Abstract: A method is provided for secondary resale of returned merchandise wherein the returned merchandise is preferably indirectly shipped from an original consumer to a secondary consumer after the returned merchandise is rerouted to a secondary consumer via a shipping carrier. An original consumer, upon instructions from a returns facilitator, first ships the merchandise to be returned to a first address, afterwhich the returns facilitator finds a secondary buyer and causes the merchandise to be returned to be rerouted by a shipping carrier so as to be delivered to the secondary consumer.

Abstract: A method of conducting for transaction between a seller and a purchaser through a computer by automatically switching the auction from a bulletin mode into a chatting mode includes the steps of inputting registration information of an article for sale from a seller and then outputting schematically the registration information on information window to the purchaser; inputting bids for the article to the computer selected from the information window; calculating the beginning of the chatting mode in accordance with initiating factor for the article based on the bids and then outputting to activating the chatting mode for the article; and completing the action for the article and then selecting a successful bidder for the article.

Abstract: An order processing system, method, and program product that generates an order receipt based on an order request. The system, method, and program product include a plurality of request handlers for processing different types of order requests. One of the plurality of request handlers is selected to process the order request based on the type of order request. Once processing is complete, an order receipt is generated.

Abstract: A system, method, computer program, and business form that may be used to more quickly, accurately, and efficiently label, identify, track, and inventory new and previously-owned vehicles on an auto dealer's lot. Many aspects may also be used to track other objects such as hotel keys. The computer program and method include the steps of: receiving vehicle information for at least one vehicle to be delivered to the auto dealer; storing the vehicle information in a vehicle database accessible by the computer; receiving data obtained from the vehicle when the vehicle is delivered to the auto dealer; comparing the data to the vehicle database to determine if vehicle information has been received for the vehicle; and directing a printer to print at least a portion of the vehicle information on an identifier to be applied to the vehicle if the data corresponds to the vehicle information in the vehicle database.

Abstract: A multi-user light directed inventory system uses a light module having a plurality of light indicia each associated with either an inventory specialist or an order. The plurality of light indicia allow multiple inventory specialists to concurrently service multiple orders. Alternatively, the plurality of light indicia allow multiple orders to be concurrently serviced by a single inventory specialist. The light module may also include a quantity indicator either separate from or integral with the plurality of light indicia.

Abstract: A method to detect fraudulent return of merchandise includes the steps of taking a plurality of identical goods and locating the goods at one or more purchasing locations; placing different indicia on the goods wherein each indicia is unique to each single item of goods; generating a sales slip at a purchasing station wherein the indicia for each item of goods purchased is printed thereon; providing a returned goods station whereby a purchaser can return a previously purchased item of goods accompanied by the sales slip; and comparing the unique indicia on the item of goods being returned with the unique indicia appearing on the sales slip to determine that the unique indicia on goods being returned is identical to the unique indicia appearing on the sales slip to insure that the item of goods being returned is the same item whose purchase was reflected by the sales slip.

Abstract: A system for tracking an authenticated item is provided. The system includes an authentication device, such as an RFID tag, affixed to the item. An item registration system receives authentication device data from the authentication device (such as an external and internal RFID tag number) and associated item data (such as a description of the item, the name of an athlete that used the item, and a sporting event that the item was used at) and stores the authentication device data and the associated item data. An owner registration system receives owner registration data (such as owner identification data and an external tag number) after a buyer has acquired the item.

Abstract: In a computerized accounting system, a method of tracking and analyzing financial transaction information associated with accounts, without the need for addition account segments to define the account number of each account, includes defining at least one transaction code, each transaction code having a plurality of permissible values, receiving a transaction having an amount and being associated with an account, and associating the transaction with a project and with a value from the plurality of permissible values for the at least one transaction code. Another method includes subdividing the total amount of the transaction into two or more portions, each portion being associated with a project and with respective values of the permissible values for a plurality of transaction codes. Use of the transaction codes results in improved reporting and enhanced data analysis.

