Abstract: An interactive wagering application is provided that allows users to establish wagering criteria. When the wagering application detects that a wagering opportunity is available that satisfies the user's selected criteria, the wagering application may take an appropriate action. The wagering application may, for example, automatically place a wager or may notify a user that the criteria have been satisfied. Wagering criteria may be based on a particular track, horse, jockey, trainer, racetrack surface, race distance, statistics, jockey silks, odds or changes in odds, etc.

Abstract: An anonymous trading system comprises an interconnected network of broking nodes arranged in cliques which receive buy and sell orders from trader terminals via connected trading engines and which match persistent orders, executed deals and distribute price information to trader terminals. Where two orders are matched, a proposed deal message is sent by the matching broker. If another broker has processed an event which makes the matched quote unavailable the match fails and rematch may occur. Rematch may be attempted by an intermediate broker provided it owns one side of the match, or it received both sides of the match from brokers in different cliques. The intermediate broker attempts to match with the next available quote in the queue.

Abstract: A system and associated methods are provided for use of fractional pay-up ticks in relation to offset orders being sent for a trading strategy that involves trading a first tradeable object and at least a second tradeable object. According to one example method, when an indication is received that a quantity at a first price for the first tradeable object is filled, a plurality of offset orders for the second tradeable object is sent to an electronic order book of the second tradeable object. The plurality of offset orders is placed at a plurality of price levels determined based on at least one fractional pay-up tick value, the first price, and the desired spread price. A quantity for each order is determined based on a quantity divider rule that is applied to an offset quantity to offset the fill.

Abstract: A system and associated methods are provided for use of fractional pay-up ticks in relation to offset orders being sent for a trading strategy that involves trading a first tradeable object and at least a second tradeable object. According to one example method, when an indication is received that a quantity at a first price for the first tradeable object is filled, a plurality of offset orders for the second tradeable object is sent to an electronic order book of the second tradeable object. The plurality of offset orders is placed at a plurality of price levels determined based on at least one fractional pay-up tick value, the first price, and the desired spread price. A quantity for each order is determined based on a quantity divider rule that is applied to an offset quantity to offset the fill.

Abstract: An automated system for matching orders to buy and sell securities including a displayed market where orders are executed at a BBO price and where information about the market is made available to investors and a midpoint matching market for matching buy and sell orders at a predetermined price, namely, the midpoint between the national best bid and offer. The displayed market and the midpoint matching market are linked so that orders submitted to the displayed market are exposed to the midpoint matching market and can be executed at an improved price if a contra order is available on the midpoint matching market.

Abstract: A computer implemented system and method of executing an auction. The system has at least two intelligent systems, one for the auctioneer and at least one for a user. The auction is conducted by the auctioneer's system communicating with the user system(s). The auctioneer's system receives information from the user system(s) based on bid information entered by the user(s). With this information the auctioneer's system determines whether the auction can be concluded or not and appropriate messages are transmitted to the user(s).

Abstract: A method of multi-enterprise optimization at a buyer computer includes accessing a forecasted demand for at least one item and generating one or more proposed flexible trade contracts using the forecasted demand for the item. The proposed flexible trade contract is communicated to a seller computer and subsequently executed after acceptance of the proposed flexible trade contract at the seller computer to create a flexible trade contract. Each proposed flexible trade contract may be a forward contract, an option contract, or a flexible forward contract.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining a present value of an option on a security having a fixed cash flow leg based upon a Martingale. The Martingale may be based upon a ratio of the present value of the option and a numeraire. The numeraire may be a coupon annuity which may be based on coupons of the security post expiry of the option, accrual periods of the coupon, and spread-adjusted discount factors for coupon dates of the option. The spread-adjusted discount factor may be based on an instantaneous forward rate and a time-varying spread. The present value of the option may be determined based upon a spread, a notional value of the security, and an expectation of a maximum value of (1) a difference between an artificial strike coupon and a forward swap rate and (2) zero. This spread may equal a difference between the forward swap rate and a strike coupon or the strike coupon divided by the forward swap rate.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for trading multiple tradeable objects. One example method includes displaying at least one combined quantity indicator representing a combined quantity associated with at least two tradeable objects, detecting an input associated with an order for a predetermined order quantity in relation to one of the combined quantity indicators, and allocating the order quantity between the at least two tradeable objects using at least one quantity allocation rule. In one example embodiment, a plurality of quantity allocation rules can be user-configurable, and different rules can be defined and applied in relation to different order types.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for identifying and authenticating the presence of high value assets at remote location includes associating an identification tag with the asset. The identification tag includes identification information that can be electronically read and sent to a remote location for verifying the authenticity of the asset.

