Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and computer program product for cash management optimization method for payment processing. In an embodiment of the invention, a cash management optimization method for payment processing can include receiving a transaction profile for a proposed transaction as payment for a purchase by a purchaser from a merchant at a card processing terminal configured to identify a card number for a card. The method further can include comparing the transaction profile to merchant-specified preferences mapping different transaction profiles to different payment processors. A payment processor for the proposed transaction can be selected based upon the comparison of the transaction profile to the merchant-specified preferences. Thereafter, the proposed transaction can be routed over a computer communications network to the selected payment processor for payment processing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method that may be used for billing for quality of service applications. The method includes determining at least one parameter indicative of resource usage of at least one first quality of service application by comparing at least one resource used by the first quality of service application(s) to at least one resource used by a second quality of service application. The method also includes providing information indicative of at least one cost associated with the first quality of service application(s) based on the comparison and at least one cost associated with the second quality of service application.

Abstract: A business object model, which reflects data that is used during a given business transaction, is utilized to generate interfaces. This business object model facilitates commercial transactions by providing consistent interfaces that are suitable for use across industries, across businesses, and across different departments within a business during a business transaction. Specifically, example business objects include FundsManagementFund and Merchandise Category Hierarchy.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, systems and apparatus for combining aspects of a prepay and post pay utility service billing arrangement. When a customer enrolls in the program with the system, utility service is initiated and a first bill is generated and transmitted; the amount of the first bill is an estimated amount of charges for the service to be provided during a first period. In subsequent billing periods, subsequent bills are generated and transmitted and each includes an estimated amount of charges for the subsequent period as well as a difference between actual and estimated charges for the service during the previous billing period, less any payments received from the customer. Service may be terminated if the customer withdraws from the program, if the customer fails to make timely payments, or for other reasons.

Abstract: A consolidated bill for commodity computing services may be unconsolidated by obtaining periodic usage statistics corresponding to computing-commodity usage specific to each entity whose consumption is included in the consolidated bill. Based at least in part on the usage statistics and on one or more entity-specific discount entitlements, a discounted billing rate that is applicable to at least some of an entity's usage can be determined, as can a non-discounted billing rate. Using the determined statistics and billing rates, an unblended cost for each entity's specific commodity usage can be computed and stored for subsequent presentation to each entity and/or for further processing.

Abstract: An ink billing system is used between a client company X 200 that prints information and a printer manufacturer that supplies ink cartridges (or toner) to company X 200. Company X 200 has a main server 210, a plurality of in-store servers 220, 230 in communication with the main server, and a plurality of inkjet (or laser) printers 240 each having an ink cartridge 20 (or toner) for printing according to commands from the in-store server 220, 230. When billing company X 200 based on the number of ink shots (or drum charging time) used by the printers 240 and stored on the main server 210, the terminal device 100 of the printer manufacturer changes the billing rate per unit of ink according to the ink shot count (or drum charging time).

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to facilitate online transactions via mobile communications. In one aspect, a system includes a data storage facility to store an account and a phone number associated with the account and an interchange coupled with the data storage facility. The interchange includes a common format processor and a plurality of converters to interface with a plurality of different controllers of mobile communications. The converters are configured to communicate with the controllers in different formats and to communicate with the common format processor in a common format. The common format processor is to select a first controller based at least in part on reducing cost, and to instruct the first controller of the controllers, via a first converter of the converters, to transmit a first message to a mobile device at the phone number to facilitate a transaction related to funds associated with the phone number.

Abstract: A computer-enabled method and system for generating a script for veterinary pharmaceutical and other animal-related product transactions comprising aggregation of participant data, including animal hospital data, veterinarian data, client data and animal data into the script, adding treatment regimen data to one or more orders associated with the script in accordance with the veterinarian's treatment plan, to enable determination of the initial date to begin filling the product, quantity of product, the number of fills and frequency to enable automatic generation of a series of autoship records including projected dates for shipping the orders to the animal owner upon verification of funds available, to print usage instructions, Rx labels, product information, shipping labels and packing slips, and to send notification emails to the animal owner and confirmation emails to the animal hospital.

