Abstract: In a system for automated management of purchase in a self-service-type sales point, a system management host, at least one trolley, and a plurality of different products are provided in the sales point. The products are individually provided with a barcode, and the trolley is assigned a specific certification number. The trolley is provided with a trolley terminal having a barcode reader and a scale connected thereto for scanning the barcode on a purchased product and weighting the purchased product positioned in the trolley, so that a barcode data and a weight data are obtained. The system management host includes a merchandise databank for storing the barcode data of all products displayed in the sales point, and a purchase record memory for storing a purchase record generated by a microcontroller in the host each time a purchased product is scanned and positioned in the trolley.

Abstract: A method and system of sponsoring a media item is disclosed herein. A media item is received from a submitter. The media item is published for consumer access. Requests for the media item are received from media consumers. A number of consumer requests for the media item is counted. A determination is made as to whether the number of consumer requests for the media item is higher than a predetermined threshold of popularity. If the number of consumer requests for the media item is determined to be higher than the predetermined threshold of popularity, the media item is sponsored on a webcast station.

Abstract: Online bidding opportunities on goods and/or services are targeted to an individual user based, in part, on the user's navigation history. User navigation (e.g., Web browsing, search requests, etc.) may be tracked, recorded and maintained. User navigation information may be used to determine content-relevant and personalized bidding opportunities for goods and/or services from one or more merchants or auctioneers. By doing so, the bidding opportunities presented are more relevant to the user, reduce the research time and effort expended by such user in exploring multiple websites to purchase such goods and/or services and provide merchants and auctioneers with “hot” leads.

Abstract: Method to operate an Internet e-commerce site for the sale of complex systems. Price and delivery time are automatically calculated as soon as the buyer makes every single choice between options that are automatically enabled by the system based on previous choices. A printable quote is automatically generated and can be used to refine the configuration in successive interactions by sales people and buyer.

Abstract: Techniques for guaranteeing payment to a seller of a commodity purchased by a buyer are described. A selection of a sales proposal for purchasing the commodity from the seller is received. The sales proposal specifies the conditions under which the commodity will be delivered to the buyer. The seller is then notified that the sales proposal has been selected by the buyer, and a payment agreement is provided to the seller. The payment agreement specifies financial terms under which a financial institution guarantees payment to the seller on behalf of the buyer for future deliveries of the commodity in accordance with the sales proposal.

Abstract: A system and/or a method of collaborative filtering based on attribute profiling is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes generating a product profile of a content-based product through applying any number of value data assigned by a user to a set of attributes embodying possible reasons as to why the user reacts to the content-based product, generating a user profile of a user through applying a group of value data assigned by the user to a content-based product sharing the set of attributes and recommending a different content-based product matches with the user profile beyond a threshold value. The method may include recommending the different content-based product to a different user when a different user profile of the different matches with the user profile of the user who has subscribed to the different content-based product.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for allowing a remote user to purchase, over a distributed computer network (e.g., the Internet), an option for a ticket and/or accommodations for a “contingent event”, e.g., an event which is certain to occur but for which the participants, content and/or location(s) are not predetermined. For instance, the subject system can be used to sell options for the purchase of tickets to such contingent events such as playoff games on the basis of what teams qualify, or all-star game.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for allowing a remote user to purchase, over a distributed computer network (e.g., the Internet), an option for a ticket and/or accommodations for a ‘contingent event”, e.g., an event which is certain to occur but for which the participants, content and/or location(s) are not predetermined. For instance, the subject system can be used to sell options for the purchase of tickets to such contingent events such as playoff games on the basis of what teams qualify, or all-star game.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for allowing a remote user to purchase, over a distributed computer network (e.g., the Internet), an option for a ticket and/or accommodations for a ‘contingent event”, e.g., an event which is certain to occur but for which the participants, content and/or location(s) are not predetermined. For instance, the subject system can be used to sell options for the purchase of tickets to such contingent events such as playoff games on the basis of what teams qualify, or all-star game.

Abstract: A system and computer implemented method for providing a widget are described. The method and system include rendering the widget on a site. The widget dynamically displays multimedia content associated with a campaign. The widget is also embeddable, copyable, and allows for at least one user action. The method and system also include receiving at least one input related to the at least one action and updating the widget based on a goal corresponding to the at least one action.

