Abstract: A gaming system compatible with patron-controlled portable electronic devices, such as smart phones or tablet computers, is described. The gaming system can include electronic gaming machines that are compatible to receive both virtual ticket vouchers and printed ticket vouchers that are redeemable for credits on the electronic gaming machines. Information associated with a virtual ticket voucher can be stored on a patron-controlled portable electronic device and then can be wireless transmitted to the electronic gaming machines. The electronic gaming machines can be configured to issue virtual ticket vouchers and printed ticket vouchers that can be redeemed for cash or additional game play on another electronic gaming machine. In one embodiment, the electronic gaming machine can be configured to issue a virtual ticket voucher to a patron-controlled portable electronic device.

Abstract: A system and method for processing database transactions wherein the need for a DBMS server to convert data provided by the client from a text format to the raw storage format of the database is eliminated, thereby increasing the efficiency of the DBMS.

Abstract: A device may obtain historical refund data, the historical refund data including at least one of: merchant refund time data, shipping time data, or user account refund time data. The device may generate, based on the historical refund data, a refund model, the refund model being trained to receive, as input, at least one of: merchant data identifying a merchant, shipping data identifying a shipping entity, or account data identifying a user account entity. The device may receive return data indicating that a user account is to be credited, the return data including the merchant data. The device may determine a predicted refund time based on the return data and the refund model, and perform an action based on the predicted refund time.

Abstract: A method (and corresponding parking facility management server, parking system, and computer program) for carrying out an automatic parking process of a vehicle includes a reservation request for a parking position of a parking facility being sent to a parking facility management server via a communication network, navigation data for an autonomous navigation to the reserved parking position corresponding to the reservation request being received by the vehicle via the communication network, and the vehicle autonomously navigating in the parking facility to the reserved parking position based on the navigation data. It is preferably provided that the vehicle autonomously pulls into the parking position, pulls out of this parking position, and travels back to a drop-off position or pick-up position, from which a driver of the vehicle may pick up the vehicle.

Abstract: A method, system, and graphical user interface for alerting a computer user to new results for a prior search are disclosed. One aspect of the invention involves a graphical user interface on a computer that includes a plurality of links recommended by a search engine for a computer user. The plurality of links are determined by the search engine by: producing search results by rerunning a plurality of search queries that have been performed previously for the computer user; and evaluating the produced search results to select search results that meet predefined search result selection criteria. At least one of the criteria is based on Internet usage data for the user.

Abstract: Disclosed is an integrated membership management method comprising: transmitting member information about at least one business to sign up, and unique information of a member for attendance check to the business received at a member terminal to a central management server; registering the member information and the unique information received at the central management server; generating an attendance check request including the unique information of the member and the attendance check information of a business selected by the member from among the at least one business at the member terminal or a business terminal, and transmitting the attendance check request to the central management server; and parsing the attendance check request received at the central management server same, performing member certification of the member using the unique information of the member, and performing attendance check certification of the member using the attendance check information.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a plurality of motorized mobile retail facility personal assistance apparatuses and a central computer system. The central computer system includes a network interface that permits the central computer system to wirelessly communicate with the mobile apparatuses and also with at least one user interface unit. Upon receiving a request to use one of the mobile apparatuses, the central computer system assigns an available apparatuses for use by a user during a usage session. This activity can include interfacing with the user to determine one or more specifics regarding their current needs in these regards. The specifics of their needs, in turn, can provide a basis for assigning a particular apparatus from amongst a plurality of differently purposed and differently configured apparatuses.

Abstract: Systems and methods for executing multiple video games, or other sources of video, include a cloud game execution environment in which each game application is executed on the same operating system but within a virtual I/O shell. The virtual I/O shell includes virtual video, audio and input channels that allow each game application to operate as if it had dedicated drivers. In some embodiments, the systems and methods of the invention are used to provide video streams to a plurality of clients over the internet.

