Abstract: A user may use a financial card to make a purchase at a merchant. An institution system may receive and analyze transaction data associated with the purchase. The institution system may send a notice to the user asking if the user would like insurance coverage for the item(s) pertaining to the purchase. The notice may request the user send a photo of the item(s) or documentation pertaining to the item(s) to the institution system.

Abstract: A method of improving sales performance over multiple geographical sales regions includes determining (305) characteristics of each of the geographical sales regions and determining sales parameters, over which control can be exercised, for each of the sales regions. The method further includes modeling (310, 315, 320, 405) each of the sales regions based on the determined characteristics and sales parameters to create a model and determining (410), using the model, scores for sales parameters and revenue for each of the sales regions that allow direct comparison between each of the sales regions. The method also includes comparing (415) the scores for each of the sales regions to determine how to adjust the sales parameters to increase revenue for each of the sales regions.

Abstract: A computer readable storage medium encoded with a project assessment program for assessing a project including a plurality of processes when executed by a computer computing forecasts of the project based on a set of information. At least one scheme by a user input is selected from a group of schemes including an estimation of mutual-correlation of estimated value pattern. Process planning information, up-to-date actual process information and forecast model information of each process included in the project is retrieved. The forecast model information of each process of the project is defined as probability distribution variations of a plurality of parameters of the processes, wherein the probability distribution variations are quantitative values of the project. Estimated values of variations in at least two parameters of the processes using the process planning information, the up-to-date actual process information and the forecast model information are computed.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for product life cycle management over an information network. More particularly, techniques are provided for decision support activation and management in accordance with a product life cycle management process such as a collaborative design process. In one aspect of the invention, a technique for managing at least one collaborative process performed in accordance with a first entity and at least a second entity, comprises the following steps/operations. Information associated with the at least one collaborative process is obtained. Based on at least a portion of the obtained information, an information structure (e.g., a context pyramid) representative of the collaborative process is dynamically maintained so as to assist at least one of the first entity and the second entity in managing at least a portion of the collaborative process.

Abstract: Systems and methods for mapping relative strategic intent of tactics and associated projects in an enterprise are provided. Some embodiments provide a computer-implemented tool, a method, and/or a computer-implemented system for mapping strategic intent of an organization. Projects are mapped to tactics and stored in a data store. Fulfillment percentages of tactics are claimed, where the percentages represent the portion of a tactic that is achieved by a project that is mapped to it. Ownership of a tactic may be assigned, which gives the tactic owner authority to grant approval for mapping projects to the owned tactic. Tactic sets, which include groups of tactics having some element in common, may be organized to permit projects to carry over into new time periods. A reporting tool is used to display information such as mapped relationships, ownership, approval status, fulfillment percentage, and tactic sets for use in strategic intent mapping.

Abstract: A workflow process management application (WPMA) for a specific organization is created via a web application that can be implemented using a web server front end and a database back end. An administrator user operates the application by using a built-in administrative function to create objects such as users, groups, departments, locations, acuities, activities, and skills. The administrator or another suitable user can then use a built-in defining function to finalize objects and create instances of the objects corresponding to the organization. Appropriate users can use the plan function to allocate specific users to specific departments to ensure that all activities are assigned an appropriate amount of workers having the appropriate skills. When (or after) the work is performed the actual workflow data can be electronically gathered (if possible), or manually entered. Reports can then be generated to show differences between the planned workflow and the actual workflow.

Abstract: A system and method for lot priority adjustment. The system includes a database, a calculation unit and an adjustment unit. The database stores at least a committed date for a lot, a throughput rate and a cycle time for respective route operations in a production line, and Work-In-Process (WIP) information of the production line. The calculation unit calculates an x-ratio for the lot on a target route operation according to a current time, the committed date and a remaining cycle time for the lot, calculates a lot weight for the lot according to current loading of a predetermined number of route operations subsequent to the target route operation, and calculates a weighted x-ratio according to the x-ratio and the lot weight. The adjustment unit adjusts a priority for the lot according to the weighted x-ratio.

