Abstract: A system and method migrating virtualized environments is disclosed. According to an aspect of the disclosure, a home energy management system and method includes a database configured to store site report data received from a plurality of residential sites using a wireless home energy network at each site. Each residential site includes a thermostat accessible to the wireless home energy network. A processor is operably coupled to the database and configured to access the site report data and detect a current temperature set-point of the thermostat at a first residential site; detect a first seasonal profile of the thermostat; detect a current operating mode of a HVAC system operably coupled to the thermostat; and determine a thermostat schedule of the thermostat using the first seasonal profile and the current operating mode of the HVAC system.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, which operates in a mobile device server and which has computer instructions to obtain a software application, store a first pairing key in a memory of the mobile device server where the first pairing key is generated by a device of a service provider in response to a review of the software application for compliance with at least one policy of the service provider, and execute a web server application at the mobile device server that is operable to detect a media resource center operably coupled with at least one media device, establish communications with the media resource center and transmit the first pairing key to the media resource center to enable at least a portion of services that are associated with the software application and that utilize the at least one media device. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for providing decision-time brokerage in a hybrid cloud ecosystem is disclosed. Disclosed embodiments may include receiving a workload input by a brokerage engine executing in a computing device communicably connected to at least one cloud computing node in a cloud platform of a cloud service provider, determining resource optimization for the workload input by the brokerage engine, monitoring the workload input for compliance with one or more audit and regulatory metrics, monitoring the cost consumption of the workload input, capturing non-functional context data associated with the workload input into a context repository database, applying one or more rules to the workload, deploying the workload across the one or more cloud platforms. In some embodiments, a deployment recommendation may be provided prior to deployment of the workload. In some embodiments, a social collaboration workflow may be triggered whereby one or more users are provided the deployment recommendation.

Abstract: Provided is a charging method capable of offering a user an incentive to use a particle generation factor determining system. In the particle generation factor determining system including a user interface device 11 through which a user inputs a particle map and a server 13, the server 13 calculates accuracy of each of multiple particle generation factors based on the particle map; the user interface device 11 displays the calculated accuracy or a title of generation-factor-relevant information 27 on each particle generation factor corresponding to this accuracy; the server 13 provides the generation-factor-relevant information 27 to the user interface device 11; a charged fee for providing particle generation-factor-relevant information 27 is determined based on accuracy of a particle generation factor corresponding to the provided generation-factor-relevant information 27.

Abstract: A charge managing system including an image forming apparatus and a charge managing server is provided. The image forming apparatus includes plural applications each configured for executing a specific process on input data, a counter unit that counts a number of result items output as a result of executing at least one of the applications, a count value storage unit that stores a count value corresponding to the number of result items counted by the counter unit, and a storage area setting unit that secures a plurality of storage areas within the count value storage unit each of which storage areas is configured for storing a corresponding count value obtained for each of the applications. The charge managing server manages charging a fee for using the image forming apparatus based on the corresponding count value stored in each of the storage areas secured for each of the applications.

Abstract: There is set forth herein in one embodiment a method performed on a computer comprising a processor, the method comprising receiving, via the processor, output of one or more sensor located on a mold of a molding system. The method can further include determining, via the processor, an invoice amount based on the output of one or more sensor. The method can further include generating, via the processor, an invoice based on the determining.

Abstract: With the present invention, a system and a method is presented, which is capable of automatically clearing relevant data on primary energy amounts or produced quantities of energy, such as heat continuously at a custom unit (7) receive and the data to a central server (3) for supplying, by means of a specific program, the complete handling of the contractual agreement between a management company and a consumer (2) performs. The result of the customer-specific evaluation of the recorded data supplied and serves on the one hand of the full implementation of the agreements and transmission custom calculations, and the automatic switching on and off the supply of primary energy, when limits are exceeded.

Abstract: A method includes identifying a subscription event for a digital service subscription for digital content. A billing cycle for the digital content is identified. The method includes determining whether an associated credit cycle for physical content is based on the identified billing cycle. The method also includes determining a billing action for the digital content based on the identified subscription event and the identified billing cycle. A credit action for physical content credits is determined based on the identified subscription event and the associated credit cycle in response to a determination that the associated credit cycle is based on the identified billing cycle. The method further includes determining a credit action for the physical content credits based on the identified subscription event and a maximum credit counter in response to a determination that the associated credit cycle is not based on the identified billing cycle.

