Abstract: A system for exchanging data includes a communication system, a first and a second party connected to the communication system, wherein each party has personal data, and each party has a disclosure policy to control dissemination of its data, and a secure intermediate party connected to the communication system, wherein the secure intermediate party exchanges data between the first and second parties in accordance with their respective disclosure policies.

Abstract: A secure data interchange system enables information about bilateral and multilateral interactions between multiple persistent parties to be exchanged and leveraged within an environment that uses a combination of techniques to control access to information, release of information, and matching of information back to parties. Access to data records can be controlled using an associated price rule. A data owner can specify a price for different types and amounts of information access.

Abstract: A framework for a system that will allow a professional to vastly extend the web of his referral network, by using a centralized matching system that both protects the privacy of his client, and allows a broad range of outside specialists the opportunity to present themselves. In addition to a database that allows the referring professional to gauge the capabilities of the candidates, the system also includes a bidding system such that candidates can offer a small reward (cash or otherwise) in exchange for being given the work.

Abstract: It is often the case that a professional, lacking the time or capabilities to provide specialized services to his client, will refer the client to some other professional. Traditionally, this has been done through personal contacts and knowledge of local professional resources. Because the passing on of a client is a professional favor, there are often payments (cash or otherwise) made by the specialist to the referring professional. In the United States referral system, it is not legal to pass on professional favors nor payments at this time and it is conceivable that reformation of current federal medico-legal regulations will occur and that a bidding system may become feasible in the United States.

Abstract: We present a method of using natural language processing (NLP) techniques to extract information from online news feeds and then using the information so extracted to predict changes in stock prices or volatilities. These predictions can be used to make profitable trading strategies. More specifically, company names can be recognized and simple templates describing company actions can be automatically filled using parsing or pattern matching on words in or near the sentence containing the company name. These templates can be clustered into groups which are statistically correlated with changes in the stock prices.

Abstract: Modern medical practitioners face a real risk from frivolous lawsuits initiated by overly litigious patients. Even if innocent of any malpractice, a doctor subject to such lawsuits may experience personal stress and extended periods of time diverted from practice in addition to greatly increased insurance premiums. This patent describes a database system that allows medical professionals to gauge the legal risk presented by new patients, giving them the opportunity to avoid medical involvement with those individuals most prone to engaging in unwarranted legal actions. Other applications of the present system pertain to insurance companies, legal services and other professional service providers.

Abstract: The system for the automatic determination of customized prices and promotions automatically constructs product offers tailored to individual shoppers, or types of shopper, in a way that attempts to maximize the vendor's profits. These offers are represented digitally. They are communicated either to the vendor, who may act on them as desired, or to an on-line computer shopping system that directly makes such offers to shoppers. Largely by tracking the behavior of shoppers, the system accumulates extensive profiles of the shoppers and the offers that they consider. The system can then select, present, price, and promote goods and services in ways that are tailored to an individual consumer. Likely shoppers can be identified, then enticed with the most effective visual and textual advertisements; deals can be offered to them, either on-line or off-line; detailed product information screens can be subtly rearranged from one type of shopper to the next.