Abstract: An insurance product model comprising insurance policy metadata is provided (101) in a computer memory. The insurance policy metadata may comprise, at least in part, data that describes information that comprises a given corresponding insurance policy. A computer then serves to substantively interpret (102) this insurance product model to facilitate obtaining supplemental policy-specific data. The supplemental policy-specific data and the insurance policy metadata comprise separate and discrete data models and may, if desired, be stored (103) separately from one another. So configured, these teachings further support using (104) the insurance product model and the supplemental policy-specific data to facilitate an insurance-related action.

Abstract: An insurance policy having a dormancy provision is provided in which the dormancy provision enables a policyholder to activate and deactivate benefits provided under the insurance policy. Also provided is a method for enabling a holder of an insurance policy with a dormancy provision to activate and deactivate benefits of an insurance policy, and includes purchasing an insurance policy having a dormancy provision and a set of associated benefits, paying premiums to maintain the set of benefits in an active state, deactivating the set of benefits; paying dormancy premiums to maintain the set of deactivated benefits in a deactivated state, and reactivating the set of deactivated benefits.

Abstract: An interactive system and a method for diagnosing, evaluating and treating the condition of Temporomandibular Disorder, where through a series of steps, consultations, procedures and protocols associated with individual appointments, information is gathered and entered into a database by a user through a personal computing device, which is added to or updated as treatment progresses in future appointments. The information gained during the appointments is used to generate printed or electronic reports, letters and insurance claim forms supporting the services rendered, reduce the errors involved in manual insurance claim form coding, supply consistent and proven successful treatment codes to insure payment, and which seek reimbursement from medical insurance coverage by the dentist as opposed to dental insurance coverage in order to maximize the benefits received and allow the patient to avail themselves of the generally higher coverage limits and lower deductibles associated with medical insurance.

Abstract: A computer implemented data processing system and method administers a deferred variable annuity contract during the accumulation phase for a relevant life. The annuity contract has a payment base value, a contract value, and benefit payments. The system predetermines a series of payout periods, wherein the number of years of each payout period is greater than one year, for predetermining a maximum total withdrawal percent for each payout period. The product of the maximum total withdrawal percent and the payment base value is a maximum benefit payment amount that may be withdrawn during the payout period without reducing the payment base value.

Abstract: The invention relates, in various aspects to systems, methods, and computer readable media suited for implementing a commonly administered, quota share-based multi-insurer primary insurance system.

Abstract: An integrated payment system directed to the care of a subject and method of same is described herein. This system and method includes a care planner for accurately approximating the costs for the subject during the course of care, an insurance verifier and estimator that identifies the portion of the costs for the subject that is covered by the subjects insurance, wherein the approximated costs less the covered insurance leaves a subject payment, a discount planner that evaluates the application of at least one discount to the subject payment, and a payment planner that enables a payment arrangement for the subject for the subject payment less any applied discounts.

Abstract: A pension insurance plan system and method protect the outstanding balance of a defined contribution plan loan secured by participant's plan assets, eliminating adverse tax consequences to the plan beneficiary in the event of the death or disability of the participant and ensuring that the full plan account balance passes intact to beneficiary in such event.

Abstract: A system and method for grouping and selling products or services using a computer system, potentially connected to a network. The computer system includes a computer with multiple terminals, potentially instantiated as a server computer or computers and distributed client computers. The computer system presents a sales interface on some terminals. The sales interface shows products or services and groups of products and/or services that are for sale. The computer system presents a back end interface on some terminals, which can be used to enter new products, services and groupings of products and/or services to be offered for sale on the sales interface. Descriptions of the products or service offerings are entered into the computer system either by data entry operators using the back end interface or by a program reading product or service descriptions from external computer systems. The method groups these products or services according to an affinity algorithm.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electronic means by which people can select the exact seat or seats they want for any type of event or reserve an appointment for any activity. More specifically, a customer or a ticket re-seller or a venue operator can go, for example, to the internet and select the event or activity for which he wants a ticket or tickets or reserve a time and reserve and order the exact seat or seats or the time of his choosing directly online. The seat or seats or reserved time he selects is then removed from the inventory for that activity or event and made not available for any other buyer and such is so indicated by a graphical representation or other such indicator on the online map or picture representing availability of seating or time for that event.