Abstract: A multi-user information processing system and method for determining tax provision information that includes a source database storing data for determining tax provision information; a calculation engine for performing information processing operations on the data stored in the source database for determining tax provision information; a transformed database for storing tax provision information determined by the calculation engine; and a reporting engine for producing reports using information from the transformed database.

Abstract: A payroll system and method for determining compensation of employees for work during a pay period on one or more projects. The invention utilizes minimum employee compensation amount and the unit rate compensation amount for each employee, and compares the difference between these amounts for each employee with the outstanding debit account amount for that employee, and then determines the employee's pay for the pay period and whether the employee's debit account amount should be adjusted. Additional modules are provided for another employer business operations.

Abstract: A technique for tailoring electronic commerce user interfaces for a consumer dependent upon from which of multiple electronic commerce sites the consumer requests access to an electronic commerce service is provided. A first consumer request for an electronic commerce service is received by an electronic commerce service provider from a first site. This first request includes both a consumer identifier and a site identifier. The identity of a first entity on whose behalf the electronic commerce service is provided by the service provider is determined based upon the site identifier. A first unique user interface is then selected dependent upon the site from which the first request is received. A second consumer request is received for the service from a second site. This second request includes the same consumer identifier and a different site identifier. The identity of a second entity on whose behalf the service provider provides the electronic commerce service is determined based upon the site identifier.

Abstract: A method and software product provide an analysis and modeling of retirement investments during a pre-retirement accumulation phase and a post-retirement distribution phase. Investment returns are detailed and investment scenarios are presented, including good returns first, bad returns first, historical period modeling, and user selectable return modeling. All investment and benefit sources of a user are considered. Annuity purchase options, cost of living increases, distribution strategies, threshold driven annuity options as a bailout and tax effects upon the accumulation and distribution phases aid in development of a strategy development in the modeling process.

Abstract: A technique for identifying a payees and billers to be paid by an electronic commerce service provider on behalf of a consumer is provided. An electronic commerce service provider receives information identifying a consumer. The consumer identifying information does not identify any payee or biller. The electronic commerce service provider identifies one or more candidate payees by accessing at least one of credit report information, geographic information, industry classification information, and socio-demographic information. The service provider then presents identified candidate payees to the consumer.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring electronic transactions, such as credit card transactions, to determine whether associated transaction costs, such as interchange fees, are being properly qualified. This is accomplished by monitoring for a “spike” in interchange qualifications and generating an alert when one or more spikes are detected. Spikes in interchange qualifications are defined as a variation in interchange qualifications compared with an historical level. The method and system may also monitor changes in cost or efficiency for other types of transactions in which the cost or efficiency of the transaction is based directly upon one or more variables.

Abstract: An automated method and system (100) for identifying, measuring and enhancing categories of value for the different levels of a value chain on a continual basis. The categories of value are analyzed at each level in the value chain using predictive models and vector creation algorithms to define the enterprise and element vectors before valuing the organization, each enterprise in the organization and the elements of value in each enterprise. The relative strengths of the intangible elements of value are used in evaluating the real options of each enterprise and in determining the allocation of industry real options to the enterprise and the organization before summary reports are prepared, displayed and optionally printed. The system then generates potential value improvements which the user (20) optionally accepts, rejects or modifies before simulations are completed to analyze the value impact of the enhancements.

Abstract: In a sharing forecast system for forming a forecast by sharing two companies, upon accidentally matching forecast values formed based on different factors by transaction companies, a difference on estimation is found and it can easily be specified, and the forecast values can easily be corrected. Two companies share both a forecast value and basis information obtained by patterning a factor for calculating the forecast value. Upon satisfying criteria that the basis information of the two companies does not match each other, it is determined that there is a different estimation of the forecast value. In the case of the determination, the basis information is presented to the two companies, a recommended value for correcting the forecast value is calculated based on the basis information, and the calculated value is presented to the two companies.