Abstract: A customized group tour development system includes a server configured to execute a customized tour application. The customized tour application includes a sales module configured to generate a tour proposal for a custom tour as a function of a customized tour framework. The customized tour application may also include a client module that is configured to be enabled to allow creation of a group list within the customized tour framework. The group list may include participants in the custom tour. An operations module is also included in the customized tour application. The operations module is configured to develop the customized tour framework into a fully detailed customized tour.

Abstract: This invention provides for a method of (or apparatus for) facilitating the delivery of advice to consumers using a server unit which can store and display the names and characteristics of experts and then rapidly assist in connecting the expert and consumer for real-time communication. The server can also have the ability to receive keywords from the consumer, match those keywords to one or more experts, and tell the consumer how to contact an expert.

Abstract: Individual employees are permitted to be individuals and plan their work as individuals. Individuals are only asked to plan their work within a limited tasking horizon. Employees track their progress using verbs that are designed to capture the reasons behind positive and negative predictive ability. Verbs are analyzed and expected predictive error, also know as risk, is calculated. Once verbs are captured they can be analyzed for ways to improve predictive ability. In addition, the risk can be factored into the initial planning stage so as to include an expected predictive error in the initial planning.

Abstract: In various embodiments, strategies, tools and techniques are provided for processing and analyzing data in an advertising measurement system accessible through a software-as-a-service model or a client-downloaded computer program. The system may be configured to receive and process household media exposure data, product purchase data, advertising data, program data, and demographic data, wherein the data may be obtained from various sources, including from a program delivery source (e.g., a television set-top box) located in a household of a consumer. The data may be matched and cross-correlated for calculating return on advertising investment measurements and other metrics. The data may be used to optimize media placement generally or to address advertising content to specific households. Methods for storing data in the advertising measurement system by distributing the data across multiple shards are also provided. In addition, methods for protecting privacy of communicated data are disclosed.

Abstract: The present solution described herein provides systems and methods to coordinate and control the lighting of areas of a display unit in manner desired based on the type, brand and other characteristics of the product presented for display via the display unit. A lighting control system may control the characteristics of light emanating from one or more light sources to cause a reaction or visual effect from light reactive material of the product or display unit. In some cases, the lighting control system may control the characteristics of light emanating from one or more light sources based on signals from detectors, such as sensing any state or condition of the ambient environment.

Abstract: Methods, systems and computer program products target specific consumers for a marketing campaign of goods and/or services by: (a) defining a multi-factorial mathematical model of defined parameters; (b) calculating a numerical value using the multi-factorial mathematical model for respective consumers; then (c) ranking the consumers based on the calculated value associated with the model.

Abstract: A processor-based system utilized by a consumer may be controlled and managed by a service provider for the benefit of a retail vendor. The service provider may control the content that is displayed on the client system. For example, the service provider may control the initial sets of graphical user interfaces that are provided to enable the consumer to make service selections. In addition, the consumer may be asked for information that enables the system to customize subsequent information provided to the consumer. As a result, the consumer's processor-based system may be remotely managed and controlled to facilitate communications between a particular retail vendor and a consumer.

Abstract: A system facilitates the purchase of telecommunication services from a variety of service providers. The system receives a request for purchasing at least one telecommunication service from a buyer via a buyer terminal, provides the request to a group of seller terminals corresponding to a group of the service providers, and receives a reply from the seller terminals in response to the request. The system then provides the replies to the buyer terminal, receives a selection from the buyer terminal in response to the replies, and notifies a service provider of the selection and an identity of the buyer.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for effecting remote commerce, such as in telemarketing (either inbound or outbound) and in electronic commerce, which are particularly adapted for the intelligent selection and proffer of products, services or information to a user or customer.

Abstract: In one embodiment an online game advertising system provides an architecture for enabling the definition, sales, distribution, and management of interactive advertisements, sponsorships, and placements that appear within an online video game as part of the game experience or during idle load, wait, and pause screens. For example, in a race car game, when a driver pulls in for a pit stop, the engine oil brand that the game player may choose may be defined as locations for advertisements or product placements for real life engine oils and game publishers and advertisers may manage what specific advertisements to place in these locations.

