Abstract: A system to automatically consolidate and standardize different digitized product offers of various companies on the basis of a fully integrated process chain to automatically and on the basis of a fully integrated process chain, collectively communicate and market the product offers to end-users via various media retaining the product offers company identification. The system may provide a digital, illustrated platform and a single user interface and/or a page layout program that are supported by an end-user-presentation-layer, a supplier-application-layer and a processing-application-layer interfacing the end-user-presentation- and supplier-application-layer.

Abstract: A lens order system, includes: a server unit, including: a data recognizer that recognizes lens design detail data relating to design details of a lens; an image storage that stores object image data relating to an image of an object; an image recognizer that recognizes the object image data based on the lens design detail data; and an order reception section that recognizes order data relating to an order for a designed lens and generates order reception data, and a terminal unit connected with the server unit in a data transmittable manner, the terminal unit including: a data acquiring section that acquires the lens design detail data; a lens design section that designs the lens based on the lens design detail data; an image processor that superposes lens image data relating to an image of the designed lens designed by the lens design section on the object image data sent from the server unit and generates processed image data in which a superposing portion of the object image data and the lens image data i

Abstract: A method implemented in a computer system for determining an advertisement in response to an advertising opportunity, wherein the advertising opportunity is an opportunity to place the advertisement on a web page subsequent to a request for the web page by a browser. The computer system receives an indication of the advertising opportunity, and in response to receiving the indication, the computer system determines bids, wherein each bid is associated with an advertisement, selects one of the bids and places the advertisement associated with the selected bid on the web page.

Abstract: A system for facilitating the information transfer and processing associated with home construction and home sales. Various discrete software modules are disclosed each handling a specific task associated with home construction and sales. Also, a system for communicating between separate data bases is disclosed wherein separate and distinct sales offices, each having their own data base, may communicate with a parent, market office having its own data base wherein the data bases of the sales offices and the market office are synchronized according to the method of the present invention so that any data updates in any of the sales offices would be automatically updated in the associated market offices. This aspect of the present invention allows a corporation responsible for home construction and sales amongst various regional, market, and sales offices to coordinate a plurality of discretely separate data bases in a way such that they are all synchronized with one another at a predetermined time.

Abstract: A virtual network resource infrastructure for hosting and managing a plurality of e-malls and each e-mall uses the virtual network resource infrastructure for offering e-commerce solution and the hosting of: e-shops, e-distributors and web sites. Also, on-line foreign language interface translation and interface exchange. Further having satellite e-malls with e-services and e-mall using satellite e-malls' e-services; user surfing tracking means and multiple sales channel where e-shops, e-malls, satellite e-malls and e-distributors sell their products directly or cross-sell each others products.

Abstract: The electronic shelf label displays, for each size, the inventory quantity, together with commercial item detailed information that includes the commercial item name and the price of each commercial item that is placed at a commercial item shelf position to which the electronic shelf label is attached. The configurations also make it possible to display, for each size, the total inventory quantity indicating the number of commercial items that are not placed on the commercial item shelf but exist in the store as inventory.

Abstract: In an embodiment, inventories are received from clients, and the inventories identify products that are installed at the clients. In response to a request from a client, a document is selected based on a dependency indication. In an embodiment, the document is selected if the dependency indication indicates the document is dependent on a product and the product is installed at the client. In an embodiment, the document is selected if the dependency indication indicates the document is dependent on a product collection and one of the products in the collection is installed at the client. In an embodiment, the document is selected if the dependency indication indicates the document is dependent on the type of the client and independent of products that are installed at the client. The identifier and address of the selected document are added to a page, and the page is sent to the client.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, apparatus, system, and computer usable program code for monitoring a real-time depletion of an item in a storage unit. A controller identifies an item placed in the storage unit to form an identified item. The controller detects a change in mass sensor data from a mass sensor shelf in a set of mass sensor shelves associated with the storage unit. The controller associates the change in mass sensor data with the identified item to form a current mass for the identified item. The controller determines a depletion of the identified item based a difference between the current mass and a previous mass for the identified item.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, system, and computer usable program product for identifying a usage of an item in a storage unit. The process identifies an item in the storage unit to form an identified item. The process determines a location of the identified item based on location data received from a set of location sensors. The process associates the identified item with a current mass, wherein the current mass of the identified item is calculated based on mass data received from a set of mass sensors associated with the location of the identified item; and the process determines a depletion of the identified item based on the current mass and a non-depleted mass for the identified item.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer usable program product for mapping a content description to a container. The process identifies a container placed in a storage unit to form an identified container. The identified container includes an unidentified content. The process displays a set of predictive content descriptions for the unidentified content. In response to receiving a selection of a content description from the set of predictive content descriptions, the process maps the selected content description to the unidentified container.

