Abstract: A method is provided for analyzing pricing and revenue information of a product of a business organization having a plurality of data suppliers. The method may include obtaining transaction data associated with the product and obtaining ledger data associated with the product. The method may also include merging the transaction data and the ledger data to generate new data entries and identifying a plurality of revenue breakdown factors corresponding to revenue of the product based on the new data entries. Further, the method may include predicting a new revenue based on the plurality of revenue breakdown factors and a previous revenue from the ledger data.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system and a method for providing multimedia content to customers at a vendor location. A control server and a plurality of patron devices are provided at the vendor location. The control server receives the multimedia content from at least one multimedia content source. Each patron device of the plurality of patron devices communicates with the control server over a communication network for receiving the multimedia content from the control server. The each patron device displays the multimedia content received from the control server for providing the multimedia content to a customer. The each patron device is configured to receive customer input and communicate multimedia content information to the control server based on the customer input. The control server may provide the multimedia content to the each patron device based on the multimedia content information received from the each patron device.

Abstract: A content delivery system for a mobile device includes sending a program rating message to a first registered customer to query whether the first registered customer desires to rate content. The system delivers a program share message to the first registered customer to query whether the first registered customer desires to share the content. The system provides a list of friends to the first registered customer, whereupon the first registered customer selects a second registered customer from the list. The system delivers content to the second registered customer, providing an incentive to the first registered customer.

Abstract: An incentive system is delivered via a mobile device. A database module registers a customer in the system. The registered customer is provided the mobile device for free or reduced cost. A streaming module is connected to the database module for serving content to the customer. A priority module is connected to the streaming module for implementing a content delivery schedule. The streaming module serves a content notification to the registered customer. The database module records a registered customer acceptance of content and calculates a corresponding content-based incentive. Finally, the streaming module serves the content-based incentive to the registered customer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed that are suitable for automatically identifying appropriate advertisements and locations for composting an advertisement with a media file for user consumption.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for selling products in a modified Dutch auction format. A limited quantity of a designated product is offered for sale. The products are offered at an initial price, which is then discounted over time. Buyers may choose to purchase a product at any time after the modified Dutch commences, but buyers will receive a better final price the longer they wait to make a purchase; however, buyers must make a purchase before the last product is sold, or they will miss out on the deal entirely. A modified Dutch auction may be implemented in an online environment.

Abstract: An advertising apparatus for placement on a food cart or “duty free” cart permits the passenger to readily identify that “duty free” sale is taking place. The advertising apparatus also permit vendors and manufacturers of the “duty free” items to advertise their products directly on the cart for clear viewing by the passenger. It is further envisioned that the advertising apparatus may be mounted to the service cart at any time to enable third party advertising even when “duty free” sale is not taking place, e.g., during the distribution of food, snacks, meals etc. during the flight.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system and a method for providing multimedia content to customers at a vendor location. A control server and a plurality of patron devices are provided at the vendor location. The control server receives the multimedia content from at least one multimedia content source. Each patron device of the plurality of patron devices communicates with the control server over a communication network for receiving the multimedia content from the control server. The each patron device displays the multimedia content received from the control server for providing the multimedia content to a customer. The each patron device is configured to receive customer input and communicate multimedia content information to the control server based on the customer input. The control server may provide the multimedia content to the each patron device based on the multimedia content information received from the each patron device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for advancing collections on unpaid debts. Incentives that provide monetary and/or non-monetary rewards are utilized to encourage, promote, enable, and/or facilitate a collection of one or more unpaid accounts. A book of vouchers may be purchased for a letter-writing service, wherein the cost of the book is subtracted from monies collected. Rewards are allocated for providing unpaid accounts to a debt collection service. The eligibility for the receipt of rewards may require certification in accordance with the present invention. Collections are advanced in accordance with the present invention due to the incentives that encourage and promote collection efforts. Furthermore, improved relationships exist among entities involved in collecting the unpaid debts because of the increased incentives.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a recycling system and method thereof. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to a method of implementing an incentive-based recycling system which rewards clients for recycling recyclable goods via financial or other incentives. In one embodiment, a method of implementing a system of incentive-based recycling comprises dispatching a vehicle on a collection route, collecting recyclable material from a series of collection points, obtaining unique identification data from each collection point, dropping off recyclable material at a drop-off facility, uploading the unique identification data to a central database, and allocating rewards to a customer corresponding to a measurement of the unique identifying data.