Abstract: A route may be created and provided to a client. A stopping point along the route is received, and a search is performed for at least one point of interest according to the stopping point. Further, a route is created and provided to a client, and at least one stopping point associated with the route is identified based on at least one of a distance along the route, an indication of a place on a map, a category search, and a key word search.

Abstract: Upon a client encountering an error while operating a self-service application for changing services in a wireless device, the client can queue themselves to speak with a customer care center representative. Data collected from the client through the self-service application is transferred to a customer care system to provide the customer care representative with application state information including which step in the application the customer requires assistance with. Upon the customer care representative successfully assisting the customer the wireless device continues on to the next step in the self-service application. When all of the steps in the self-service application are complete or upon completion of each step, the data collected is transferred to the customer care system and used to update the necessary systems to implement the change in service.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving the liquidity and distribution network for luxury and other illiquid items are provided. These systems and methods preferably include the trading of futures and options contracts, which will provide the liquidity and distribution network for luxury items. Possible embodiments of these systems and methods include the trading of futures and options contracts for diamonds and wine. Another embodiment of this invention preferably includes generating indexes for diamond prices, wine prices, luxury item prices, housing values, mortgage prepayments, privately-held companies or for anything with from sufficiently liquid points of value. Another embodiment of this invention preferably includes a centralized data base for retrieving closing and current auction prices for determining the value of, and best method for the auctioning of various items. The data provided by this data base would improve liquidity by creating greater price transparency.

Abstract: A method and system for conducting, managing and executing over a communication network, an auction of claims or assets to buyers having expressed interest in purchasing claims or assets is presented. The method includes placing an indication of the availability of at least one of said assets at a remote site, wherein said indication is accessible by each of said buyers over said network, notifying at least one buyer predeterminedly expressing interest in items contained within said claims or assets of the availability of said at least one claim or asset, determining a market value of said at least one claim or asset based on historical data of same or similar claims or assets, dynamically adjusting the market value, conducting an interactive bidding process, notifying one of the bidding buyers of acceptance of a corresponding bid when said bid satisfies predetermined criteria, and recording the accepted bid.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a dynamic virtual shopping area based on user preferences and history. A method for providing a dynamic virtual shopping area in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes: capturing user preferences; and dynamically customizing a virtual shopping area for an avatar based on the user preferences, such that the avatar is presented with items the avatar is more likely to purchase upon entering the virtual shopping area.

Abstract: Structure and functionality, including web-related (client and/or server side) structure and functionality are provided for use in custom basket design, assembly, evaluation and delivery. Orders from a website, an inbound call center, a sales representative or other source are placed in a non-processed order bin (102). In the case of the website orders, senders are assisted in custom basket assembly and shipping costs are calculated on a basket-specific basis. Specialists at an item pick station (104) select orders from the bin (102) and retrieve items to be assembled into a basket from inventory, as well as the basket vessel itself. The items are then placed into a production queue (106) where they are accessed by specialists at basket build stations (108). The basket is assembled at the basket build station (108), and a digital photograph of the completed basket it taken.

