Abstract: Embodiments of the invention described herein use biometric information for authorizing charging an electric vehicle's (EV's) batteries using an electric vehicle charging station (EVCS). In one aspect, a method of authorizing charging an EV's batteries using an EVCS is described. This embodiment of a method comprises storing, in a database, biometric identity information for one or more individuals; receiving, from a biometric information input device associated with an electric vehicle charging station (EVCS), input biometric identity information for a user; searching the database, using a processor, for biometric identity information for the one or more individuals that substantially match the input biometric identity information for the user; and authorizing the user to charge an electric vehicle's (EV's) batteries using the EVCS if the input biometric identity information for the user substantially matches biometric identity information for at least one of the one or more individuals in the database.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system is disclosed in which a network-based e-commerce environment includes billing a client at a periodic flat rate for a pre-defined scope of legal advice in pre-defined areas of legal services and offering the client, as part of the periodic flat rate, an alternative billing option of participating in a litigation defense program having a graduated fee structure based on an outcome of a litigation. In other embodiments, a network-based e-commerce environment includes offering the client participation in an accrual of credits at a predetermined multiplier of the periodic flat rate paid whereby such credits are accrued over time and may be redeemed to offset legal fees otherwise payable.

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: Strategies, tools and techniques for establishing family purchase cards for customers of a financial institution are disclosed. The family purchase card may be established for a principal owner of a family in association with a household account held at the financial institution. The family purchase card may include a total purchase limit that can be allocated among one or more secondary purchase cards associated with various cardholders within the family. Different parameters may be configured for the secondary purchase cards, such as purchase limits, billing arrangements, activation or deactivation rules, and financial development milestone rules. The family purchase card may promote development of financial management skills and fiscal responsibility for various members of the family.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for establishing payees based on cleared items posted to a financial account are provided. Information associated with a cleared item posted to a financial account of a consumer may be obtained. Based at least in part on the obtained information, a payee associated with the cleared item may be identified. A form may be generated for activating, at a service provider, at least one of online payment functionality for payments made to the payee by the service provider on behalf of the consumer or electronic bill presentment of billing information of the payee to the consumer through the service provider. The form may be transmitted to a network entity for presentation to the consumer.

Abstract: The demand response system comprises an automatic meter reading (AMR) unit to generate metering information. The demand response system comprises a multiple utility complex unit (MUC) which provides DR information based on the metering information and manages utility supply schedule in combination. The demand response system comprises an eco index (EI) calculation unit which calculates an eco index based on the metering information. The demand response system comprises a demand response (DR) unit which obtains the CBL information based on the metering information and computes a the DR bill by using the CBL data, the DR information and EI obtained, and outputs the DR bill. The demand response system comprises a smart portal (SP) unit which provides users with the calculated DR bill. According to the disclosure, the demand response system can provide environmental and social information, in addition to economic information.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products select an account number of payment of a communication. When multiple account numbers are associated with a customer, the customer is prompted to select the account number that is billed for the communication.

Abstract: A mobile computing device based expense capture and reporting system is provided. A mobile expense capture application is an integral part of a networked expense management service such as a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) or Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) service. A user interface enables users to enter expense related information and accept/reject/edit prompted values for various entries. Upon completion of the entries, the information is transmitted to the networked service and/or stored locally. At least a portion of the information is automatically provided based on a location and/or action of the user. Furthermore, the mobile computing device is capable of capturing an expense document and retrieving at least some of the expense information from the captured document.

Abstract: A method and apparatus prevent eavesdropping via a computer by detecting and alerting if more than one authorized driver is controlling a interface circuit that is providing audio or video input information. Further, prevention is performed by detecting and alerting if more than one authorized application programming interface is receiving audio or video input information from an authorized driver. Also, prevention is performed by detecting and alerting if more than one authorized software application is receiving audio or video input information from an authorized driver. In addition, prevention is performed by detecting and alerting upon first receipt of audio or visual information by an authorized software application via an authorized application programming interface and authorized driver.

Abstract: A method for transporting cargo using a truck is provided. Preferably, the method is used in connection with full truckload operations. The method generally includes powering up a communications module residing within a cab of the truck. The communications module comprises a vehicle navigation system, a modem for receiving telecommunications signals, a processing unit for associating instructions for cargo delivery locations with geo-positioning coordinates, and a user interface. The method further includes receiving a cargo delivery data set at the communications module. The data set is sent from a host trucking management system. The data set provides at least a first cargo delivery location for the driver. The method then includes the driver acknowledging receipt of the first cargo delivery location through the user interface. Acknowledgment of receipt of the first cargo delivery location causes a signal to be sent from the communications module to the host trucking management system.