Abstract: A method for an operator to test tariff and/or billing configurations using a computer based system, the method being effected by a user interface, said method including the steps of creating through said computer based system one or more accounts from a selection of a first set of options by the operator from the user interface, allocating a service or services to each account from a selection of a second set of options by the operator from the user interface said allocated services being assigned to said accounts by said computer based system, and adding at least one package or component to each account from a selection of a third set of options by the operator from the user interface said packages or components services being assigned to said accounts by said computer based system.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to billing for transactions involving a claims provider. In aspects, in conjunction with presenting a claim to a relying party, billing information is provided to a billing service. The billing information may include information to identify a claims provider that provided the claim and information that identifies the relying party. The information does not include data that can be used to determine the natural identity of a user that presented the claim. In response, a count is updated that can be used for billing. The count is not usable to determine the natural identities of users that presented claims to the relying party.

Abstract: Tools and techniques for activating a wireless device on a wireless network and/or for providing a wireless device with occasional access to a wireless network. In an aspect, such tools can provide a wireless device with a temporary addressing number to allow the wireless device to send data to the network; this temporary addressing number, then, can be recycled to be used by another wireless device for accessing the network.

Abstract: A method of establishing a charged connection using a screen sharing application between multi-platforms is disclosed. A transmitting end application is installed in a transmitting end apparatus of a sharing source. A receiving end application is installed in a receiving end apparatus of a sharing target. If the transmitting end application is a charged version, an unlimited connection is established for performing screen sharing between the transmitting end apparatus and any receiving end apparatus. If the transmitting end application is a free version, the method further confirms if the receiving end application is a charged version for deciding whether a limited connection or an unlimited connection should be established. Thus, it is assured that either the transmitting end application or the receiving end application is a charged version, the interests of application developers are protected and users are free from paying twice for establishing one connection.

Abstract: A location mapping service (“LMS”) that allows the integrations of an IMS core with the location-based billing methods of a legacy core network. The LMS uses the estimated location of a mobile device during an IMS session in order to determine a Cell Global Identification (“CGI”) to associate with the session. The LMS then provides the determined CGI to the legacy core network, so that a billing gateway may determine the billing region to associate with the IMS session. The LMS thereby facilitates location-based billing for IMS sessions in the absence of actual CGI information.

Abstract: A device is provided that includes a processor to: receive current billing information associated with an account of a customer; receive prior billing information associated with the account; compare the current billing information with the prior billing information; determine whether an inaccuracy exists in the current billing information based on the comparison; determine whether an inaccuracy exists in the current billing information due to improperly applied promotional information to the account; determine whether an inaccuracy exists in the current billing information due to an improperly applied set of rules to the account; correct, when one or more inaccuracies exist in the current billing information; the one or more inaccuracies; and create a final bill for the account based on the current billing information and the corrected one or more inaccuracies.

Abstract: An information model for a party and property records management system includes a legal party role object for maintaining relationships between objects, such as legal party objects and revenue-object objects, within the information model. A legal party object could have several associated objects, such as an identification number object or a legal party communication object.

Abstract: In some examples, a method for performing maintenance-cost-aware billing is described. The method may include generating a version of a virtual machine image. The method may also include calculating a usage charge for usage of an instantiated virtual machine corresponding to the version of the virtual machine image. The calculation of the usage charge may be based on an age of the version of the virtual machine image.

Abstract: A building management and optimization system and method are disclosed. Building services data obtained at the building is received by a building optimization platform through a first communication network. The building optimization platform includes at least one server system for generating an electronic invoice based on the building services use data. A representation of the electronic invoice is transmitted to a user interface through a second communication network for web-based review, editing and approval by a property manager associated with the building.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for electronic invoice presentment and payment processing. Requestors may place an order to purchase goods or services from one or more vendors. Invoice processing includes approval routing and dispute resolution.

Abstract: Device group partitions and a settlement platform are provided. In some embodiments, device group partitions (e.g., partitions of devices based on associated device groups) are provided. In some embodiments, a settlement platform service is provided. In some embodiments, a settlement platform service is provided for partitioned devices. In some embodiments, collecting device generated service usage information for one or more devices in wireless communication on a wireless network; and aggregating the device generated service usage information for a settlement platform for the one or more devices in wireless communication on the wireless network is provided. In some embodiments, a settlement platform implements a service billing allocation and/or a service/transactional revenue share among one or more partners. In some embodiments, service usage information includes micro-CDRs, which are used for CDR mediation or reconciliation that provides for service usage accounting on any device activity that is desired.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods are described for reducing latency during invoice generation involving credit distribution. In some implementations, references to invoice line items are sorted by supplemental charge rate and credits are applied to the invoice line items in decreasing supplemental charge rate order. An invoice is generated that includes the invoice line items and associated credits. The process of generating applying the credits is optimized to minimize latency and to provide the greatest financial benefit to the user.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a system, a method and/or a computer readable medium are provided.

