Abstract: Embodiments provide computer apparatuses, computer systems and computer-executable methods for recommending a commercial item or entity to a consumer based on geographic zone data. The method includes receiving a first predetermined geographic zone, a first importance score associated with a consumer for the first predetermined geographic zone, and a second importance score associated with a commercial item or entity for the first predetermined geographic zone. The method also includes programmatically generating an overlap score based on the first and second importance scores, and programmatically generating a relevancy score based on the overlap score, the relevancy score indicating a probability that the commercial item or entity is of relevance to the consumer. The method further includes, based on the relevancy score, transmitting instructions to a computing device associated with the consumer to cause the computing device to render a representation of the commercial item or entity.

Abstract: In some implementations, a computing device can improve diversity in media item recommendations. For example, the computing device can generate a satisfaction score representing an estimate of the amount satisfaction a user will experience when a candidate media item selected by the user is presented (e.g., played) by the system. The system can determine the difference in satisfaction scores for similar media items over time to determine the amount of satisfaction gained with a subsequent selection and presentation of similar candidate media items. The system can rank candidate media items based the satisfaction gain calculated for each candidate media item and select suggested media items to present to the user based on the candidate media items having the highest satisfaction gain. In some implementations, the computing device can generate satisfaction scores based on an adventurousness score calculated for the user.

Abstract: A system and method compute, store and use relativity measures between events in datasets where the measures are stored in a relational memory for querying. From user data and e-commerce shopping session data, relativity measures are computed for a plurality of subsets of data attributes of the user data and session data, each subset comprising two or more data attributes. The relativity measures individually or when combined represent conditional relativities between a set of events within the session data. Only the relativity measures are stored to the relational memory. The measures may be queried for results and applied to the e-commerce service (e.g. to determine which specific product data to present or an order of the presentation of the specific product data). The relativity measures may be computed only for pre-selected relations between particular data attributes which give desired trends and insights into user shopping using the e-commerce service.

Abstract: An information handling system includes gift selection circuitry, buying circuitry, and a graphical user interface. The gift selection circuitry includes a selection processing device, and a delivery processing device. The selection processing device receives, from a user, a request to add a list of items to a cart. The delivery processing device provides a secure link to a designated individual after the list of items is added to the cart. The graphical user interface displays the items in the cart as a list of available items in response to the secure link being selected by the designated individual. The buying circuitry confirms an order of a first item after selection of the first item from the list of available items, and sends a notification of completion of the transaction to the user.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for multi-model prediction and resolution of order issues. An exemplary method for predicting issues that will delay an order comprises: obtaining features of the order; processing the features using a multi-model predictor to predict the issues that will delay the order, wherein the multi-model predictor comprises a first model that determines a probability that the order will be delayed and a second model that determines a probability that the order will be delayed for each of a plurality of different predefined order issue types; and aggregating an output of the first and second models to provide a likelihood of the issues that will delay the order. The multi-model predictor also optionally comprises a prediction model that predicts a number of the delay issues for a future time period and/or a cost of the delay issues for different predefined order issue types based on historical data.

Abstract: Systems and related methods providing for online ordering of menu items from a merchant are discussed herein. Circuitry may be configured to generate an online menu based on menu information stored in a menu database. The menu information may be also configured to facilitate point-of-sale functionality at the merchant, such as by a point-of-sale device. The online menu may be provided to a consumer device. An online order may be received from the consumer device. The circuitry may be configured to process the online order, such as by facilitating a reservation, order preparation, and payment.

Abstract: Various embodiments herein each include at least one of systems, devices, methods, and software for on-demand routing upon location detection. One such embodiment is in the form of a method. This embodiment includes detecting a mobile device is present at a facility and retrieving available order data associated with an account registered with the mobile device. When order data is available and retrieved, the method may then output the order data to facilitate fulfillment of one or more orders included in the retrieved data.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system for creating an enhanced online gifting experience that allows a purchaser to enter information identifying a gift recipient as well as text, sound, images or video relevant to the gift recipient and/or to an event. The system uses this information to create a personalized webpage identified and located via a personal uniform resource locator (PURL) associated with the gift recipient.