Abstract: A system may provide connectivity service in a multi-tenant network. A first node in the multi-tenant network can receive data packets, each of the data packets identifying one of a plurality of tenant devices. The first node can determine an Internet Protocol (IP) address associated with each of the data packets. The first node can determine a Virtual Local Area Network Identifier (VLAN ID) based on the IP address, the VLAN ID being a unique identifier of a respective one of the tenants. The first node can add the VLAN ID of a corresponding one of the tenants into a header of each of the data packets. The first node can transport the data packets to a second node in the multi-tenant network via a multi-tenant network tunnel protocol.

Abstract: A management application implemented in a computational device maintains priorities corresponding to a plurality of resources coupled to the computational device. Indications for actions to be performed corresponding to occurrences of events are stored to a calendar, wherein the calendar is configurable by a user. A selected indication for an action to be performed is stored to the calendar. In response to an occurrence of an event associated with a selected resource, a priority of the selected resource is determined. The action is performed, based on at least the determined priority of the selected resource and the selected indication for the action stored in the calendar, wherein different actions are performed in response to occurrences of a selected event at different times.

Abstract: Systems and methods of a pay-for-use pricing plan for consumables associated with a machine. The systems and methods include a machine that can detect a use of a consumable by a consumer. The use can be an installation of the consumable in the machine or an actual use of the consumable in the machine. The machine can detect a charge associated with the use of the consumable. Further, the machine can prompt the consumer for a payment and receive the payment from the consumer. In embodiments, the consumer can have an updatable account associated with the consumable usage. The machine can send an indication of the payment or updated account information to a supplier of the consumable.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are provided for applying an offer scheme to usage data using a user interface. In operation, usage data associated with a user is received from a server. Additionally, one or more offer schemes are displayed to the user using a user interface. Furthermore, the user is allowed to apply the one or more offer schemes to the usage data, utilizing the user interface. Still yet, the user is allowed to select one of the one or more offer schemes based on a result of the application, utilizing the user interface.

Abstract: Sub-metering of fluid use is performed using a single acoustic transducer positioned at a common supply point. A computer attached to the transducer determines when each consumption point is active and measures the respective amount of fluid drawn by each. Acoustic signatures of each consumption point differ depending on the length of piping runs, location of elbows, tees, and other structures which cause acoustic energy as the fluid flows through. The acoustic signatures are recorded by the computer and are used to simultaneously differentiate fluid use at each consumption point.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems relating to electric vehicle charging stations (“EVCSs”) and electric vehicle supply equipment (“EVSE”) that are configured to display advertisements to a user. For example, in one embodiment, advertisements are displayed on a display device of the EVCS or EVSE as the EVCS or EVSE awaits user interaction. An indication is received of user interaction with the EVCS or EVSE. A transaction is facilitated between a user and the EVCS or EVSE by which the user indicates that one or more electric vehicle batteries of an electric vehicle are to be charged via one of one or more charging ports of the EVCS or EVSE. A charging operation is performed that provides an electric charge to the one or more electric vehicle batteries of the electric vehicle via the one of the one or more charging ports.

Abstract: A system and method are described whereby interoperability is facilitated in a 3GPP network environment in combination with DIAMETER policy controls. Such interoperability enables updated policy rules to be fully communicated in on-line charging situations where quota expirations occur. This invention maintains centralized policy control in a 3GPP network with on-line charging.

Abstract: A system includes a receiving module to receive a purchase inquiry for a cloud computing service from a consumer in a first currency. A pricing module is used to price-out the cloud computing service from a provider where the cloud computing service is provided in a second currency. A reconciliation module reconciles the purchase of the cloud computing service in the consumer's geographical location and currency with the provider's location and currency.

Abstract: A control device may be configured to monitor a network connection. An application running on a client device may send a first network communication destined for a network communicatively connected to the control device. Depending upon whether the client device is authorized to access the network, different global rules may be applied. The first application or a second application running on the client device may send a second network communication. The control device may process the second network communication according to a plurality of stages. Specifically, the control device may extract information associated with the client device from the second network communication and associate user specific rules at a client discrimination stage. The control device may, at a user specific rule stage, access these rules and apply accordingly to the second network communication as governed by user specific provisioning rules.

Abstract: A computer system includes a data storage device that stores a database. The database contains data relating to insurance policies that cover insured individuals. The computer system also includes an input device that is configured to receive data that indicates an employment status for the individuals. A processor is programmed to receive the data that indicates employment status and to adjust data that represents at least one attribute of the insurance policies in response to the employment status data.