Abstract: In an example embodiment, a method is provided. The method may comprise receiving an auction item identifier from a global positioning system (GPS) apparatus. Auction data associated with the auction item identifier is accessed and transmitted to a voice portal server. The voice portal server may call a telephone number and receive a request to acquire the auction item.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer-readable medium is described for facilitating interactions between computing systems, such as by providing an electronic Web service (“WS”) marketplace via which third-party WS providers make their WSes available to third-party WS consumers who locate and purchase access to those WSes via the electronic marketplace. Some or all available WSes may have associated use prices and or non-price use conditions, and if so access to those WSes may be provided only if a consumer requesting access provides appropriate payment and otherwise satisfies the specified use conditions. In some situations, WS consumers may also purchase subscriptions to provide later access to registered WSes. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring it, and is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer-readable medium is described for facilitating interactions between computing systems, such as by providing an electronic Web service (“WS”) marketplace via which third-party WS providers make their WSes available to third-party WS consumers who locate and purchase access to those WSes via the electronic marketplace. Some or all available WSes may have associated use prices and or non-price use conditions, and if so access to those WSes may be provided only if a consumer requesting access provides appropriate payment and otherwise satisfies the specified use conditions. In some situations, WS consumers may also purchase subscriptions to provide later access to registered WSes. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring it, and is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods to allow those offering products and services, for example, via web pages, to collect accurate preferences and requirements with a minimum of effort required from a potential customer. Product information containing priority indicators is presented to a user while the user is viewing product information. By selecting a priority indicator, he user may indicate that he is interested in specific product features associated with each priority indicator. This information may then be used to construct detailed product information, quotations, demonstrations, or other material. Thus, accurate, valuable, and useful customer data may be collected without imposing on potential customers to invest a great deal of effort.

Abstract: A method and system for providing attribute verification (330) consistent with the invention includes obtaining the attributes (320) of the item prior to placing the item in a delivery system (350), verifying correctness of the attributes (320), and transmitting an indication of the correctness of the attributes to a delivery system operator over a communications system (340).

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method for determining absorption costs for transfers between a plurality of cost groups. In one embodiment, a transferable item is identified. A plurality of cost group sets among which the transferable item is transferred is then defined. Then, a processing sequence of the plurality of cost group sets is determined. An iterative process for determining the cost of transfers between the plurality of cost groups is performed based upon the processing sequence.

Abstract: The systems, methods and related software products which enable users to temporarily store and subsequently retrieve information are disclosed. The system includes a plurality of input devices, client computers (each having a user-specific personal finance application) and a web-site server with a database. The input devices, client computers and server are communicatively linked via a communication network so that a plurality of users can temporarily store and/or manipulate financial transaction information on the server from any of the input devices. Each user can also transmit financial profile information to the server. This information enables the server to replicate the unique profile characteristics for each of the finance applications. This, in turn, simplifies remote entry of information, subsequent download of that information and integration of such information into each user's personal finance application.

Abstract: A communication terminal, to which a power is supplied from the fuel cell, includes an ID detecting unit that detects at least one of unique identification information of a fuel reservoir for supplying fuel to the fuel cell and unique identification information of the fuel cell, a content detecting unit that detects a content executed in the communication terminal, a cell driving detecting unit that detects an operating state of the fuel cell, and a matching process unit that collates and associates with each other data obtained from the ID detecting unit the content detecting unit and the cell driving detecting unit.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media are described for normalizing HMDA data. In one exemplary embodiment, a computer-implemented method of normalizing HMDA data comprises receiving HMDA data including at least one of HMDA data reports and loan-level public HMDA data, the HMDA data having information that varies as a function of time; correcting errors in the HMDA data; normalizing the HMDA data across any variation in the information; summarizing the normalized HMDA data; and outputting the summarized and normalized HMDA data to an application for analysis.

Abstract: The present invention provides timecard processing in a procurement management system. A service provider creates and submits an on-line timecard, the timecard is approved by an approver, and the billing information is forwarded to a payment processing function. An embodiment comprises the steps of: providing a user interface for entry, modification and approval of timecard data; reading a timecard projects table to add data to the timecard data; comparing the received timecard data to the timecard projects table to determine if the received timecard data is valid: reading a contractor profile table to add data to the timecard data; reading timecard business rules; applying the timecard business rules, reading an approval matrix; notifying at least one approver to the existence of the received timecard data; computing billing amounts; accepting changes to the timecard data; receiving approval for payment of the billing amounts; and transmitting payment data.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for processing the financial information of a client of a financial institution. One method embodiment includes receiving data from an overdraft data source including at least one overdraft occurrence associated with a transaction performed in association with the client; analyzing the overdraft occurrence in an overdraft application to determine a cause and disposition of the overdraft occurrence in connection with the cause of the overdraft occurrence; and, communicating an overdraft report associated with the analyzing step to a manager associated with the client. Additional system and computer-readable medium embodiments of the present methods are also provided. In another aspect of the present methods and systems, historical overdraft issues are analyzed and reported to the management of a financial institution. System and computer-readable medium embodiments of these analysis and reporting methods are also provided.