Abstract: A flexible workflow is described that includes a pocket of flexibility. The pocket of flexibility may include workflow fragments that may be joined together, subject to pre-defined constraints. In implementing the flexible workflow, a user may encounter the pocket of flexibility, and select from the fragments to construct a workflow that is consistent with the user's current needs. The fragments may be incrementally presented to the user on a user interface, such that only those fragments determined to be combinable in a valid way may be selected by the user. In this way, a user who may have little experience with workflow languages or terminology may be able to use the flexible workflow, and be confident that the result is valid. Thus, difficulties in dealing with change in workflow systems may be mitigated, and this mitigation may be achieved without compromising the simplicity and generic nature of a workflow language.

Abstract: An audit planning system enables users to plan effective audits by identifying audit units having potentially large impacts and risks on an enterprise and enabling users to select audit units to include in audits based on a variety of different criteria. The audit planning system displays the audit units of the enterprise and a visual indicator of the impact and risk associated with each audit unit. The audit planning system enables users to select the displayed audit units to plan an audit. The audit planning system may display audit units in an impacted financial statement, a tree map, a graph, and/or a table. The audit planning system may sort and/or display audit units with visual indicators specifying associated risks, impacts, materiality values, exposures, coverages, and/or audit costs. The audit planning system can further display visual indications of the changes in audit units' associated attributes over time.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention pertain to prioritizing services based on business objectives is described. According to one embodiment, a probability of a service violation occurring within a predetermined time period is determined based on a service level jeopardy threshold being exceeded. The probability of a service violation corresponds to an incident. An alignment of the service level violation with a business objective is computed based on the probability of the service level violation. The incident is prioritized based on the alignment.

Abstract: The invention concerns a computer-implemented decision support system and method, that determines the availability of work items and areas of responsibility, determines the feasibility of completing the work item tasks based on the determined availability of work items and the determined areas of responsibility, determines precedence of the work item tasks to be performed based on the determined feasibility, the determined availability of work items, and the determined areas of responsibility, and outputs one or more worklists that list work item tasks to be performed based on the determined precedence and the determined feasibility of the work item tasks.

Abstract: Techniques are described for facilitating interactions between task requesters who have tasks that are available to be performed and task performers who are available to perform tasks, such as via an electronic marketplace acting as an intermediary for task performance. In some situations, the facilitating of the interactions includes automatically matching available tasks to task performer users, such as to automatically generate recommendations for task performer users of available tasks that are appropriate for those task performer users to perform. Such generated task recommendations for task performer users may then be provided to those task performer users in various ways, including via one or more Web pages or electronic communications sent to devices of the task performer users. The task recommendations may be generated in various ways, including based on previous tasks performed by the task performer users and on other prior activities of the task performer users.

Abstract: A system for biasing suggested room and/or resource search results based on user behavior related to rescheduling and/or canceling existing resource reservations. The system uses historical data, statistical analysis, and heuristics to generate suggestions as to which users may be willing and/or able to give up their existing resource reservations for a particular time slot. By monitoring which users reschedule and/or cancel existing reservations, and how often they do so, the system is able to provide a user in need of a previously reserved room/resource with a prioritized list indicating which other users with existing resource reservations during the desired time slot are relatively more likely to cancel their reservations, and/or to transfer their reservations to the scheduling user.

Abstract: A method and system for workforce planning in one aspect provide an optimization model that produce, based on the availability profile and the demand profile of skill types, a workforce plan recommending a combination of actions. The combination of actions may include hiring, contracting and cross-training. The optimization model considers constraints such as minimum residence time that a resource unit needs to spend in a skill-type that it gets cross-trained into or hired into, minimum acceptable contracting duration for a contracted skill type, first order and higher orders of cross-training for a skill type, with lead-time for training, one or more system rules associated with transfer sequences, or targets on service levels and resource utilization, or combinations thereof, in determining the workforce plan.

