Abstract: In a method for requesting media replication in a collaborative communication session, a message is sent which specifies that a communication medium for a collaborative communication session, which is currently being transmitted to at least one terminal, should additionally be transmitted to at least one other terminal, with the at least one other terminal being indicated in the message as the recipient of the communication medium. In a method for assigning a communication medium for a collaborative communication session, a corresponding message is received, and the communication medium is assigned to the at least one other terminal as the recipient of the communication medium. The methods are carried out by appropriately designed apparatuses.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to facilitate repeated purchase and payment transactions. In one aspect, a system includes an interchange and a data storage facility configured to store payment transaction records associated with phone numbers. 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 configured to identify a prior payment transaction associated with a phone number in response to a message from a mobile phone having the phone number, communicate with a merchant to repeat a purchase according to the prior payment transaction, and transmit via one of the converters premium messages to the mobile phone to collect funds for a payment to repeat the purchase.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media are provided for routing electronic invoices. The computer system is in data communication with a network. The computer system is programmed to receive an electronic invoice in a first electronic invoice format via the network, translate the electronic invoice from the first electronic invoice format to an intermediary electronic invoice format, and identify, using the processor, a second electronic invoice format that is different than the first electronic invoice format. The computer system is further programmed to translate the electronic invoice from the intermediary electronic invoice format to the second electronic invoice format and transmit the electronic invoice in the second electronic invoice format via the network.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed towards automatic provisional evaluation of utility program performance. Treatment facilities may be determined depending characteristics of a project. A performance profile corresponding to each treatment facility may be generated based on historical information corresponding to each treatment facility. Current usage information and current weather information for each treatment facility may be determined. Pre-treatment usage information that corresponds to each treatment facility may be determined based on the performance profile and the current usage information and the current weather information. A program evaluation report may be generated that includes program realization information. Program realization information may be based on an aggregation of project savings information that corresponds to the treatment facilities. Project savings information may be modified based on confidence weights.

Abstract: A method is implemented in a computer infrastructure having computer executable code tangibly embodied on a computer readable storage medium having programming instructions. The programming instructions are operable to manage workload for cloud computing by transferring workload to at least one mobile device using Session Initiation Protocol (SIP).

Abstract: A pre-paid service system configured to provide a subscriber interface to a Subscriber and receive a service level selection from the subscriber, wherein the service level selection includes a capacity limit and/or a time limit. Upon authorization of a payment, the system activates the Subscriber's service. The system also monitors the Subscriber's usage data and time of activation. When the Subscriber's usage data amount or time of activation meets or exceeds the selected service level, the system may deactivate the Subscriber's service.

Abstract: Various methods for implementing a wait period for single radio continuity transfers are provided. One example method includes obtaining a timer value, where the timer value is based on a communications delay to a far end device. The communications delay to the far end device may be determined during session establishment with the far end device. The example method also includes implementing a wait period for a duration of the timer value, and, in response to completion of the wait period, triggering a single radio continuity network transfer. Similar and related example methods and example apparatuses are also provided.

Abstract: An electric vehicle has a thermal circuit connected to a traction battery and a cabin climate system, a user interface, and a controller. The controller is configured to charge the traction battery to a target state of charge, condition the traction battery to a target battery temperature, and condition a vehicle cabin to a target cabin temperature based on a charging profile based on the user input in response to receiving a user input requesting vehicle conditioning from the user interface and the traction battery being connected to an external power source. A method for controlling an electric vehicle while connected to an external power source includes charging a traction battery to a target state of charge and conditioning the battery to a target temperature according to a charging profile based on a user initiated request for vehicle conditioning.

Abstract: A set of inbound data is received in a computer. At least one attribute of the inbound data is determined. The inbound data is parsed. A set of staging records is generated in the computer that include at least some of the inbound data in one or more fields included in each of the staging records. It is determined that at least some of the staging records are ready for migration to a target environment. The staging records are migrated to the target environment in the computer.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus stores a first threshold of a common carrier, the common carrier charging according to the first threshold to be applied to a packet communication volume in each first unit period; performs a packet communication to and from a communication apparatus of the common carrier; calculates a packet communication volume in each second unit period shorter than the first unit period; and controls the packet communication based on the packet communication volume in the second unit period so as to keep the packet communication volume in the first unit period below the first threshold.

