Abstract: A system for interacting with a screen without touching it, comprising a source of radiating energy directed into a predefined area, at least one directionally sensitive sensor that detects the radiation when it's reflected off of an object within the predefined area, and a processor that calculates position and motion information of the object and generates therefrom image information, which it sends to a screen where it is displayed.

Abstract: A system for interacting with a screen without touching it, comprising a source of radiating energy directed into a predefined area, at least one directionally sensitive sensor that detects the radiation when it's reflected off of an object within the predefined area, and a processor that calculates position and motion information of the object and generates therefrom image information, which it sends to a screen where it is displayed.

Abstract: A system for interacting with a screen without touching it, comprising a source of radiating energy directed into a predefined area, at least one directionally sensitive sensor that detects the radiation when it's reflected off of an object within the predefined area, and a processor that calculates position and motion information of the object and generates therefrom image information, which it sends to a screen where it is displayed.

Abstract: A system for interacting with a screen without touching it, comprising a source of radiating energy directed into a predefined area, at least one directionally sensitive sensor that detects the radiation when it's reflected off of an object within the predefined area, and a processor that calculates position and motion information of the object and generates therefrom image information, which it sends to a screen where it is displayed.

Abstract: A system for interacting with a screen without touching it, comprising a source of radiating energy directed into a predefined area, at least one directionally sensitive sensor that detects the radiation when it's reflected off of an object within the predefined area, and a processor that calculates position and motion information of the object and generates therefrom image information, which it sends to a screen where it is displayed.

Abstract: A system for interacting with a screen without touching it, comprising a source of radiating energy directed into a predefined area, at least one directionally sensitive sensor that detects the radiation when it's reflected off of an object within the predefined area, and a processor that calculates position and motion information of the object and generates therefrom image information, which it sends to a screen where it is displayed.

Abstract: Systems for providing an interactive window display are provided, wherein the system includes a source of light having a unique signature and a sensing mechanism having an ambient light filter, the sensing mechanism configured to detect at least one movement of at least one human appendage. The system further includes a means for interpreting the at least one movement operatively connected to a processor configured to execute a set of computer-readable instructions, the means including instructions for controlling images on an external screen, instructions for controlling at least one integrated object, and at least one instruction, wherein the at least one instruction indicates to a user how to operate the system.

Abstract: Systems for providing an interactive window display are provided, wherein the system includes a source of light having a unique signature and a sensing mechanism having an ambient light filter, the sensing mechanism configured to detect at least one movement of at least one human appendage. The system further includes a means for interpreting the at least one movement operatively connected to a processor configured to execute a set of computer-readable instructions, the means including instructions for controlling images on an external screen, instructions for controlling at least one integrated object, and at least one instruction, wherein the at least one instruction indicates to a user how to operate the system.

Abstract: A computerized method and system for administering an unannuitized annuity plan having a guaranteed minimum withdrawal payment feature associated with a systematic withdrawal program includes the steps of and system for storing data, determining an amount of a maximum guaranteed withdrawal payment for a prescribed period (e.g., one year), periodically determining the account value, monitoring for an unscheduled withdrawal made under the plan and adjusting the amount of the maximum guaranteed withdrawal payment in response to the unscheduled withdrawal. Guaranteed withdrawal payments are periodically made to the account owner so long as withdrawals do not exceed the maximum guaranteed amount for the period, or the account value is greater than the payment.

Abstract: A computerized method and system for administering an unannuitized annuity plan having a guaranteed minimum withdrawal payment feature associated with a systematic withdrawal program includes the steps of and system for storing data, determining an amount of a maximum guaranteed withdrawal payment for a prescribed period (e.g., one year), periodically determining the account value, monitoring for an unscheduled withdrawal made under the plan and adjusting the amount of the maximum guaranteed withdrawal payment in response to the unscheduled withdrawal. Guaranteed withdrawal payments are periodically made to the account owner so long as withdrawals do not exceed the maximum guaranteed amount for the period, or the account value is greater than the payment.

Abstract: A computerized method and system for administering an unannuitized annuity plan having a guaranteed minimum withdrawal payment feature associated with a systematic withdrawal program includes the steps of and system for storing data, determining an amount of a maximum guaranteed withdrawal payment for a prescribed period (e.g., one year), periodically determining the account value, monitoring for an unscheduled withdrawal made under the plan and adjusting the amount of the maximum guaranteed withdrawal payment in response to the unscheduled withdrawal. Guaranteed withdrawal payments are periodically made to the account owner so long as withdrawals do not exceed the maximum guaranteed amount for the period, or the account value is greater than the payment.

Abstract: A computerized method and system for administering an unannuitized annuity plan having a guaranteed minimum withdrawal payment feature associated with a systematic withdrawal program includes the steps of and system for storing data, determining an amount of a maximum guaranteed withdrawal payment for a prescribed period (e.g., one year), periodically determining the account value, monitoring for an unscheduled withdrawal made under the plan and adjusting the amount of the maximum guaranteed withdrawal payment in response to the unscheduled withdrawal. Guaranteed withdrawal payments are periodically made to the account owner so long as withdrawals do not exceed the maximum guaranteed amount for the period, or the account value is greater than the payment.