Abstract: The present invention provides a “Keyword Automated Bidding System” which, among other things, provides an intelligent system for bidders for a ranking in web search results list to determine bids and bidding strategies that maximize return on bid investments and help direct allocation of available funds for bids to keywords that lead to more optimal returns. In one possible embodiment, the present invention is designed to generate a scalable solution to the problem of selecting the proper set of keywords to bid and the proper values of such bids for thousands of keywords on third party sites such as Overture and Google.com. The satisficed solution is generated according to operator-defined model constraints and utility functions. In one embodiment, KABS maximizes profit by maximizing the Margin Rate to a bidder which is the difference in the aggregate Revenue per Redirect (RPR) from the merchants and the Cost per Click (CPC) we must pay the traffic source.

Abstract: An automated futures trading exchange is provided that rewards market participants that provide liquidity to a central processing system and charges a fee to market participants that remove liquidity from the central processing system. The liquidity maker and the liquidity taker in each transaction is identified, and it is further determined whether the liquidity maker and/or the liquidity taker is a member of a market making class. By assigning a credit or a debit to the accounts of each market participant based upon whether a market participant to a transaction is a liquidity maker or liquidity taker or based upon whether the market participant is a market maker, a-multi-factored and dynamic system is provided for promoting and controlling market liquidity. Additionally, different rates of debits and credits may be applied, using volume-tiered rates and the trading status of the trader.

Abstract: To verify the authority of a customer to use a financial instrument, one or more transactions using a financial instrument identified by a customer are initiated, for example, at the request of a verifying entity. One or more attributes of the initiated one or more transactions or a single value representing a function of these transactions, are stored. A request of the customer to initiate one or more other transactions using the financial instrument is received. The one or more attributes of the customer requested one or more other transactions are compared to the stored one or more attributes or single value. If the one or more attributes of the customer requested one or more other transactions correspond to the stored one or more attributes or single value, use of the financial instrument by the customer is accepted.

Abstract: An intelligent network-based e-commerce system 100 computes costs and bills customers for rated transactions based on service type and/or content. A gateway device such as a gateway server 104 or short message service center (SMSC) 404 receives costing/billing requests (or “rated debit requests”) and forwards the requests to one or more service control points (SCPs) 122. The SCPs maintain subscriber accounts for one or more subscribers and maintain a tariff table having cost/rate information associated with one or more services. Upon receiving the costing/billing request, an SCP consults the tariff table to determine the cost/rate information corresponding to the service type and/or content identified in the rated debit request and computes the cost of the service based on the rate information. In one embodiment, the SCP further determines an eligibility of the subscriber account to be billed for the service (i.e.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods to support import-export transactions. More particularly, it includes methods and systems for generation of bank-required documents that are consistent with a documentary credit instrument and collaborative application for or amendment of the documentary credit instrument. Particular aspects of the present invention are described in the claims, specification and drawings.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating an application between an applicant and a plurality of partners is disclosed. The system may include a processing unit and a memory portion in communication with the processing unit having information stored therein to configure the processing unit to receive a plurality of partner defined question sets, to receive first data from the applicant, and to generate an application for the applicant. At least one partner is selected from the plurality of partners in response to the first data received from the applicant. The application includes at least one question from the partner defined question set of the selected partner.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for customizing fixed rate and variable rate mortgages. In some cases, the methods include accessing mortgage information and identifying at least a first characteristic of the mortgage to be modified. In addition, a first funds transfer is authorized to facilitate modification of the first characteristic. The mortgage is also monitored and changes in any relevant characteristics are identified. Where changes in a second relevant characteristic is detected, a second funds transfer is authorized to facilitate modification of the first characteristic to compensate for the change in the second characteristic.