Abstract: The commodity selection assisting apparatus includes a camera, a size detection portion, a search portion, and a display control portion. The camera captures an object and outputs image data representing an image of the object. The size detection portion detects an object size which is a size of a specific part in the image of the object, from the image data. The search portion searches for, from among a plurality of commodity data each including commodity size data representing a size of a specific part of a commodity and commodity identification information, purchase candidate data including the commodity size data corresponding to the object size. The display control portion causes a display device to display the purchase candidate data.

Abstract: A system and method for multiple funding account payment instrument analytics is disclosed. A payment instrument profile is generated for a payment instrument that characterizes past activity on the payment instrument and past activity across one or more funding accounts associated with the payment instrument. Current activity on the payment instrument and current activity across one or more funding accounts associated with the payment instrument are monitored to detect an abnormality against the payment instrument profile. A fraud score for the current activity on the payment instrument and current activity across one or more funding accounts associated with the payment instrument is generated. The fraud score is based on a quantified extent of the abnormality.

Abstract: A system integrates credit card transactions into a financial management system used by a company to track and control budgets, etc. The system provides the controls and accounting for credit card transactions found for other types of transactions within the financial management system. The invention limits the card transactions using various limits not available to a credit card issuer and ensures that the transactions comply the financial system controls. The transactions can be obligated prior to or during the actual transaction with the bank and thereby subjected to the controls of the financial management system. Obligated transactions can be authorized for immediate payment. The invention provides for the complete reconciliation of the credit card transactions with bank records after the transactions occur using the obligation function to capture the transaction before it occurs, even the transactions that are immediately paid.

Abstract: An information brokering system according to an embodiment of the present invention is an information brokering system including a server that generates request-side data based on provision-side data received from a provision-side device, and provides the request-side data to a request-side device, the server evaluating a provision-side user having the provision-side device that generated the provision-side data which was a source of the request-side data, based on an amount of the request-side data provided to the request-side device, and the server calculating an amount of the request-side data receivable by a request-side user having the request-side device, based on the evaluation at a time when that request-side user was the provision-side user.

Abstract: The present invention, EscrowTab mobile application system and method comprises automating, reviewing, executing, and transmitting documents used in real estate financial transactions by providing document data visualization on a mobile device allowing for review and execution of financial closing documents, such as promissory notes, deeds of trust and financial documents on a mobile device such as a tablet and relaying these documents to and from the originating financial institution, via means of the internet or dedicated communications media.

Abstract: A computing device and method for managing an account. A computer displays a historical timeline and an event placement timeline. Past events are shown along the historical timeline, and future events along the event placement timeline. The computer suggest a change to the timing of one of the events. The user moves a movable object to the proposed timing to reschedule the event. The settings of the account are modified to automatically execute that event at the new timing.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for generating a search query based on received user data to perform an internet search using the search query. The systems and methods further extract data from internet search results from the internet search using the search query, generate internet search income records from the extracted data, generate income records from one or more databases comprising income records, and combine the internet search income records and the generated income records from the one or more databases to form combined income record results. The systems and methods further identify candidate income records from the combined income record results, extract features from each candidate income record for generating an income prediction, and generate the income prediction using a machine learning model to predict an income, based on the extracted features from the candidate income records.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure describe systems and methods for handling a loss involving an insured vehicle. A total loss evaluation and handling system receives vehicle telematics data from a vehicle telematics device that monitors the vehicle. The total loss evaluation and handling system determines that a loss involving the vehicle has occurred, and a total loss evaluator selects a set of total loss rules configured to determine whether the loss is a total loss. The total loss evaluator applies the total loss rules selected to the vehicle telematics data received and determines whether the loss is a total loss based on the total loss rules applied. A total loss handler obtains an estimated value of the vehicle and generates a settlement amount based on the estimated value. The total loss handler initiates a payment corresponding to the settlement amount as settlement for the total loss.

Abstract: Various embodiments comprise systems, methods, and computer-readable media for configuring and trading binary options. A first index may be configured, e.g., based on a portfolio configured by a user. One or more second indices may be determined. A binary option may pay out if the first index outperforms the one or more second indices, e.g., over a period of time. The binary option may be traded in the primary and secondary markets.

