Abstract: A system and method are provided for creating a social-networking community and enabling the social-networking community to interoperate with other social-networking communities within a network of social-networking communities. The method includes creating a core profile that links a user member's identify to plurality of social-networking communities of the network. The system enables user identity information, content, and friend information to be shared across social-networking communities of the network. The system also enables community content to be shared and tracked across social-networking communities of the network.

Abstract: A system combines individual estimates of the subjective appeal of web pages into a combined rating for each web page that can be used to rank web pages during a web search. In a gaming implementation, a web page recipient estimates the combined rating that other recipients of the web page have formulated. The recipient can be rewarded for accurately estimating the combined rating by receiving a subsequent web page that possesses a high rating.

Abstract: A “URLIT” identifier is assigned to a URL and embedded in an HTML document located at the URL. The URLIT and other data are described using a Universal Advertisement Markup Language such that high-precision searching of the World Wide Web is possible. URLIT-enabled transactions are conducted through a Universal Toolbar Utility. A search method allows user-definition of search algorithms and includes a ranking method that assigns relevancy scores to documents by polling users. Transaction reliability is enhanced by user participation in a Universal Terms of Use system and a Universal Arbitration system.

Abstract: A system is provided for improved elections which may separate the identity of the voter from the content of the vote she casts. The system may be implemented using electronic or other communication methods. Separate entities may be used to implement the system, with one entity acting as a member services system, and another entity acting as an election services system. The member services system may control voter information for all members of a group eligible to vote in a specific election. The election services system may control the voting process, including receiving votes from members, without having access to the voter information controlled by the member services system. The two entities might be configured so that no single person or organization may connect the voter information to a particular vote. This separation of voter information from information in the members' votes may comply with various government regulations relating to elections.

Abstract: Data administration may be managed by receiving in a computer system a first input identifying a data object to be assigned to a control object in the computer system. A second input for the control object is received in the computer system. The second input specifies a relationship between 1) model-level changes to the data object, and 2) instance-level changes to the data object. After the first and second inputs are received, the control object is sent to another computer system. The control object may be accessed to determine whether a system is authorized to make an object change. This access can be by the system about to make the change, or by a system that receives the object change from another system.

Abstract: A system and method for establishing persistent collaborative on-line meeting spaces for a plurality of participants located at a plurality of different locations using computing devices across a communication network. The system includes sending invitations to the plurality of participants, and establishing the identity of potential attendees and only allowing authorized participants to enter the meeting space. The system also includes creating a virtual workspace on a workspace computer wherein the participants can interact. The interaction can include creating, adding, organizing, and deleting meeting content. The system also records status, movement and modification of the meeting content and participant activities during the meeting for later playback. The system can use user contributed objects and content, virtual sticky notes, organizer tools and other items, and can support multiple security levels.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to an item and related method and system for validating the authenticity of sensitive data respective to the item for associated processing on a high speed item transport device. The sensitive data associated with the item to be processed is exposed to energy, such as a particular range of light, for validation at high volumes while maintaining data anonymity; but the data is otherwise obscured from view by a filter material that blocks light outside the range. Furthermore, verification of the sensitive data is performed without necessitating significant mechanical configuration changes or item manipulation techniques.

Abstract: Methods and systems that provide privacy of signatures on envelopes containing ballots are provided. The envelope for returning ballots includes a flap with a window that aligns with a signature area on the envelope. The window appears opaque under normal lighting conditions, but appears transparent when illuminated with light within a predetermined band of wavelengths. To read the signature, light having wavelength within the predetermined band can be directed onto the window, thereby rendering the window transparent and the signature visible.

Abstract: The present invention provides network based reporting techniques designed to meet the needs of subscription based marketers. Clients access, edit report on, and analyze their subscriber database using the Internet, for example. In a representative embodiment, a plurality of client computers connect to the Internet using a local area network (LAN), for example. The client computers pass security protocols before gaining access to web, application, and database servers. Once connected, the client computers are able to retrieve and display information using a web browser. Database contents are denormalized to provide the capability to generate reports based upon relatively large amounts of information. In addition, the data is transformed into a structure specifically to facilitate and enhance multi-channel subscription marketing activities.