Abstract: An online environment for creating community networks using a hierarchical architecture to create groups in a given community network where users can organize and manage activities, communications, and payments, and develop links to other groups, and develop mutually-beneficial relationships with merchants in the local or group-related communities is described.

Abstract: A binary tree structure for detecting inventory problems. A first embodiment detects on-hand inventory problems. A second embodiment detects inventory requirements problems. Both embodiments use a binary tree whose nodes store time values and delta values. The delta values represent inventory consumers or producers. The time values of trees used for inventory requirements problems are shifted in accordance with build-ahead times.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and system of identifying supply chain business scenarios using data from one or more Serialized Global Trade Identification Number (sGTIN) tag reads or other explicit supply chain data. Scenarios are asserted by calculating changes in data and comparing those with user definitions of scenario event combinations. A processor acquires the scenario definitions from a user defined metadata of products, locations, and measure variance criteria and correlates the sGTIN event reads and other events with this metadata to identify defined events that are not observed in the sGTIN event reads or other explicit data, or not observable by the tag readers. The system has a method for communicating these implicit events back to users.

Abstract: A system and method for billing a user of a communications network. The method may include accessing network usage information associated with a user, where the network usage information may include information indicative of the user communicating data packets including real-time content and non-real-time content over a packet network operated by a first communications carrier. At least a portion of a bill may be computed using the information indicative of communications of data packets including real-time content and non-real-time content. The user may be billed for network usage by including the portion of the bill computed using the information indicative of the user communicating data packets including real-time and non-real-time content over the packet network.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the issuance of low-risk debt securities, referred to as LITE Securities, in exchange for high-risk debt securities which have been issued by an emerging-market sovereign government in the global capital market and which have been purchased by an investor which resides in the sovereign government's country. Investment in LITE Securities result in little or no loss of market liquidity for the investor compared to the market liquidity of the original high-risk debt securities despite the LITE Securities itself being less liquid. The systems and methods for the servicing of the LITE Securities are convenient for the issuer as no new debt securities will need to be serviced. The systems and methods disclosed also allow resident institutional investors such as banks to more efficiently use regulatory capital against debt issued by its own sovereign, as prescribed by the international bank capital standards known as the Basel Accord.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to systems, methods, and computer program products for verifying payment data related to payments sent from a payor to a biller and/or accelerating posting of such payments. More particularly, a system is provided for receiving payment data related to a payment sent from a payor to a biller and for verifying the accuracy of the payment data before allowing the biller to accept the payment. The system is configured to verify the accuracy of the payment data by comparing at least a portion of the payment data to the biller's substantially real-time account records. The system is then configured to allow the biller to accept payments that include accurate data and to identify those payments that do not include accurate data. The system may further be configured to provide the source of the payment data with an indication that the payment data is inaccurate.

Abstract: A mobile collection application is disclosed that is capable of providing collection data to a field agent on a wireless pocket PC. A collection case inventory module is used to generate a list of collection cases on the wireless pocket PC. The field agent may view a detailed report of collection cases that are contained in the list of collection cases. A payment plan component is also provided that allows the field agent to work out a payment plan with the debtor. The mobile collection application is also capable of allowing field agents to register transient taxpayers for the purpose of collecting sales and use taxes.

Abstract: The present invention provides an investment option known as a lifetime income share. Lifetime income shares mitigate survival risk, the risk that an individual will outlive his or her assets. More specifically, the purchase of a plurality of lifetime income shares guarantees an individual a predetermined, periodic income payment for the life of the purchaser. The guaranteed stream of monthly income commences at a specified age. Furthermore, the guaranteed stream is utilized to supplement an existing income level or provide income in the event that the individual outlives his or her accumulated liquid assets.

