Abstract: A maintenance management side manages machine information and the installed number of machines such as a copier, a printer, a facsimile, a digital multi-functional apparatus, and a scanner, and exchanges the usage number for each machine for a point value, based on the machine information and the installed number of machines. A service is provided to the user based on the point value. In addition, the service to the user can be utilized through each machine provided at the user side.

Abstract: A web application to match prospective tenants and commercial real estate spaces by creating a broker-generated searchable prospective tenant database which affords users the ability to create a plurality of prospective tenant listings on a single account. Additionally, a web application to receive prospective tenant information to create useful prospective tenant listings that make up this searchable prospective tenant database. Additionally, a web application to display prospective tenant listings that intersect with search attributes and search geographic areas. Additionally, a web application to display prospective tenant listings associated with a broker's account accessible on that broker's broker profile page.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for leasing blocks of time for a commercial object. The system comprising listing one or more available blocks of time for leasing the commercial object into a web based system. The listing of one or more available blocks of time for leasing the commercial object being entered into the web based system by an owner of the commercial object. A prequalification is set for one or more independent contractors to bid on the leasing of the listed available blocks of time for the commercial object. The prequalification being set by the owner of the commercial object. One or more independent contractors are accepted as prequalified based on the set prequalification. The leasing of one or more of the available blocks of time for the commercial object are bided on via the web based system. The bidding being done by one or more of the accepted prequalified independent contractors.

Abstract: Systems and methods for statistically analyzing effects on car hire.

Abstract: A number of techniques are disclosed for making it more convenient and efficient for customers to conduct various rental vehicle transactions. As an example, a technique for performing an automated pickup of a rental vehicle using a mobile device is disclosed. As another example, a technique for performing an automated return administration of a rental vehicle using a mobile device is disclosed. As another example, a technique for permitting customer to select a particular rental vehicle for a rental vehicle transaction using a mobile device is disclosed. Also disclosed is a technique for permitting a customer to keylessly start a rental vehicle using a machine-sensible item such as his/her mobile device without requiring the customer to possess a smart key.

Abstract: A number of techniques are disclosed for making it more convenient and efficient for customers to conduct various rental vehicle transactions. As an example, techniques are disclosed for capturing and analyzing images of driver's licenses to assess a validity for the driver's licenses in support of various rental transactions.

Abstract: A digital media lending system and computer implemented method is disclosed. The system includes a usage restriction system operable to apply usage restrictions to digital media items and a user interface arranged to receive a user input by a user requesting loan of a digital media item. The usage restriction system is arranged to apply usage restrictions to the requested digital media item in dependence on historic activities of the user.

Abstract: To provide a battery leasing system with which an initial investment for a battery installed inside or outside a home of a user can be reduced, ideally to zero. To provide a leasing system in which the battery is installed at the user's home with an initial investment of a leasing company and the user pays a predetermined charge to the leasing company. The amount of the predetermined charge collected from the user is a portion of money saved by energy conservation. This leasing system can easily increase homes with the battery capable of being as an emergency power source.

Abstract: A virtual rent-a-car system and method with an in-car device and related systems and methods are disclosed for providing customer service interactions, tools, and entertainment to a vehicle rental customer. The functions of the in-car device include, for example, navigational assistance, local recommendations, driving condition alerts, itinerary management, vehicle comfort controls, and entertainment media play controls.

Abstract: An availability notification for a device can be provided to a mobile device. The availability notification can be provided based on a configuration established by a subscriber of a mobile device as well as a characteristic of the mobile device. The subscriber can interact with an interface provided by the network provider to establish the configuration. Additionally, the subscriber can reserve the device via his or her mobile device. For example, a reservation interface may be provided to the subscriber via his or her mobile device that includes reservation options that can be selected by the subscriber to reserve the device. The reservation interface can further include the availability notification that indicates the device is currently available.

Abstract: A vehicle rental transaction system and method which provide a vehicle lot owner with a choice of options for vehicle security and customer convenience. The vehicle rental transaction system includes a computer for identifying a customer as part of a rental transaction involving a vehicle, and for sending a wireless message to the vehicle containing instructions for preparing the vehicle for the customer. Example instructions include, but are not limited to, unlocking doors and a trunk of the vehicle, adjusting power seats and power mirrors in accordance with customer preferences, adjusting climate control settings in accordance with the customer preferences, adjusting radio station settings in accordance with the customer preferences, and adjusting GPS settings in accordance with the customer preferences.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a battery lease and exchange system for a vehicle owner to make a stop at a battery refueling station where the battery on the car that has already had a low capacity is quickly removed and another battery that is fully charged is installed such that the battery “refueling” process may be executed quickly without being limited by the speed of recharging the batteries.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a quality control audit system and process to an admission and reexamination system for auditing files for individuals entering or living in public or subsidized housing or using a voucher program.