Abstract: A method of facilitating the repayment of a loan to a creditor includes receiving a request from a customer to initiate loan acceleration. On about the last day of a grace period relating to a loan payment of the customer, an electronic funds transfer to pay the loan payment is processed. Prior to the end of the grace period, information is sent to the creditor that credits the customer for having paid the loan. A first amount is debited from an account of the customer. Contemporaneously with a payday of the customer, a second amount is debited from an account of the customer. The second amount is debited prior to the end of a subsequent grace period relating to a subsequent loan payment of the loan.

Abstract: An intelligent network-based e-commerce system 100 contains one or more service control points (SCPs) 122 for maintaining account information associated with a plurality of prepaid subscribers. The account information is accessible by service providers 108-120 or subscribers via a gateway server 104. The electronic commerce system supports transactions including subscriber authentication, balance request operations, debit request operations and credit request operations.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for replenishing subscriber accounts in an intelligent network-based e-commerce system 100 using credit/debit cards (FIG. 2) or scratch cards (FIG. 3). An end user sends a recharge request to a client application 108-120. The recharge includes information comprising the recharge amount, an identifier of the prepaid account, and indicia of one the credit card, debit card or scratch card for funding the recharge amount. The client application forwards the information to a gateway server 104 which, in turn, sends the information to a service control point (SCP) 122. In the embodiment using a credit/debit card, the SCP determines validity of the account and authorization to fund the recharge amount using the credit/debit card. In the embodiment using a scratch card, the SCP determines validity of the account and validity of the scratch card. Validity of the scratch card is determined by querying a recharge card management system (RCMS).

Abstract: A technique for identifying payees to be paid by an electronic commerce service provider on behalf of each of a plurality of consumers is provided. A first consumer transmits information identifying himself or herself. A second consumer also transmits information identifying himself or herself. The information identifying the first consumer and the information identifying the second consumer each lack any information identifying any payee. The first consumer receives information identifying a first potential payee from the electronic commerce service provider. The second consumer receives information identifying a second potential payee from the electronic commerce service provider. The second consumer does not receive information identifying the first potential payee. The first consumer has never before identified the first potential payee to the electronic commerce service provider, and the second consumer has never before identified the second potential payee to the electronic commerce service provider.

Abstract: A system for dispensing funds. The system includes a non-dedicated printer adapted to print indicia of a monetary value, and a postal security device coupled to the franking machine. The postal security device includes an accounting register indicative of a value of monetary funds stored in the postal security device. The system also includes a money transfer system coupled to the franking machine and adapted to allow a user to transfer funds from the postal security device to the money transfer system and vice versa.

Abstract: A method assists in payment of an account having a delinquent status. The method comprises: receiving a request via a network to access information regarding the account, where the account comprises an account identifier and an account balance; and providing at least one payment option for the account via the network, where each payment option changes the delinquent status of the account to a current status upon acceptance of the payment option.

Abstract: A technique for selectively notifying customers of a biller of the availability of electronic presentment of bills of the biller is provided. Customer identity information of a plurality of customers of a biller is received. Each of the customers is eligible for electronic presentment of bills of the biller. Consumer identity information of a plurality of consumers is received. Each of these consumers is known to be capable of receipt of electronically presented bills. This consumer identity information does not include information identifying biller. The customers that are also consumers are identified and a notice of availability of electronic presentment of bills of the biller is made to only those identified customers.

Abstract: A technique for identifying electronic billers of a consumer whose bills are available by electronic presentment is provided. A request to identify electronic billers of the consumer is received. This request includes information that identifies the consumer, but excludes any information identifying any biller, electronic or not, of the consumer. From this information that does not identify any biller of the consumer, one more candidate electronic billers of the consumer are identified. Then, a positive determination is made that at least one of these candidate electronic billers is definitely an electronic biller of the consumer. Thus, electronic billers of the consumer are identified without the consumer identifying any biller.