Abstract: Data processing services are offered on a per-unit basis, where a unit is, for example, an application program running on a server. Environmental complexity, level of change, and type of environment are determined for each unit of the services and points are assigned. The points are summed to give a count of points for each unit, and the counts of points are summed to provide a total number of points. A baseline price for the services is divided by the total number of points to provide a per-point price. The price of any unit may then be determined by multiplying its count of points by the per-point price. When a new unit is added in, its count of points is determined. The baseline price is then adjusted by multiplying the count of points for the new unit by the per-point price, and adding the result to the previous baseline.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for circulating invoices electronically to members of a group so that each relevant member of the group can review the invoice and make changes or add comments the other relevant members of the group, in the context of an online network. When the invoice is ready for review by a member of the group, that member receives a notification on his or her online network homepage. The notification that the invoice is ready for review contains a link to the invoice within the online network, so that each reviewing member can automatically access the invoice through the notification link. As each member of the relevant group completes their review of the invoice, a notification is sent to the next member in a sequence of members selected to review the invoice.

Abstract: In some examples, a method for performing maintenance-cost-aware billing is described. The method may include generating a version of a virtual machine image. The method may also include calculating a usage charge for usage of an instantiated virtual machine corresponding to the version of the virtual machine image. The calculation of the usage charge may be based on an age of the version of the virtual machine image.

Abstract: A system and method of using Diameter based signaling is provided to track usage to support multiple billing models for visually rendered revenue generating services in an IP Multimedia subsystem based network. The system includes a computer system includes first program instructions to provide usage information to an accounting platform for processing charging information for visually rendered services in an IP Multimedia subsystem based network. The computer system also comprises a computer readable media which stores the first program instructions and a central processing unit to execute the first program instructions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and systems for the transfer of bulk paper invoices into electronic invoices for electronic submission from a seller to a buyer. The systems and methods described herein use matching logic to transfer details of the paper invoices into electronic invoices, thereby streamlining the process of bulk invoicing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and systems for the transfer of paper invoices into electronic invoices for electronic submission from a seller to a buyer. The systems and methods described herein use matching logic to transfer details of the paper invoices into electronic invoices, thereby streamlining the process of invoicing.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for processing bills electronically. Generally, a bill is created for a customer using billing information and master data from a biller and master data from a customer. Billing information is received from the biller by a first processing module having access to the master data of the biller. The first processing module generates a bill using the billing information and the master data of the biller. A second processing module having access to the master data of the customer provides customer data to the first processing module. The bill is transformed into a format specified in the master data of the customer by the first processing module if the format of the generated bill is not the format specified in the master data of the customer. The generated or transformed bill is transferred to the second processing module by the first processing module.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide multi-tenant billing systems and methods whereby data network usage fees that are associated with delivering select content of different content providers over a data network are passed to the content provider that originates or is the source for that select content instead of the end users that request and receive the select content. A deep packet inspection server or a billing server may be configured with a list of identifiers to distinguish between the network usage that is related to the delivery of the designated free content from the network usage that is not related to the delivery of the designated free content. The network usage can be distinguished by filtering or processing usage logs that track the network usage using the configured list of identifiers. Such filtering or processing can be done in real-time or in a delayed manner in a standalone or integrated system.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide multi-tenant billing systems and methods whereby data network usage fees that are associated with delivering select content of different content providers over a data network are passed to the content provider that originates or is the source for that select content instead of the end users that request and receive the select content. A deep packet inspection server or a billing server may be configured with a list of identifiers to distinguish between the network usage that is related to the delivery of the designated free content from the network usage that is not related to the delivery of the designated free content. The network usage can be distinguished by filtering or processing usage logs that track the network usage using the configured list of identifiers. Such filtering or processing can be done in real-time or in a delayed manner in a standalone or integrated system.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes various embodiments of a content royalty payment system and methods for providing a computer-implemented content royalty payment data output relating to royalty payments due under contracts between a media system operator and content owners. The embodiments describe a system for gathering and exchanging content royalty payment information among content providers and content distributors. The embodiments include user interfaces through which the various users access system functionality in a secure manner. The embodiments also include a database which stores all applicable data, including authorized content distributors and content providers, product catalogs, content royalty payment information, application settings, etc. Further, the embodiments include a Routing & Interface Module to facilitate the exchange of information between a content distributor and its many content providers.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a method and an image processing apparatus implementing the method for color pixel counting in documents by integrating color detection and counting. The method determines if pixels are neutral (e.g., gray) or non-neutral (i.e., color). Windows are used to analyze the pixels. For each window, a number of pixels with at least one color plane ON are counted, as well as a number of ON pixels in each color plane. The windows are determined to be neutral or color. A billable count of color pixels is determined based on the neutrality of the windows. Based on the billable count of color pixels, a bill for outputting the document is determined.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to electronic commerce, and more particularly to methods and systems for integrating electronic bill presentment and payment among billers, consumers, banks and other financial institutions, electronic payment facilitators, and web portals and other spaces able to support an interface for presentment and/or payment of bills.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for identifying damaged and/or missing items in a fulfillment center. Embodiments of the disclosure can also evaluate loss claims made by a seller for items the seller believes are missing from an inbound shipment to the fulfillment center. Embodiments of the disclosure can also generate a resolution in the form of compensation to the seller if a claim is valid. Shipment data that can include carrier data from a carrier system can also be analyzed to determine the validity of loss claims submitted by a seller.