Abstract: In a structured workflow system, a configurable workflow engine provides mechanisms for executing and scheduling the work items in a defined way. End users use their discretion and define their own “local” processes and “local” rules for processing work items, or deviate from predefined processes. The configurable workflow engine might be installed at a server to organize workflows and business processes where end users can define processing steps for incoming work items by setting up rules and defining workflows as part of a local workflow structure. By defining these rules and workflows, the further processing steps of future incoming work items can be automated. When an administrator directs the workflow engine to move from a current phase to a next phase, the workflow engine deals with the incomplete items by allowing the administrator to carry over work items (or might do it automatically). End-user consultation might be included in the carry-over decisions.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method, a system and a computer program for managing services of human resources. The method comprises the steps of modeling human resources delivery services from a services provider to a client company to determine outputs from inputs and constraints; and constructing an objective function representative of services resources at said services provider. The method also comprises the steps of determining optimum levels of human resources based on said modeling, said constraints, and said objective function; and allocating said human resources based upon said optimum levels. Preferably, said optimum levels of resources are determined over tiers, sites and time periods. The preferred embodiment of the invention is a system and a method for resource allocation on BTO projects. This preferred system includes an optimization model, along with its inputs and outputs. This system may be used to address dynamic client needs before and during BTO projects.

Abstract: A system and method for determining and identifying demand for items based on observing behavior of trendsetters within a member population, such as an online community. The trendsetters are determined by studying historical adoption behavior of a group within the member population.

Abstract: A request to cancel feedback pertaining to a transaction in a network-based transaction facility is generated when a user submitting the feedback has not participated in a dispute resolution process or other process of the facility. In another embodiment, a request to cancel such feedback is generated when a user submitting the feedback has been suspended from the facility within a certain time period of that user's initial use of the facility, or indefinitely suspended within a certain time period of leaving the feedback. In yet another embodiment, a user is required to view a tutorial before leaving his first negative or neutral feedback. In another embodiment, a user is presented with an interstitial page reminding him of the effects of leaving negative or neutral feedback.

Abstract: A method for determining an optimal number of lottery retailers is disclosed. The optimal number of lottery retailers for a region can be determined based households of the same segmentations purchasing lottery products similarly, and there is a strong correlation between lottery agent density (population/retailers) and per capita lottery sales. The lottery agent density (LAD) necessary to produce high per capita sales can be identified and applied to all markets of that household segmentation.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for providing products to a user via an automated product dispensing machine is provided. In once embodiment, an automatic product dispensing machine in a micronetwork of proximally located diverse automatic product dispensing machines receives a request for an item. Responsive to a determination that the item is unavailable at a current automatic product dispensing machine, the automatic product dispensing machine provides a user with an alternative redemption product, such as, for example, a coupon that may be redeemed at another automatic product dispensing machine or at a nearby store.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for aggregating sales of a product. The aggregated sales provide that a rebate based upon the sales of the product within a window of time is later provided to the buyer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system of using mentions/advertisements as a means to provide incentive or compensation for potential promoters to introduce end users to an offering entity, where mentions/advertisements for the benefit of the promoter are included in communications between the offering entity and end users. An additional function that enables promoters to send communications to the end users is disclosed as well.

Abstract: Methods and systems (200) for reducing losses related to perishables are disclosed. The perishables are grouped based on the use-by-date (UBD) and a quantity of at risk perishables are determined (210). A financial impact of the at risk perishables is calculated for each group (220). Pricing is dynamically determined for the perishables based on the financial impact and the UBD (230) and a price display is updated to indicate the pricing of the perishables (240).