Abstract: Various systems and methods for trade order processing in an electronic trading environment are provided. The order processing includes initiating a first thread of instructions at a computing device to send a first trade order onto an electronic exchange. However, if one or more trade orders are identified during the process to send the first trade order, then the one or more orders are queued. When the first trade order is sent to the electronic exchange, then a second thread of instructions is initiated at the computing device to send the queued one or more trade orders (substantially together, if there is more than one) on to the electronic exchange.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for trading a trading strategy defined for at least one tradeable object in an electronic trading environment. More specifically, one example method includes using a first pay-up tick value to determine a first acceptable price level for an order associated with the trading strategy, automatically modifying the first pay-up tick to a second pay-up tick value in response to detecting a predefined condition, and using the second pay-up tick value to determine a second acceptable price level for the order associated with the trading strategy.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices, are disclosed in which a graphical user interface is presented. The graphical user interface includes a first interface that displays a plurality of odds selection buttons for making a selection of one or a plurality of time-varying odds offered for trade on one or more outcomes in a betting marketplace and a buy button for communicating the odds selection over a network interface for matching as a bet. The graphical user interface further includes a second interface that displays at least one bet selection button for making a selection of one or more previously matched bets and a sell button for communicating the bet selection over the network interface for divestment of the selected bet. The second interface can be reached directly from the first interface via a single action of a user input device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for offering and purchasing tokenized securities on a blockchain platform meeting current and future federal, state, and offering and holding entity rules and regulations. Tokenized securities purchased during or after the tokenized securities offering are tradable on a secondary market. The server computer of the tokenized securities provides an automated transfer capability for tokenized securities holders.

Abstract: A versatile and efficient electronic spread trading tool to be used when buying and selling comparable commodities either simultaneously or in conjunction with one another. The spread trading tool involves a method of displaying, on an electronic display device, the market depth of a plurality of commodities including an anchor commodity and a non-anchor commodity, where the method includes dynamically displaying a plurality of bids and asks in the market for the commodities, statically displaying prices corresponding to those plurality of bids and asks, where the bids and asks are displayed in alignment with the prices corresponding thereto, displaying an anchor visual indicator corresponding to and in alignment with a desired price level of the anchor commodity, displaying a price level indicator corresponding to and in alignment with a price level of the non-anchor commodity.

Abstract: In various embodiments, an apparatus includes a processor and a memory. The memory is communicatively coupled to the processor. The memory stores software instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to receive a trading order for a particular quantity of a trading product. The trading order specifies that a first portion of the particular quantity is a displayed quantity and that a second portion of the particular quantity is a reserved quantity. The trading order specifies at least one of a decay rule, a decay interval, a decay rate, decay quantity, and one or more conditions. The software instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to cause the reserved quantity to decay based at least in part on at least one of the decay rule, the decay interval, the decay rate, and the decay quantity, and one or more conditions.

Abstract: Methods and systems for generating a diversification index for a portfolio are disclosed herein. A plurality of assets within the portfolio are identified, each of the plurality of assets having a corresponding weight value and a corresponding utility value. An overall volatility value of the portfolio is identified. A diversification index is computed based on the overall volatility value and corresponding weight and volatility values of each of the plurality of assets.

Abstract: A system may include sensors associated with structures, such that the sensors acquire data sets associated with the structures. The processor receives the data sets from the sensors, determines environmental conditions associated with the structures over a period of time, and determines a structural condition associated with one of the structures based on the data sets. The processor also determines a maintenance condition associated with the one of the structures based on one of the data sets, determines operating parameters associated with appliances within the structure based on the one of the data sets, and determines habits of occupants associated with the one of the structures based on the one of the data sets. The processor then adjusts properties of an insurance policy associated with the one of the structures based on the environmental conditions, the structural condition, the maintenance condition, the operating parameters, the habits, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: Methods and systems for maintaining and building an autonomous vehicle-related event blockchain are provided. One or more processors may receive indications of autonomous vehicle events. The autonomous vehicle events may include information relating to technology usage and/or operational events. The autonomous vehicle events may be compiled into a log of recorded autonomous vehicle events. Based upon the autonomous vehicle events, an action to implement may be determined. Additionally, the log may be distributed to a public or private network of distributed nodes to form a consensus on an update to the log of record autonomous vehicle events. As a result, the distributed nodes may maintain an up-to-date record of the shared ledger of autonomous vehicle events.