Abstract: A method of confirming the identity of a person who issued a token to signify eligibility for a privilege. Possession token is confirmed to be by the same person by using sensors in the token which track the movements of the person. A machine learning system is trained to evaluate the sensor data detecting transfer of possession of the token. The state of continuous possession since the token was issued or set to an enabled state is confirmed and the privilege is granted. The method of identity confirmation is used in various contexts such as for to control entry to a location, use of a facility or service. It is also useful to determine continuous possession of a weapon to prevent misuse after the weapon is stolen, dropped or lost. Servers, beacons and outside sources of data or inputs to be measured by the sensor can also be used.

Abstract: An optimization model is selected to reduce a number of passengers adversely affected by a delay of an aircraft. A cascade boundary is determined for a length of the delay, which projects the delay at the plurality of airports. Using the optimization model, a probability curve is computed at an airport from the plurality of airports, which outputs a second length of the delay experienced at the airport responsive to the cascade boundary projecting the delay on the airport. The length is adjusted in the optimization model such that a count of passengers adversely affected by the delay at the airport at the elapse of the second length is minimized. A target system is caused to configure the aircraft to be delayed by the adjusted length.

Abstract: A system and computing instructions may include a user device, a social network database, and a processor. The user device may include a user interface configured to display a web browser. The social network database may be configured to store social network information related to an entity. The processor may be configured to identify the entity based on content of a webpage displayed on the web browser of the user device, obtain social network information related to the entity from the social network database based on a social network relationship between the user and the entity, and display the social network information on the web browser of the user device.

Abstract: A system can offer an enhanced event experience for users of the system by tracking the locations of the users during a purchased-access event such as a ticketed event and offering real time location-based upgrades to the users. The locations of users can be used to determine a demonstrated interest by the user for a particular location or product in the event venue and to offer upgrades tailored to that demonstrated interest. For example, a concert attendee with a ticket for a particular seat may be detected a location relatively far from the user's seat such as a location near a seat of a friend of the user. The system can detect the user's location, identify available seats near the user's location, and offer the user an upgrade to the identified available seats. Location-based upgrades can also be provided in airplanes, hotels, cruise ships, or other venues or events.

Abstract: A method to optimize the revenue small lodging facilities realize from reservation calls, the method comprising onboarding call center lodging facilities in an automatized and therefore cost-effective manner; receiving and answering calls directed to lodging facilities; and providing system operation and invoicing services for lodging facilities.

Abstract: A vehicle management method includes allowing a start of a corresponding vehicle when one of a plurality of unique identified removable cards (UIRC) is connected to one of a plurality of vehicles, and matches the corresponding vehicle, and connecting a plurality of started vehicles, via each of the unique identified removable cards, to enable communication among the plurality of started vehicles such that each of the plurality of started vehicles outside a coverage of a vehicle management center is capable of directly obtaining traffic information from nearby vehicles of the plurality of started vehicles.

Abstract: Techniques for determining an inventory level for an ordered item and offering delivery for the ordered item within a time frame may be provided. Information about a plurality of merchants may be maintained. An inventory level of the plurality of merchants for an item ordered by a customer may be determined based on the information and a threshold associated with the item. A particular merchant that is within a geographic range of the customer may be selected based on the inventory level and the merchant information. In an example, delivery instructions may be provided to a delivery service for delivering the item to the customer within the time frame.

Abstract: A system and method for configuring an indication device is described. An on-demand service system arranges a service for a user to be provided by a service provider. The system determines whether the user has specified an output configuration for an indication device in an account of the user. In response to determining that the user has specified an output configuration for the indication device, the system identifies data corresponding to the output configuration and transmits the data to a mobile computing device of the service provider to enable the mobile computing device to control the indication device of the service provider based on the data.

Abstract: A system and method to facilitate discovery and reservation of travel options suitably include routing processing, flight selection processing, and fare validation processing. Flight selection processing generates flight combinations for each routing discovered by the routing processing. Not all flight combinations are allowed to proceed thus permitting better flight combinations to emerge. Fare validation processing loads fares, checks availability, and validates them according to the specifics associated with each fare. A list of low cost travel solutions is returned to a travel consumer.