Abstract: A communication system for one or more communication apparatuses communicable with an external apparatus includes a storing unit to store data received by a communication apparatus from the external apparatus used as a transmission sender of the received data, and transmission/reception information including information of the external apparatus as transmission sender information and identification information of the communication apparatus used for receiving the received data; an identification unit to identify received data, selected by a user, from the received data stored in the storing unit; a transmission data obtaining unit to obtain transmission data to be transmitted to the external apparatus; and a transmission control unit to transmit the transmission data to the external apparatus from the communication apparatus that has received the selected received data among the one or more communication apparatuses based on the transmission/reception information stored in the storing unit.

Abstract: Network connection systems and methods for managing a variety of services over different kinds of networks. A network connection and communication system is provided that monitors and displays units of network usage over a selected network. The information can be displayed in terms of usage units that are easy to understand from the viewpoint of a user. For instance, a display screen can indicate the number of available or used usage units, eg, connection minutes (time), the number of books purchased and downloaded over the network, the number of connections to a communicating partner. Multiple conversions can occur between various services that are available depending on the type of service and selected network.

Abstract: An enhanced telephone emulation computer system including a minidialer program for controlling a computer to add telephony functions which can be invoked from whatever active program is currently controlling the computer. The minidialer program controls the computer to alter its processing depending upon the context existing at the time when a mouse click or hot key combination event is detected indicating the user wishes to invoke a telephony function. The minidialer program determines whether the user has highlighted any text or numbers in the active window of the application currently controlling the computer and whether the highlighted material is a name or a phone number, and if a name, whether the name is stored with a phone number in a phone book or file maintained on the computer. Processing and telephony menu options displayed as available also depend upon whether the user is or is not on the phone at the time the mouse click or hot key event occurs.

Abstract: Provided is a common air conditioner operating system having a billing calculation function, including: at least one outdoor unit and a plurality of indoor units, at least one heat transfer unit, and a system operating apparatus configured to entirely control the above units, and calculate billing corresponding to use energy of each indoor unit, wherein the system operating apparatus sums a first amount obtained by multiplying a summed amount of a total heat production cost and a total heat transfer cost by a ratio of corresponding indoor unit supply heat si to a total supply heat S of all the indoor units, and heat supply costs of the corresponding indoor unit, and the total heat production cost is calculated by multiplying heat production energy, the total heat transfer cost is calculated by multiplying heat transfer energy, and the heat supply cost is calculated by multiplying heat supply energy.

Abstract: An apparatus for allocating and tracking utilization of information technology resources of a distributed virtual infrastructure comprises at least one processing platform associated with the distributed virtual infrastructure. The processing platform comprises at least one processing device having a processor coupled to a memory. The processing platform is operative to allocate at least a designated one of the information technology resources to a user responsive to a corresponding request, to track utilization of the designated information technology resource allocated to the user, and to generate one or more notifications if the utilization of the designated information technology resource by the user falls below a specified threshold. The distributed virtual infrastructure may comprise an enterprise private cloud infrastructure.

Abstract: A method for electrically charging a high-voltage battery of a subject vehicle includes resolving a geographic location of the subject vehicle at a remote charging site, electrically charging the high-voltage battery through a connection of the subject vehicle to an electric power outlet at the remote charging site, monitoring cumulative electric power flow to the high-voltage battery of the subject vehicle, communicating the cumulative electric power flow to a central server, and reconciling billing for the cumulative electric power flow between an owner of the subject vehicle and an owner of the remote charging site.

Abstract: A subscription identifier is communicated between the billing server and subscription server. The billing server receives a subscription identifier text message from the user device. The billing server identifies a carrier server from the subscription identifier text message. The billing server receives an authorization text message from the user device in response to an authorization request text message and charges an account of the carrier server that has been identified. If the charge has been successful, then the billing server transmits a renewal notification text message to the subscription server. The subscription server updates an account having the subscription identifier to reflect a new expiration.

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: Providing for aggregate billing related to provisioning network access and network content to an application or device is described herein. By way of example, the application or device (e.g., a client, . . . ) can be provided network access at a discounted rate to access content of content provider. The network access can be general access, or can be limited access to one or more web-pages, domains, hosts, etc. in various embodiments. Charges for content consumed by the client can be an aggregated charge that includes charges for the content and charges for the network access. In various embodiments, network access can facilitate a relatively persistent connection to a network, with network access charges aggregated into charges for consumption of online content or utilization of online services, or vice versa.

Abstract: An MRI system center is connected to a plurality of MRI systems for visualizing the interior of a subject to be examined using a magnetic resonance phenomenon, through an electronic communication line. The MRI system center receives data of a log file on which a use state of the MRI systems is recorded or use-state data extracted from the log file, from the MRI systems through a communication control unit. A database unit stores the data of the log file or the use-state data. An analysis unit analyzes the data of the log file or the use-state data received within a given period of time.