Abstract: Systems and methods enabling suppliers to control the distribution of products to consumers in a network environment while accommodating the concerns of its brick and mortar distribution channels are described. Consumer orders for products are received, and consumer product orders are routed in accordance with fulfillment policies respectively selected by the supplier(s). The system includes a graphical consumer interface configured to receive consumer orders for products, and an order flow controller configured to route consumer product orders in accordance with fulfillment policies respectively selected by the supplier(s). The system also includes a graphical consumer interface that is accessible over the Internet and is configured to display price and availability information for the products of each of the suppliers organized by product category and is configured to receive consumer orders for products.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for coordinating apparel production. In preferred embodiments, the invention is a business model and system for the apparel industry in which production channels and marketing channels are comprehensively coordinated by a central operating center via the Internet. By interacting with a website, registered clients (e.g., apparel businesses, wholesalers, retailers, etc.) articulate what their specific detailed requirements are in terms of production, delivery and other aspects. Then, data on these clients' orders are forwarded to each of the production channels through the central operation center which performs the tasks of comprehensive coordination, management and business operation.

Abstract: Information handling systems are built to order with provisioned wireless wide area network (WWAN) service coordinated through a WWAN network provider as part of the manufacture of the information handling system. A WWAN component is built into the information handling system and then queried to retrieve a WWAN identifier, such as ESM or SIM information. The identifier is associated with end user information of the information handling system and formatted as a request for WWAN provisioning sent to a network service provider. The network service provider applies the WWAN identifier and end user information to contact the end user for setting up a WWAN account or, alternatively, to automatically set up a WWAN account for the end user.

Abstract: Techniques are described for assigning, to target categories of a target scheme, items that have been obtained from a plurality of sources. In situations in which one or more of the sources has organized its information according to a source scheme that differs from the target scheme, the assignment may be based, in part, on an estimate of the probability that items from a particular source category should be assigned to a particular target category. Such probability estimates may be based on how many training set items associated with the particular source category have been assigned to the particular target category. Source categories may be grouped into clusters. The probability estimates may also be based on how many training set items within the cluster to which the particular source category has been mapped, have been assigned the particular target category.

Abstract: Automated electronic document design systems and methods for generating matching customized product designs and preparing images of matching customized products in a montage for displaying to a user.

Abstract: Requests are received for information about a first item or service. Second items (or products or services) are identified that are associated with the first item or category of the first item. The compatibility of the first and second items or services is determined. The customer is informed of the outcome of the determination and provided with information about additional, compatible items or services.

Abstract: A review writing tool guides a user through the process of writing an enhanced product review. The review writing tool can include a web user interface, which breaks the review writing process down into multiple stages so the review writer can incrementally write the review. In addition, the review writing tool provides prompts, examples, and instructions to guide the review writer through the writing process. The review writing tool also allows a review writer to add a list of related products from a related product database to the review. For example, a review writer may have evaluated a number of products before selecting the product the review writer ended up purchasing. Accordingly, the review writer can add information about those other products to his review. Doing so allows subsequent consumers to browse not only the product a review writer purchased, but also products the review writer recommends.

Abstract: By providing a network photograph service, prompt service can be provided to a customer without losing the advantages of easier understanding of where to access when placing an order and easier collective data management. A service center receiving an order of a printing service, and a minilab or a special laboratory spread across a plurality of places, are able to communicate through a network. A center server in the service center selects and assigns which photo-finishing laboratory will print the ordered picture, in response to order information transferred from a customer via the network. Thus, the printing processing can be carried out by a photo-finishing laboratory specified by the customer, instead of at the center server.

Abstract: A method for storing and organizing item arrangement information for an enterprise is provided. Standardized item arrangement maps are generated at the enterprise level and disseminated to stores within the enterprise. Managers create store maps consisting of compilations of the item arrangement maps provided by the enterprise. The resulting store maps define the arrangement of all items within the store. The store maps may be used in conjunction with an inventory system to order items and stock the store. Additionally, store maps may be used with a location information system to provide item location information to consumers.