Abstract: A hybrid distribution system and method for distributing/temporarily renting playable media items, such as movies in a digital format. The distribution system includes a first option in which a title is delivered in a ranking order identified by the subscriber and based on an allocation priority associated with the subscriber for such title. Alternatively the subscriber can be given a second option to gain access rights to the first title from a third party. In this manner a content provider can manage different types of demand through a combination of dedicated and third party inventory.

Abstract: A method, device, and system of a short-term automobile renting system and method are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of a dispatch server includes associating a user with a ride request system and determining that the user has requested to be picked-up at a geo-spatial location associated with a pick-up address of the user. The geo-spatial location is determined based on any of a current geo-spatial location of a mobile device through which the user requests the pick-up and/or a manually entered address in the mobile device of the user that is communicatively coupled with the dispatch server in this aspect. A private vehicle is automatically dispatched in the geo-spatial vicinity of the geo-spatial location associated with the pick-up address of the user using a processor and a memory.

Abstract: A maintenance management side manages machine information and the installed number of machines such as a copier, a printer, a facsimile, a digital multi-functional apparatus, and a scanner, and exchanges the usage number for each machine for a point value, based on the machine information and the installed number of machines. A service is provided to the user based on the point value. In addition, the service to the user can be utilized through each machine provided at the user side.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rental service provider messaging system comprised of a system database configured to receive registration details of rental service providers. The database is configured for the registered rental service providers to enter details of clients required to contact the rental service provider. The client details include particulars of predetermined acceptable government-issued identification associated with that client and is also configured to be searched by any registered rental service provider when initially engaging with a client for any recorded entries for that client. The search includes the particulars of details of predetermined acceptable government-issued identification of the client. The database is also configured to electronically message the registered rental service provider that listed the client on the database if the client is revealed in the database search.

Abstract: A transactional flow to facilitate lending of digital content at an authorized location to an authenticated electronic device.

Abstract: A vehicle rental transaction system and method which provide a vehicle lot owner with a choice of options for vehicle security and customer convenience. The vehicle rental transaction system includes a computer for identifying a customer as part of a rental transaction involving a vehicle, and for sending a wireless message to the vehicle containing instructions for preparing the vehicle for the customer. Example instructions include, but are not limited to, unlocking doors and a trunk of the vehicle, adjusting power seats and power mirrors in accordance with customer preferences, adjusting climate control settings in accordance with the customer preferences, adjusting radio station settings in accordance with the customer preferences, and adjusting GPS settings in accordance with the customer preferences.

Abstract: An integrated leasing method, system, apparatus, and a computer readable medium for leasing a space including a small fraction thereof separately by aggregating multiple tenants and for providing one place to bid for and commensurate an entire transaction related to the leasing. A method, a system, an apparatus, and a computer-readable medium for leasing a space including receiving space location and space related information, which comprises information regarding at least one component within the space, processing by a computer the at least one component based on a user request, and outputting the result of said processing. The component includes at least one of a seat, a section, and an amenity related to the space.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method, a device and a system of automotive sharing by users of a neighborhood social network using a radial algorithm. In one embodiment, the automotive listing broadcast data is radially distributed as a notification data through an on-page posting, an electronic communication, and/or a push notification delivered to (1) a set of recipients 114 through an internet protocol (IP) based network associated with users and/or their user profiles around an epicenter defined at a set of geospatial coordinates associated with the automotive listing broadcast data generated through a computing device or (2) a set of persons, businesses and organizations through a cellular network using the radial algorithm in addition to the set of recipients 114 through the IP based network associated with users and/or their user profiles.