Abstract: A system for electronic commerce (10) having personal agents (12 and 13) that represent consumers and providers in a virtual marketplace (28). Consumer personal agents conceal the identity of the consumer and are capable of creating decision agents (14) that shop for products and assist consumers in comparing and ranking products. Provider personal agents are capable of creating demand agents (16) that quantify demand and target specific consumers without learning the identity of the consumers. Based on data generated by the activities of the decision agents and on preference data maintained by consumer personal agents, provider personal agents can quantify current, historical, and future demand, simulate demand, and target specific consumers for advertising and other messages. Provider personal agents can cooperate with consumer personal agents to collect data about reasons for sales and lost sales and to offer consideration payments to consumers.

Abstract: A method for travel planning employing a computerized database query system, the method including user designation of at least one desired travel destination and system presentation to user of at least one proposed hotel, based on the user designation, the at least one proposed hotel in geographical proximity to or otherwise convenient to said travel destination.

Abstract: A system for marketing real estate includes a property data device and a personal data device. The property data device is to be located in the vicinity of a real estate property, and the personal data device is to be provided to a user. The property data device is operable to transmit the property information data, and the personal data device operable to receive and store the property information data transmitted by the property data device.

Abstract: Methods and systems by which a consumer may select or specify coordinated features of an absorbent paper product and its packaging, such as a facial tissue or paper towel product, and then receive an absorbent paper product and packaging having the coordinated features selected or specified by the consumer.

Abstract: A programmable expiration date verification system is disclosed. According to one aspect, a programmable expiration date verification system including a programmable expiration date module is provided. The programmable expiration date module includes a memory device operable to store an expiration date and a communication port operable to receive a communication including the expiration date. The programmable expiration date module further includes a processor operably coupled to the memory and the processor is operable to determine the expiration date. A visual indicator operable to be altered by the processor in response to determining the expiration date.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a method for providing a commodities index trading investment system may include selecting (110) a plurality of commodity groupings for an index; selecting (120) one or more commodities in each of the plurality of commodity groupings; and buying (130) highly collateralized longer-dated futures contracts for each of the one or more commodities. The method may also include selling (140) each of the highly collateralized longer-dated futures contracts on a last day of trading in a month that is at least two-months earlier than the expiration date of the nearest longer-dated futures contract; and buying (150) a next-year's highly collateralized longer-dated futures contract of another commodity for each highly collateralized longer-dated futures contract sold.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention may provide a method and system for accepting financial information from a customer for generating an estimated tax due to the taxing authority and a date by which the estimated tax is due, and periodically impounding an amount of money from an account held by the customer, where each amount impounded is less than the estimated tax and the combined value of the amounts impounded by the date substantially match the estimated tax.

Abstract: A credit card processing system uses an express processing module to create and initialize merchant accounts. The credit card processing system includes a merchant, bank, and credit card association which are connected by electronic communication links. The express processing module uses a plurality of data entry screens to compile and format merchant data for transmission to the bank which in turn opens the merchant accounts upon completion and approval of all data requirements. The express processing module further manages workflow of the applications for each of the plurality of merchants by tracking data entry progress and assigning resources to complete the applications and meet requirements for creation and initialization of the merchant accounts. The express processing module uses a plurality of web services handlers to interface with external systems to handle requests for information.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a list of entries, each of which is associated with a potential electronic transaction such as a gift purchase. Each entry comprises a plurality of displayable fields including a first field which is selectable to access a remote location, such as a web-server, —for making an electronic transaction and a second field comprising price information concerning the electronic transaction.

Abstract: A wealth management education system and method thereof includes a storage unit, an input unit, an event selection unit and an ROI computation unit. The storage unit containing historical data of multiple capital markets, correlation matrices among those market, and multiple economic events. A user uses the input unit to enter sum of investment into those capital markets to trigger off a selection of one economic event according to a selection criterion. The ROI computation unit solves respective ROI of those capital markets according to the selected economic event, historical data and correlation matrices of those capital markets.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for optimizing the use of credit resources. A financial system includes a database which stores customer credit/debit account information and use-consequence preference information. A master financial card is issued to the customer for all credit transactions. A host server receives information regarding the use of the master financial card and communicates with the database of information to decide the optimum credit card/account to which the purchase is to be applied.

Abstract: A system for use in assisting a self-service transaction at a service facility includes one or more self-service terminals, each configured to gather transaction information associated with a customer who is engaged in a business transaction with the service facility through the self-service terminal. The system also includes a teller terminal that (a) receives at least some of the transaction information by electronic means and displays it for viewing by a human representative of the service facility while the business transaction is still in progress, and (b) receives input from the human representative that allows completion of the business transaction.