Abstract: A telecommunication system that carries out telecommunication functions between multiple parties as initiated by the user interaction with a social network application, while maintaining privacy of the device identifiers (phone numbers or static IP addresses assigned to devices) of the participating parties.

Abstract: An electronic ticket exchange system offers tickets using a market-making system. Patrons submit bids, for seats of different quality, and an initial price is established for each quality of seat. A trading system provides for a secondary market in which patrons who have purchased tickets for an event can readily sell them to other patrons. All of the rights associated with a ticket, such as entry into the venue, parking privileges, designated seating, etc., are stored in a electronic form. An electronic venue entry control system verifies that a person owns an electronic ticket property right, and authorizes the privileges associated with the ticket. A seating system is employed to determine an optimal seating configuration based upon patron-specific preferences, after the initial sale of tickets and prior to entry into the venue. The specific assigned seats are indicated to the ticket holder at the time of entry.

Abstract: A method and a system for managing data of a database in a MES system enables improved horizontal scalability of the client-server applications. The manufacturing execution system manages and controls the planning and execution of a production process of a product. Resources and clients generate and request data related to the production process. A relational database system includes a write database and a read database. A central service bus links the resources to the write database. A logical worker entity handles commands from the resources and clients queued in the central service bus, thereby interpreting the actions related to the write database, collecting the data required to complete the actions, and launching the execution of the command. A logical reader entity captures all data requests from the resources and clients, launching the requests for data from the read database and sending the data back to the requesting resource or client.

Abstract: A method supports parking of placement vehicles in a parking system of a parking lot having at least one parking system apparatus. A parking region of the parking lot is scanned by a parking region sensor of the parking system and, based on the sensor information, a free and/or an occupied parking space and/or a free and/or an occupied parking area is identified by the parking system apparatus. A parking system for a parking lot for supported parking of placement vehicles is provided. The parking system has at least one parking system apparatus with a parking region sensor for identifying a parking space and/or a parking area of a parking region of the parking lot.

Abstract: According to another aspect, a computer system is provided. The computer system includes a memory; at least one processor in data communication with the memory; and a reporting component executable by the at least processor and configured to execute a user interface component configured to receive schedule information, the schedule information including a company-wide schedule specifying an expense report generation date and at least one reminder; store the schedule information in a data store; send the at least one reminder to a plurality of users prior to the expense report generation date; and generate, on the expense report generation date, a plurality of expense reports respectively corresponding to the plurality of users.

Abstract: The disclosure includes implementations for modifying an operation of an Advanced Driver Assistance System (“ADAS system”) of a vehicle based on one or more preferences of a user for the operation of the ADAS system. Some implementations of a method may include receiving a wireless message from a wireless network. The wireless message may include optimization settings data describing how to modify an operation of the ADAS system of the vehicle based on one or more preferences of a user for the operation of the ADAS system. The user may include a human who has reserved the vehicle for their use. The method may include modifying one or more control parameters of the ADAS system based on the optimization settings data so that the operation of the ADAS system conforms with the one or more preferences of the user for the operation of the ADAS system.

Abstract: A computer implemented system and method for selecting and notifying operators of the option to enable a record activation feature for a short interval of time for the records they offer in a selected geographic area. Enabling record activation for a record indicates that the record may be booked by a user without first requesting the operator to manually approve the transaction request and waiting for the operator's approval of the request. Before selecting and notifying operators, a demand for database requests is predicted. Operators that are most likely to offer their record for record activation are identified. A quality score is determined for each identified record based on the likelihood that the record will get booked once the operator has programmatically enabled record activation. The records needed to fulfill the demand for database requests are selected based on their quality score and the operators of the selected records are notified of the option to enable record activation.