Abstract: The present methods and systems of this invention provide health reminder or health awareness tools to individual end users that are not specific to the product or service being provided by the entity that is providing the health reminder, wherein such methods can also include where advertisements for products and services are provided with such health reminders as an additional service to the end user that may be appreciated by the end user in order to identify the benefits of such health reminders with the goodwill of such product or service providers and which may result in increased use or purchase of such unrelated products or services that are associated with such entities or companies providing the health reminders as a beneficial free service of the product or service provider entity.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a user may, via a processing device, indicate a desire to purchase a feature of an installed software product. A purchase request may be sent to an e-commerce server, or other server. The purchase request may be validated and information concerning the software product, the feature of the software product, and the processing device may be stored. Enabling information may be sent to the processing device to enable the feature of the software product. In some embodiments, the user may request a trial of a feature of a software product before purchasing the feature. In other embodiments, the user may deactivate a purchased feature of a software product on one processing device and may activate the purchased feature of the software product on a different processing device.

Abstract: A facilitator supports numerous organizations that supply personal services by providing infrastructure and a management interface for controlling and customizing the infrastructure. The infrastructure includes databases, a web site, scheduling tools, and sales tools. The sales tools can offer both personal services and goods, such as shampoo or lotion. The personal services can be purchased for direct use by the purchaser or as a gift to a recipient. The recipient can receive a gift certificate electronically, through the mail, or delivered by hand. A traveling client can select an organization far from home based on proximity or availability.

Abstract: Techniques described herein overcome many of the issues that have previously made the printing of a single copy of a book from a digital version unattractive and infeasible. According to one embodiment of the invention, an automated mechanism such as a computer program automatically determines whether the spine thickness of a to-be-printed copy of a digital version of a book will exceed the specified maximum spine thickness that a specified binding or other finishing device can handle. In response to determining that the spine thickness will exceed the specified maximum spine thickness, the automated mechanism automatically splits the digital version of the book into two or more volumes such that, for each volume, the spine thickness of the printed version of that volume will be no greater than the specified maximum spine thickness that the specified binding or other finishing device can handle.

Abstract: A global-extensive Internet-based shipping, tracking, and delivery network supporting the capture of shipping document images and recognition-processing thereof initiated from the point of pickup and completed while shipment is transported to the first scanning point in the network so as to significantly reduce delivery time, and enable early clearance of international customs documents, early billing and improved customer service operations over the network.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating cash gifts by enabling a gift recipient to create an online gift registry which includes an option to allow gift givers to make cash gifts in addition to traditional consumer goods from multiple merchants. Other applications of the system and method include, but are not limited to, allowing gift givers to contribute cash toward the purchase of an expensive item and an automated system for sending thank you cards to gift givers from gift recipients.

Abstract: Methods and systems consistent with the present invention facilitate in sending a package (112) to a customer at a physical address via a shipper (106) while preserving customer privacy. In accordance with an embodiment, an order is received from the customer (102). The order may include a unique identifier corresponding to the customer. A package (110) is sent to the shipper (106) in fulfillment of the order, the package including the unique identifier. Then, the customer's physical address is derived from the unique identifier and the package is delivered (112) from the shipper to the customer's physical address.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for electronic gifting. In an exemplary gift purchasing method, a control system receives from a purchasing system a gift purchase request that includes a mobile telephone number (or other unique telephonic identifier) associated with a wireless gift recipient system, sends to a payment authorization system a payment authorization request, receives a payment authorization, and notifies the wireless gift recipient system of an electronic gift certificate. In an exemplary gift redemption method, the control system receives a gift redemption request for goods/services from a point-of-sale (POS) system, sends an authentication request addressed to the wireless gift recipient system by way of text message or other format, receives an authentication confirmation originating from the wireless gift recipient, and sends a redemption authorization to the vendor POS system.