Abstract: A data representation is deployed that comprises instances of a software object implementing a particular systematic trading strategy; there are multiple such instances (‘strategy instances’), each corresponding to a different trading strategy, with a strategy instance being paired with a tradable instrument. The method comprises the steps of: (a) each strategy instance providing an estimate of its returns; (b) using Bayesian inference to assess predefined characteristics of each estimate; (c) allocating capital to specific strategy instance/instrument pairings depending on the estimated returns and the associated characteristics. The object based representation is both flexible and powerful; because it directly supports a Bayesian inference, it is functionally better than known approaches because it allows characteristics, such as the reliability of the return estimates to be quantified and modelled and the accuracy of the return estimates to be improved.

Abstract: The disclosed computer-implemented investment management process particularly in the field of high yield corporate bond financial market consists of five distinct process phases. In a first phase, the financial market under evaluation is researched in order to obtain all the market business information necessary for the following market evaluation phases. The next three phases, as marked by the dotted line, are all part of the central evaluation process that will be described in more detail hereinafter. The first evaluation phase is a filtering phase where the market business information obtained from the previous research phase are filtered in order to separate useful information from non-useful information. In a following phase, the filtered business information at first is input to a subscoring process and thereafter to a scoring process. Finally, the obtained evaluation results (scores) are presented to a user in form of a recommendation displayed on a monitor or printed in paper format.

Abstract: A method of computer-assisted price modeling is provided, which uses a reference price to assist in evaluating discretionary pricing of transactional services provided (i) by a professional among his own transactions or (ii) by a target professional among others' transactions. A universe of pricing episode data is segmented into groupings based on price predictive parameters. These data are then arranged in each grouping according to price. A reference price is determined within each grouping based on a predetermined level, rank or percentile. This reference price can then be used to evaluate the pricing episode data and provide various calculations or comparisons, including the revenue opportunity that could have been obtained by pricing at the reference price.

Abstract: A system and method for prioritized data delivery in an electronic trading environment are described herein. According to one example embodiment, by prioritizing the messages associated with a tradeable object, the bandwidth and system resource usage may be optimally reduced, and any loss of priority content in the messages sent between the network device and the client device may be reduced. An example method includes associating different priority levels with messages comprising market data. Messages containing market information related to the inside market may be associated to a higher priority level. Whereas messages containing market information relating to the quantities at prices outside the inside market may be associated with a lower priority level. Based on the priority level associated with a message, a network device may send the message directly to the client device or store the message in a data structure until a pre-defined condition is satisfied.

Abstract: A fractional forward contract provides a financial instrument for managing trading of commodities that have variable and unpredictable availability at future dates by apportioning risk between parties (100, 170) by providing for parties (100, 170) to buy and sell a specified fraction of a commodity that the supplier (100) has in his inventory on a specific date, rather than a specified quantity. Trading is managed by a trading exchange or clearinghouse (130) via a computer network (120). The fractional forward contract provides a method for managing a market for a perishable commodity harvested from the wild by establishing a total allowable quantity of the perishable commodity that can be harvested over a pre-determined time period, permitting the harvester to contract for sale of some fraction of the actual harvest at a guaranteed price at a future date.

Abstract: A system and method calculate an optimal rates in a multi-source price engine in over the counter (OTC) markets. The system and method integrate rates from multiple liquidity sources to generate an output rate that can be transacted upon. Specifically, the system and method calculate a best bid/offer rate from input rates provided by multiple liquidity sources and apply a target spread and minimum profit to the best bid/offer rate to generate an optimal output rate. The optimal output rate may be a function of many factors, including market conditions, customer credit, and the preferences of the market maker or broker.

Abstract: A system and method provide price validation for market makers in over the counter (OTC) markets. Specifically, the system compares a new or existing price provided by a market maker with a base rate. If the unilateral difference is less than or equal to a configurable tolerance, the price may be added to validated rates. The unilateral difference is an amount that the new bid source rate is greater than the bid base rate or an amount that the new offer source rate is less than the offer base rate. On the other hand, if the difference is more than the tolerance, the price may be ignored or removed by the system. As a result, the system provides protection against trading on invalid off-market rates or stale rates that is caused by system latency or other types of temporary anomalies.

Abstract: The present application provides a method and system which provide a virtual stock exchange service. In one particular implementation, the system includes a resource locator database, a resource locator search server, a listed resource domain database, a user database, and a virtual stock trading management server. The resource locator database includes search information for a resource domain forming a search pool. The search information includes a search score assigned to the resource domain and one or more resource locators associated with the resource domain. The resource locator search server searches the resource locator database and transmits a result list of the search in response to a user's query. The listed resource domain database includes information of the resource domain categorized as a listed resource domain or a listing candidate resource domain according to the search score of the resource domain.