Abstract: A time-phased reutilization of configured products is provided. Partially configured products are detected. Each partially configured product is analyzed to determine if the partially configured product is a valid partially configured product, suitable for being modified into other configurations. A time phased management process is applied to the valid partially configured product.

Abstract: A method and computer program product for facilitating supply chain processes in an outsourced manufacturing environment is provided. The method includes a customer focus team system providing logistical administrative services for a contract manufacturer on behalf of a manufacturing enterprise. The customer focus team is assigned to the contract manufacturer based upon geographic proximity. The logistical administrative services include facilitating transfer and replenishment of components needed during manufacture, ensuring ongoing inventory demand issues are addressed and resolved, and obtaining and providing metrics on outsourced supply chain parts and activities. The logistical administrative services also include assisting the contract manufacturer during shortfalls of supplies, collaborating with commodity team councils relating to acquisition of critical parts, and providing assistance on matters related to import, export, and tax issues.

Abstract: A financial reporting system for reading, organizing and manipulating any accounting data and producing financial reports that may be customized to the preferences of the user. In one embodiment there is an organizational data structure for accounting data, including a trial balance data structure having a plurality of trial balance data structure elements containing accounts of the accounting data, wherein the trial balance data structure elements are linked by a distinct doubly linked list of trial balance data structure elements pointers, further comprising sub-lists of trial balance data structure elements pointers to group the accounts of the accounting data into financial statement items.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to enable a buyer to collectively manage information related to a variety of commercial transactions performed by the buyer as well as to the settlements for these transactions. The calendar server 25 supplies a calendar screen to a buyer system 3 that is used by the buyer 1. This calendar screen has electronic invoices addressed to the buyer 1, which are issued by the supplier system 7, and electronic deposit/withdrawal detailed statement of the buyer's deposit account, which are issued by a banking system 13, pasted in the spaces for the relevant dates. When the buyer 1 selects an arbitrary invoice on this calendar screen and inputs his or her approval of this invoice, an account transfer telegraphic message for payment of this invoice is automatically sent to the banking system 13.

Abstract: A system for providing banking services by use of a mobile communication system, in which a variety of financial transactions including inquiry of at least one financial account of at least one financial institution, transfer and remittance, and loan and its interest payment are processed by the mobile communication system. The system includes: the mobile communication system, provided with an integrated circuit (IC) card and a memory device to which a banking application is installed, for transmitting and receiving data by wireless, the IC card being stored with information on a personal identification number (PIN) and information related to financial accounts including a loan account.

Abstract: A method and system for managing at least one DRM agent intending to join or leave a user domain in a Digital Rights Management (DRM) is provided, in which a Domain Enforcement Agent (DEA) manages the joining and leaving of the DRM agent resident in a home network it manages, and a Domain Authority (DA) provides a domain key to a DRM agent joining the user domain.

Abstract: A method and related system obtains consent from an individual for computer-aided delivery of compliance information. Initially, a computer-readable data storage device is provided to the individual. The device stores the compliance information and computer-executable instructions. By inserting the device into a computer, the instructions are executed and the individual is prompted by the computer to consent to the computer-aided delivery of additional compliance information. Once consent is indicated, it is communicated from the individual's computer to another computer such as a server over, for example, a modem connection. Having secured the individual's consent, the additional compliance information can be delivered to the individual's computer as, for example, a file attachment to an email message.

Abstract: A method and related system obtains consent from an individual for computer-aided delivery of compliance information. Initially, a computer-readable data storage device is provided to the individual. The device stores the compliance information and computer-executable instructions. By inserting the device into a computer, the instructions are executed and the individual is prompted by the computer to consent to the computer-aided delivery of additional compliance information. Once consent is indicated, it is communicated from the individual's computer to another computer such as a server over, for example, a modem connection. Having secured the individual's consent, the additional compliance information can be delivered to the individual's computer as, for example, a file attachment to an email message.