Abstract: Systems and methods for adding a payee to a user's list of payees in an online bill payment system provided by a financial institution. The online bill payment system accesses financial data of the user from a personal finance management application or a financial institution. The financial data is analyzed by a computer to identify payees of the user. The bill payment system determines if it has payment information for the identified payee, and adds the payee to the user's list of payees. Alternatively, the financial data may be accessed and aggregated by a personal finance management application and then analyzed by a computer to identify a payee. Then the identified payee is communicated to the online bill payment system, which adds the identified payee to the user's list of payees.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating an exchange of information between a general practitioner (GP) veterinarian and a veterinarian specialist. The system may comprise a computing device with a processor, memory, a display, and a user interface. The GP veterinarian may use the computing device to locate an appropriate veterinarian specialist and to send and receive files to and from the veterinarian specialist. One method of the present invention may comprise receiving a file containing medical information corresponding a patient or animal, permitting the veterinarian specialist to annotate the file, and sending the file with annotations from the veterinarian specialist to the GP veterinarian so that the GP veterinarian can use the file with the annotations to treat the patient.

Abstract: An equipment control device has: a reception unit for receiving desired time information indicating a desired operation start time or a desired operation termination time, operation period information and electrical power information; a time-shift period setting unit for setting a time-shift period indicating a period which has a time range including the desired time information and during which the operation start time or the operation termination time of a household appliance is shiftable; an electrical power charge information acquisition unit for acquiring electrical power charge information; an operation time computing unit for computing the operation start time or the operation termination time, on the basis of which the electricity charge that is billed when the household appliance is operated within the time-shift period falls to or below a predetermined charge; and a transmission unit for transmitting the operation start time or the operation termination time to the household appliance.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for monitoring traffic associated with an end-user device communicatively coupled to a network system over a wireless access network, identifying in the traffic particular data transfers within a service activity category, determining a service usage measure based on the identification of the particular data transfers within the service activity category, and, based at least in part on the service usage measure, generating a notification configured to assist in causing a user interface of the end-user device to present device-specific service usage information.

Abstract: Among other disclosures, a method can include executing instructions on a computing platform so that an application and consumable content rendered by the application are provided to a connected device, executing instructions on the computing platform so that a confirmation is obtained that the application and consumable content were received by the connected device and the application was successfully installed by the connected device, and executing instructions on the computing platform so that a content delivery relationship, including a billing relationship, is established in response to the obtained confirmation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method of integration among software components. The method allows integration between data corresponding to a first set of software components and a second set of software components. This method also involves exposing Application Program Interfaces (APIs) to a plurality of end user applications, wherein the APIs allow communication among the at least one end user application, the first set of software components and the second set of software components.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for billing data services. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a system having a controller that manages a communications interface coupled to a communication system. The controller can be programmed to calculate a charge for service according to a degree of asymmetric bandwidth usage of upstream and downstream data traffic consumed by customer premise equipment (CPE). Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Allowability, allocability and adjustment of contract prices are determined using a computer system, based on SERVICE CONTRACT ACT wage determination rules. Upon receiving a request for a contract price adjustment from a contractor, the contractor is required to submit the proposed price adjustment in an electronic spreadsheet format. Information from the spreadsheet is stored and made available electronically to the program. If the proposed price adjustment contains DAVIS BACON ACT hours, then the DBA hours are filtered using a governing wage determination raw data field for separate calculations using applicable rules and regulations. Payroll taxes and appropriate adjustment entitlement values are automatically calculated and the program determines, appropriate price adjustments. Pivot tables are used to summarize and visualize the adjustments and helpful tips are provided on worksheets for ease of understanding and confirming allowability, allocability and accuracy of the request for price adjustment.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for byte-based utility computing pricing. A method for accounting for data processing system service usage includes metering network usage and integrating network usage over a billing period to determine a total network usage. The method includes metering storage usage and integrating storage usage over the billing period to determine a total storage usage. The method includes metering processor usage and integrating processor usage over the billing period to determine a total processor usage. The method includes summing the total network usage, total storage usage, and total processor usage to determine a total customer usage, and determining a total customer bill according to the total customer usage and a billing rate.

Abstract: A charging system includes a rating engine, a session control module, and a charging unit determination module. The session control module receives a request for service units, associated with a charging session, from a client or service element, and obtains one or more input parameters from the request for service units. The charging unit determination module obtains account data associated with the request for service units, determines at least one charging session related parameter based on the one or more input parameters and/or the account data, and pass the at least one charging session related parameter to the rating engine. The rating engine grants service units based on the at least one charging session related parameter, and forwards an indication of the granted service units to the session control module for return to the client or service element.