Abstract: The present invention is systems and methods for trading. In accordance with these systems and methods, a plurality of trader work stations that are connected to a central server may be provided. Through the work stations and central server, the systems and methods may perform participant qualification, instrument creation, bid/offer entry and response, when hit and take, workup, price retention, price improvement, request for market, bid/off restoration, price generation, position conversion, marking to market, and delivery functions.

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: A price-generation system exemplary of the present invention reduces reliance on synchronization of rating and billing information, simplifies and speeds up commercial implementation of such systems, and reduces computational costs associated with real-time cost calculations by pre-computing rating data that can be automatically applied to subscriber usage. In one embodiment, a price-generation system comprises an analysis component configured to automatically generate at least one rate cube, wherein the at least one rate cube is configured to store rate plan information, an order entry component configured to pre-compute recurring charge information associated with at least one service based on at least a first set of rules, and a billing component configured to calculate total charges based on at least the pre-computed recurring charge information and usage charge information, wherein the usage charge information is calculated using the at least one rate cube.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing integrated mobile/server applications are provided. An application may be received at a server from a third party. A request for information may be received at the server from a user's device and a token that identifies a user on the user's device, wherein the request and the token were transmitted by the user's device. It may be determined, by the server, that the user is authorized to make a request of the application. A response to the request using the application may be generated using the application. Accounting may be performed by the server so that the user can be billed according to a billing preference of the third party.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and computer readable media for linking a prepaid calling card account to a credit card account. The linkage can occur at the time of a transaction involving the credit card account, or when the credit card account is acquired, activated, or renewed. The method can include at least the following. At least one transaction can be executed using the credit card account as payment for the transaction, or the credit card account can be acquired, activated or renewed. A prepaid calling card account is associated with the credit card account, and information related to the new prepaid calling card account is provided to a holder of the credit card account. Various aspects of the invention also provide anti-fraud and credit card recovery capability based on the above teaching.

Abstract: A computer-based billing system presents, via an end-user interface, a plurality of exceptions as have occurred with respect to corresponding billing events as pertain to a plurality of billed parties while also presenting exceptions metrics as pertain to this plurality of exceptions. These exceptions metrics include at least one age-related metric, at least one financial-related metric, and at least one count-related metric. These teachings then further provide for permitting the end user to selectively prioritize the presenting of the plurality of exceptions as a function of at least one of these exceptions metrics.

Abstract: There is described an efficient and simple method of billing a client for using a computerized numerical control machine. The invoice amount to be billed is based on at least one trajectory of at least one axis during operation, on a volume of a stock removed from a work piece during operation, and on a processing time information related to working on the work piece. One concept of the method therefore is a pay-per-use concept relating the added value created by the computerized numerical control machine to the invoice amount.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed for identifying a driver versus a passenger within a smart vehicle. This involves a determination of the relative positions of the wireless communication devices within the smart vehicle using near-field communication (NFC) or GPS, AGPS, etc. The wireless communication device detected closest to the driver seat is assumed to be the device owned by the driver. Once identified, the driver can be billed for tolls and other road services, based on the location of the smart vehicle. For instance, as the smart vehicle approaches a toll, a notification can be sent to all of the wireless communication devices. A response from a particular wireless communication device will result in the corresponding user's account being billed for the toll. Further, the smart vehicle can communicate with near-field transceivers placed, for instance, alongside a High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a system and method for projecting billing of a specified server configuration. In some embodiments, the projected billing is determined by identifying a set of allocated resources for the server configuration. In some embodiments, the set of resources include an amount of allocated RAM, network bandwidth, disk storage, processing power, etc. The set of resources are then projected over a billing period. Some embodiments determine a projection for the configuration as each component of the configuration is specified within a graphical user interface. Additionally, some embodiments determine a projection for the configuration after the entire configuration is specified within the graphical user interface.

Abstract: An operational support system includes a data collection unit and a number of network devices that are associated with various telecommunications services. The data collection unit retrieves raw data records from the network elements and identifies information in the raw data records that is relevant for billing purposes. The data collection unit normalizes the raw data records to create a billable record. The billable record may then be passed to a rating or billing unit that determines the charges associated with a customer's use of the telecommunications services.