Abstract: The present invention provides an on-line trading system and method for ordering and executing trades in financial markets, such as foreign exchange markets. The system and method permit account holders to automatically trade in one or more markets based on recommendations provided by signal providers, without the need for the account holders to make decisions about each trade to be made. A database of account holder preferences and trading parameters is maintained and consulted upon receipt of advice for a trade, and trades are executed if and when a selected signal provider provides suitable advice.

Abstract: Presented is a computer-based system for exchange order routing over a communication network which includes a client terminal configured to provide an end-user interface between the client terminal and a first server, the interface providing a template for building an order routing strategy including a stipulation string, and to submit one or more orders and the order routing strategy to the first server. A program executable within the communication network to implement the routing strategy by crossing the order on a first electronic exchange, and placing order liquidity on respective second electronic exchanges. A method implements the order routing strategy by receiving an order and a routing strategy containing a stipulation string having parameters of predetermined criteria, a first phase order processing allocates a first order quantity to a crossing location, a second phase order processing allocates a second order quantity to an idle location.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an auction method with mixed live and remote participation that seeks to avoid unfavorable conditions for both live bidders at the auction site and remote bidders who access the auction by computerized means. Particularly, the present invention relates to auctions in which some of the bidders have access and participate therein by remote means, particularly via the Internet, landline or mobile telephone, and/or television, and the final part of the auction has no interference from the auctioneer.

Abstract: A method and system for underwriter offering of multi-class instruments including a central processing unit (CPU), a program memory, a structure database and an investor database. The structure database stores a structure representative of a plurality of classes of a multi-class instrument, and the system operates to (i) inform investors of class information related, respectively, to each class of the multiclass instrument, (ii) receive bid information from investors, (iii) modify the structure database in response to the bid information and subsequently inform investors with updated class information; and once it is determined that the underwriter can profitably underwrite the transaction, (iv) notify the underwriter of an amount of collateral to purchase to cover accepted bids.

Abstract: An electronic auction system may include a bid validator connected between a network and a customer database. The example bid validator may receive bid information from a customer over the network. The example bid validator may use the bid information to detect whether the customer database includes a customer record for the customer. If no customer record is found in the customer database, the example bid validator may initiate creation of a new customer record and place it in the customer database.

Abstract: A credit card processing system uses an express processing module to create and initialize merchant accounts. The credit card processing system includes a merchant, bank, and credit card association which are connected by electronic communication links. The express processing module uses a plurality of data entry screens to compile and format merchant data for transmission to the bank which in turn opens the merchant accounts upon completion and approval of all data requirements. The express processing module further manages workflow of the applications for each of the plurality of merchants by tracking data entry progress and assigning resources to complete the applications and meet requirements for creation and initialization of the merchant accounts. The express processing module uses a plurality of web services handlers to interface with external systems to handle requests for information.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards methods, apparatuses, and systems for facilitating and enhancing processes associated with financial transactions. The present invention monitors and manages transaction-level work flows, and facilitates coordination of the tasks and operations associated with financial transactions. Embodiments of the present invention also allow for automation of various deal management, collateral analysis and due diligence processes associated with financial transactions. In one embodiment, the present invention facilitates tasks and processes associated with the purchase and sale of whole loans.

Abstract: A system is provided for settling cash letters containing check images that are exchanged by banks connected to an image exchange system (IEX). Settlement amounts are computed and sent to the Federal Reserve Banks' National Settlement Service (FRBNSS) for settlement based upon business rules. Further, a method is provided for processing a financial check transaction between a plurality of financial institutions, including at least first and second institutions, the method including providing electronic check data, relating to at least one check to be paid by the second institution, from the first institution to the second institution to effect an automatic check presentment; and automatically performing an electronic settlement determination for the at least one check, based on the electronic check data and predetermined business rules.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for increasing the asset base of a banking institution having a first and second account captive therein for fractional-reserve banking, having a portable device for encrypted containment of currency amounts linked to the first account at the banking institution and enabled to perform commercial transactions that affect the balance of the first account; a node device for encrypted containment of currency amounts linked to the second account at the banking institution and enabled to perform commercial transactions that affect the balance of the second account; an encrypted interface between the portable device and the node device for communication therebetween to accurately affect a commercial transaction between in which there is a credit to one and a debit to the other; such that by transacting a commercial transaction between the two devices one of the accounts is debited for the transaction a specific amount and the other account is credited the specific amount debited commen

Abstract: A system for exchanging transaction messages between different computer systems includes a data processor for monitoring transaction messages. The data processor has a transaction processor for assigning identifiers to both inbound transaction messages from source executable applications and outbound transaction messages for communication to destination executable applications, to individually identify transaction messages. The data processor has a repository of map information associating inbound and outbound transaction messages using the assigned identifiers and a user interface for providing data representing at least one display image and including data identifying an inbound or outbound transaction message and a corresponding outbound or inbound transaction message, in response to a user command.