Abstract: Systems and methods for data brokering, and more specifically, data brokering regarding a data provider's search-related activities are described. In particular implementations, various aspects of facilitating a compensation arrangement between a data provider and a data consumer regarding one or more data-provider-related search activities, are described.

Abstract: Efficient network based techniques can be implemented in the equipment of an operator of a mobile communication network to automatically obtain an operator or billing identifier associated with a mobile device of a user or subscriber associated with the network. Such techniques can be utilized even when a client application program on the device is restricted by the device manufacturer from providing the operator's billing identifier in communications through the mobile network with an associated application server. The operator identifier associated with the user's mobile device can be obtained without significantly impacting system resources, performance, or user experience.

Abstract: Systems and methods for data brokering, and more specifically, data brokering regarding a data provider's search-related activities are described. In particular implementations, various aspects of arranging for compensation to be received from the data consumer in exchange for at least one of installation of or access of a data tracking component related to at least one user interface associated with the data provider, are described.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing energy management with automation control features are invented. Power consumption details for building or household can be known as well as the expected power bill in advance. The operation status of specific appliance can also be monitored and controlled. Wireless technology is used as a communication medium with a plurality of appliances which facilitates the management of energy consumption with different applications, like checking the operation status, operating hours and consumption data. An advanced feature of communication with the utility provides power information and instant messaging to users. A consumption target can also be set to economize the electricity bill.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments including systems and methods relating to the rendering of media content items on clients. For example, a media content item is designated in a server to be rendered on a client, where the server is configured to stream the media content item to the client. It is determined whether a copy of the media content item is locally accessible to the client for rendering on the client. When the copy of the media content item is not locally accessible to the client, the media content item is streamed from the server to the client.

Abstract: Systems and methods for data brokering, and more specifically, data brokering regarding a data provider's search-related activities, are described. In particular implementations, various aspects of facilitating a compensation arrangement between a data provider and a data consumer regarding one or more data-provider-related search activities, including aspects of arranging for compensation to be received from the data consumer in exchange for at least one of installation of or access of a data tracking component related to at least one user interface associated with the data provider, are described.

Abstract: A plurality of consumer accounts are stored in a data store before being activated by consumers, each having a first pass code and a first PAN or other consumer account identifier. A data exchange module receives an SMS message including a second pass code and extracts a first phone number from the message. A consumer account activation module identifies a selected one of the consumer accounts by matching the second pass code with a selected one of the first pass codes, and stores the first phone number as a second phone number in association in the selected consumer account. A communication and routing module receives a charge request including a second PAN, and identifies a selected one of the consumer accounts by associating one of the first PANs with the second PAN. A transaction processing system then reduces a stored value of the identified consumer account based on the charge.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product are provided for billing purposes. Initially, a customer is associated with a policy. In use, an event is received that is associated with a customer and a category. It is then determined whether to process the event using an online charging platform or an offline charging platform based on the policy and the category. If it is determined that the event is to be processed using the online charging platform, the event is processed using the online charging platform for authorizing and/or charging the event immediately. On the other hand, if it is determined that the event is to be processed using the offline charging platform, the event is processed using the offline charging platform for billing the user at the end of a billing period.

Abstract: A method and charging system for facilitating interim billing for an IMS session is provided. The method may include receiving time-based interim accounting messages at CDFs from NEs (i.e., CTFs) of an IMS network serving an IMS session, opening or updating interim CDRs for each NE serving the IMS session based on the time-based interim accounting messages, extracting accounting record numbers from the time-based interim accounting messages, the accounting record numbers uniquely identifying the time-based interim accounting message in relation to other interim accounting messages from the corresponding NE for the IMS session, and determining if a partial record closing trigger has been reached for the IMS session, wherein the interim processing trigger is a function of the accounting record number extracted from the time-based interim accounting message for the corresponding NE, an AII value, and a partial record closing threshold.