Abstract: A method and system for insuring against a potential loss in future value of a life insurance policy by providing a stated value insurance policy (“SV Policy”). The SV Policy is purchased by the owner of the life insurance policy contemporaneously with the purchase of the life insurance policy or at any time thereafter. If, at a specified future time(s), the life insurance policy is determined to be worth less than a predetermined value as set forth in the SV Policy, then the SV Policy issuer pays the owner the difference between the amount covered by the SV Policy and the then-current value, assuming that the owner has satisfied the terms and conditions of the SV Policy. In another aspect, a life insurance policy owner enters into an agreement (“Lifegain Agreement”) with a third party (“Lifegain Provider”) to protect against the possibility that the life insurance policy will lose value.

Abstract: A structured investment vehicle includes a master fund having a price being linked to a plurality of managed accounts; an enhanced fund that invests in the master fund on a leveraged basis; and a collateralized fund obligation that gains exposure to the enhanced fund through the purchase of fund-linked certificates associated with the enhanced fund, wherein the collateralized fund obligation finances purchase of the certificates by issuing two or more tranches of securities in which at least one tranche is a debt obligation.

Abstract: Administration of various deferred award instrument plan and asset account programs that can effectively provide economically efficient benefits by assisting an Employer in the identification of appropriate employees, and through the use of a novel modeling method and apparatus to implement a deferred award instrument program through a novel employee welfare benefit/deferred compensation/EWB/OPEB asset account maintenance plan that permits the employees to benefit from their deferred award incentive program (such as stock options, Long Term Incentive Plans, deferred compensation, EWB/OPEB, life insurance benefits), while having a minimal financial impact on the Employer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a an electronic system for equities securities lending and financing. In particular, the disclosed system provides a hub for electronic financial transactions such as securities borrowing and lending and facilitates the ability of borrowers and lenders to locate suitable counterparties and engage in direct negotiations in a securities lending transaction.

Abstract: A trading system comprised of a multiplicity of entities each of which trades securities, among other instruments, presents itself to prime brokers and clearing entities as single account for all purposes, including trading, clearing and reconciliation, thereby creating an omnibus online system to provide the benefits of such prime broker trading and clearing to each of the multiplicity of entities comprising the participants in the system.

Abstract: A method and system of generating a market settlement value for use with settlement of vehicle futures contracts traded on a commodities exchange. The system comprises a data repository that stores vehicle data files, a history filter operatively connected to the data repository and configured to filter select vehicle data files retrieved. The system further includes a matching engine operatively connected to the history filter for grouping files retrieved that have a common digit pattern within a manufacturer VIN code and a pricing engine operatively connected to the matching engine for accessing and processing transaction prices for a select group of vehicles to determine the market settlement value an identified vehicle. The market settlement value is used as an index price to assess gains and losses associated with vehicle futures contracts.

Abstract: The adaptive computerized bidding method matches hospitality facility (HF) data and meeting requirement data, permits the posting of offers and responsive bidding by both HF vendors and meeting planners (MPs), analysis of the initial search results by an MP supervisor (an adaptive input), analysis of the vendor search results by a vendor promoter (adaptive output) and facilitates the exchange of data by the posting MP and the selected HF vendors. MP requirement or request for quote RFQ data (at least MP contact data, facilities requirements, date range and price) is matched to HF hotel data (at least vendor contact data, location, room quantity, date range, and meeting room data), and after adaptive and output analysis and supplemental communications to supervisors, and the system sends MP RFQ data to matching vendors after processing by the adaptive filters.

Abstract: A method that commences by receiving a bid for a particular sales listing from a first bidder that is not pre-approved to bid on the particular sales listing. The method continues by restricting the bid for the particular sales listing from the bidding process associated with the particular sales listing, the restricting based on the requirement of the first bidder to be pre-approved to bid on the particular sales listing.