Abstract: A Future Check Financing Method is disclosed. The method enables purchasers and others to present future-dated checks (or other payment vehicles) at the point of sale for purchases. The potential recipient of the future-dated payment vehicles and/or a check guarantee entity is able to make a lending decision based solely on the presenter's check writing history. The recipient of future-dated checks under the method will receive full payment (typically minus service charges) nearly immediately after completing the transaction with the presenter, rather than when all future-dated payment vehicles become payable. The check writing history may include negative check writing history for the presenter, but also may include positive check writing history for the presenter.

Abstract: A method and system to protect, manage and control access to credit reports by the consumer. The company provides a website for the consumer to lock his credit report from being viewed without authorization. The report may be accessed via a previously assigned ID number and password. For a merchant to obtain the credit report, the consumer must grant access. The system eliminates manual intervention with access codes to lock or grant access to the report. Response to requests to access a report is instantaneous with the correct access code. Before a consumer subscribes, his is challenged to prove his identity. The verification method is based on his using a credit card to pay for the service that has the same name as the person in which they are attempting to subscribe to the service as. Address verification is provided by the credit card company. A credit report is then pulled from each of the credit reporting agencies, and the data used to further challenge the consumer's identity.

Abstract: A computing system facilitating electronic bill presentment and payment features for authorized users via a user interface is introduced including an analysis engine. The analysis engine, in response to user interaction with the user interface, selectively performs user-defined analysis on at least a subset of retrieved billing information associated with one or more billers. The analysis engine further generates one or more user-defined report(s) based, at least in part, on the user-defined analysis.

Abstract: A computer-implemented simulator models the entire analytic value chain so that data generation, model fitting and strategy optimization are an integral part of the simulation. Data collection efforts, data mining algorithms, predictive modeling technologies and strategy development methodologies define the analytic value chain of a business operation: data?models?strategies?profit. Inputs to the simulator include consumer data and potential actions to be taken regarding a consumer or account. The invention maps what is known about a consumer or an account and the potential actions that the business can take on that consumer or account to potential future financial performance. After iteratively performing simulations using varying inputs, modeling the effect of the innovation on a profit model, the simulator outputs a prediction of the commercial value of an analytic innovation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing, for example, childcare benefits include: issuing a benefit card to a childcare customer; receiving a start time for childcare service at a childcare provider, the start time recorded by using the benefit card at a terminal located at the childcare provider at the start of childcare service; receiving an end time for childcare service at the childcare provider, the end time recorded by using the benefit card at a terminal located at the childcare provider at the end of childcare service; computing the childcare benefit eligibility based on the start time, the end time and benefits available for the childcare customer; and paying the childcare provider a payment based on the computed benefit eligibility.

Abstract: A payment card processing system and method is provided that allows an account holder to upgrade a private label card to a dual card. The dual card may be used for both private label transactions and bankcard transactions. Methods for upgrading to the dual card account include selecting a private label account having associated monetary and non-monetary data and maintained on a first processing platform for upgrade to a dual card account, creating the dual card account on a second processing platform, transferring the non-monetary data associated with the private label account from the first processing platform to the second processing platform for association with the dual card account, and initiating a trailing activity process to identify monetary and non-monetary activity associated with the private label account and update a cross reference table to associate the trailing activity with the dual card account.

