagged with provider tags to identify content fields of information within the content and is stored remotely at one or more network locations for searching and indexing by a portal server. The provider tags are devised according to each provider's own tagging scheme. The provider tags are in turn cross-referenced with portal tags of a portal tagging standard using key information supplied by the provider. The portal server uses the key information to conduct field specific searching and/or indexing of the decentralized, non-standardized content.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided wherein a consumable item parameter is exchanged between a consumable item and a consuming device. According to one embodiment, a consumable item parameter request is transmitted to a device associated with a consumable item, and the consumable item parameter is then received. The device may comprise, for example, the consumable item or a device associated with dispensing the consumable item. The device may also comprise, for example, a device associated with a consumption of the consumable item, a device adapted to control a consumption of the consumable item, or a device that consumes the consumable item.

Abstract: A method for providing directions includes receiving at a server, from at least one fixed wireless communication device, information identifying a current location of a portable communication device. The portable communication device has short range wireless communication capability. The at least one fixed wireless communication device is located within a building. The method further includes identifying a direction of movement to be communicated to the portable communication device to direct it towards a destination within the building. The method also includes transmitting the direction of movement to the portable communication device from the server via a fixed wireless communication device.

Abstract: A system and method of operating a computer network implementing progressive information disclosure is provided. The system and method comprises receiving electronically from a first user a plurality of levels of information, the information levels to be presented in a sequence, then receiving electronically a request from a second user for information provided by the first user, and transmitting electronically the plurality of information levels in sequence to the second user until a termination response is received or until the information sequence has completed.

Abstract: A method directed to a dynamic proxy reconfiguration which is implemented in plural network servers. The invention is directed to a computer-executable program for use in proxy network servers which enables each proxy server to dynamically sell its unused capacity to other web sites for specific periods of time. The invention has particular utility in connection with World Wide Web servers, but can be used with other servers where proxy servers may be present.

Abstract: A system to transfer electronic information includes reception of a command to transmit a file of electronic information. In response to the received command, the file of electronic information is automatically copied to create a copied file of electronic information, the copied file is transmitted, and the file of electronic information is rendered unusable. By rendering the file of electronic information unusable after copying the file, no additional usable copies of the file will remain. As a result, a degree of protection is provided to any copyright interest in the electronic information embodied therein.

Abstract: A method, system, business method, and computer program product are disclosed for providing to customers and merchants a quick and automatic way to carry out an offer, acceptance, and delivery sequence for goods. The customer possesses a portable wireless device having a browser for exchanging data with the merchant, and includes a customer database that stores the customer's private data concerning preferences for merchandise and services available from the merchant. The merchant possesses a fixed position wireless device which the merchant uses to communicate with the customer. The merchant's device has a network interface to a server. The server includes a merchant database that stores merchandise and service information.

Abstract: A system to transfer electronic information includes reception of a command to transmit a file of electronic information. In response to the received command, the file of electronic information is automatically copied to create a copied file of electronic information, the copied file is transmitted, and the file of electronic information is rendered unusable. By rendering the file of electronic information unusable after copying the file, no additional usable copies of the file will remain. As a result, a degree of protection is provided to any copyright interest in the electronic information embodied therein.

Abstract: A system to obtain customer information includes detection of interactions of a customer within a retail store, and storage of customer interaction information representing the interactions in a portable customer device. In another aspect, a system to obtain customer information includes detection of customer interactions with an employee, and storage of customer interaction information representing the interactions in a portable customer device. The employee may be located within a retail store or elsewhere, such as a customer service telephone extension.

Abstract: The system and method are directed to an improved calling procedure. In a preferred embodiment, instead of dialing telephone numbers, callers enter mnemonic, alphanumeric “phone addresses” (PA's). PA's may be entered using methods such as telephone keypad entry, keyboard entry, voice input, and handwriting input. A reference table, such as a database, lookup table, or the like, associates these phone addresses with actual telephone numbers. Accordingly, when caller enters a PA, the system connects the caller to the corresponding telephone number. In one embodiment, restrictions may be put into place whereby a caller must fulfill certain requirements, such as physical location or personal identity, to be connected to the corresponding telephone number. Additionally, in another embodiment, two or more parties may share the same PA. If a caller enters such a PA, the system acts in order to determine which of the parties who share that PA the caller wishes and/or is entitled to reach.