Abstract: Each bid received via a computer network is an offer for the right to cause at least one advert associated with the bid to be output to at least one device that is part of the computer network or in communication with the computer network in response to the bid being allocated one or more user events. At a time t, at least one rule or decision variable for allocating user events to bids is determined based on bids received before time t and an estimate of bids, user events or user activity occurring after time t. Based on information or data regarding a user event received from one of the devices after time t, the user event is allocated to at least one bid based on the at least one rule or decision variable and the at least one word, term, phrase or string of characters of the bid.

Abstract: A system and method of providing control of prices in an on screen window having a price held for further transactions on an interface for traders of financial instruments. The interface contains a display of products for trading and respective prices for bids and offers. The user has a control device such as a computer mouse with a roller control. Selection of a particular product results in the display of the price of the product at the instant time the product is selected. The price is held until a confirming key or mouse stroke is received to initiate a trading action such as placing a new order, killing an existing order or hitting or lifting an order. The price can be altered by means of the roller control.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, this invention includes software processes distributed on one or more computer systems that exchange messages in order to facilitate an intermediated exchange of financial commodities between a plurality of participants. The messages are exchanged according to a preferred protocol that leads to a satisfactory exchange that meets the objectives of the participants, and that substantially maximizes in a fair manner the total amount of financial commodities exchanged. Optionally, the invention employs heuristic rules in association with the preferred protocol that adapt the protocol to the time and exchange requirements of financial commodities. In other embodiments, this invention is equally applicable to the exchange of any tangible or intangible commodities. In a general embodiment, this invention further includes a preferred message-exchange protocol for the construction of computer programs representing exchange participants and an intermediary.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, this invention includes software processes distributed on one or more computer systems that exchange messages in order to facilitate an intermediated exchange of financial commodities between a plurality of participants. The messages are exchanged according to a preferred protocol that leads to a satisfactory exchange that meets the objectives of the participants, and that substantially maximizes in a fair manner the total amount of financial commodities exchanged. Optionally, the invention employs heuristic rules in association with the preferred protocol that adapt the protocol to the time and exchange requirements of financial commodities. In other embodiments, this invention is equally applicable to the exchange of any tangible or intangible commodities. In a general embodiment, this invention further includes a preferred message-exchange protocol for the construction of computer programs representing exchange participants and an intermediary.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for executing a hedge transaction in connection with the execution of a derivative product order in which the price of the derivative product is defined by one or more variables. The hedge transaction may be executed at an exchange or match engine that is different from the exchange or match engine executing the derivative product order. The execution of derivative product transaction may be contingent on the existence of an appropriate hedge transaction. Alternatively, a best efforts approach may be used to fill the hedge transaction order after executing the derivative product transaction.

Abstract: Guaranteed peer-to-peer lending in which loan payments between a borrower and a lender include an allocation to an account of a guarantor includes in one aspect a selection of borrower classes including a guaranteed class made available by a server to a first client machine. The server receives from lenders at respective first clients machines respective lender-parameters and respective selected borrower-classes. In the event that the selected borrower-class is the guaranteed class, the allocation of a portion of any loan payments to the collateral account of the guarantor is made automatically. In another aspect, offers are transmitted to lenders concerning a guarantee of any loan that satisfies the lender's parameters in exchange for a guarantor premium, which premium comprises a portion of any loan payments otherwise due to or collected by the lender for credit in to a collateral account of a guarantor.

Abstract: According to some embodiments described in the disclosure, methods and systems are provided for offering a line of credit to a customer. In one example, information is generated about a customer arriving at a predetermined location of a sponsoring organization. An indication is obtained from a credit provider of a line of credit that has been established for the customer arriving at the predetermined location of the sponsoring organization, in which the customer has not solicited the line of credit. The sponsoring organization offers to the customer to activate the line of credit while the customer is at the predetermined location, and the line of credit is activated as part of a chargeable event at the predetermined location.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating transactions utilizing phrase tokens are provided. Individual entities can be associated with unambiguous transaction phrase tokens, such as multiple word phrases. The transaction phrase tokens are associated with transaction accounts by a service provider such that the entities can complete a transaction without having to exchange transaction account information. In a transaction, a transaction phrase token is offered to an accepting party, which tenders the offered transaction phrase token to the service provider. The service provider processes the offered transaction phrase token according to configuration information specified for the transaction phrase token. The service provider can automatically process the transaction request or request additional information.