Abstract: A method and related system obtains consent from an individual for computer-aided delivery of compliance information. Initially, a computer-readable data storage device is provided to the individual. The device stores the compliance information and computer-executable instructions. By inserting the device into a computer, the instructions are executed and the individual is prompted by the computer to consent to the computer-aided delivery of additional compliance information. Once consent is indicated, it is communicated from the individual's computer to another computer such as a server over, for example, a modem connection. Having secured the individual's consent, the additional compliance information can be delivered to the individual's computer as, for example, a file attachment to an email message.

Abstract: A method and related system obtains consent from an individual for computer-aided delivery of compliance information. Initially, a computer-readable data storage device is provided to the individual. The device stores the compliance information and computer-executable instructions. By inserting the device into a computer, the instructions are executed and the individual is prompted by the computer to consent to the computer-aided delivery of additional compliance information. Once consent is indicated, it is communicated from the individual's computer to another computer such as a server over, for example, a modem connection. Having secured the individual's consent, the additional compliance information can be delivered to the individual's computer as, for example, a file attachment to an email message.

Abstract: A method and related system obtains consent from an individual for computer-aided delivery of compliance information. Initially, a computer-readable data storage device is provided to the individual. The device stores the compliance information and computer-executable instructions. By inserting the device into a computer, the instructions are executed and the individual is prompted by the computer to consent to the computer-aided delivery of additional compliance information. Once consent is indicated, it is communicated from the individual's computer to another computer such as a server over, for example, a modem connection. Having secured the individual's consent, the additional compliance information can be delivered to the individual's computer as, for example, a file attachment to an email message.

Abstract: A method and related system obtains consent from an individual for computer-aided delivery of compliance information. Initially, a computer-readable data storage device is provided to the individual. The device stores the compliance information and computer-executable instructions. By inserting the device into a computer, the instructions are executed and the individual is prompted by the computer to consent to the computer-aided delivery of additional compliance information. Once consent is indicated, it is communicated from the individual's computer to another computer such as a server over, for example, a modem connection. Having secured the individual's consent, the additional compliance information can be delivered to the individual's computer as, for example, a file attachment to an email message.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for activating a payment account. The payment account is associated with two identifiers. A payment instrument is provided as having the two identifiers. A first identifier is read at a first point of sale device to activate the payment account. A second identifier is read by a radio frequency identification reader at a second point of sale device to access funds in the payment account. The first point of sale device may not be capable of reading the second identifier.

Abstract: To protect a person with a property interest in real property against a loss of market value thereof, a base market value of the real property is determined at a current time when the property interest in the real property arises or thereafter, and a number of types of events that cause the real property to lose market value as compared with the base market value are defined. A number of the defined types of events are selected, and a real estate market value policy is issued to the person at about the current time. The policy promises to compensate the person for any loss experienced by the person if the real property loses market value as compared with the base market value based on any of the selected types of events.

Abstract: A user may generate a digital image of a negotiable instrument such as a check. The digital image may be transmitted to an institution in a digital image file for deposit of the check. After the user selects to submit the digital image file, the digital image file may be sent from a user computing device to the institution. The user computing device may be decoupled from the transaction once the submission of the digital image file for deposit of the check is made. The transaction is thereafter managed by the institution. Incomplete transactions are avoided by moving the transaction processing to the server side at the institution after the user submits the digital image file. This may be referred to as an atomic deposit transaction.

Abstract: System and method of estimating a wallet share for one or more advisors for investment banking deals involving equity-related products that occurred during an evaluation time period. Method may comprising determining a fee estimate for the one or more advisors for the deals involving equity-related products during the evaluation time period, wherein the fee estimate for the one or more advisors for each deal is determined based on one or more look-up tables specific to the type of equity-related product and the geographic region for the deal, and wherein the one or more look-up tables indicate a fee estimate for the one or more advisors based on the deal size, the number of advisors, and the role of the one or more advisors. Method may also comprise determining a wallet share for the one or more advisors over the evaluation time period based on an aggregation of the fee estimates for the one or more advisors during the evaluation time period.