Abstract: A program, is stored on a computer readable medium and has a module to calculate a usage value representing resource usage for an entity under a billing plan within a cycle, calculated from measurements of at least two measurable parameters and a module to bill for excess resource usage when an expected resource usage for the entity is less than the usage value for the entity within the cycle. A method of allocating resources involves receiving a value representing an estimate of a calculated expected resource usage under a billing plan within a cycle, derived from at least two measurable resource parameters, aggregating the value with a current actual resource usage for the cycle, and adjusting a resource allocation based upon a comparing of a result of the aggregating and a current available resource amount.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided wherein a consumable item parameter is exchanged between a consumable item and a consuming device. According to one embodiment, a consumable item parameter request is transmitted to a device associated with a consumable item, and the consumable item parameter is then received. The device may comprise, for example, the consumable item or a device associated with dispensing the consumable item. The device may also comprise, for example, a device associated with a consumption of the consumable item, a device adapted to control a consumption of the consumable item, or a device that consumes the consumable item.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to facilitate an exchange of supplemental information in association with a dispensing of fuel. For example, a gasoline dispensing device may receive from a customer device a request for supplemental information, such as a request to receive an audio file or an updated emissions control software program. Supplemental information may then be transmitted to the customer device while gasoline is being dispensed to an automobile. According to one embodiment, the customer provides payment in exchange for the supplemental information.

Abstract: A system and method is directed to provide a consumer aggregation service in plural network servers. The invention is directed to a computer-executable program for use in network servers which allows a service provider to collect coupons, discounts, and other deals for its registered users to use in making purchases online. The invention has particular utility in connection with internet service providers that provide access to the World Wide Web. However, the invention is not limited to use in this context, and can be used in a variety of different networking systems where goods are sold by merchants.

Abstract: A method and system for aggregating marketplaces for the purpose of fulfilling a supply or service need is disclosed. The method and system optimizes the ordering of supplies or services through an analysis consistent with predetermined criteria. By exploring many possible marketplaces to fulfill a particular need, the present invention can determine which method of fulfillment most effectively fulfills the particular need.

Abstract: A method, system, and business method are disclosed for providing a marketplace for computing capacity in a network. An indication of needed computing capacity, including a bid amount, and an indication of available excess computing capacity, including an ask amount, are received in the computing capacity marketplace server for a plurality of computers in the network. The method creates a computing capacity marketplace by matching the bid amount with the ask amount, thereby enabling one computer to provide at least a portion of its available computing capacity to another computer in response to the matching step.

Abstract: The system presented utilizes an automated “smart market” to efficiently identify individuals with contrasting interests, and allow them to enter into a contractual arrangement to balance their risks. Individuals and small corporations can register their risk profiles on a network-based server at minimal cost. Smart market software is then able to intelligently match up parties and determine terms for exchange of profits and losses by reference to current actuarial predictions of the risk event the parties have in common.

Abstract: An airline reservation system that supports guaranteed reservations for a preferred category of seating. The system comprises a method for receiving a request for the preferred category of seating, determining if the preferred category of seating is available, guaranteeing the preferred category of seating, and assigning a passenger to a seat within the guaranteed category of seating. Moreover, the passenger can be reassigned to a different seat within the guaranteed category of seating in order to accommodate an additional seating request. Seating arrangements are finalized at a predetermined time prior to a flight's departure and passengers are permanently assigned to a seat within their preferred category of seating.

Abstract: A method directed to a dynamic proxy reconfiguration which is implemented in plural network servers. The invention is directed to a computer-executable program for use in proxy network servers which enables each proxy server to dynamically sell its unused capacity to other web sites for specific periods of time. The invention has particular utility in connection with World Wide Web servers, but can be used with other servers where proxy servers may be present.