Abstract: An anonymous and secure on-line payment system and method based on the partially blind signature cryptographic method with revocable anonymity. To this end, an Anonymity Server (SA) enables the Customer (C) to acquire on-line anonymous payment means on the basis of a protocol that does not enable the Anonymity Server to link the payment means to the Customer (C). The Payment Server (SdP) comprises means for opening an anonymous account using the anonymous payment means (50). A Customer (C) can make an on-line purchase from a Merchant Site (SM) without having to give a bank card number and remaining anonymous to the merchant and more generally to any entity present in the transaction or absent therefrom. However, this anonymity may be revoked by a trusted entity in the event of fraud on the Customer. Finally, a Customer can make payments when on the move.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention comprises a method comprising: (a) creating a partially redeemable offering note; (b) pricing the note; (c) issuing the note; and (d) redeeming the note. In another aspect, the invention comprises a method comprising: (a) buying a partially redeemable offering note issued by an issuer; and (b) receiving a first payment from the issuer for a first fraction between 0 and 1 of a notional amount of the note. In another aspect, the invention comprises a note with terms comprising: (a) a notional amount; (b) a schedule of two or more redemption dates; and (c) options for redeeming a percentage of the notional amount on at least two of the two or more redemption dates.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automated loan repayment involve utilizing consumer payment authorization, clearing, and settlement systems to allow a merchant to reduce an outstanding loan amount. After a customer identifier (e.g., a credit, debit, smart, charge, payment, etc. card account number) is accepted as payment from the customer, information related to the payment is forwarded to a merchant processor. In one embodiment, the merchant processor acquires the information related to the payment, processes that information, and then forwards the credit card or debit card batch sales reports/invoices of funds collected by the merchant to the lender or a payment receiver for the lender. The lender may then debit funds from the merchant's bank account based upon a predetermined or computed amount as at least a portion of the outstanding loan amount owed by the merchant. In another embodiment, the merchant processor may forward at least a portion of the payment directly to the lender.

Abstract: A known charge card billing system communicates with an investment broker system, wherein the investment broker system includes an instruction arrangement database, payment hierarchy and an investment account. An interested cardholder suitably appoints the charge card administrator as a processing agent to collect and promptly remit the cardholder's voluntary, periodic payments for investment into preselected investment products, such as, for example, mutual fund shares, fixed annuities, variable annuities, CDs, insurance, certificates, equities and/or the like. The billing system distributes a billing statement at the end of each month, wherein the statement includes all of the charges for that month and a reminder to remit an additional dollar amount for the preselected investments. The cardholder then sends a single payment for the charges and the investments to the charge card administrator.

Abstract: Transaction systems are disclosed that enable a customer to obtain services from a service provider via any of a variety of communication systems on a direct fee basis. The transaction system can be independent of the communication system used to complete the transaction and the billing system used to provide payment from the customer to the service provider. In many embodiments, the transaction system arranges direct payment from the customer to the service provider. One embodiment of the invention includes a transaction metering system connected to a service provider computing device and a client computing device via a first communication network.

Abstract: A method for conducting a transaction is disclosed. The method includes using a first portable electronic device, and directly transmitting a request for payment to a second portable electronic device through a wireless link. Then, the second portable electronic device transmits an approval of the request for payment to the first portable electronic device. One of the first and the second portable electronic devices then sends the request for payment to a payment hub service. The payment hub service then facilitates the transfer of funds from a payer institution to a payee institution to complete the transaction.

Abstract: A method for scheduling a banking transaction using a mobile communication device. The method includes creating a task on the mobile communication device to perform a banking transaction while the mobile communication device has no network connectivity, the mobile communication device actively monitoring for an available network to access. In response to identifying an available network to access, the mobile communication device automatically connects to the available network and uploads the task to a server to complete the banking transaction.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for enabling user-customization of an ATM display/receipt for a transaction carried out at an automated teller machine (ATM). The customer/user of the ATM creates/selects specific alerts to be outputted during subsequent ATM transactions. The alerts/notices are linked to the customer account. During subsequent access to the user's account via an ATM, the pre-selected alert/notice is displayed to the user or printed on the transaction receipt.