Abstract: A terminal for marking a pre-printed document which lists a plurality of choices and which includes a marking space for each choice which can be either hand-marked by a user, or machine marked by the terminal. The terminal scans the document format, and then presents the choice selection options to the user visually by means of an LCD touch screen menu and aurally by means of a synthesized speech menu. Choice selections entered by means of the touch screen menu or by means of the audio menu are marked on the front and back sides of the document in marking spaces corresponding to the selected choices, and the document is returned to the user in a form which enables the user to visually confirm that his or her selections have been marked.

Abstract: A computer system allows businesses and investors to present information about themselves and allow the two find one another for working together. The businesses may also present their business on a television program, where judges and the audience will be able to vote for the best business. The businesses participate on the television program by receiving votes on the website hosted by the computer system.

Abstract: A method for providing voters with election information specific to voter polling location. A voter registration file is queried for a name of a registered voter in response to an input from a user. The user is queried for additional narrowing information through a series of single criterion iterations each time the query renders more than one result. The user is notified of multiple results after each single criterion iteration is processed to show the progress of the initial query. The user is granted access to a information page if the user is found in the voter registration file. The information page presents the user with relevant information based on the user polling location.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for fully electronic identity authentication, with particular application to electronic election registration and voting. In particular, the present invention provides an authentication system that operates in conjunction with a secure server to authenticate users to provide access information as needed for the authenticated users to access the secure server.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for dynamically auditing of electronic elections using an electronic registration and voting system. In particular, the present invention provides false voting data associated with false voters to the voting systems, recovers voting records associated with the false voters, and compares the stored voting records to the original false voting data.

Abstract: An anti-collusive vote weighting method and system. Instances of possible vote collusion may be identified based on correlating the vote history of users voting on an information item and weighting the votes in accordance with the correlated voting history. A list of information items may be compiled and ranked by the quantity of voting data received from a plurality of users. The vote histories of two or more users may be correlated to obtain a correlation value associated with the users. A lesser predetermined weight may be applied to the voting data of users having correlation values above a first predetermined value. In addition, a greater predetermined weight may be applied to the voting data of users having correlation values below a second predetermined value. The greater the correlation between vote histories of users, the greater the likelihood that the voters are colluding to vote for the information item.

Abstract: An apparatus accepts, from each voter, registration of a free delegation relationship. Then, the apparatus presents voting information such as a vote topic, choices and a voting expiration date to the voter. Next, the apparatus presumes how delegated votes are delegated, during a voting state at a total calculation date, in accordance with the delegation relationships, and estimates a voting result in consideration of delegation of votes. Next, the estimation apparatus sends the estimated voting result to the voters and the administrator for encouraging voter to vote.

Abstract: The inventive method is characterised in that, following a voting option selection step (201), a verification module (102), which is associated with a voting terminal (101), is used to perform the following steps: reception (202) of digital data relating to the voting options selected by a voter (103) at the voting terminal (101); verification (203) of the options selected by the voter (103), which are in some way encoded in the data received during the preceding step; confirmation (204) by the voter (103) of the voting options presented during the previous step; and, upon acceptance of said voting options by the voter (103), generation of a digital record to protect the integrity of the digital data received during the above-mentioned data-reception step.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for conducting a ballot in which at least one vote is cast by a voting input device (8), the apparatus comprising means (2) for receiving voting preference data for the or each vote; wireless communication means (22) for receiving a voting input from the voting input device, the voting input confirming that the voting preference data is to be used; and means (4) for recording votes in the ballot, adapted to record the or each vote in accordance with the voting preference data in response to receiving the voting input. A voting input device, voting system, voting receipt, and associated methods are also disclosed. The invention finds particular application in the field of large scale ballots, such as votes conducted at Annual General Meetings (AGMs).