Abstract: A reception management system for handling transactions includes a plurality of ACMs (Automated Contract/Consulting Terminals) for receiving procedure requests for predetermined transactions from customers, a plurality of ROTs (Remote Operation Terminals) to be employed by an operator for handling the procedure requests, a server for storing information for managing the operators for each transaction skill, and information about queues formed for each transaction skill upon a procedure request accepted from an ACM, and a queue monitoring terminal for monitoring the queues by receiving information from the SACD server.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for processing a request to fund a purchase from a provider with a medical expense account. The request identifies expenses incurred with the purchase is received at a substantiation system and used to identify the provider. A determination is made whether the provider is included in a presubstantiation list, which identifies a set of providers determined to provide only goods and/or services eligible for funding by medical expense accounts. In response to a determination that the provider is included in the presubstantiation list, the expenses are automatically substantiated and substantiation information is generated and transmitted to a third-party administrator.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter includes a method of distributing a payment of funds made payable to two or more payees. In some embodiments, the method includes the following: receiving a payment of funds made payable to two or more payees; inviting each of the two or more payees to electronically select a preferred method of funds delivery; authenticating each of the two or more payees' identity; electronically receiving the preferred method of funds delivery selected by each of the two or more payees; and delivering funds from the payment of funds to one or more of the two or more payees according to the preferred methods of funds delivery received.

Abstract: A method for processing person-to-person payments and money requests using a computer network. A payment enabler linked to the Internet enables an individual to register for an account through which the individual can make payments to other individuals, request money from other individuals, and access other functionality to facilitate the management of the individual's financial transactions. At the time an individual authorizes a payment to another person or directs the payment enabler to request money from another person, the person to whom the payment or money request is directed may, but need not, have already registered for an account with the payment enabler. To communicate with individuals, the payment enabler may use both Web pages and e-mail. An intermediary typically operates the payment enabler and acts as a conduit for the money transfer from one individual (the payor) to another individual (the payee).

Abstract: A system and computer implemented method for providing a widget are described. The method and system include receiving a configuration of the widget and rendering the widget on a site. The widget is for dynamically displaying multimedia content, is embeddable, and is copyable. The configuration includes an event with which the widget is associated. The multimedia content includes at least one updatable tracking mechanism for the event.

Abstract: A method is provided of operating a self-service check depositing terminal having a single-check acceptor. The method comprises receiving a request from a depositor to conduct a check deposit transaction to deposit a plurality of checks, after receiving the request, obtaining an authorization to allow the depositor to conduct the check deposit transaction to deposit the plurality of checks, after obtaining the authorization, sequentially receiving the plurality of checks from the depositor, and after receiving the plurality of checks, providing a single check deposit transaction message to allow the check deposit transaction to be completed.

Abstract: A method according to an aspect of the present invention includes receiving data through a wired connection from a medical device, transmitting the data to an intermediary device, and formatting a message including the received data for transmission to a medical data server. The intermediary device includes a software program configured to receive the data and process it into a format compatible with the medical data server. This method can be practiced automatically to allow a medical device for a patient or other subject to be monitored without requiring the patient to manually enter information.

Abstract: A method according to an aspect of the present invention includes receiving data from a plurality of medical devices through a wired connection, transmitting the data to an intermediary device, and formatting a message including the received data for transmission to a medical data server. This method can be practiced automatically to allow a medical device for a patient or other subject to be monitored without requiring the patient to manually enter information. This method also allows any number of different medical devices to be monitored, even where such devices each communicate using different wired connections and/or using different communication protocols.

Abstract: A system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a processor, a plurality of device interfaces, a data relay transceiver, and a memory coupled to the processor and storing instructions. The processor executes the instructions in the memory to receive data from one or more medical devices through a wired connection coupled to at least one of the device interfaces, and transmits the data to an intermediary device using the data relay transceiver. This system can be implemented in a small, portable unit that is easy for a patient to transport.

Abstract: A system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a processor, a device interface, a data relay transceiver, and a memory coupled to the processor and storing instructions. The processor executes the instructions in the memory to receive data from a medical device through a wired connection using the device interface, where the data is received through an adapter coupled to the device interface and that communicates with the medical data interchange device using a first communication format and with the medical device using a second communication format. The processor further executes the instructions in the memory to transmit the data to an intermediary device using the data relay transceiver. This system can be implemented in a small, portable unit that is easy for a patient to transport.