Abstract: A network arrangement is provided for processing credit transactions. A financial network is used to route communications securely between interfaces with the financial network. Merchant systems are coupled with the interfaces, with each merchant system transmitting requests for authorization of credit transactions through the financial network. An issuer system authorizes credit transactions in response to receipt of requests that specify at least a credit account to be used to support a particular credit transaction and a transaction amount for the particular credit transaction. A guarantor system separate from the issuer system determines whether to guarantee credit transactions in response to the requests and transmits responses indicating whether specific credit transactions are to be guaranteed through the financial network to the merchant systems.

Abstract: A method for purchasing a selected item from a store includes: receiving a request for payment authorization from a sales terminal of the store, the request for payment authorization including an identifier of at least one selected item and a price for each selected item; presenting the price to a shopper; presenting a prompt to the shopper for acceptance of the price; receiving an indication from the shopper of the acceptance of the price; and encrypting a payment authorization signal using a public key of the store, the payment authorization signal confirming a purchase and including an encrypted version of a certificate of the shopper; and sending the payment authorization signal to the sales terminal to confirm the purchase.

Abstract: In peer-to-peer networks, the services are not provided by central units, but the individual subscriber peers provide them reciprocally, with digitally signed data being stored as resources in the peer-to-network. The data can act as non-rejectable data for billing information if they are transmitted to central collection points. For optimization, only the hash values of the data records and appropriate information that is relevant to the billing process are signed instead of the data records themselves.

Abstract: A trading network (102) composed of client devices (108, 110) and at least one clearinghouse device (104) associated with at least one exchange (106) and enables a transaction that is started on a first market type, such as a credit type market exchange to be concluded on a second market type, such as a clearing type market exchange.

Abstract: A content delivery apparatus, when a content delivery request is outputted from a user terminal device, encrypts the requested content with an encryption key, adds a view period to it to deliver it to a request source and delivers a viewing key in response to a view request from the user terminal device within the view period. A user relief management unit monitors failure information notifying, grasps a delivery disabled period from the failure information, specifies a delivery destination user for a content of which the view period is overlapped with the delivery disabled period and issues a relief right with a relief period specified thereto to the specified user. A contract period processing unit manages the relief right and permits viewing within the relief period set by the relief right when a view right based on the relief right is output from the user terminal device.

Abstract: A content delivery apparatus, when a content delivery request is outputted from a user terminal device, encrypts the requested content with an encryption key, adds a view period to it to deliver it to a request source and delivers a viewing key in response to a view request from the user terminal device within the view period. A user relief management unit monitors failure information notifying, grasps a delivery disabled period from the failure information, specifies a delivery destination user for a content of which the view period is overlapped with the delivery disabled period and issues a relief right with a relief period specified thereto to the specified user. A contract period processing unit manages the relief right and permits viewing within the relief period set by the relief right when a view right based on the relief right is output from the user terminal device.

Abstract: A media appliance for receiving streaming media content from the Internet includes a user activatable buy button to permit user purchase of selected media content. User operation of the buy button communicates with a media materials agent to obtain identification of the media content and determine the availability of a distributable copy of the media content. Where a distributable copy is available, purchase of a copy of the media is facilitated by an authentication and payment agent which arranges delivery of the copy of the media content to a user in real time, via email or other user defined arrangement.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for distributing graphic assets among users of personal communication devices. The graphic assets may include, for example, an avatar and/or avatar accessories used to exchange messages over cellular telephones. A method includes providing an authorized first user with an authoring version of the graphic asset. The authoring version allows the first user to morph the graphic asset and use the graphic asset to send a message to a second user. If the second user is not licensed to use the graphic asset, the second user can view the graphic asset to receive the message from the first user. However, the second user cannot morph the graphic asset or use the graphic asset to send messages until licensed to do so. The graphic asset may include marketing information such as a link to an owner of the graphic asset for licensing purposes.