Abstract: Systems and method for efficiently storing rate schedules and applying the rate schedules against operational events are provided. The rate schedules are represented in a database using a data structure that includes a field for storing a belief time during which the rate schedules are believed to be true. The database stores all versions of the rate schedules to ensure that complete audits of the rate schedules can be performed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for a no pre-set spending limit transaction card with features and attributes of both a credit card and a charge card. The novel method and apparatus uses a card with an overlimit spend feature and an associated communicated line of credit. The card can carry a balance like a credit card and may require that the card user pay down the balance carried forward down to the line of credit subsequent to the end of each billing cycle.

Abstract: To verify the authority of a customer to use a financial instrument, at least one random number is generated. The number of transactions to be initiated is determined based on the generated random number(s). The determined number of transactions using a financial instrument are initiated. One or more attributes of the initiated one or more transactions are stored. One or more proffered attributes are received, typically from the customer. The received proffered attributes are compared to the stored attributes.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for storing information in a computer system, and for retrieving the information from the computer system. More specifically, the present invention provides methods and apparatus for storing and retrieving business contact information, including dynamic business cards in an internet-accessible database of a computer system. In one general aspect, the invention features an information management method. The information management method includes steps of assigning a first user a unique user identification number, storing information related to the first user in a remote database operatively coupled to a remote computer, and enabling a second user to access the remote database over a network using a second computer to retrieve the information related to the first user by entering the unique user identification number.

Abstract: A method for authenticating a user before granting access to a network resource. In response to a first request from a client to access the resource, access data for an authentication service and return access data for the resource are acquired. The client is then directed to request authentication, the direction including the access data for the authentication service and the return access data for the resource. The client requests access the authentication service using the access data an the return access data. If the authentication service successfully verifies the source of the request, it then directs the client to again request access to the resource using the return access data.

Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing one or a series of value transfers. In some instances, the systems and methods include web or Internet based user interfaces that provide a mechanism whereby a user can implement a transfer plan without interacting with a human operator. Further, in some instances, such systems and methods provide a mechanism for authorizing access to one or more asset accounts from which value is transferred, and/or recipient accounts to which value is transferred. In some cases, the authorization function is performed by an entity that enjoys a pre-existing relationship with a user accessing the systems of the present invention, while any actual transfers are performed by a third party entity. This can be an advantage where authorization requires a signature or other interaction with a user sufficient to conform to electronic signature laws.

Abstract: An electronic device (for example, a NIC card) can perform a base function (for example, “dumb” NIC functionality) and also has specialized hardware for performing an enhanced function (for example, TCP offload functionality). Initially, the electronic device is capable of performing the base function but the enhanced function is disabled. The electronic device is priced to be price competitive with other devices that perform the base function but not the enhanced function. By this pricing, large numbers of the electronic devices are disseminated into the marketplace. Once an electronic device has been disseminated and supplied to a user, the user can make an additional payment to have the enhanced function enabled. In one embodiment, a user who pays for the enhanced functionality accesses a web-based license manager and receives a license key. The license key is usable to write a capabilities code into the electronic device that enables the enhanced function.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for providing warranties that financially guarantee one or more facts associated with an electronic transaction. In a preferred embodiment, warranties issued in the present system comprise a contract between a first party and a second party in which the first party: (1) warrants one or more warranted facts (2) for damages up to a warranted amount (3) if claimed by a relying customer within a claim period. The warranty is preferably issued by a participant in response to a request received from a customer that specifies a desired warranted amount and claim period. The participant and root entity evaluate the request in light of a plurality of factors and determine whether or not the warranty should be issued. In a preferred embodiment, the warranty comprises a contract between the buyer and its issuing participant. The seller is preferably a third-party beneficiary of this contract.

Abstract: A multi-parameter proposal is accepted by a proposal assessor which passes the initial proposal to a preference mapper which acts to reduce the number of parameters in the initial proposal. The negotiation is then carried out using a strategy designed to operate on the lower number of parameters. Counter proposals are expanded using the preference mapper so that counter proposals are expressed in substantially the same form as the incoming proposals.