Abstract: A technique for detecting anomalous values in a small set of financial metrics makes use of context data that is determined based upon the characteristics of the target company being evaluated. Context data is selected to represent the historical values of the financial metric for the target company or the simultaneous performance of peer companies. Using the context data, an anomaly score for the financial metric is calculated representing the degree to which the value of the financial metric is an outlier among the context data. This can be done using an exceptional statistical technique. The anomaly score can be used to evaluate the risks associated with business transactions related to the target company.

Abstract: Confidence scoring entails receipt of a predicted property value for a given property, where the predicted property value is determined based upon application of a property value prediction model. A set of values corresponding to input factors is determined for the property value prediction model, and model parameters are estimated based upon those values. A confidence score for the predicted property value is then calculated using a confidence scoring model and the model parameters. The confidence score is preferably provided as an accuracy probability. This may further be in the form of a probability that the predicted property value has an error within a specified range, such as a specified range expressed in terms of a percentage error.

Abstract: A telephone interface to an Internet payment processing system. The interface may be installed on equipment used to process a card transactions. When a request for authorization is initiated, the interface dials a telephone number and establishes a connection to a communications server. The interface creates a message comprising the transaction data that conforms to the hypertext transport protocol (HTTP) and transmits it over the telephone line to the communications server. The communications server establishes a TCP/IP connection to a web server and the HTTP message is forwarded to the web server where transaction data is extracted from the HTTP message and formatted for submission to a card transaction processing network. The transaction is submitted and an authorization code approving or denying the request is returned from the network to the web server, to the communications server, and then to the merchant terminal using the telephone line.

Abstract: Systems and methods of trading items on an electronic trading system according to the invention are provided. The embodiments of the invention are based at least in part on a new order type. The new order type is an only at best order type, whereby trades are preferably only executed at the best price the item is being bought or sold.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for structuring a debt service reserve fund, comprising: investing at least part of the debt service reserve fund in a tax-exempt investment; and obtaining a liquidity commitment on at least part of the tax-exempt investment. Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for providing a liquidity commitment on a debt service reserve fund, comprising: obligating a debt issuer associated with the debt service reserve fund to invest at least part of the debt service reserve fund in a tax-exempt investment; and furnishing a liquidity commitment to the debt issuer on at least part of the tax-exempt investment.

Abstract: A process and system are provided for determining whether to rebalance an investment account having assets associated with one of the plurality of investment styles relative to an allocation rule is determined. The determined drift is compared with a threshold value. A determination is made whether to rebalance the investment account is based on the comparison.

Abstract: A computer-aided financial analysis system and method provides research analytical capabilities for modeling financial security holdings that include the capability to conduct multi-dimensional dynamic searches across fundamental research, technical research, market data and exposure to exogenous economic and market factors. The capability to isolate securities most susceptible to market movements and overlay available research analyses on top of this view and to view exposure to directional change in any exogenous economic and market factor on an individual security or portfolio of securities in a real-time, intuitive manner via charts, tables and/or heat maps is also provided.

Abstract: A system provides automation or semi-automation of trade execution and recordkeeping services for a fund of funds, in particular, a fund of hedge funds. In providing such features for trade execution and recordkeeping, various transaction processes may be automated or semi-automated, thus, reducing an amount of human operator action and introduction of associated delay and possibility of error. Moreover, such a system may have further utility in providing access to lot-level records.

Abstract: A system comprises a memory operable to store market data. The system further comprises a processor communicatively coupled to the memory and operable to buy a plurality of index futures. The plurality of index futures are held as long positions in a trust, and a particular index future is publicly traded on a commodity exchange. The processor is further operable to issue a plurality of trust receipts associated with the trust, wherein the plurality of trust receipts are publicly traded on at least one security exchange. The processor is further operable to post a margin with a futures commission merchant (FCM), wherein the margin is based at least in part on the plurality of index futures and the FCM makes at least one interest payment associated with the plurality of index futures.