Abstract: In the preferred embodiment, the invention is a data entry device intended for use by voters during an election to enter selected choices. Its basic functions are to display available options and accept voter input. Its design achieves simplicity in its preparation, deployment, and operation at any given electoral event. It also furnishes accuracy, reliability, durability, and reusability. It connects in a standard protocol to a voting station's host processor. It accepts up to 300 key codes, each one potentially a unique selection. Names, symbols, or pictures identifying candidates are printed on a paper template compliant with the device's geometry, inserted prior to an election, and visible through the device's transparent cover. When the number of candidates or valid options in a contest exceeds its capacity, additional identical units can be chain-connected, until a sufficient number of voting options are available.

Abstract: A transaction processing system for enabling users to authorize transactions, comprising: at least a first data communications interface and a second data communications interface; a data receiver arranged to receive transaction data, relating to a transaction to be authorized by a user, via a first data communication path, at said first data communications interface; a communications controller arranged to conduct communications over a second data communication path, different from said first data communication path, with said user at said second data communications interface; a data authentication system arranged to conduct a secure access procedure, via said second path, in which authentication data is received and said authentication data is verified, wherein the communications controller is arranged to receive: a first transaction reference relating to said transaction from said user, said first transaction reference not having been previously transmitted to said user via said second communication pa

Abstract: A wireless voting method is disclosed. The method comprises generating an optical voting indication (140), and controlling a plurality of handsets (112), capable of electromagnetically transmitting a vote input (150) by a user, and a vote registering arrangement (130), capable of receiving and registering transmitted votes, to register votes for handsets responding to the optical indication (140) in a predetermined manner.

Abstract: A system and method for an electronic public forum to facilitate solicitation support of shareholder initiatives (e.g., for inclusion on an annual ballot or for a special vote, for instance). The public forum may be a web site provided as a service that permits individual stakeholders to view positions of third party entities such as activist non-profits, corporation, and individuals associated with issues related to a company's annual shareholder ballots, for example. Third parties may post general information regarding corporate issues and/or sample ballots on the web site with rationale for their positions. An individual stakeholder may use the proffered sample ballot during voting of their shares. In this way, individuals may align their votes with a particular cause of a third party. Moreover, real time results of any voting may be displayed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic voting system. Further, the electronic voting system includes methods and processes for voter registration, voter determination and eligibility, candidate information, on-line ballot generation, real-time voting, real-time voting tabulation, and voter demographics. The electronic voting system and method for electronic voting provides an integrated core election system (ICES). The ICES has a multiprocessor/mainframe/server based core software system that allows for real-time management of an election process across multiple localities at the local, state and national level.

Abstract: A system and method of registering voters and tabulating an election is provided. A voter database is maintained with a record of each eligible voter comprising at least one voter characteristic. Based on the at least one voter characteristic, a set of positions and issues for which the voter is eligible to vote is determined. The set of positions and issues is printed onto a ballot. The ballot may be printed on demand or mailed to the voter along with a return envelope and an anonymous ballot envelope. The invention further comprises a system and method for tabulating and auditing election results. Voted ballots are scanned and computer readable visual representations of the ballots are generated and stored. The visual representations are analyzed to generate vote data. The visual representation, vote data and ballot are associated with each other by a unique ballot identification.

Abstract: Disclosed are voting systems based on paper ballots that provide integrity of the election outcome through the novel use of encrypted votes and other techniques. In some example embodiments, holes through layers allow voters to see and mark symbols on lower layers, carbonless coatings allow voters to obtain substantially identical marks on facing surfaces, self-adhesive stickers are removed from one position and placed by voters hiding vote-revealing indicia on a second position, and scratch-off layers bearing vote-revealing indicia are destroyed while being removed to expose coded information. Simplified cryptography for realizing these systems is also presented. Related systems allow those with various disabilities to develop and check voted ballot forms that are substantially indistinguishable from those voted by other voters. Inclusion of write-in votes is provided for. Also provided are inclusion of provisional ballots and spoilt ballots and integration with registration sign-in.