Abstract: A bidding system for a mobile device includes a database module for selecting a target audience including a plurality of registered customers to deliver content, a streaming module connected to the database module for serving content to the plurality of registered customers, and a priority module connected to the streaming module for implementing a content delivery schedule. The database module assists a user in identifying a product or service to offer to the plurality of registered customers, assists the user in matching the product or service to the selected plurality of registered customers, and assists the user in designating an auction parameter applicable to the product or service offered. The streaming module delivers an auction notification to a registered customer via the mobile device. The registered customer enables the delivery of a content program including auction data to the mobile device according to a schedule implemented by the priority module.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for specifying the characteristics of a desired item includes specifying a plurality of items, each of which possess at least one but not all characteristics of the desired item, selecting a subset of characteristics from each of said plurality of items, combining selected subsets of characteristics into a characterization of the desired item, and validating an availability of the desired item.

Abstract: In an embodiment an item is offered for download at an initial offering, which may be free. In an embodiment, reviews of the item are sought. After receiving a predetermined number of orders for the item, increasing the price of the item. In an embodiment, the buyers establish accounts in a virtual bank and purchase the items with funds in the buyer's account in the virtual bank. In an embodiment items are presented to a potential buyer in an order dependent on the number of downloads of the items. Any of the above embodiments may be used alone or together with one another in any combination.

Abstract: The method, system and computer program product for verifying financial data provides tracking and reporting of the reconciliation and approval process by providing a hierarchical list of users responsible for verification of at least a portion of the financial data and automatically notifying the users responsible for the reconciliation and approval, based upon the hierarchical list, of their duties regarding the account. If the certifier and approver do not certify and/or approve the financial data within a specified timeframe, their supervisors, based upon the hierarchical list, will be automatically notified. In addition, any certification and approval of the financial data is recorded, which permits instantaneous reporting regarding the status of the certification and approval process. Moreover, outstanding issues associated with the financial data may be recorded and tracked, and the appropriate user(s) may be notified of the issue if it is without resolution after a specified timeframe.

Abstract: A handheld unit and an associated network and method are provided for tracking the worksite information for a plurality of workers assigned to various worksites and electronically distributing payroll to those workers that opt to participate in a stored value card program. In order to track the worksite information for each worker, a foreman uses a handheld unit to collect worker identification, time, pay scale, work assignment, and work volume information for subsequent transfer to a central processing server capable of accumulating the worksite information from a plurality of re-deployable handheld units. Preferably, the handheld unit is a personal digital assistant (PDA) type device that communicates via a cellular network. In an embodiment, the central processing server accumulates the worksite information in a database for subsequent reporting and analysis and forwards the pay information to a payroll processing server for payroll distribution via an optionally issued stored value card.

Abstract: A system uses an intelligent load controller for managing use of a consumable resource at an associated load. The controller has a resource measuring component for measuring the rate of use of the resource by the associated load, including measuring at least one of an instantaneous usage rate and a usage rate over an integration period and a load status component for receiving load status data for the associated load. The controller also has a communication component for receiving control messages from and sending load status messages to other associated controllers; a memory for storing a load control goal set; and a load control computer program responsive to the resource measuring component, the load status component, the control messages from other associated controllers and the load control goal set, to determine a load operating level for, and provide control commands to, the associated load.