Abstract: Multiple insurance policies may be grouped or segmented into affinity groups, each of which corresponds to a respective risk level. A set of financial instruments corresponding to a particular affinity group of insurance policies may be created and automatically offered for auction, e.g., online. Bids received from potential investors may indicate, e.g., percentage of assumed risk, percentage of profit sharing, percentage of shared loss, service or commission fee amounts, etc. that are acceptable to the bidding party. The party or parties submitting the winning bids may be awarded investment in the financial instruments and may enter into respective financial agreements with the financial instrument provider, thereby securitizing the risk associated with the insurance policies. Profits and/or losses generated by the insurance policies of the affinity group corresponding to the financial instruments may be distributed in accordance with the terms of the financial agreement.

Abstract: Systems and methods are discussed for providing sensor enhanced safety, recovery, and activity evaluation systems. Sensors that monitor user activity and behavior are worn by a user and/or placed in the user environment. Data from the sensors are processed to obtain a safety, recovery, and/or activity evaluation. Based on the evaluation, recommendations or adjustments to the terms of an insurance policy covering the user, the user's employer, or a facility providing health care to the user, aer generated, to accurately reflect the risks associated with the user, employer, and/or facility. In embodiments, an alert may be generated when a failure to conform with activity guidelines is detected.

Abstract: A graphically depicted meter to show the status of a parent-child relationship.

Abstract: A method of providing secure ledger distribution for interbank settlement includes establishing a private sidechain among a centralized computer system of a central bank and computer systems of at least a sender bank and a receiver bank, each of which have an account with the central bank. The centralized computer system receives a transaction from the computer system of the sender bank as a payment request. The centralized computer system determines whether the transaction is valid. Consensus is reached within the private sidechain. The centralized computer system forwards the transaction to the computer system of the receiver bank along with a finality proof. The accounts of the sender bank and the receiver bank are updated and the transaction is added to a private ledger accessible only within the private sidechain.

Abstract: Systems and methods of processing business related data arising from multiple revenue sources (e.g., sales, subscriptions, professional services, vendors, etc.). In some embodiments, the inventive system and methods enable a more flexible and efficient approach to identifying revenue source events (mediation), pricing those events (typically as part of a rating process), and subsequently leveraging those “ratable events” in the billing and revenue recognition subsystems according to configurable rules and schedules. Data regarding those charges or other aspects of a ratable event may then be used and processed by multiple sub-systems that are part of operating a business; such sub-systems may include one or more of ERP, CRM, HCM, financial, accounting, taxation, or other business-related system or function.

Abstract: A system includes a financial data storage that stores internal account data, external account data, and transaction data, a communications interface configured to receive external account data from an external data source and transaction data from a merchant, and a database manager that cooperates with the communications interface to store the external account data and the transaction data. The system also includes an account balance prediction processor configured to identify recurring expense transaction(s) and recurring income transaction(s) and update them based on user input, determine predicted expense transaction(s) and a predictive income using a predictive model, and calculate a predicted account balance. The system also includes a transaction monitor configured to compare one or more actual expense transactions with one or more predicted expense transactions, and an alert transmitter configure to generate and transmit one or more alerts based on the comparison.

Abstract: Method, system and medium for conducting a universal state tax interview. Provided are techniques to implement a universal state tax interview where interview questions can be skipped based on data obtained from any of a variety of federal tax interviews. Tax information and state-specific details can be imported from a tax data file for the taxpayer created based on the federal tax interview. In this way, state-level tax interviews for the taxpayer can be abbreviated or even skipped entirely, regardless of the provider of the software that conducted the federal tax interview.