Abstract: A system applies rules to a set of documents to generate codes, such as billing codes for use in medical billing. A human operator provides input specifying whether the generated codes are correct. Based on the input from the human operator, the system attempts to identify which clause(s) in the rules which were relied on to generate the particular code are correct and which such clause(s) are incorrect. The system then assigns praise to components of the system responsible for generating codes in the correct clauses, and assigns blame to components of the system responsible for generating codes in the incorrect clauses. Such blame and praise may then be used to determine whether particular code-generating components are insufficiently reliable. The system may disable, or take other remedial action in response to, insufficiently reliable code-generating components.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for monitoring an electrical system of a vehicle. Data pertaining to the electrical system is obtained. Calculation modules are performed using the data to generate intermediate determinations. An aggregate calculation module is performed using each of the intermediate determinations to generate an aggregate determination pertaining to the electrical system. Redundant intermediate calculations are performed using the data to generate redundant intermediate determinations. Each of the redundant intermediate determinations is used for comparison with a respective intermediate determination.

Abstract: A circuit breaker having internal power monitoring and data signal generating apparatus, and a system for utilizing such a circuit breaker in a facility having a plurality of tenants served by branch circuits from a plurality of distribution panels. The circuit breaker radiates signals indicative of power consumption of the branch circuit protected thereby, together with a unique address identifier tied to one tenant. Electrical billings are based on summing all signals for each tenant. Changes to branch circuits during tenancy will not disturb correct billings since individual circuit breakers are associated with that tenant using power supplied by each branch circuit. Hence changes to branch circuits may be limited to modify building space locations served by the modified branch circuit, and need not be further modified to maintain correct billing in light of the circuit changes.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a system is provided that uses historical and current energy usage data generated by advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) meters to allow users conduct an analysis of energy usage via a portal. In accordance with one embodiment, a tool is provided to allow customers to display an estimated next month bill.

Abstract: A tax event system is configured to evaluate a taxable event that gives rise to tax liability in multiple jurisdictions. The system provides for real time determination of location information (e.g. work location, residence location, assignment location, and the like) for the calculation of tax liability. Such real time analysis allows for transactions to be settled and tax liability to be satisfied in time periods prescribed by various regulating authorities.

Abstract: Managing electrical charging of vehicles with charging devices related to users demand and available power. One system comprises charging points comprising sockets and a communication module, and a mediator server comprising a database, an application and a graphical user interface. The mediator server is connected to the charging points, to the users and to public utilities and electricity providers. Each charging point is arranged to admit vehicles, couple their charging device to the socket and send vehicle data to the mediator server. The mediator server is arranged to process the vehicle data, user data, and data from the public utilities and the electricity providers, and calculate a vehicle priority and a charging allotment in relation to the number of vehicles at the charging point and to the processed data. Vehicles are charged according to the vehicle priority and the charging allotment.

Abstract: A method and system for granting access to a service is based on a received request and a communication between a subscriber, client and a service provider.

Abstract: A charging management system applied in a public facility includes a communicating unit communicating with a server with an online payment system, a charge interface, a power converting unit, a billing unit, and a control unit. The power converting unit converts power provided by a power supply to charge an electronic device connected to the charge interface. The control unit generates an electronic bill according to a charging cost computed by the billing unit, sends the electronic bill to the server, and communicates with the online payment system of the server to pay for the electronic bills. A related method is also provided.

Abstract: A management method for billing system, the management method includes setting, by a processor, billing address for usage fees of a virtual machine, deployed based on a deploy instruction from a first account, to a second account from which execution instruction for software, which runs on the virtual machine, is issued.

Abstract: A method for providing a service summary or receipt on a computing device is provided. One or more processors determine information for a service rendered for a user. The information includes a cost for the service, a type of service performed, and a person who performed the service. A summary receipt panel is provided on a display of the computing device and includes the information for the service rendered. The one or more processors provide, on the summary receipt panel, a map that identifies a location relevant to the service rendered and a feedback feature that enables the user to rate the service received.

Abstract: A mobile communication system 100 has a specific cell configured to use a user line. The mobile communication system 100 includes a line determination unit 22 configured to determine whether or not a communication call uses the user line, by using a line identifier configured to identify a user installed a radio base station managing the specific cell, and a calculation unit 24 configured to calculate a reduction fee to be discounted from a usage fee for the communication call using the user line for the user installed a radio base station managing the specific cell.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for displaying a plurality of bill due dates, the method comprising: displaying an account identifier for each bill in the plurality of bills; showing a timeline with a due date indicator for each bill in the plurality of bills, the timeline disposed proximate to the account identifier; and wherein each of the account identifiers and timelines are disposed along an axis relative to the other account identifiers and timelines

Abstract: A method and system of speech recognition presented by a back channel from multiple user sites within a network supporting cable television and/or video delivery is disclosed.