Abstract: A voting system includes one or more voting machines provided at a specific location, wherein for each authorized voter one of the voting machines is adapted to record a first set of voting selections, and one or more validation machines provided at the specific location, wherein for each authorized voter one of the validation machines is adapted to present the first set of voting selections to the authorized voter and record a second set of voting selections only if the first set of voting selections is confirmed. A first vote tally is determined from the first set of voting selections of each authorized voter, and a second vote tally is determined from the second set of voting selections of each authorized voter. The first vote tally is then compared to the second vote tally, wherein a vote modification may have occurred if the tallies do not match.

Abstract: Techniques are described for enhancing the reliability of information received from users in various ways, such as by analyzing votes or other ratings supplied by a user in order to identify fraudulent and other unreliable ratings. Such analysis may be based at least in part on prior ratings submitted by the user, such as based on one or more patterns indicating that the user has a bias for or against one or more of various aspects. Unreliable ratings can then be excluded from use in various ways. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring it, and is submitted with the intention that it not limit the scope of the claims.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for file accessing and data transferring to secure online voting using a multilayered security system where all contents of the data may be delivered to users of varied electronic devices. The data transferring occur as an external communication between separate computers which themselves are distinguishable processing entities, such as a voter processing center, online voting station, registration station, and calling station. The system includes (i) requesting at least one voter and biometric information based on a security level; (ii) receiving the at least one voter and biometric information from the user; (iii) verifying the at least one voter and biometric information against the stored voter and biometric information; (iv) in response to acceptable verifications, sending a voting ballot; and (v) receiving and storing the voting ballot with a vote selection. The security level may depend on the type of ballot.

Abstract: An apparatus for executing a trusted electronic voting system under the control of an election authority comprising: at least one electronic voting machine; an election configuration for the voting machine in the electronic voting system; and a trusted computing platform for the voting machine in the electronic voting system.

Abstract: A system and method for filtering of web-based content in a proxy cache server environment provides a local network having a client, a directory server and a proxy cache server that caches predetermined Internet-derived web content within the network. When content is requested, it is vended to the client only if it meets predefined user policies for acceptability. These policies are implemented based upon one or more ratings lists provided by content rating vendors. The lists are downloaded to the network in whole or part, and cached for use in determining acceptability of content by a filter application. Ratings can be particularly based upon predetermined content categories. Caching occurs in a host or object cache for rapid access. Only if current ratings are not found in the host or object caches are ratings caches or vendors accessed for ratings. Ratings on requested content are then placed in the host or object cache for subsequent use.

Abstract: A method for auditing ballots cast in an election, wherein each ballot is associated with a group. A subset of groups from which sample ballots will be chosen is identified. An identifier is printed on each ballot in the subset. Each ballot has a different identifier than every other ballot in its group. A check is performed to determine whether the identifiers were printed correctly on the ballots. If so, a machine re-count of ballots in each group in the subset is performed and the results are compared to the initial tally of ballots associated with the group. If there is a mismatch, a further investigation is triggered. If there is a match, manual verification is performed on sample ballots from each group. The audit may begin prior to completion of voting from all precincts by estimating the number of samples that will be necessary.

Abstract: A system and method provide content review, distribution, ranking and access and automate creation and performance of contests among sets of content-based contestants. The system and method provide customizable interactive, ongoing, multi-level, multi-round contests with expert review of and filtered submission of content-based contestants. Among other advantages, providers may use the system and method to obtain expert and consumer review and ranking of their content.

Abstract: Content distribution systems that support Cost-Per-Engagement (CPE) based advertising are disclosed. One embodiment of the invention includes a server connected to a network, a database connected to the server and a voter computer connected to the network. In addition, the server is configured to provide a plurality of options to the voter computer, the voter computer is configured to register with the server using a profile and to communicate a current selection from one of the options to the server, the database stores information concerning past activity associated with a voter profile and the server is configured to determine the value of the vote as a function of at least one factor indicative of stored information concerning the past activity associated with the voter profile.