Abstract: Potential benefits that may be applicable to a taxpayer are identified based upon other tax returns for other similar taxpayers, specifically based upon a common external entity that may provide or be associated with the benefit. Identified potential benefits are then recommended to the user. Steps may include receiving a set of taxpayer information related, at least in part, to a subject tax return of the subject taxpayer; identifying an external entity identified on the subject tax return; analyzing a filed return data store to determine benefits reported on tax returns that are indicative of the external entity; identifying a potential benefit associated with the external entity; determining an estimated criterion for the potential benefit; determining whether the subject taxpayer is likely eligible for the potential benefit, based upon the estimated criterion and the set of taxpayer information; and recommending the potential benefit to the subject taxpayer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for booking security services are described. A mobile device application provides clients the ability to hire security professionals within the geographical area of the client or another client specified location. The systems and methods facilitate selection of security professionals in real-time from security professionals that qualify for the services needed by a client. The systems and methods provide the ability to track the selected security professionals a mobile device application. The systems and methods display available security professionals in a specified geographical area along with ratings, qualifications and hourly rates, making the client's selection of security professionals simple. The systems and methods allow the security professionals to promote their services. Participation in the systems and methods provides security professionals the ability to work at the time and place of their choosing in the geographical area they prefer.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments may reference a record of a construction project on a blockchain-based distributed ledger. Materials arriving to the project may be recorded as part of the permanent record. The exemplary embodiments may receive or determine a construction schedule that contains full project details and sequencing, including the specification of dependencies. Smart contracts may be provided that use the blockchain-based distributed ledger for each step or task of the construction schedule. Via smart contract, exemplary embodiments may place and terminate insurance coverage based on the construction schedule and contracts. The exemplary embodiments may build a complete record of plans, the actual “as builts” including make, model, serial number or other identification of for every component in the home resulting from the construction project. The record may include a complete record of who completed the work, who inspected the work and how the project was insured and funded.

Abstract: A restaurant service system for assessing the accuracy of estimated delivery time provided by a restaurant includes an order server, a restaurant server, a service server and an assessment server. Each of the servers includes a server software application. The order server software application collects a set of orders from a set of diner devices. The restaurant server software application retrieves an estimated delivery time for each order in the set. The service server software application determines an order actual delivery time for at least one order in the set. The assessment server software application determines an accuracy measure of estimated delivery time for the restaurant.

Abstract: Systems and methods for remote interactive inspection services may comprise receiving a communication associated with a property from a mobile device. In response to the communication, an audio-visual remote presence connection may be established with the mobile device. Video of a portion of the property may be portrayed via the audio-visual remote presence connection. Authentication data may be transmitted. The authentication data may be configured to enable access to a lockbox located at the property.

Abstract: A doorbell cam device for controlling access to a listing includes a microprocessor, a video interface, an input interface, a wireless network interface, an audio interface and a special computer program. The doorbell cam device is adapted to scan a machine readable optical label encoding a showing appointment, request a showing appointment management system to validate the showing appointment, receive a validation result, and notify an electronic lock system to open when the showing appointment is validated. The opened electronic lock system provides access to the listing for a user presenting a showing pass scanned by the video interface. The scanning can be triggered by a double-press of the input interface.

Abstract: A method and system for negotiating discount offers and generating discount coupons over a network. The method includes establishing an offer channel for secure communication between one or more users and a plurality of businesses over a network. The method also includes permitting the businesses to publish offers. Further, the method includes issuing a private identity and a public identity to the users of the channel, wherein the private identity is a unique and secure identifier to the user profile and the public identity is a public locator to the users profile as a short Uniform Resource Locator. Furthermore, the method includes allowing the users to interact and negotiate with the businesses for a suitable coupon offer. Moreover, the method includes transmitting the offer and offer entitlement corresponding to the public identity of the user, redemption center and to the business.

Abstract: A personal experience and training (PET) records search and retrieval system allows for shared verification of credentials for a service provider such as a healthcare professional. The professional uploads a credential, and a third party can view the credential and provide verification information via a verification input tool. The verification information includes a name of a verifier, a memo field providing background details on the verifier, and a date of verification. Multiple credentials can be verified, and multiple individuals can verify a single credential. A user can view these details of the verification information through a display box.

Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing and using temporary movement buffers for residents of controlled-environment facilities are disclosed. In some embodiments, for example, a method may include determining that a resident of a controlled-environment facility is unable to access a communication device to be used during a communication event involving the resident. The method may also include performing at least one of: (a) allowing the communication event in response to a buffer value associated with the resident being smaller than a time to the communication event; or (b) declining the communication event in response to the buffer value associated with the resident being greater than the time to the communication event.