Abstract: Systems, devices, features, and methods for routing to a fuel or gasoline station before returning a rental vehicle are disclosed. For example, one method comprises identifying a selected destination to be a rental service return location associated with a rental vehicle. An option to obtain gasoline before returning the rental vehicle to the rental service return location is offered. Upon selection of the option, a gasoline station along a route to the rental service return location is identified. Route guidance to the gasoline station is provided. Route guidance from the gasoline station to the rental service return location is also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for expediting how rental vehicle reservations can be booked by employing deep-link uniform resource locators (URLs) that encode aspects of a rental vehicle reservation transaction to relieve users of a need to enter reservation data themselves when booking a rental vehicle reservation.

Abstract: A improved tract-based lease data management systems is described that allow for rendering maps of database entities with reduced data entry. The invention includes methods for linking, unlinking, detecting invalidating changes, and rebuilding database entity geographical representations.

Abstract: A network based distribution system and method is disclosed for permitting subscribers to exchange playable media items, such as movies in a digital format. The exchange system includes a number of components that interoperate to improve a subscriber's experience, including an intelligent queue monitor which works on his/her behalf to identify potential items of interest for the subscriber. The system can thus automatically exchange for desirable titles, including other titles from other subscribers, under a set of programmed directives from the user, and/or in response to supply/demand requirements of other subscribers.

Abstract: A leasing method, which allows lessees to exchange their shipping containers includes: inputting exchange data of the shipping containers for exchange. The exchange data includes the location of the shipping container for exchange-out, the location of the shipping container for exchange-in, and the container specifications. The system automatically search in the database for the matched shipping container and inform the lessees that they can exchange their shipping containers. Next, the lessees respectively lease the shipping containers after exchange.

Abstract: A network based distribution system and method is disclosed for automatically exchanging playable media items, such as movies in a digital format. The automatic exchange system includes a number of components that interoperate to improve a subscriber's experience, including an intelligent queue monitor which works on his/her behalf to identify potential items of interest for the subscriber. The system can thus automatically exchange for desirable tides, including other titles from other subscribers, under a set of programmed directives from the user, and/or in response to supply/demand requirements of other subscribers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coordinating and managing renting of items among multiple parties. Participants of the system interact with others at a central server connected via a communications network. According to an embodiment, each participant plays a role of a potential lender, a potential renter, or both. As the items of a participant get rented more, the system rewards him so that he is able to rent more himself. In a certain embodiment, a point value system is used. The server computer maintains all required information as to which items are currently for rent (e.g., offers) and which items are currently being requested (e.g., bids), as well as all data pertinent to rentable items and participants. A rental transaction occurs when a certain preset criterion is met, and point values are adjusted at the beginning, at the end and/or in the middle of the rental period.

Abstract: An automated vehicle rental system with individual vehicle transmitting sensors for keeping track of vehicle mileage, fill state of vehicle fuel tank, and localized position status in a rental lot. Sensors are linked to the vehicle odometer reading and to the vehicle fuel tank float sensor with compensation for types of driving and fuel fill-ups which affect float level readings. The sensors are integrated with or are linked with communicating tags operable in a defined site for ultimate communication of stored vehicle related sensor data, vehicle location and type to a central data base for automatically completely effecting check out, charges and state of vehicle readiness for renewed rental. The transmitting sensors are adapted to avoid interference between sensors of other vehicles during multiple transmissions. Also included is an in-vehicle check out and payment device operatively linkable to the transmitting sensor of the vehicle.

Abstract: A common area data center for a tenant suite in large scale commercial office properties built in situ having a dedicated space, at least one computer module in the space and a self-sustaining cooling system to maintain a cooling temperature for the computer module consistent 24/7/365. This provides significant value in services and cost savings to both landlord and tenant. Each tenant can access greater levels of technology, security, and energy efficiency.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are disclosed whereby a business partner computer system interfaces with a rental vehicle reservation management computer system via a web service connector. The web service connector can be configured to (1) receive, via a network, a document, the document comprising a web service request by a computer system of a business partner for a rental vehicle transaction with respect to a replacement rental vehicle reservation, (2) process the received document in accordance with a web service specification document to create one or more data objects having a format supported by a rental vehicle reservation management software program, and (3) communicate the one or more data objects to the rental vehicle reservation management software program for automatic processing thereby of the one or more data objects for management of the replacement rental vehicle reservation in accordance with the request.

Abstract: A computer-implemented, real-estate program identifying real-estate properties of interest to prospective tenants and investors and providing composite price information including purchase and non-purchase-related expenses about lease-to-purchase options.