Abstract: A billing system for determining package transportation charges. The billing system includes a reader to read a package identifier associated with said package and the reader generates a package identifier signal and transmits the same to a microprocessor. The billing system also includes a package sizer having a plurality of non-contact optical sensors located along each of an x, y and z axis, where each optical sensor is in a known position. The sensors are oriented relative to the conveyor so that packages passing over the sensors are detected by the sensors and produce a signal correlated to said package size. Also provided is a microprocessor to receive and correlate said package size and identifier signals, and to determine an appropriate shipping charge based upon the same. A weigh scale may also be incorporated into the system. A method of determining a transportation charge is also comprehended, which includes a self-diagnostic initialization procedure.

Abstract: Transaction processing for financial institution-based transactions is facilitated. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a transaction processing approach involves the processing of financial aspects of a transaction between buying and selling parties using transaction rules associated with a sponsoring financial institution. Transaction-related information is processed as a function of business rules associated with the sponsoring financial institution to facilitate payment for the transaction and the assessment of fees associated with the transaction processing.

Abstract: A content purchaser can freely and fluidly zoom into and out of content at a continuous range of resolutions. The price for the viewed content is calculated using a price function, such as a binary price function, a discrete price function, or a continuous price function. Payment can be made automatically without interrupting the process of viewing the content. If payment cannot be made automatically, various user interfaces may be provided that are integrated with the viewing process for allowing a would-be purchaser to buy the content at any desired resolution.

Abstract: Bank card fraud detection and/or prevention methods can generally involve determining a common point of compromise and/or identifying merchants associated with bank card transaction frequencies which exceed a predetermined threshold value which is indicative of potentially fraudulent bank card activity. These methods can further involve identifying other bank cards used at the common point of compromise.

Abstract: A method and system for payments for mobile phone payments with a disabling feature is disclosed. The method includes activating a mobile phone containing contactless payment systems, and having a timeout feature disable the contactless payment systems after a set period of time.

Abstract: A system for managing trading orders comprises a memory operable to store a first order in a first order book. The first order is associated with a first group of traders, which is associated with a first ruleset. The memory is further operable to store a second order in a second order book, wherein the second order was received after the first order. The second order is associated with a second group of traders, which is associated with a second ruleset. The system further comprises a processor communicatively coupled to the memory and operable to receive a counterorder associated with a third group of traders, wherein the counterorder matches the first order and the second order. The processor is further operable to execute a first trade associated with the second order and the counterorder, wherein the first trade is executed according to the second ruleset.

Abstract: A system for managing trading orders comprises a memory operable to store a first order associated with a first discretion range. The system further comprises a processor communicatively coupled to the memory and operable to receive a counterorder associated with a second discretion range, wherein the first discretion range intersects the second discretion range. The processor is further operable to determine a midpoint price based at least in part on the intersection of the first and second discretion ranges. The processor is further operable to execute a trade at the determined midpoint price.

Abstract: A system for managing trading orders comprises a memory operable to store a first order associated with a particular trading product, wherein the first order is associated with a first price comprising a first root value. The system further comprises a processor communicatively coupled to the memory and operable to receive a second order associated with the particular trading product. The second order is associated with a second price; and the second price comprises a second root value and a particular fractional pip value. The processor is further operable to disclose the first root value and the second root value while suppressing the particular fractional pip value.

Abstract: A system for managing trading orders comprises a memory operable to store an order associated with a first price. The system further comprises a processor communicatively coupled to the memory and operable to identify a latency value. The processor is further operable to receive a counterorder and to identify a potential trade associated with the order and the counterorder, the potential trade based at least in part on the first price. If the latency value satisfies a configurable condition, the processor is further operable to initiate a configurable period of time. If the potential trade is not valid upon expiration of the configurable period, the processor is further operable to prevent the execution of the potential trade.