Abstract: A method for operating an arrival notification system at a location includes receiving a request to generate a notification from an arrival notification system. The method also includes receiving, in response to the request, a token. The method further includes enabling an output from a component of the arrival notification system when the token is validated.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a visible watermark in a remote session. The methods comprise: determining if a graphic update needs to be made at a client computing device during the remote session; generating a first graphic update message in response to a determination that a graphic update is needed; identifying pixels of the graphic which would be affected by at least one watermark if the graphic and watermark were both displayed on a screen of the client computing device; constructing a second string of commands specifying a new color value for each of the pixels that were previously identified; converting the first graphic update message to a second graphic update message by inserting the second string of commands in between a first string of commands and an End-Of-Frame (“EOF”) command; and communicating the second graphic update message from the sever to the client computing device.

Abstract: Methods and devices for managing first-in first-out (FIFO) queues in graphics processing are described. A write operation can be executed by multiple write threads on a graphics processing unit (GPU) to write data to memory locations in the multiple pages of memory. The write operation can also include allocating additional pages of memory for the FIFO queue where a write allocation pointer is determined to achieve a threshold, such to grow the FIFO queue before the memory is actually needed for writing. Similarly, comprises a read operation can be executed by multiple read threads to read data from the memory locations. The read operation can also include deallocating pages of memory back to a memory pool where a read done pointer is determined to achieve a threshold, such as an end of a page.

Abstract: A method in a multi-core processing system for generating graphical commands is provided. The method includes generating a unique layer task for each of a plurality of layers that forms the current display frame in a cockpit display system (CDS), wherein the CDS is configured to display a plurality of windows, each window includes a plurality of layers, each layer includes one or more widgets that belong to a single user application, and each layer task includes information for a processor core in the multi-core processing system to generate graphical commands that when executed cause the rendering of the graphics described by the layer. The method further includes executing a plurality of layer tasks in parallel by a plurality of the processor cores in the multi-core processing system to generate graphical commands for execution by a GPU to render another display frame in the CDS.

Abstract: Display pipeline may manage allocation of total memory bandwidth to memory access requester blocks (e.g., display pipeline as a whole and/or a block in the display pipeline) by dynamically allocating the total memory bandwidth based at least in part on a calculated bandwidth floor to reduce the communication inefficiency (e.g., underruns), excessive power consumption, and image quality degradation of the display pipeline. Image fetch parameters, electronic display parameters, display pipeline parameters, and memory access requester block parameters may be used to determine the appropriate bandwidth floor for each memory access requester of the display pipeline. Additional memory bandwidth may be allocated to memory access requesters of the display pipeline when available bandwidth remains to further reduce likelihood of subsequent communication inefficiencies in the display pipeline.

Abstract: To perform inter-pixel image processing with lower latency and higher speed. An image sensor includes: a pixel array unit in which pixels having a photoelectric conversion function are arranged in an array; an AD conversion unit configured to perform AD conversion processing on pixel signals output from the pixels in parallel for each column of the pixels of the pixel array unit; a memory unit configured to hold pixel signals of any number of rows subjected to AD conversion in the AD conversion unit for each column of the pixels; an inter-pixel image processing unit configured to read pixel signals of any rows and columns from the memory unit, and perform computing between the pixel signals in parallel for each column of the pixels; and an output circuit configured to control output, to an outside, of pixel signals output from the AD conversion unit and pixel signals output from the inter-pixel image processing unit. The present technology can be applied to, for example, a CMOS image sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus to facilitate cache replacement is disclosed. The apparatus includes a cache memory and cache replacement logic to manage data in the cache memory. The cache replacement logic includes tracking logic to track addresses accessed at the cache memory and replacement control logic to monitor the tracking logic and apply a replacement policy based on information received from the tracking logic.

Abstract: System and method for synchronizing display of panoramic videos is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of synchronizing display of panoramic video frames is discloses that includes transmitting a first panoramic image, displaying one or more first perspective frames based on the first panoramic image, determining an alignment parameter in response to a selected orientation of the first panoramic image, wherein the selected orientation has an associated one of the one or more first perspective frames, transmitting a second panoramic image, and displaying one or more second perspective frames based on the second panoramic image, wherein displaying the one or more second perspective frames includes displaying an initial one of the one or more second perspective frames having an orientation based on the alignment parameter.