Abstract: A method for controlling access to a storage unit owned by an owner, wherein a renter has access to the storage unit unless the owner receives the legal right to deny the renter access to the storage unit and decides to do so. In this method, the storage unit is secured by a lock that is, at least in part, controlled by the renter. A remotely controllable lockout assembly, however, is capable of over locking the storage unit so that the renter can no longer gain entry when the lockout assembly is activated. The method includes remotely controlling the lockout assembly to deny the renter access to the unit when the owner receives the legal right to deny the renter access to the storage unit and decides to do so.

Abstract: Methods and systems for facilitating efficient travel management are disclosed. Exemplary embodiments comprise a processor configured to make selections from among a plurality of vehicle travel modes based on a vehicle travel mode selection rule using, at least in part, received travel plan information. In a preferred embodiment, this selection can be based on any of a number of factors, including monetary costs and carbon emissions associated with different vehicle travel mode options.

Abstract: An equipment recovery system receives data relating to leased property and associated lease accounts. The system provides lessees with interactive messages that enable them to make payments or payment commitments. Lessees may also make arrangements to return the property or surrender them to retrieval agents. Messages may be left for lessees, enabling them to contact the system or a call center to remedy delinquent payments or arrange return of the property. The system sends interactive messages to agents of lessors enabling them to: check delinquency or payment status; accept payments; make arrangements for the retrieval of the property; or report the outcome of a retrieval attempt. Contact between the system and either the lessee or the agent may be recorded and data received may be stored and reported.

Abstract: In a server 10, a standard setting section 11 establishes a standard amount of deposits and a standard amount of money of a maintenance charge in advance; a first calculating section 12 calculates the maintenance charge by multiplying the standard amount of money by a ratio of a deposition level at returning to a standard deposition level; a memory section 13 stores in memory an engine operating time, the number of regeneration sequences performed, and a reduction coefficient table; a second calculating section 14 establishes a reduction coefficient based on the reduction coefficient table and reduces the maintenance charge after reduction by multiplying the maintenance charge calculated by the first calculating section 12 by the reduction coefficient; and a third calculating section 15 calculates an amount of refund by subtracting the value of the maintenance charge from the value of a maintenance guarantee.

Abstract: A computerized method creates a deposit exemption policy between a lessor and a third party insurer, the policy obviating the need for a security deposit.

Abstract: A media transaction kiosk with an antenna which provides better field coverage around a return slot. The media transaction kiosk includes a return portion including a wall containing an aperture for receiving a storage device containing media, and an antenna. The antenna includes a first antenna portion in a first position relative to the aperture, wherein the first antenna portion is coupled to a tag reader, wherein the first antenna portion is for radiating an electromagnetic field at a tag reading frequency for reading a tag on the storage device. The antenna further includes a second antenna portion in a second position relative to the aperture, wherein the second antenna portion is located within the electromagnetic field from the first antenna portion, and wherein the second antenna portion is for resonating at the tag reading frequency and for radiating another electromagnetic field for reading the tag.

Abstract: A system for using real estate lease data has at least one property file stored on a data storage device and representing a property that has at least one leasable space, and a lease deal component operated by at least one processor and receiving data for a plurality of lease deals each with terms of a lease deal. At least one previously established lease deal has data for a lease deal, and is associated to at least one leasable space. This lease deal was established previously to at least one subsequent lease deal. The lease deal component links at least one subsequent lease deal to the at least one previously established lease deal to associate the at least one subsequent lease deal with an amount of leasable space linked to the previously established lease deal. A display displays lease terms or results of financial calculations or both of at least one linked lease deal.

Abstract: Hacking a rental computer to use it beyond purchased rental time is prevented by plugging a time card with internal counter into a DIMM socket of the motherboard and encrypting the register locations of the time card with the private key of the motherboard to bind the time card to the motherboard. Thus, if the time card is not detected at boot or if it is removed during operation the computer is disabled. The counter counts down the rented time period as it receives clocking signals, and at the elapse of the purchased period disables the computer.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed herein for customizing pages of a rental vehicle reservation booking website with deep-links for specialized rental vehicle reservations. The specialized rental vehicle reservations may comprise reservations for a division of a customer entity and/or promotional offer reservations. Multi-division and multi-offer pages can also be defined for the website through an administrative tool.