Abstract: A system and method to improve the transparency and security of an election are provided. In a first version, a tabulation system includes a paper ballot reader. The ballot reader informs a computational engine of the tabulation system in a digital data format of an informational pattern detected on each paper ballot. The computational engine processes the information provided by the ballot reader in accordance with a system software and in light of instruction and data inputs. The system software and a history of the tabulation system operations are provided as public rectory. The history may include the ballot reader output, computational activity of the tabulation system, computational results of the tabulation system, and instruction and data inputs.

Abstract: A method of conducting an election including storing a signature image for each voter, providing a plurality of return envelopes, providing an indicium having a barcode on each of the return envelopes, for each of the return envelopes, associating the barcode of the indicium with a respective one of the voters, and mailing each return envelope and a ballot to the voter with which the barcode data of the indicium of the envelope has been associated. When each return envelope including a completed ballot and a written signature thereon is received, the method includes obtaining from the return envelope the written signature and the barcode of the indicium provided thereon, using the obtained barcode to access the stored authorized signature image of the voter with which the barcode is associated, and comparing the obtained written signature to the authorized signature in the accessed image.

Abstract: In a transparent election system that protects voter privacy, the actual votes cast are published as a public record, with individual voter information redacted, allowing verification of the election results. A voter may verify that his votes were properly read and counted, to a high degree of certainty. The voter retains a receipt, including a unique voterID, from his ballot. During verification, using the voterID, the voter receives a plurality of non-matching sets of votes, one of which is his, without any indication of which one that is. If a voter does not recognize his set of votes, his marked ballot may be physically audited by voterID. A third party may verify the election results using these verification and auditing procedures on randomly selected ballots or sets of votes from a database.

Abstract: A method for entertaining individuals according to a community having similar tastes. Information derived from user accounts form the basis of a community and collateral preferences allow other subscribing individuals to enjoy the benefit of wider-ranging tastes according to the preferences expressed by the other members of the community. Additionally, assuming that individuals sharing one preference in common may be likely to share others, the present method allows those who choose to listen to the “fan station” the ability to enjoy similar music or other data streams according to preferences expressed by the fan community as a whole.

Abstract: Various election methods are provided wherein voters are able to verify their votes through public means. In one embodiment, each of the ballots includes a ballot identifier and each of the choices thereon is associated with a selection identifier. After the completed ballots are received by the voting authority, the authority publishes the ballot identifiers obtained from the ballots in association with the selection identifiers of the selected choices to enable each voter to verify his or her vote. In another embodiment, the voter provides the ballot identifier and the selection identifiers of the selected choices on a delivery mechanism (e.g., envelope). The relevant identifiers are then obtained by the authority from the delivery mechanisms and published. In another embodiment, the voters generate their own selection identifiers on the ballot which are then published by the authority to enable each voter to verify his or her vote.

Abstract: A method and a system are provided, such that a subscriber may access a remote processing device to dynamically create or edit an online contest or an online poll. When creating an online contest, the subscriber may provide the remote processing device with contest information including contest rules, contest entrance criteria, access control information, a format for contest submissions, and/or other information. When creating an online poll, the subscriber may provide the remote processing device with information including a poll question, poll answers, a poll category, poll entrance criteria, poll access control information, and/or other poll information. In some embodiments, the subscriber may create one or more access lists to limit access to an online poll or an online contest, to limit viewing of the online poll or the online contest, or to limit participation of users with respect to the online poll of the online contest.

Abstract: Methods and systems for validating signatures on ballots sent through the mail that do not require significant amounts of hardware and/or software to perform are provided. The envelope for returning a ballot by mail includes a signature area in which the voter will sign and a reserved area in which no markings are provided. When the envelope is received at the registrar's office, the voter's identification is scanned and the voter's registration signature is retrieved from a registration database. The signature retrieved from the registration database is then provided in the reserved area. The signatures can then be compared directly on the envelope, without the need to image the voter's signature from the envelope and without the use of monitors to display the imaged and retrieved signatures.

Abstract: Methods of conducting the business of an association of sports fans. The methods involve the use of direct member voting to control actions that are taken by the association and by third parties, and providing member specific information to members.