Abstract: A method and system provides for the use of credit arrangements in simulated environments. A user can participate in credit transactions involving purchases of virtual products, virtual services, and virtual items of value. Feedback is provided to the user regarding results of the credit transactions. In some embodiments multiple users can make simulated purchases or incur simulated credit obligations that are posted to virtual accounts, and the multiple users can also make simulated compensation against balances due or obligations owed for said virtual accounts. The user is also provided with an opportunity of engaging in real-world financial transactions related to the virtual credit arrangement. In some implementations of the system and method, multiple players at different locations can use virtual charge accounts and/or real world financial accounts in connection with arranging or resolving a virtual credit transaction.

Abstract: A method and system for dealing with non-paying bidders related to network-based transactions in which a submission of a complaint to a network-based facility is facilitated. The complaint is related to a party who has failed to complete a transaction. A resolution of the complaint is facilitated. A record associated with the part is updated if the complaint is not resolved. The record indicates a count of failed transactions related to the party. A submission of a refund request can also be facilitated if the complaint is not resolved.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for providing a loan having an interest rate and a loan period. The systems and methods dynamically adjust the interest rate during the loan period based on actual payment performance of a borrower, thereby resulting in an improved reward structure, greater borrower loyalty and an improved experience for the borrower.

Abstract: A communication system having a wireless trunk for connecting multiple phone lines over wireless communication links to a cellular network comprises a central telephone switch, such as a private branch exchange or key system, connected through one or more trunk lines to a wireless access communication unit. The wireless access communication unit preferably comprises a separate subscriber interface for each trunk line from the central telephone switch. The wireless access communication unit collects data from each of the subscriber interfaces, formats the data into a format compatible with an over-the-air protocol, and transmits the information over one or more wireless channels to a cellular base station. The wireless access communication unit thereby connects calls received from the central telephone switch's trunk lines over a wireless trunk to a network.

Abstract: Processes and systems for offering and granting digital rights that govern distribution and usage of content, services and resources. The processes and systems provide a basis for flexible business models and negotiation transactions between content providers and users. The concept of meta-rights, which permit digital rights to be derived, permits upstream parties in a content distribution chain to dictate rights granted and received by downstream parties. Therefore, each transaction can be considered as a two party transaction between a rights supplier and a rights consumer.

Abstract: A method, system and device for transferring rights adapted to be associated with items from a rights supplier to a rights consumer, including obtaining a set of rights associated with an item, the set of rights including meta-rights specifying derivable rights that can be derived from the meta-; determining whether the rights consumer is entitled to the derivable rights specified by the meta-rights; and deriving at least one right from the derivable rights, if the rights consumer is entitled to the derivable rights specified by the meta-rights, wherein the derived right includes at least one state variable based on the set of rights and used for determining a state of the derived right.

Abstract: A terminal device transmits device information thereof and a request for acquiring information contents to a contents distribution device. The contents distribution device generates a request for distributing a program for materializing the information contents in the terminal device based on the information contents designated in the acquisition request and the device information, and transmits a license request for using a function standard required for realizing the function to a license management device. The license management device receives the usage license request and correspondingly transmits an authorization for using the function standard to the program distribution device and the contents distribution device. The program distribution device transmits the program to the terminal device only when the usage authorization is received. The contents distribution device transmits the information contents to the terminal device only when the usage authorization is received.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and media for controlling supply of a utility service to a load are disclosed. Generally, the embodiments may involve receiving representation of utility service supply to a load, receiving and storing in a computer data storage device a usage range representation comprising at least one expected value of utility input to the load and/or at least one expected value of output from the load, and producing a control signal for use by a utility service supply controlling device when usage is outside of usage range representation. Control signal can be operable to cause the utility service supply controlling device to restrict or interrupt the supply of the utility service to the load.