Abstract: An automatic parking station for cycles or bicycles, including an interactive workstation and a plurality of parking posts. Each parking post includes a first lock portion for securing a cycle or bicycle thereto through a removable second lock portion on the cycle or bicycle. The parking posts are connected to the interactive workstation through a local communication network to allow exchange of commands between the interactive workstation and the parking posts. Each parking post including code reading means for reading a cycle/bicycle code univocally identifying a cycle or bicycle and stored in a memory medium, so that the cycle/bicycle can be identified by the interactive workstation. The station accepts the bicycles and cycles of private users and rental companies.

Abstract: A user enters into a subscription to receive footwear having one or more specified performance characteristics. As the user finishes wearing one set of footwear, the user can obtain a replacement set of footwear that also will have one or more specified performance characteristics. The performance characteristics may be consistent for each set of footwear provided according to the subscription. Alternately, the footwear performance characteristics may vary over the life of the subscription. Thus, the footwear provider may periodically obtain biometric information describing the user's athletic activities or performance. The footwear provider then can tailor the performance characteristics of footwear provided under the subscription to match the user's athletic activities or performance.

Abstract: A system and method for assigning controlled access to a securable device may include (i) multiple securable devices and (ii) a kiosk configured to enable a user to rent a securable device from among the securable devices. The kiosk may be physically remote from the securable devices.

Abstract: A system and method for assigning controlled access to a securable device may include multiple securable devices available for a user to rent. A first kiosk may be configured to enable the user to rent a securable device from among the securable devices. A second kiosk may be configured to alternatively enable the user to rent the securable device from among the securable devices. A lock unit may be associated with the securable device and be in communication with the first and second kiosks. The lock unit may be configured to enable the user to access the securable device after being rented by the user via either of the first or second kiosk.

Abstract: A fuel management system and method that permits accurate accounting of fuel consumption within the context of a fuel consuming system is disclosed. The system/method may be broadly described as comprising a fuel level sensor, fuel level sensor transponder, fuel accounting system, and optional regulated fuel dispenser. The fuel level sensor accurately determines the contents of a fuel tank. This information is reported via fuel sensor transponder to a fuel accounting system that tracks the fuel consumption of the fuel consuming system and provides billing information based on the detected fuel consumption. This accounting information may be utilized within an optional regulated fuel dispenser to refill the fuel tank to an accurately predetermined fuel level for the next fuel management accounting cycle. While the present invention has many applications, one preferred embodiment targets fuel management within the context of rental/lease vehicles and the like.

Abstract: A system and method for a computer or web-based system designed to manage, track, and facilitate the use of virtual money as currency. They system allows for virtual currency to be used as a means to purchase and sell domain names, lease domain names, obtain domain name development services, obtain SEO counseling, and to purchase or sell products and services to or from third-party vendors who accept the virtual currency. Such transactions using virtual money could be considered “like kind” exchanges. The system also allows for the user to access and manage the user's virtual money as well as register, purchase, and sell domain names. The system can also be used to lease registered domain names whereby the domain name is locked during the duration of the lease so that the owner cannot sell or transfer the domain name while still allowing the lessee to control various aspect of the domain name.

Abstract: A computer readable storage medium includes a master limited partnership module with instructions to distinguish a cold storage facility real estate owner from a cold storage facility service operator. The receipt of cold storage rental fees and cold storage service fees is tracked. The cold storage rental fees, but not the cold storage service fees, are attributed to the cold storage facility real estate owner. Master limited partnership income is distributed based upon the cold storage rental fees.

Abstract: Methods, systems and computer program products for targeted and customized marketing to customers and, specifically in some embodiments, customers having a previous relationship with the entity implementing the marketing tool. The embodiments of the invention herein disclosed provide for efficient identification of previous customers based on their current product, service or property and/or their previous, and in some instances, ongoing financial obligation related to the current product, service or property. A replacement product, service or property is identified and a financial transaction proposal, such as a sales or lease proposal, is generated for one or more of the identified previous customers based on customers meeting criteria associated with variable parameters of the proposed transaction.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for handling scheduled lending and self-returning of articles to which RFID tags are attached. The system includes a body. The body includes, on a front surface thereof, a display for displaying a method of using the system, handling processes, and processing results, a speaker, a receipt issuing unit, a manipulational information input unit, an external antenna for transmitting/receiving information to/from the RFID tags, and a plurality of article depositories having respective internal antennas for transmitting/receiving information to/from the RFID tags.