Abstract: A credibility card contains a claim about a resource, a way to identify the claimant, and a set of choices to be voted on about the claim. A resource can be information content, a product, or another item about which a claim can be made, and it may be associated with a Uniform Resource Indicator (URI). Information (e.g., a web page) that contains or describes the resource includes the credibility card, and a user viewing the information is given the chance to vote on the claims, such as by indicating agreement or disagreement with the claim. The votes are stored in a repository, which may protect the votes from being deleted. Users can view the tally of votes in order to judge the credibility of the claim or the claimant.

Abstract: A system and method for performing an identity validation is provided. The invention includes an identity transaction engine component and a communication component. The identity transaction engine component facilitates searching of data store(s) in order to validate identity related to a regulated transaction. The communication component facilitates communication between the identification validation system and remote system such as database(s) and/or data storage system(s). The data store(s) can store governmental agency and/or private entity information. The data store(s) can be remote or local. The invention further provides for the identification validation system to, optionally, include input device(s) and/or output device(s). The input device(s) facilitate identifying an entity to the identification validation system. The output device(s) facilitate communication to user(s) of the identification validation system.

Abstract: A method and system for voting are disclosed. The method and system can include a voting terminal that may display an electronic ballot. The electronic ballot may contain some voting data and a voter may input voting or selection data into the electronic ballot using a computer peripheral device. A copy of the electronic ballot may be printed and a voter may substantially simultaneously sign the printed copy of the ballot and the electronic copy of the ballot.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system of a campaign in a geo-spatial environment is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes populating each profile of a geo-spatial social network with an address data, forming a group in support of a campaign in the geo-spatial network when a particular user creates the group in support of the campaign and automatically communicating media to a physical location of a member of the group based on the address data associated with each profile of the geo-spatial network. The method may also include automatically creating the group based on a public data associated with each profile of the geo-spatial social network even prior to certain users associated with each profile registering geo-spatial social network by applying the public data to the each profile.

Abstract: A voting indicium product including a human-readable portion to represent a unique vote identification element for a specific ballot choice by a specific voter. The voting indicium further including a bar-coded portion to represent the unique vote identification element for the specific ballot choice by the specific voter, the bar-coded portion encoding at least the unique vote identification element.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for selecting a portion of a group of people who live in a defined geographic area that are more likely than the average population in that geographic area to perform a particular action. The apparatus includes a database for storing data. Such data includes indicia of: a group of people who live in the defined geographic area; the geographic location of the residence of each person in the group of people; and the propensity for one or more persons in the group of people who live in a particular residence to perform the particular action. The apparatus also includes a display for showing the relative locations of the residences in the geographic area and a visually recognizable indication of the propensity for one or more persons who live in a particular residence to perform the particular action.

Abstract: The voting apparatus, system and method of the invention provides at least two independently means for recording and counting votes, e.g., one associated with the voting apparatus and one separate therefrom. A preferred voting apparatus, system and method may provide triple data redundancy in that each vote is recorded by three independent and verifiable means: i.e. by recording in one or more electronic memory devices included in the voting machine and/or system, by recording in the memory of a smart card separate from the voting machine and/or system, and/or by a confirmatory printed record for each voter. The invention may utilize a voting session identifier to provide transparency of the vote and to maintain the anonymity of the votes and voters.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for ensuring security for a voting machine. The voting machine can include a display screen upon which numerous election choices are displayed for selection by a voter. A detachable printer can also be provided that is adapted to be securely attached to the voting machine and that prints the choices selected among the election choices to a print medium to generate a printed audit trail. A summary of the election choices visible on the display screen can be simultaneously compared with the printed audit trail by the voter poised in a voting position.

Abstract: A method for controlling campaign management includes receiving a login request from a user at a central location and receiving a campaign management request from the user responsive to the login request. The method further includes selecting at least a first campaign from a plurality of campaigns based on the campaign management request, associating the selected first campaign with the user based on the selection, recording the association within at least a first database, and compiling a plurality of analytic data based on the recorded association. Additionally, the method includes providing at least a second campaign to the user based on the compiled analytic data.