Abstract: The present invention primarily concerns hybrid auctions that may, for example, combine a clock auction with a proxy auction. Hybrid auctions include multi-item auctions that comprise at least two phases of package auctions: an earlier phase in which bidders participate in a clock auction (or other dynamic auction); and a later phase in which bidders participate in a proxy auction (or some other package auction). By combining the earlier phase and the later phase as in some of the embodiments described herein, it is possible to combine the advantages of the dynamic auction and the advantages of the sealed-bid package auction. In particular, if the earlier phase is a clock auction and the later phase is a proxy auction, then the resulting hybrid auction will combine the transparency and simplicity of the clock auction with the efficient outcome and competitive revenues of the proxy auction.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for short term trading in gas and/or gas derivatives. In a preferred embodiment, the system provides a plurality of shallow depth salt gas storage facilities. Each of the facilities is typically operated at pressures in a range close to the pipeline pressure, typically within a range of 20 to 80 bars. If trading results in a difference to be made up, then computers operating the facilities respond quickly to add or remove gas from the pipelines, as required, with a response time as low as two minutes to change the net direction of flow of gas into or out of the storage facilities.

Abstract: This method groups multiple merchandises (products/services) and multiple traders (buyer/sellers/carriers) that share similar properties with a Merchandise Group ID (MGID) and a User Group ID (UGID), respectively. Each MGID and UGID represents one Merchandise Group and Trader Group, respectively. Different MGIDs and UGIDs represent different merchandise and trader groups. The method also utilize a multi-party matching mechanism to trade Merchandise Groups among Trader Groups by having grouped buyers/sellers/carriers place bid/ask/cAsk offers on both the merchandise and any shipping services required to fulfill the transaction. Based on offers received, the system calculates Gap Values in real-time to determine if deals can be closed. Like stock tickers, MGID enables grouped merchandise to be traded like stocks. UGID enables grouped traders to trade desired merchandise with acceptable counterparties through matching both MGIDs and UGIDs.

Abstract: A system and methods for dynamically changing a trade order quantity in an electronic trading environment are described herein. According to one example embodiment, an automated trading tool determines if a leaned on quantity of a trading strategy has increased or decreased and if so, dynamically changing a desired order quantity to reflect the change in the leaned on quantity. Dynamically changing an order quantity may be more profitable for a trader as order queue position may be maintained and portion of the desired order quantity may get filled; rather than a trader losing their order queue position and/or taking a chance of not getting any of their order quantity filled.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to facilitate an analysis of a commercial mortgage backed security portfolio. According to one embodiment, base information associated with the portfolio is determined. Information associated with an additional mortgage loan to be added to the portfolio is then determined, and a loan spread is calculated for the additional mortgage loan in accordance with a contribution of the additional mortgage loan to the portfolio. For example, a real time pricing server may calculate the loan spread based on a desired profitability associated with the additional mortgage loan.

Abstract: An incentive based loan method and related system provides a loan to a purchaser in association with the purchase of goods or services. An amount of purchases to be made by a purchaser, such as a small business, is projected over a period of time. The purchases can be goods or services, such as package shipping services. Based on the amount of the projected purchases, an incentive rate is agreed upon by the seller of the goods or services and the purchaser. In lieu of receiving the discounted rate on the goods or services during the period of time, the present value of the total incentives to be earned over the projection period is loaned to the purchaser. The purchaser thereafter pays list price for the goods or services, and the incentives earned are applied to the required loan payment.

Abstract: A method of providing a user with education financing information, includes the acts of: maintaining an electronic site on a computer network to which the user may connect; sending data to the user over the network for presenting at least one electronic screen which contains financial award information concerning a potential student of an educational institution, the financial award information including a monetary award which may be used for the student to attend the educational institution; and sending data to the user over the network when requested for presenting at least one electronic screen which contains cost projection information, the cost projection information being a function of the award and including an amount of money required for the student to attend the educational institution.