Abstract: The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for auditing in-store sales transactions when a digital receipt is issued. A receipt application server formulates a digital receipt from digital receipt data received from a POS system. The digital receipt is sent from the receipt application server to an auditor mobile device at the location of the POS system. A human auditor can view the digital receipt during an in-store audit. In some embodiments, one or both of the receipt application server and the auditor mobile device reorder receipt entries so that items having specified characteristics are presented more prominently on a display. For example, receipt entries can be re-ordered such that higher profit margin items, bulkier items, or more likely to be stolen items are presented more prominently. As such, a human auditor is more likely to expressly audit these types of items.

Abstract: A telecommunication system that carries out telecommunication functions between multiple parties as initiated by the user interaction with a social network application, while maintaining privacy of the device identifiers (phone numbers or static IP addresses assigned to devices) of the participating parties.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for managing expense reports are disclosed. An example apparatus includes an aggregation interface configured to receive, from a financial entity, a defined account data subset of account data related to a financial transaction of a user and a defined transaction data subset of transaction data of the financial transaction. The example apparatus also includes a secure transaction engine configured to create an expense object that includes the defined account data subset and the defined transaction data subset and display information from the expense object within a first graphical user interface in conjunction with information from other expense objects related to the user. The secure transaction engine is also configured to create an expense report that includes an expense object selected by the user and selectively excludes the other expense objects to shield the other expense objects from being accessible or viewed by a third-party.

Abstract: A method and system may provide automated passenger seat assignment procedures for an airline. A server device may determine passengers for a departing flight who are eligible to receive seat assignment notifications. When an eligible passenger is next in a standby or upgrade queue, the server device may transmit an electronic communication such as an email, short message service (SMS) message, push notification, etc., to the passenger's network-enabled device. The electronic communication may indicate that a seat assignment is available and may provide instructions for accepting or declining the available seat assignment. If the user accepts, for example, by transmitting an electronic reply message to the server device accepting the available seat assignment, the server device may transmit an electronic boarding pass to the user corresponding to the available seat assignment.

Abstract: This disclosure details the implementation of systems, methods and apparatuses for providing an integrated process tracking and management. The disclosure provides solutions for initiating, tracking, correlating and managing complex processes. In particular, the disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatuses for process tracking and management particularly suited to job listing matching and management. In an implementation, the system may be configured to receive and extract base data entry metrics from a user designated input, for example a user's resume or a user designated saved job listing. The base data entry metrics may be correlated with user correlation metrics to derive search parameters for identifying supplemental data entries for a particular user.

Abstract: A system and method allows one or more users to purchase an offering of goods or services using at least three computer systems, by one user making a proposal for the two to jointly consume the offering, and the other user accepting the proposal.

Abstract: An integrated data processing system with two-tier data caching system and techniques for use thereof in a hybrid RDBMS and BDS computing environment are provided. In one aspect, the system is RDBMS-centric and uses two caches, one on the RDBMS side (1st tier) and the other on the BDS side (2nd tier). In another aspect, a DRDA wrapper on the BDS side enables the RDBMS to communicate with the BDS as if the BDS is another RDBMS. This is advantageous because the RDBMS already supports the DRDA protocol standard. In yet another aspect, the DRDA wrapper performs the data transformation needed when transferring cached objects between the RDBMS cache and BDS cache because RDBMS and BDS save data objects in different formats. This is advantageous because it offloads the computation from RDBMS to BDS therefore reducing the performance impact on RDBMS for its normal query and transaction processing.

Abstract: According to embodiments illustrated herein there is provided a method for transportation service recommendation. The method includes determining, one or more routes between a first location and a second location. The method further includes identifying one or more transportation services between each pair of adjacent intermediate nodes of a plurality of intermediate nodes, of the one or more routes. A pre-initiated pooled transportation service for at least a first pair of adjacent intermediate nodes, and a public transportation for at least a second pair of adjacent intermediate nodes are identified. The method further includes determining a likelihood to find one or more other users on a route at least between the first pair of adjacent intermediate nodes, if a user initiates a new-pooled transportation service in an event of unavailability of the pre-initiated pooled transportation service. Additionally, the method includes transmits one or more transportation service recommendations to the user.