Abstract: A method is provided for placing a trade order for a commodity on an electronic exchange to da executed at a future time, said method composing the steps of displaying a trading screen for a commodity market, said trading screen including a future time schedule and an order entry region corresponding to each future time segment of the future time schedule, and scheduling an order corresponding to a future time segment by locating a pointer of a user device within an order entry region corresponding to the future time segment and sending an input signal via the pointer.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for facilitating the exchange of data between one or more price providers and customers who communicate with the price providers through various portals, each of which may use it own data format. In transmitting data from customer to price provider, the data output from each portal is normalized to a standardized format and then transmitted to the appropriate price provider(s) where the data exchanged with the various portals can be viewed by a trader at a single display or can be exchanged with an automated pricing engine. The customer may also be provided with a universal Web site at which a customer may access any of the portals' Web sites to simplify access for the customer as well.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a system and method for modifying and testing criteria attributes used with decision engines. The criteria attribute unit (10) receives proposed criteria attribute data from the proposed criteria input source (5). If the proposed criteria attribute data qualifies as acceptable criteria attribute data as reflected in the acceptable criteria storage unit (15), then the proposed criteria attribute data is stored in the active criteria storage unit (20). If the proposed criteria attribute data qualifies as unacceptable criteria attribute data as reflected in the unacceptable criteria storage unit (35), then the proposed criteria attribute data is disregarded. If the proposed criteria attribute data is neither acceptable nor unacceptable criteria attribute data, then the data is stored in the untested criteria storage unit (30). Active criteria attribute data is provided to the decision processor (25) for processing.

Abstract: This invention provides systems, methods, and designs for a novel financial product which provides many lifecycle investment advantages compared to existing state of the art products currently available.

Abstract: A method for receiving and presenting user-generated designs and sets of terms for portable consumer devices. The method provides for allowing a first person to create a customized design for a portable consumer device, and share the design with other consumers via a host site. Similarly, the method provides for allowing a first person to create and share a customized set of terms for the portable consumer device. Methods for receiving and distributing feedback for customized designs and sets of terms are included.

Abstract: A system is provided for tracking and monitoring a transaction of an object of value such as, for example, a yacht, boat, ship, marine vessel, aircraft, motor vehicle, other transportation vehicles and real estate for personal, commercial and/or recreational use. The system includes at least one client device operable by at least one of a plurality of users of the system, at least one centralized data store for storing information that includes data identifying the object of value, the plurality of users of the system, and the transaction, the transaction data including a plurality of activities and documents for completing the transaction and a controller. The controller operatively couples the client device and the centralized data store and selectively provides access to information stored in the data store for tracking and monitoring the transaction and the activities performed and documents created, reviewed and completed by parties to the transaction.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and system for converting sports movement into electrical energy and/or storing the generated electrical energy for later use and or injecting the generated electrical energy into nationwide and local electricity networks, comprising converting mechanical energy created by a human physical movement which is applied to sports equipment (1); employing gear boxes, gears, pulleys, chain, belt (2) to convert said mechanical energy; determining speed and power of said sports equipments; changing speed and power of said sports equipments; determining and/or changing direction of said power of said sports equipments; generating electricity of 1.

Abstract: A centralized marketplace for efficient and streamlined third party listings, including advertisements, to be placed within marketplaces. An automated backend coordinates the listing transactions, including the collection of fees, timings of display of listings, etc. Additionally, each marketplace may facilitate the placement of listings in affiliated marketplaces and similarly receive listings from affiliates for a fee or free.

Abstract: A business method is disclosed of increasing the probability of timely receiving payment for financing renewable energy consumer premises equipment (CPE) by a consumer for power generation at a consumer premises, the renewable energy CPE adapted to deliver power onto a power grid. The method comprises creating an agreement between a consumer and an entity financing renewable energy CPE, wherein creating the agreement includes creating a provision that allows the entity to control power at the consumer premises if a default of the agreement by the consumer occurs.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system and method for managing a payment system. The method generally comprises activating a payment card, associating a value with the payment card, associating at least one third party with the bill payment card, receiving a request from a bill payment card user to transfer at least some of the value to a selected third party, the request comprising receiving an identifier associated with the payment card and receiving an indication of an amount of value to transfer, and transferring at least some of the value to the selected third party. Systems of the invention may generally comprise one or more payment cards, a database storing a plurality of records comprising information related to the payment card; one or more communication devices; and a processor in communication with the database and in selective communication with the communication device.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer readable storage to implement a method to determine flow schedules for processing a check presented at a bank by a patron. The flow schedule can be determined by using a routing number associated with the check and then looking up the routing number in a database in order to determine whether the check is an on-us check or transit check. The system can further determine whether a transit check is a local or non-local check based on whether the bank uses the same check processing center as the paying financial institution of the check. The type of check deposited by a patron affects the flow schedule and hence the information relayed to the patron. The flow schedule also varies in accordance with whether the patron is a customer of the bank and other factors.