Abstract: A computerized method and system for administering an unannuitized annuity plan having a guaranteed minimum withdrawal payment feature associated with a systematic withdrawal program includes the steps of and system for storing data, determining an amount of a maximum guaranteed withdrawal payment for a prescribed period (e.g., one year), periodically determining the account value, monitoring for an unscheduled withdrawal made under the plan and adjusting the amount of the maximum guaranteed withdrawal payment in response to the unscheduled withdrawal. Guaranteed withdrawal payments are periodically made to the account owner so long as withdrawals do not exceed the maximum guaranteed amount for the period, or the account value is greater than the payment.

Abstract: A computerized method of administering a benefit plan providing systematic withdrawal payments during a liquidity period and annuity payments when the systematic withdrawal payments cease. The method includes steps of storing data relating to the plan, and performing a sequence of steps during the liquidity period to determine an account value, and initial and current benefit payments. The method further includes the steps of determining the account value to be annuitized at the end of the liquidity period, and determining and paying initial and current annuity payments during the annuity period. The method may be used when the benefit plan is a straight life annuity benefit plan, or a life annuity benefit plan having either a death benefit, a surrender benefit, or both.

Abstract: A computerized method and system for administering an unannuitized variable annuity plan having a guaranteed minimum withdrawal payment feature associated with a systematic withdrawal program includes the steps of and system for storing data, determining an amount of a scheduled payment, periodically determining the account value, making the scheduled payment by withdrawing that amount from the account value, monitoring for an unscheduled withdrawal made under the plan and adjusting the amount of the scheduled payment in response to the unscheduled withdrawal. Scheduled payments will be made to the owner under the plan for the period of benefit payments, even if it is determined by the computerized method and system that the account value is or will be exhausted before all payments have been made. Payments made before such determination are made with the aid of the computer, and payments made thereafter may be made with or without the aid of the computer.

Abstract: A computerized method and system for administering an unannuitized variable annuity plan having a guaranteed minimum withdrawal payment feature associated with a systematic withdrawal program includes the steps of and system for storing data, determining an amount of a scheduled payment, periodically determining the account value, making the scheduled payment by withdrawing that amount from the account value, monitoring for an unscheduled withdrawal made under the plan and adjusting the amount of the scheduled payment in response to the unscheduled withdrawal. Scheduled payments will be made to the owner under the plan for the period of benefit payments, even if it is determined by the computerized method and system that the account value is or will be exhausted before all payments have been made. Payments made before such determination are made with the aid of the computer, and payments made thereafter may be made with or without the aid of the computer.

Abstract: A computerized method of administering an annuity product having a withdrawal feature and a guarantee comprises the steps of establishing an annuity account from which withdrawals can be made, inputting data relating to the annuity account, paying withdrawals to the account owner, and providing a guarantee. Inputted data relating to the account includes a maximum withdrawal rate for a given withdrawal frequency. The guarantee provides that, even if the account value is exhausted before the end of a specified time period, amounts up to the maximum withdrawal will continue to be paid for the specified period, provided that withdrawals before the account value is exhausted do not exceed the maximum rate. The specified time period may be a lifetime period, a period of years or months chosen by the account owner when the account is established, or a period during which withdrawals at least equal a specified percentage of the account value, or a highest account value achieved, as of a specified date.

Abstract: Computerized methods for administering variable annuity plans are disclosed. In certain embodiments, minimum payment features and mechanisms for adjusting current payments in response to cumulative payment totals are provided. Other embodiments provide withdrawal features under which certain guarantees are provided if withdrawals do not exceed predetermined withdrawal rates.

Abstract: A data processing method for administering an annuity product having a guarantee of lifetime payments. The method includes establishing a charge for the guarantee of lifetime payments, determining an initial benefit payment and paying the initial payment to a beneficiary, determining a subsequent periodic payment, periodically determining an account value, and periodically paying the subsequent payment and reporting the account value to the beneficiary. A death benefit or cash surrender benefit may be provided, and either or both may be related to the account value. In certain embodiments, the account value is determined throughout the period between periodic reports to the beneficiary, and may be accessed upon demand by the beneficiary.

Abstract: An ergonomic mouse and method of using the same. A cursor control device is provided including a base, an outer shell mounted to the base, electronic circuitry housed within the device for cursor control, a first movable pad sensor for input activation and device control, and a sensor system for translating device movement to cursor movement on a computer display such that the cursor tracks corresponding translational movement of the device. A communications link connects the device to a central processing unit. The outer shell of the body is constructed of at least one moldable or pliable material to allow the user to readily shape the outer shell into a selected form. The pad sensor is desirably movable about the material surface for ready positioning by the user, for enhanced comfort and minimal hand injury.