Abstract: A mobile computing device that supports cost-aware application components for operation over a metered network. A current basis for computing usage charges over one or more networks may be made available to the cost-aware application components through an application programming interface supported by an operating system service. That service may receive a policy for charging for data usage over a network and may also obtain information defining data usage for the mobile computing device. Based on this information, the service may determine a current basis for charging for data usage. With this information, the application component can determine a manner for executing network operations that involve data transmission over the network, such as deferring the operation or selecting an alternative network.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for generating and publishing electronic spare parts catalogs that support electronic business processes for managing and selling spare parts for complex machines and systems, such as gas turbines. Automated systems and methods for generating electronic catalogs of spare parts employ an extensible, template-based framework to extract and integrate catalog content (static and/or real-time spare parts data) from various backend business information systems and data sources.

Abstract: A billing management system includes an image forming device that forms an image, a reading device that reads identification information from an information recording medium that stores the identification information identifying a user of the image forming device, a billing condition management device that manages, in an associated state, the identification information and a billing condition, and a billing information transmitting unit that references the identification information and the billing condition, managed by the billing condition management device, and transmits billing information in accordance with the billing condition corresponding to the identification information read by the reading device.

Abstract: Large volumes of financial transactions are processed today across a variety of financial platforms including but not limited to debit cards, credit cards, prepaid cards, e-purse, Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) transactions, and Point of Sale (POS) cards. The vast majority of these relate to discrete transactions undertaken either by the user being physically present at a POS purchase or undertaking an online purchase. However, in many instances, particularly with respect to services, it would be beneficial if the user via financial transaction software systems and/or software applications could authorize periodic transactions in respect to the service and/or wares. It would be further beneficial if the periodic or recurring transactions could be established by the user at a POS and that the timescales of these transactions could be established with high flexibility.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus embodiments for electric power grid and network registration and management of physical and financial settlement for participation of active grid elements in supply and/or curtailment of power, wherein Internet Protocol (IP)-based messages including IP packets are generated by transforming raw data content into settlement grade content. Settlement is provided for grid elements that participate in the electric power grid following initial registration of each grid element with the system, preferably through network-based communication between the grid elements and a coordinator, either in coordination with or outside of an IP-based communications network router. Messaging related to settlement is managed through a network by a Coordinator using IP messaging for communication with the grid elements, with the energy management system (EMS), and with the utilities, market participants, and/or grid operators.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus embodiments for electric power grid and network registration and management of physical and financial settlement for participation of active grid elements in supply and/or curtailment of power. Settlement is provided for grid elements that participate in the electric power grid following initial registration of each grid element with the system, preferably through network-based communication between the grid elements and a coordinator, either in coordination with or outside of an IP-based communications network router. A multiplicity of active grid elements function in the grid for supply capacity, supply and/or load curtailment as supply or capacity, and are compensated through settlement for their functional participation in the electric power grid.

Abstract: A service provider apparatus is provided with a first application for executing a process related to a Web page or Web contents, and a service providing part for providing services. The first application sends a request to a second application included in another apparatus. The service providing part receives a service providing request related to the request from the second application, and provides a service depending on the service providing request, so as to expand functions of the services provided by the service provider apparatus.

Abstract: Various exemplary embodiments relate to a method performed by a policy and charging rules node (PCRN), the method including: sending a first Sy spending limit request (SLR) to an online charging system (OCS) without specifying any policy counters; receiving from the OCS a first spending limit answer (SLA) including policy counters and associated status reports for a subscriber; creating an Sy session; determining required policy counters based upon the policy counter statuses; sending a second Sy SLR to the OCS for the required policy counters; and receiving a second SLA including status reports for the required policy counters.

Abstract: A code is communicated between the billing server and subscription server. The billing server receives a code request text message from the user device. The billing server identifies a carrier server from the code request text message. The billing server receives an authorization text message from the user device in response to an authorization request text message and charges an account of the carrier server that has been identified. If the charge has been successful, then the billing server transmits a code redemption text message to the user device including the code and a link to a redemption page of a website of a subscription server. The subscription server processes redemption to a code and transmits an account set up page to the user device.