Abstract: A method facilitating a transaction between a camera-phone user and a business entity. The business entity produces a printed medium indicating a transaction. The printed medium includes a barcode that includes direct contact data for communicating with the business entity. The barcode further includes specific transaction data relating to the transaction in the printed medium. Using the digital camera feature, the user captures a digital image of the barcode. The camera-phone is programmed to decode the digital image to retrieve the direct contact data and the transaction data embedded in the barcode. The camera-phone then automatically initiates a direct communication with the business entity via the mobile communications device using the decoded direct contact data. One communications are established, the camera phone further transmits the transaction data derived from the barcode to further facilitate the transaction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a plurality of Enterprises with a single online user interface with which the Enterprise can provide Enterprise Shippers, shipping origination users and shipping intermediary users with an automated parcel management system for a plurality of supported Carriers for a plurality of services. The present invention provides for the hierarchical definition of users, including the establishment of at least one user for each Enterprise as a Super-Administrator with the highest level of privileges and authority for the Enterprise, and the identification of other users as Sub-Administrators, Desktop Users and Shipping Station Users. The present invention also provides for the hierarchical definition of organizational units within each Enterprise, including the definition of sites, groups within a site, and users within a group.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus, systems and methods providing a digital scale interface in a global communications shipping management environment so that a shipping management system resident on a server computer device remote from a user client computer device, receives and recognizes a weight of a parcel from the digital scale configured with the remote user client computer device.

Abstract: Multiple thread functionality in a general purpose set theoretic processor (GPSTP) is implemented by addition of a thread memory for processing multiple interleaved data input streams to enable state save-and-restore functionality. The thread memory is functionally distributed among three parts of the GPSTP that change state during execution. The system structure minimizes the number of bits required to be saved and restored, and cell structures are configured implement the multi-thread functionality.

Abstract: A system to move a component in accordance with a setpoint profile including a plurality of target states of the component, each of the plurality of target states to be substantially attained at one of a corresponding sequence of target times, is presented. The system includes a displacement device to move the component according to the setpoint profile; a storage device containing a library of feedforward data; a signal generating part configured to identify a plurality of time segments of the setpoint profile that correspond to entries in the library of feedforward data, and access the entries in order to construct a feedforward signal; and a feedforward control system to control the operation of the displacement device by reference to the feedforward signal constructed by the signal generating part.

Abstract: Records including category data is clustered by representing the data as a plurality of clusters, and generating a hierarchy of clusters based on the clusters. Records including category data are classified into folders according to a predetermined entropic similarity condition.

Abstract: First and second applications having disparate concrete configuration models are integrated into a unified abstract model wherein configuration elements and associated element values are used to control configurable functions of the first and second application programs, respectively, and wherein the second configuration element has a similar configuration function as the first configuration element; using a first equivalence definition reflecting a functional relationship between the first application configuration element and an abstract model configuration element having the similar configuration function, wherein the abstract model configuration is application-independent and platform-independent; using a second equivalence definition reflecting a functional relationship between the second application program configuration element and the abstract model configuration element; and producing and associating a second configuration element value with the second application configuration element wherein the se

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a system and method for learning (or discovering and extracting) business knowledge from a collection of source code. The collection of source code is abstracted to generate an abstracted data stream, which is then transformed to an Extensible Markup Language (XML) format. The transformed data in XML format can be further converted to target formats or processed to satisfy different needs such as software system documentation, migration, impact analysis and security analysis. The disclosure also includes an implementation and operation for a pattern abstraction engine configured to receive an input data stream and format it for abstraction into a standard format using a pattern matching mechanism. The disclosure also includes an implementation and operation for a contextual pattern decoder engine configured to extract knowledge attributes and contextual taxonomy from classified blocks of an input data stream.