Abstract: A box data management apparatus extracts box data from a plurality of devices, connected to a network, to enable display of a list of the box data. An operational parameter collection part in the box data management apparatus collects operational parameters as information for processing the box data in the devices. A box data processing part in the box data management apparatus extracts and displays a device and an operational parameter which are capable of processing each of the box data based upon the operational parameters. Therefore, after display of the box data in a list without division by the devices, operational parameters capable of processing selected box data are displayed, thereby enabling improvement in operability and convenience for the user.

Abstract: A redaction system including a system for receiving an electronic version of a first document; a system for generating an electronic version of a second document which is a redacted version of the first document, wherein the system for generating includes a computer having a redaction engine coupled to a source of redaction rules; and a system for transmitting the second document from the redaction system.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally provides systems and methods of classifying financial transactions. In one embodiment, the present disclosure may generally include a system of classifying financial transactions. The system may include a processor coupled to a database. The processor may be programmed to receive transaction information and a source document associated with a financial transaction. The transaction information and source data associated with the source document may be stored in the database. The stored transaction information and the source data may be retrieved from the database and may form a basis for a determination of a code associated with the financial transaction.

Abstract: A cable backend and a method are described herein for enabling a user with a location-aware mobile device to have at least partial control of a closest cable device (e.g., set top box, cable application) associated with a closest television. The closest cable device does not need to be associated with the user's home television but instead can be any cable device that is associated with a television located for instance at a stranger's house, an airport, a bar, or wherever.

Abstract: Insurance billing includes receiving a plurality of exceptions arising out of one or more billing events and associated with one or more billed parties; categorizing the plurality of exceptions into a plurality of exception groups based at least in part on one or more types of exceptions; determining, for an exception group corresponding to a particular type of exception, a plurality of exception metrics for each of one or more corresponding billed parties; presenting, to the user, a selectable plurality of exception groups; and in response to a user selection of a particular exception group, presenting to the user one or more billed party identifiers of the one or more corresponding billed parties in the particular exception group and the plurality of exception metrics determined for each of the one or more corresponding billed parties.

Abstract: A method for providing technical support for a computing device is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, such a method includes detecting a problem associated with a computing device. The method then determines a support level assigned to the computing device. A set of problems is associated with the support level. If the problem belongs to the set of problems associated with the support level, the method automatically sends a message to a support provider so that the support provider can address the problem.

Abstract: A method includes maintaining a repository of location identifiers and billing identifiers, wherein each of a plurality of network devices is associated with a location identifier in the repository, and each location identifier is further associated with at least one billing identifier. The method further includes receiving a communications message; determining a location identifier associated with the communications message; selectively retrieving a billing identifier from the repository based at least in part on the location identifier; and determining a billing rate based at least in part on the billing identifier.