Abstract: A method, system, and software for assessing the cost tradeoffs associated with performing inspection includes determining measurement variations and product characteristic variations to define an inspection plane. The inspection plane is divided into a plurality of regions corresponding to respective different outcomes resulting from an inspection process. The probability of each outcome is determined based on a probability mass in each region of the inspection plane, wherein the probability mass is based on a joint probability density of the measurement and product characteristic variations. Costs are associated to various outcomes based on the inspection process, and overall costs of the inspection process are computed by using the associated costs and the determined probability of each outcome based on the regions of the inspection plane.

Abstract: A system for paying for a postage amount for an item includes a card interface and a processing system. The card interface receives account information for an account from a postage payment card and transfers the account information to a processing system. The processing system determines the postage amount for the item. The processing system then generates and transmits a charge instruction to charge the postage amount to the account based on the account information. The processing system also generates and transmits a print instruction to print postage indicia on the item.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of determining weight based delivery fees comprising determining individual weights of package elements of a parcel, determining a total weight of said parcel based on said individual weights of said package elements, and ascertaining a delivery fee associated with said total weight of said parcel.

Abstract: A mail piece processing system includes a weight system, postage system, and control system. The weight system weighs and transfers first mail pieces, and in response to a stop weigh instruction, transfers second mail pieces without weighing them. The postage system applies postage to the mail pieces in response to postage instructions. The control system transfers the postage instructions where the postage corresponds to a weight range. The control system determines if the first mail pieces are within the weight range, and if so, transfers the stop weigh instruction.

Abstract: A weight range estimation system is disclosed for items being transferred by a conveyor system. The weight range estimation system comprises a capacitance sensor and a processing system. The capacitance sensor is configured to sense capacitances of the items being transferred by the conveyor system and transfer capacitance indicators representing the capacitances. The processing system is configured to process the capacitance indicators to estimate weight ranges for the items. In some examples, the processing system is configured to process the weight ranges to select postage for the items, and a postage system applies the appropriate postage to the items.

Abstract: A system prints postage indicia for a product registration card at a location of a transaction for a product. The system comprises a processing system and a postage printing device. The processing system receives transaction information indicating the transaction for the product. The processing system processes the transaction information to generate a print instruction to print the postage indicia for the product registration card. The postage printing device then prints the postage indicia for the product registration card based on the print instruction.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides methods and systems for automatically selecting a media type for which to format Value-Bearing Item indicia based on a user's input of a secured paper control number. The exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a method for selecting a media type format for which to generate value-bearing item indicia, said method comprising receiving an input of a secured paper control number, and identifying a media type format corresponding to the secured paper control number. The exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a method for determining a media type for a particular unit of secured paper, said method comprising receiving an input of a media type identifier, wherein the media type identifier is displayed on the particular unit of secured paper, and retrieving from a memory storage a record corresponding to the media type identifier, wherein said record defines a media type format corresponding to the media type identifier.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of constructing recognition models. Under the method, a set of probabilities is estimated for values of a hidden variable. A Fourier transform is determined for the set of probabilities and is used to determine a Fourier transform of an estimated prototype pattern. The inverse Fourier transform is then determined for the Fourier transform of the estimated prototype pattern to form an estimated prototype pattern.

Abstract: An information processing device according to the present invention is included in an information processing apparatus and outputs guidance information for an operation performed for the information processing apparatus by a user. In the information processing device, a user information acquisition unit identifies a user who is operating the information processing device, and an input control unit identifies the type of operation performed by the user. The information processing device also includes an operation history database for storing operation history information unique to the user and a voice guidance database for storing at least one piece of guidance information on the operation. A guidance selection unit selects appropriate guidance information on the basis of the operation history information on the operation unique to the user, and a voice output unit outputs the selected guidance information.

Abstract: A semantic hashing method is performed in a file system. The semantic hashing method includes determining first semantic information for a first file and selecting a base file using the first semantic information and base semantic information. The base semantic information is semantic information for the base file. The method further includes computing a diff for the first file and the base file.