Abstract: Methods and systems for facilitating bill payment are described. A user is able to take a picture of a paper bill and have it paid. A service provider receives the image of the bill and recognizes it as a bill payment image. Relevant payment details such as the customer account number, payment amount, and the payee are extracted from the bill. The service provider determines whether these payment details are correct based on a user calendar or a location of a user device. The service provider can display these payment details to the user, and receive authorization to make the payment.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing and providing content and services on a network system. Aspects of the invention include location-based determination of network content and services that may be provided to client computers. Other aspects of the invention include authorization and authentication components that determine access rights of client computers. Additional aspects include systems and methods for redirecting client computers to different network content. The disclosed systems and methods may be used in numerous network system applications.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to systems and methods for information processing and delivery to a selected group of network-connected display devices. In one embodiment of the invention, an information processing and delivery method comprises receiving a request from one of a plurality of users in which the request includes a content data, a display identifier and a user identifier. The method also comprises validating the content data and the display identifier, and upon successful validation, transmitting the content data through an Internet Protocol (IP) based network to at least one display device associated with the display identifier for display thereon.

Abstract: A system determines a tiered charging rule with at least one step. Each step defines a quantity entry point and exit point for the step and defines an alteration rule to be applied to charges falling within the step. The system determines a quantity usage range based on usage related to a billing event. The system range intersects each step range with the quantity usage range to determine applicable steps for the quantity usage range. For each applicable step, the system calculates a step charge based on the length of the applicable step range and a base per unit charge rate and applies an alteration to the step charge based on the corresponding alteration rule for the step.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for client-selectable power source options for network-accessible service units are described. A programmatic interface is implemented to enable clients of a service to select, from among a plurality of power source categories including a renewable category and a non-renewable category, a power source category to be used for a service unit. Based on inputs received via the interface, the respective amounts of power to be obtained from renewable and non-renewable categories during a time period may be estimated. A verification operation comparing the estimated amounts to the amount of power that is actually obtained from the different sources may be performed.

Abstract: A system may include a service data warehouse configured to execute an inclusion list module to perform operations including receiving opt-out data from a billing system of a subscriber network, the opt-out data associated with use of subscriber information by at least one third-party information service, receiving an eligible subscriber list from an enterprise data warehouse of the subscriber network; and generating a customer inclusion list from the eligible subscriber list and the opt-out data, the customer inclusion list including a listing of subscribers identifiers of subscribers of the subscriber network who have opted into use of the at least one third-party information service of the subscriber network. The system may further include a notification system configured to provide privacy notices to subscribers, and automatically opt the subscribers in or out of inclusion on the customer inclusion list based on subscriber receipt of the privacy notices.

Abstract: According to some aspects, a method of providing access to and presenting information from a third-party business management software system, the third-party business management software system comprising a database storing customer data for a plurality of customers is provided. The method comprises providing an interface for display on a user computer, the interface accessible via an internet browser coupled to a network, receiving input from a user via the interface identifying a customer from the plurality of customers, responsive to the input from the user, accessing the third-party business management software system to obtain customer data associated with the identified customer, and presenting the customer data to the user via the interface in a single view. Some aspects include a system comprising at least one application computer for performing the above method.

Abstract: Apparatus for coordinating a rule-based relationship between a bank, a vendor and a merchant is provided. The apparatus may include a first receiver configured to receive an employee identification number input into a graphical user interface (“GUI”). The apparatus may additionally include the first receiver being configured to receive a billing account number input into the GUI. The apparatus may also include a processor configured to determine if the billing account number includes a number of consecutive, identical digits. The processor may further be configured to determine if the number of consecutive, identical digits is equal to or greater than a threshold number of consecutive, identical digits.

Abstract: Systems and methods that generate a partial Charging Data Record (CDR) when charging transfers from a primary charging function to a secondary charging function due to a failure. In one embodiment, the system receives an interim accounting request for a session from a secondary charging function after charging was transferred from the primary charging function. The system then opens a new partial CDR for the session based on the interim accounting request. The system receives a prior partial CDR for the session from the primary charging function, parses the prior partial CDR to identify a CDR timestamp, and records a start time in the new partial CDR based on the CDR timestamp. The system parses the interim accounting request to identify an accounting timestamp for the session, records an end time in the new partial CDR based on the accounting timestamp, and closes the new partial CDR.

Abstract: Greater network utilization is implemented through dynamic network reconfiguration and allocation of network services and resources based on the data to be transferred and the consumer transferring it. A hierarchical system is utilized whereby requests from lower layers are aggregated before being provided to upper layers, and allocations received from upper layers are distributed to lower layers. To maximize network utilization, paths through the network are reconfigured by identifying specific types of packets that are to be flagged in a specific manner, and then by further identifying specific routing rules to be applied in the transmission of such packets. Network reconfiguration is performed on an incremental basis to avoid overloading a path, and capacity can be reserved along one or more paths to prevent such overloading. Background data is agnostic as to specific transmission times and is utilized to prevent overloading due to reconfiguration.