Abstract: Suspicious connection requests can be detected by analyzing connection parameters at multiple levels of a network framework. For Internet-based requests, unexpected combinations and/or ordering of Layer 6 (TLS) and Layer 7 (HTTP) parameters, for example, can be indicative of suspicious activity with respect to the connection. The connection parameters for a request can be compared against a set of determined signatures and/or analyzed using a trained probability model to determine a probability that the connection is improper. A probability value can be calculated and compared against at least one probability threshold to determine whether the connection is suspicious enough to cause a specified action to occur. The signatures can be updated through an offline or dynamic online process, and the thresholds can vary among the various embodiments.

Abstract: Mobile payments integrated with a booking system. In one embodiment, for example, a method in a service provider computer system is performed. The service provider computer system is communicatively coupled to a computing device of a user and a merchant point-of-sale computer by one or more data networks. The method comprises: receiving a request from the computing device of the user to pay a ticket open at the merchant point-of-sale computer; obtaining a current total ticket amount for the ticket from the merchant point-of-sale computer; determining an estimated total ticket amount based at least in part on the current total ticket amount; authorizing but not capturing payment of the estimated total ticket amount with a payment network gateway computer; after the ticket is closed at the merchant point-of-sale computer, obtaining a final total ticket amount for the ticket from the merchant point-of-sale computer; and capturing payment of the final total ticket amount with the payment network gateway computer.

Abstract: A method and system including a display; a memory storing processor-executable process steps; and a processor to execute the processor-executable process steps to cause the system to: present a user interface on a display, the user interface including one or more sub-actions associated with a core action, and one or more user-entry sub-action fields associated with the one or more sub-actions; receive data in one or more of the displayed user-entry sub-action fields, wherein the received data is entered by a first user; present a sharable action indicator in response to reception of the data in the one or more displayed user-entry sub-action fields; in response to a first user selection of the sharable action indicator, display a list of one or more additional users; and in response to selection by the first user of at least one of the one or more additional users, transmit a notification to the selected one or more additional users indicating that the core action has been shared with them by the first user.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for managing an Electronic Miscellaneous Document (EMD). In response to receiving a request for an ancillary service, an aggregation module generates an aggregation record. The aggregation module may obtain passenger and segment data from a plurality of Passenger Name Records (PNRs), and add this data to the aggregation record. The aggregation record may thereby provide a database object including passenger and segment data from multiple PNRs associated with an itinerary. The aggregation record may be associated with an EMD, and may be configured so that a single EMD can be issued to a traveler for an ancillary service provided across an itinerary comprising multiple PNRs. A mapping record may also be generated that links the EMD, aggregation record, and PNRs. The mapping record may thereby provide an index that enables a database to quickly identify relationships between EMDs, aggregation records, and PNRs.

Abstract: A network system coordinates users who provide geographical location-based services to users. Users can provide textual feedback regarding the services provided by other users. To create a safe user experience and encourage users to continue using the services, the network system determines safety risks of the users by analyzing the textual feedback from users along with metadata associated with the textual feedback. For example, the network system determines a safety score for a user based on classifying textual feedback according to different types of safety risk related to topics such as vehicle operation or interpersonal behavior. The network system can train classifiers using feature vectors derived from textual feedback previously received from users of the network system, which may be labeled in a supervised training process. The network system may provide interventions to high-risk users to help mitigate their safety risk and prevent safety incidents from occurring.