Abstract: A method for managing payments made as part of an employee-liable expense reimbursement program is described. A plurality of employees are enrolled in the program and submit requests for reimbursement for expenses related to a service provided to the employees by a service provider for which the employees are liable. The method includes receiving, by the computer system, requests for reimbursement and aggregating the requests for reimbursement scheduled for payment within a predefined time period and associated with the service provider. The method also includes generating an invoice that includes a payment amount to be paid to the employee for subsequent payment to the service provider. The method also includes automatically requesting funds from an employer of the plurality of employees for the payment amount included in the invoice and electronically transferring funds associated with the employer to the service provider or alternatively, to the employee for subsequent payment to the service provider.

Abstract: To provide a billing method for use of a water purification system that gives incentives for using the water purification system. Such a water purification system is equipped with water purification apparatus having controller and with monitoring server connected to water purification apparatus via public network and having controller. Filtration filter of water purification apparatus has water quality sensor, which measures water quality data of inflow water, and water quality sensor, which measures water quality data of purified water. Water quality data measured by water quality sensors are transmitted to controller and controller. Usage fees for the water purification system are calculated corresponding to improvement rates of water quality, which are calculated based on water quality data of inflow water and water quality data of purified water.

Abstract: A method for managing payments made as part of an employee-liable expense reimbursement program is described. A plurality of employees are enrolled in the program and submit requests for reimbursement for expenses related to a service provided to the employees by a service provider for which the employees are liable. The method includes receiving, by the computer system, requests for reimbursement and aggregating the requests for reimbursement scheduled for payment within a predefined time period and associated with the service provider. The method also includes generating an invoice, using the computer system that includes a payment amount to be paid to the first service provider. The method also includes automatically requesting funds from an employer of the plurality of employees for the payment amount included in the invoice and electronically transferring, using the computer system, funds associated with the employer to the service provider.

Abstract: A computer program is embodied on a non-transitory computer readable medium. The computer program manages order of parts according to a production plan. The computer program, when run on a computer, controls the computer to execute functions comprising developing a plurality of parts necessary to produce a product which comprises at least one of a first product model and a second product model, and required volume of each of the parts according to the product model. The program also controls the computer to compare parts which were developed and required volume of the parts for the first product model with the parts which were developed and required volume of the parts for the second product model.

Abstract: Enhanced systems and methods for processing invoices, checks, and money transfers are described. Various aspects include the following: Invoices are compared to distinguishing features of known templates. Templates of matching features are used to extract data in the invoices. Enhanced payment documents are generated to include images of related invoices to ensure proper deposit. Payee information solicited from a payee is printed on an endorsement section of a check payable to the payee to ensure proper deposit. The payee information can be verified through a mock transaction. Unique invoice numbers and payor numbers are included in invoices to ensure proper accreditation of payments of the invoices. Money transfers among accounts of different banks are effected through master accounts in the different banks.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses to connect telephone calls and track information about the telephone calls resulting from advertisements for groups of advertisers. In one embodiment, a method includes: determining a geographic area after receiving a telephone call to a first telephone number publicized in an advertisement; determining a telephone number of a first advertiser; and connecting the telephone call to the telephone number of the first advertiser, the first advertiser billed for the advertisement based on telephonic connections made to connect the first advertiser and telephone calls to the first telephone number.

Abstract: A method may include receiving, at a service server, a request for services from a requesting device. The service server may identify one or more service options responsive to the request and send a list of the identified service options to the requesting device. The service server may receive a selected service option from the requesting device. The service server may collect payment information for the selected service option from the requesting device and providing accounting information to a service provider of the selected service option based on the payment information.

Abstract: An image processing server in charge of a first image processing operation determines a reference value for a reference item; generates first reference information; calculates its charge; generates first charge information indicating its calculated amount of charge; and transmits the first reference information and the first charge information to the next location, separately from image data obtained by the first image processing operation.

Abstract: Systems, methods and articles of manufacture for accessing data for a fee are provided. Fee schedules are defined for any arbitrary granularity of data, including for fields and data structures (e.g., tables in a database). Fees may be calculated based on the type of operation to be performed. Fees may also be calculated per operation and/or per data item involved in the operation.