Abstract: Associative memory systems, methods and/or computer program products include a network of networks of associative memory networks. A network of entity associative memory networks is provided, a respective entity associative memory of which includes associations among a respective observer entity and observed entities that are observed by the respective observer entity, based on input documents. A network of feedback associative memory networks includes associations among observed entities for a respective positive and/or negative evaluation for a respective task of a respective user. A network of document associative memory networks includes associations among observed entities in a respective observed input source, such as a respective input document. A network of community associative memory networks includes associations among a respective observer entity, observed entities that are observed by the respective observer entity, and observed tasks of users in which the observer entity was queried.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for the use of virtual robots (Bots) to assist in the answering of inquiries from persons over the Internet, telephone, wireless, or other form of electrical, digital, or electronic communication. Such method and system consists of (1) a Bot processor consisting of (a) a connection interface capable of receiving, directly or indirectly, inputs from a user in natural or machine language, which the Bot processor then responds to in natural or machine language, and (b) an engine capable of recognizing an input and providing a response; and (2) a service desk consisting of (a) a human being, (b) a connection interface that connects directly or indirectly to the Bot processor and to the front end, and (c) a display where the human being can see, in humanly comprehensible form, information transmitted by the user and/or the Bot processor.

Abstract: A hybrid causal framework applies properties of probabilistic models, such as Bayesian belief networks, to causal logic models, such as fault trees and event sequence diagrams. The probabilistic model establishes a joint probability distribution of causal relationships between events and conditions in the logic models. The probability of the events and conditions are found by propagating probabilities from the probabilistic model through the logic models.

Abstract: A method of selecting and presenting content based on learned user preferences is provided. The method includes receiving search input from the user for identifying desired content items and receiving content selection actions from the user. The method further includes analyzing the date, day, and time of content selection actions by the user and analyzing descriptive terms associated with the selected content items to learn a periodicity of user selections of similar content items. In response to subsequent searches by the user, the method calls for selecting and ordering a collection of content items for presentation to the user based on comparing the user's search input to descriptive terms associated with content items and based on the learned periodicities of the user.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of providing a track history of information previously requested from a database. The method includes: providing a track history of user-selectable records that have corresponding metadata items applicable to identify a data set from a data superset stored in the database; providing a bank of transformers with different user-selectable transformers; wherein a selected transformer takes a selected record and transforms the metadata items of the record to application specific metadata according to a syntax determined by the transformer; and activating an application, which accepts the determined syntax, comprising posting the application specific metadata.

Abstract: A process provides automated coherent documentation of the construction of variably configured assemblies and systems, which consist of mechanical, electrical or electronic subassemblies or components using relational database software. A relational database software program is used to define the location of subassemblies or components within the final assembly or system, define important configuration information for the subassemblies and define the interconnection of the subassemblies within the assembly or system. This process improves upon prior art utilizing schematics, assembly drawings, parts lists and configuration logs based upon ANSI standard documentation practices by reducing the time required to produce such documentation and improving the accuracy of such documentation. The use of a relational database allows for various data manipulations that may be desirable such as error prevention, error detection, data analysis and specified searches.

Abstract: A system and method analyzes queries in a computer network, and identifies problem-causing queries that could be harmful to the system. If a query does not match any queries in a database, the query is transmitted to its destination. If a query matches a query in the database, that query is blocked from transmission to the destination. If a query is transmitted to its destination, and it is later determined that query caused a problem on that destination, that query is added to the database of queries. In one embodiment, a query that does not cause any problems is written to a pool of current up-to-date backup databases that may be used if the main system goes down. In another embodiment, the system tests variants of a query that caused a problem at the destination to attempt to discover other queries that could cause a problem.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for the automatic extraction of data from a transaction system to an analytics system, which is capable of handling large volumes of application data.

Abstract: Systems and methods directed at providing flow computing. An application configured with flow computing capabilities can determine possible results that are intended by a user based on one or more user-initiated actions. The application identifies idling computing resources in the computing device that are available and automatically performs other actions to produce the possible results using the idling computing resources. The application caches the results and provides at least one of the cached results in an interactive data stream. The user directs the data stream by selecting pre-generated choices to achieve the desired outcome.