Abstract: A system includes a meter for monitoring energy consumed by an energy consumer and a first computer coupled to the meter. The first computer receives from the meter a plurality of measurements representative of energy consumed during a billing period. The system also includes a second computer that generates a signal representative of a critical peak pricing rate for energy consumed during a critical peak pricing event, and a third computer coupled to the first computer and to the second computer. The third computer calculates a first consumption amount representative of energy consumed during the critical peak pricing event, calculates a second consumption amount representative of energy consumed other than during the critical peak pricing event, and generates a bill including a flat pricing rate for the second consumption amount and the critical peak pricing rate for the first consumption amount.

Abstract: A system includes a meter for monitoring energy consumed by an energy consumer and a first computer coupled to the meter. The first computer receives a plurality of measurements representative of energy consumed during a billing period. The system also includes a second computer that generates a signal representative of a critical peak pricing rate for energy consumed during a critical peak pricing event, and a third computer coupled to the first computer and to the second computer. The third computer calculates a first consumption amount representative of energy consumed during the critical peak pricing event, calculates a second consumption amount representative of energy consumed other than during the critical peak pricing event, and generates a bill including a variable pricing rate for the second consumption amount and the critical peak pricing rate for the first consumption amount.

Abstract: A system includes a first computer configured to transmit a load control request to a device associated with an energy consumer. The system also includes a second computer configured to receive a notification representative of an override of the load control request, and determine a penalty to be imposed upon the customer based on the notification received.

Abstract: A rollover management system (RMS) receives and stores rollover data that includes subscriber identification and a balance of the rollover usage units that may be “rolled-over” to offset overage units used by a subscriber in excess of package plan usage units in a subsequent billing cycle. In response to receiving requests, the RMS presents rollover data elements to the requesting entities. The balance of the rollover usage units may be rolled over and measured in at least one of a plurality of billable units and may be shared by the subscriber's multiple communication services. The rollover usage units expire after a predetermined number of billing cycles where the predetermined number may vary between package plans. The RMS receives post-billing data elements to update the rollover data elements. The RMS is further operative to account for and present for review unbilled communication service usage to subscribers.

Abstract: Device assisted CDR creation, aggregation, mediation and billing is provided. In some embodiments, device assisted CDR creation, aggregation, mediation and billing for a wireless network includes collecting device generated service usage information for one or more devices in wireless communication on the wireless network; and providing the device generated service usage information in a syntax (e.g., a device assisted charging data record (CDR)) and a communication protocol (e.g., 3GPP, 3GPP2, or other communication protocols) that can be used by other network devices to augment or replace network generated service usage information for the one or more devices in wireless communication on the wireless network.

Abstract: A billing management system includes an image forming apparatus and a billing management apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes a process information receiving unit for receiving process information indicating a list of processes in a process flow; a registration unit for transmitting identification information for the process flow to the billing management apparatus; a process execution unit for performing a first process assigned to the image forming apparatus; a billing information transmitting unit for transmitting billing information for the first process to the billing management apparatus; and a data transfer unit for transferring output data of the first process to a service providing apparatus that is to perform a second process. The billing management apparatus receives the billing information for the first and second processes from the image forming apparatus and the service providing apparatus and records the billing information in association with the identification information.

Abstract: A system for bill pay enrollment may comprise at least one subsystem that scans a paper a bill into a digital image, at least one subsystem that recognizes information on the digital image, and at least one subsystem that uses at least some of the recognized information to enroll a payee into a bill pay system.

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: In a system according to the invention, a sum of money related to the current or projected cost of pollution remediation associated with the use of a particular mineral resource is banked at the time of the mineral's extraction, first sale or entry into the stream of commerce. Disbursement of the banked monies may be made to downstream processors, end users, effected entities or third parties for remediation, sequestration or conservation activities or simply for recompense. In one embodiment of the invention, dynamic tracking systems may apportion the payout as a function of measured observed winds and precipitation patterns. In this way, the true economic cost of a particular mineral resource may be more accurately reflected in its selling price.