Abstract: A system and method for tracking mobile resources that displays tracking data in a graphical display. The system receives tracking data and characteristic tag data about a mobile resource from a tracking device, which is stored in a server or sent directly to a reporting device. The reporting device creates a graphical display indicating, e.g., how long a resource has been at various locations and displays this information on a display device.

Abstract: Method and Apparatus for rapid scalable unified infrastructure system management platform are disclosed by discovery of compute nodes, network components across data centers, both public and private for a user; assessment of type, capability, VLAN, security, virtualization configuration of the discovered unified infrastructure nodes and components; configuration of nodes and components covering add, delete, modify, scale; and rapid roll out of nodes and components across data centers both public and private.

Abstract: Method and Apparatus for rapid scalable unified infrastructure system management platform are disclosed by discovery of compute nodes, network components across data centers, both public and private for a user; assessment of type, capability, VLAN, security, virtualization configuration of the discovered unified infrastructure nodes and components; configuration of nodes and components covering add, delete, modify, scale; and rapid roll out of nodes and components across data centers both public and private.

Abstract: A new ecosystem may comprise a central system operable to monitor the consumption of a commodity at the premises of a consumer, interface with suppliers and retailers of the commodity and perhaps tank monitors, process data collected therefrom, and implement a payment structure that can alleviate the burden of consumers having to pay for an entire delivery of the commodity—the consumer is only responsible for paying for the amount actually consumed during a time period at a prevailing price during that time. The payment structure can also significantly reduce a retailer's working capital required to float the purchase of the commodity before it is paid by its consumers. The central system may provide a web based user interface through which a consumer can lock in a price to pay for the commodity. Alternatively, the price may be fixed when the commodity was delivered to the consumer's tank.

Abstract: A mobile computing device that supports cost-aware application components for operation over a metered network. A current basis for computing usage charges over one or more networks may be made available to the cost-aware application components through an application programming interface supported by an operating system service. That service may receive a policy for charging for data usage over a network and may also obtain information defining data usage for the mobile computing device. Based on this information, the service may determine a current basis for charging for data usage. With this information, the application component can determine a manner for executing network operations that involve data transmission over the network, such as deferring the operation or selecting an alternative network.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling automatic electronic, telephonic, and Internet transactions through print media, as well as providing value that flows to a supplier for the service of enabling such transactions. The transactions can utilize print media that can include electronic recording media and counterfeit protection, where the electronic recording media can identify suppliers of the media, providers of the service promoted by the electronic media, and can set a value for a supplier, such as a print media supplier or facilitator.

Abstract: Changes made to a document are automatically summarized within an electronic message. The changes may be made to a document that is being collaborated on. For example, the document may be an attachment to an electronic message, a link to a shared document that is contained within the electronic message and/or a document that is being shared between a different users. The document may be any type of file to which changes/comments are made, such as word processing documents, spreadsheets, slides, and the like. A reviewer may make many different types of changes to the document (e.g. deleting/adding content, adding comments, and the like). After making any changes to the document, a summary of the changes is automatically inserted into an electronic message that is then sent to one or more recipients. Live information relating to the document may also be displayed with one or more electronic messages.

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 method of providing support services as a service is presented. For example, the method includes providing to a service provider one or more service modules operative to provide the support services to the service provider. The one or more service modules are provided by one or more suppliers of the support services and include instruction code operative to be performed on a processor device and one or more application programming interfaces operative for programmatic access to the one or more service module. The service modules may further include one or more user interfaces operative for interactive access to a respective service module. The one or more service modules may include, for example, one or more of a profile service module, an offering service module, a customer service module, a process service module, a user interface service module and a revenue service module.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of processing transaction with at least one merchant computer, including receiving, with the at least one merchant computer, a confirmation of a purchase from a consumer device, triggering, with the at least one merchant computer, in response to the confirmation of the purchase, a silent text message to the consumer device, wherein a purchasing unit on the consumer device responds to the silent text message by sending a text message with a unique transaction ID to a short code of a billing server via a carrier server to the billing server and receiving, with the at least one merchant computer, in response to triggering the silent text message, a callback notification from the billing server with the transaction ID.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus embodiments for electric power grid and network registration and management of physical and financial settlement for participation of active grid elements in supply and/or curtailment of power, wherein Internet Protocol (IP)-based messages including IP packets are generated by transforming raw data content into settlement grade content. Settlement is provided for grid elements that participate in the electric power grid following initial registration of each grid element with the system, preferably through network-based communication between the grid elements and a coordinator, either in coordination with or outside of an IP-based communications network router. Messaging related to settlement is managed through a network by a Coordinator using IP messaging for communication with the grid elements, with the energy management system (EMS), and with the utilities, market participants, and/or grid operators.