Abstract: A system and method for data model and content migration in content management applications is disclosed that facilitates data migration by utilizing a markup-language format to preserve dependency and enable compatibility among various platforms, applications, devices, etc. The method generally includes retrieving a plurality of objects, determining a dependency of the plurality of objects, extracting object definitions from the objects, forming a markup-language user document with the extracted object definitions utilizing the determined object dependency, and exporting the markup-language user document.

Abstract: Provided are techniques for transforming unstructured information into content in a uniform context. The unstructured information and metadata associated with the unstructured information are extracted from one or more source content repositories. One or more custom transformations are performed on at least one of the unstructured information and the metadata. At least one of the transformed, unstructured information and the metadata are loaded into one or more target content repositories.

Abstract: A computer program product and computer system for implementing a method that generates an n-dimensional matrix presentation of at least part of an m-dimensional database including data records and at least two key dimensions. Each key dimension includes data value fields. Each data value field has real data therein. A sorting sequence of fact numbers is calculated. The fact numbers identify the data records. Entry points for each dimension of the n-dimensional matrix presentation are calculated. Each entry point is calculated to be linked with a corresponding fact number of the sorting sequence. A cardinality of the n-dimensional matrix presentation is calculated in dependence on the calculated sorting sequence and the calculated corresponding entry points. The n-dimensional matrix presentation is generated based on the calculated cardinality and the calculated entry points.

Abstract: A record management system is provided for generating a multi-dimensional view for different measures. A set of records is retrieved in response to a set of queries. The set of records is maintained in a master table. The record management system generates a record structure foundation, including a query map and a master table index. The record management system then employs the record structure foundation to generate a multi-dimensional layout mapping for the measures that are to be represented in the view. The record structure foundation and measure values in the master table are used to convert the layout mapping into the desired multidimensional view. The record management system includes data storage units. These data storage units are coupled to a set of processing engines, which that provide for performing operations that result in the generation of a multi-dimensional view.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and program storage device for managing buffers during online reorganization. An adaptive buffer is provided having a dynamically adjustable boundary, the adaptive buffer processes log records and pointers associated with the log records during online reorganization of a database. Adaptive switching is provided between a first and a second task during the processing of data log records and index log records during the online reorganization of the database.

Abstract: A system and method for auditing enterprise data is disclosed. A non-intrusive enterprise application audit trail has the ability to configure and track only data that is selected, thereby conserving system resources. In one embodiment, a method includes providing one or more configuration facilities in an enterprise application, viewing configuration parameters, viewing modified enterprise data in the context of change management, and changing said configuration parameters so that data tracking in said enterprise application is performed only on select data. The method also includes invoking a database triggers facility to identify said select data to be tracked.

Abstract: A method of file management in an electronic processing system includes defining in the electronic system an electronic file of a selected file type and at least one electronic sub-folder within the electronic file for storing information of a corresponding information type. Roles are defined in the electronic processing system for participants creating and utilizing the electronic file, including a role for an information collector. The information collector is electronically tasked to collect information of the information type, which is uploaded and selectively stored in the sub-folder in the electronic file. Selected participants are allowed to access the electronic file as defined by the corresponding role.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is a method of changing information in a first database and a second database. The method includes receiving new information. The method also includes receiving a first record from the first database, the first record corresponding to the new information. The method further includes receiving a second record from the second database, the second record corresponding to the new information. The method also includes merging the new information, the first record, and the second record into a final record.

Abstract: An apparatus and method efficiently delete a first items within a distributed datastore. In particular, an already well defined procedure for insertion of data is used for deletion. Deletion of a first item is effected through the insertion of a second item. The second item can contain a deletion key or be denoted by an appended flag or modified associated meta-data value. The first item can be deleted upon arrival of the second item or subsequent to arrival through an offline garbage collection process.