Abstract: A charging detail record transmission capability is provided herein. A mobile gateway (MG) generates charging detail records (CDRs) intended for delivery to a charging gateway function (CGF). The CDRs are propagated toward both a first and second charging data function (CDFs). The first and second CDFs buffer the CDRs. The first CDF is configured for propagating CDRs toward the CGF. The second CDF is configured for propagating CDRs toward the CGF when the first CDF fails. The CGF is configured for acknowledging receipt of CDRs to the first or second CDF from which the CDRs are received. The first CDF is configured for acknowledging, to the second CDF, receipt of acknowledgment messages from the first CDF. The second CDF is configured for, upon failure of the first CDF, initiating a process for determining which of the CDRs buffered at the second CDF need to be propagated to the CGF in order to ensure that none of the CDRs generated by the MG are lost due to the failure of the first CDF.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for automatically updating user interfaces for a mobile device. In one aspect, a first set of instructions from an automatically synchronizing data store are received. The first set of instructions are executed to provide an interface between a user and an operating system on the mobile device. The data store is automatically updated with a second set of instructions. The second set of instructions are executed to provide a modification to the interface between the user and the operating system on the mobile device.

Abstract: A device and method for permitting access to a real time data stream through prepayments or other payment arrangements and/or calculating a fee corresponding to usage of a real time data stream, wherein the real time data stream includes transcript data from a court transcription. In one example, a device may include a data collection device for receiving prepayment data, such as a code, key, token, pass that may contain purchase units therein; and a counter. In one embodiment, if the counter contains a value representing unused real time connections, then the data collection device permits the computing device to access to the real time data stream. In one example, the prepayment data includes a code containing a number representing a quantity of connections that may be made to the real time data stream.

Abstract: A method and system for generating printable certificates to verify log authenticity. A logging module generates a compound document that includes metadata for changes made to pages in a document. Each time a change is made to the document, such as adding stroke data, the logging module updates the compound document with the changes. The online marketplace module displays an option for purchasing a printable certificate. In response to a request for a certificate, the logging module generates a printable certificate that includes a set number of hashes for previous transactions. The verification module can recreate a transaction and generate a hash that is compared to the certificate to verify that no tampering has occurred with the document.

Abstract: A lighting system for displacing energy is provided. The lighting system includes energy efficient lighting technology for replacing old lighting technology in a building. A computer system is configured to generate a utility invoice for sending to a utility consumer associated with the building. The utility invoice includes a payment amount for a power reduction over time at the new utility rate. The power reduction over time is provided by use of the energy efficient lighting technology.

Abstract: Computer media, systems, and methods for blocking subscriber network access and managing subscriber network access are provided. A subscriber account, having an associated wireless device with a network identifier, is determined to be in payment default. An updated network identifier that reflects the default status is assigned and transmitted to the wireless device. Subsequent requests for network access from the wireless device will be redirected to a bill payment website, at least in part because the updated network identifier indicates that the subscriber account associated with the wireless device is in payment default.

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: Accounting data is classified to facilitate transaction processing and management. According to an example embodiment, data based rules are implemented for classifying transaction-related data into accounting categories. Accounting information is processed as a function of the data based rules and accordingly automatically classified. This processing involves, for example, the identification of particular data based rules to apply to the accounting information, applying the rules and processing the information accordingly.

Abstract: An approach for producing and managing electricity includes producing electricity off premise while providing offsetting of power consumed on premise. As used herein, the term “off premise” refers to a location other than the location where electricity is being consumed and the term “on premise” refers to the location where the electricity is being consumed. The approach is applicable to any method or technology for generating electricity. Participants or customers have an ownership interest in the power generating facility. The offsetting of power may be accomplished using a wide variety of techniques, for example, energy production data may be reported to the premise where electricity is consumed and/or to an electric utility company to allow for customer billing credits, adjustments and/or direct or in-direct utility meter off-sets (net metering). Thus, each participant produces the power they consume with electricity production equipment in which they have an ownership interest.

Abstract: The disclosed technology comprises a device and a method for accurately determining the amount of electrical energy utilized in a circuit with a quarter-cycle transformer and transducers operating off quarter-cycle power. The method allows for a primary power meter associated with an entity which provides a power source to remain in operation, without modification, and for a second power meter to be utilized which accurately measures consumption of quarter-cycle power usage. An adjustment to an invoice can then be made, based on the difference.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program for determining and utilizing a time-expanded decision network is presented. A set of potential system configurations is defined. Next, switching costs are quantified to create a “static network” that captures the difficulty of switching among these configurations. A time-expanded decision network is provided by expanding the static network in time, including chance and decision nodes. Minimum cost paths through the network are evaluated under plausible operating scenarios. The set of initial design configurations are iteratively modified to exploit high-leverage switches and the process is repeated to convergence. Time-expanded decision networks are applicable, but not limited to, the design of systems, products, services and contracts.