Abstract: A facility for discerning corruption of an electronic ballot is described. The facility sends from a first computer system to a second computer system an encrypted ballot that reflects a ballot choice selected by a voter. The facility then sends a confirmation from the second computer system to the first computer system, which serves to convey the decrypted contents of the encrypted ballot as received at the second computer system, and which is generated without decrypting the encrypted ballot. In the first computer system, the facility uses the confirmation to determine whether the decrypted contents of the encrypted ballot as received at the second computer system match the ballot choice selected by the voter.

Abstract: Controlling delivery of broadcast encryption content for a network cluster from a content server outside the cluster that include receiving in the content server from the network device a key management block for the cluster, a unique data token for the cluster, and an encrypted cluster id and calculating a binding key for the cluster in dependence upon the key management block for the cluster, the unique data token for the cluster, and the encrypted cluster id. In typical embodiments, calculating a binding key includes calculating a management key from the key management block for the cluster; calculating a content server device key from the management key and the content server device id; decrypting the encrypted cluster id with the content server device key; and calculating the binding key with the management key, the unique data token for the cluster, and the cluster id.

Abstract: A method of protecting digital data by utilizing a credit rating system is disclosed. Users of a download service have credit ratings and credit histories. Initially when a user signs up for a download service, the user's credit rating is set to a predetermined level. As the user continues to use the service their credit rating is affected by their behavior. If unauthorized copies of the user's files appear on the Internet, pier to pier networks, or on physical storage means, the user's credit rating will go down. If the user's credit rating drops to a certain level, the content provider can suspend or terminate the user's account. If the user exhibits good behavior by not illegally sharing files they are rewarded. The reward comprises free downloads, exclusive content, reduced subscription fees, digital cash, or prizes. As a result, digital data is protected and illegal file sharing is prevented.

Abstract: A content distribution system stores encrypted content, an operating system, a decrypt application and a decrypt key on a portable storage device with a serial communication interface such as USB. The portable storage device may be connected to a hardware unit (containing a corresponding/compatible serial interface) designed to boot from the stored operating system. Upon booting, the operating system automatically retrieves the encrypted content, decrypt application and decrypt key, and executes the decrypt application to generate (by decrypting using the decrypt key) the source content, which is then reproduced/replayed on a suitable system such as a television. Content such as songs/movies etc., may thus be distributed efficiently on a relatively small-sized portable storage devices such as a USB thumb drive.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for delivering targeted informational messages includes a computer system for creating a de-identified encrypted PID and de-identified patient transaction data in a retail store for transmission and storage. A subset of de-identified encrypted PIDs are associated with targeted informational messages by the system and transmitted to retail stores, where a targeted message is printed on behalf of the patient corresponding to the de-identified encrypted PID.

Abstract: An information management system is described comprising one or more workstations running applications to allow a user of the workstation to connect to a network, such as the Internet. Each application has an analyzer, which monitors transmission data that the application is about to transmit to the network or about to receive from the network and which determines an appropriate action to take regarding that transmission data. Such actions may be extracting data from the transmission data, such as passwords and usernames, digital certificates or eCommerce transaction details for storage in a database; ensuring that the transmission data is transmitted at an encryption strength appropriate to the contents of the transmission data; determining whether a check needs to be made as to whether a digital certificate received in transmission data is in force, and determining whether a transaction about to be made by a user of one of the workstations needs third party approval before it is made.