Abstract: Methods and system for managing demand for an object includes capturing information about the object through a mobile device associated with a user. The mobile device is configured to capture information about the object that include one or more of a spatial, temporal, topical and social attributes of the object. The identity of the object is verified and validated using this metadata captured by the user through the device from the real world object or its proxy. Upon successful verification and validation, the object and its metadata are automatically added to a wish list of the user. An aggregate list is generated using the attributes and metadata of the object from a plurality of users. The aggregate list defines a source of demand for the object. The object is tracked as it progresses through various phases of ownership cycle using dynamic demand calculations based on the information associated with the objects, the users and the aggregate lists.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are provided for managing transaction billing across a plurality of billing sources utilizing an interface. In use, information associated with a transaction is received. Additionally, billing of the transaction is managed utilizing an interface accessible to a plurality of billing sources. Further, a billing response is returned, based on the management of the billing of the transaction.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method for generating a service message, including: receiving a service message sent by a service provider SP device and content sent by a content provider CP device; generating a service message including corresponding content, according to a preset corresponding relation between the service and the content, or according to a preset corresponding relation between the SP and the CP, or according to both the corresponding relation between the service and the content and the corresponding relation between the SP and the CP; and sending the service message including the corresponding content to a user. Through the method according to the present invention, the generation efficiency and configuration flexibility of the service message may be improved.

Abstract: Methods, systems and computer-readable medium for enabling an information technology system to detect pricing anomalies and present detected anomalous pricing to a human operator. A price value digitally stored in an electronic memory associated with a part number and included in an invoice process is compared with one or more price ranges. When the price value fall outside of at least one price range, the price value is provided to a human administrator for deletion, approval or modification, prior to the issuance of an invoice and wherein the human administrator may direct the computer, or a networked computer, to halt generating or transmitting the invoice or to generate a modified invoice. A modified invoice may be issued with one or more line items deleted and or modified as directed by the human administrator. The computer may additionally be configured to detect associations of part numbers with defined kits.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for a network-based content management system (CMS) for creating and sharing presentation objects, and for generating revenue based on providing access to tools by which the presentation objects are created, stored and managed. In the system, a content management service includes a database that stores a presentation object, and a Web server stores a Web page including a link to the presentation object. When the Web page is displayed on a computing device that accesses the Web page via the Web, the presentation object appears as an embedded presentation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing alerts is described, the method including receiving consumer financial data including at least one financial deadline. Alert level criteria is applied to the data in order to determine an alert level for each of the deadlines. A visual or audible alert indicator is activated which corresponds with at least one alert level. Alert level criteria is periodically reapplied to determine an alert level for each of the deadlines.

Abstract: An insurance payment distribution system is disclosed for distributing data representative of money from a central station to selected individuals to be used at selected locations. The system includes a plurality of distribution payment cards and a remote card processing unit. The distribution payment cards are useable at the selected locations. Each payment card is capable of receiving information representative of a certain amount of money, and is capable of receiving information representative of permitted locations at which the each card may be used. The remote card processing unit is in communication with a computer network including a central computer system. The remote card processing unit is for modifying the information receivable on the cards responsive to information received via the computer network.

Abstract: Various embodiments are disclosed for a services policy communication system and method. In some embodiments, a network device implements a service profile for assisting control of a communications device use of a service on a network, in which the service profile includes service policy settings, and the service profile is associated with an ambient service plan for the communications device that provides for initial access to the service with limited service capabilities prior to activation of a new service plan for the communications device; and monitors use of the service by the communications device based on the service profile.

Abstract: A system and method for providing real-time validation to a content provider of a customer's request transmitted via a communications system for delivery of content by the content provider to the customer via a communications system. A request for validation of the customer from the content provider, the request including data identifying the customer, is dealt with by determining from the identifying data whether the customer is a subscriber and then immediately requesting acknowledgement by the customer of the customer's request for the delivery of the content. Upon receipt of an acknowledgement from the customer a validation of the customer's request is sent to the content provider.

Abstract: A method, system and computer-usable medium are disclosed for managing purchase, billing, and payment transactions. A unique identifier of a consolidated purchase card account, issued by a service provider to a user, is accepted by a plurality of vendors as a proxy of the unique identifier of their own vendor-issued purchase card account. Purchase transactions resulting from acceptance of the consolidated purchase card account are processed to produce an individual billing statement for each vendor. The individual billing statements are aggregated into a consolidated billing statement by the service provider, which is then presented to the user on behalf of each vendor. The user reviews the consolidated billing statement and provides payment instructions to the service provider. The payment instructions are processed to pay funds from a funding account of the user to each respective vendor.