Abstract: A method, system, and/or computer program product improve a function of a computer used to make a seat in a venue available to a user. One or more processors received a request for a seat at a venue from a user. The processor(s) retrieve a user profile of the user and a seat profile of the seat, and then match features in the user profile to features in the seat profile. The processor(s), in response to the features in the user profile matching the features in the seat profile, store the user profile and the seat profile in a seat control storage device that is solely dedicated to the seat. The processor(s) then direct the user to the seat that is identified in the seat control storage device, where the user is identified by the user profile in the seat control storage device, and where the seat is identified by the seat profile in the seat control storage device.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus with a plurality of functions including at least a print function includes a print data management unit that stores print data received from a plurality of information processing apparatuses, a login control unit that performs use control on a user-by-user basis, and a user interface control unit that displays a user interface screen on a display unit, where the login control unit causes, in a case where a guest user not required to be authenticated to log into the image forming apparatus is permitted to log into the image forming apparatus, the user interface control unit to display a user interface screen for selecting a function to be used from among the plurality of functions, where the print function is selectable via the user interface screen in units of the plurality of information processing apparatuses.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a first search query from a user device and transmitting the first search query from data processing hardware to a query analysis system and a first search system. The method includes receiving first search results from the first search system and receiving query information from the query analysis system. The method includes transmitting a second search query from the data processing hardware to the application program interface of the second search system. The second search query based on the query information. The method includes receiving second search results from the second search system and determining a result set that includes at least some of the first search results and the second search results. At least one search result includes an application access mechanism having a reference to a corresponding installed application on the user device.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for providing discrete autonomous notifications to a passenger of a vehicle. An example vehicle includes a plurality of seats, a plurality of audio transducers, and a processor. The processor is configured to determine a passenger seat corresponding to a passenger having a predetermined destination, determine a notification based on the predetermined destination, and transmit, via one or more of the plurality of audio transducers, a notification to the passenger based on a determined passenger head position.

Abstract: Embodiments for intelligent premise security access management by a processor. Identification information of a user requesting access to enter a premise via a premise entry may be authenticated using a knowledge domain of trusted users in an Internet of Things (IoT) computing network. Entry access to the premise may be granted via the premise entry upon authenticating the identification information.

Abstract: An online booking system allows users to create, search, and book listings of goods or services. When a user searches for listings, the listings are ranked at least in part based on a location relevance score including at least one of a city relevance subscore, a neighborhood subscore, and a distance subscore. Generally, the city relevance subscore quantifies the probability that a searching user may have actually intended to look for listings in a city other than the city specified in a search query. Generally, the neighborhood relevance subscore quantifies the popularity of specific neighborhoods within a city as a replacement or addition to the distance subscore that determines a real world distance between a listing's real world location and a location specified in a search query.

Abstract: A related user identifying unit identifies a related user who has a given relation to an assigned user to whom at least one seat has been allocated. A restriction target selecting unit selects, as a restriction target, a seat or a group of seats that is adjacent to the seat allocated to the assigned user and that is not allocated to any user. An allocation restricting unit restricts the allocation of the seat or group of seats selected as the restriction target to any user other than related users for a given restriction period. A second allocation unit allocates, in a case where the request is received from the related user, the seat selected as the restriction target, or at least one seat out of the group of seats selected as the restriction target, to the related user.

Abstract: Availability of recycled auto parts listed in a centralized inventory system is verified by a query to the inventory system carrying the part. The query identifies the part and data about the part of relevance to a potential buyer (such as price, condition, location) to be verified. Verifications can be performed upon explicit user request, or upon actions implicitly requiring verification, such as adding a part to an estimate or shopping cart, ordering a part, or requesting the part seller to hold the part for future purchase, or the like; verification may also be automatically performed for some or all search results. Results of a verification may also be broadcast to the potential buyer and to the part seller (broker and/or part supplier) to enable audit and follow-up on the verification request.

Abstract: a mobile application is disclosed for providing a flight planning tool on a client device. The mobile application may include a data input module configured to receive, via interface hardware on the client device, a selection of one of a plurality of selectable tools. The mobile application may further include a graphics module configured to display, via the interface hardware, a user interface associated with the selection. The mobile application may further include a flight planning communication module configured transmit a request for information associated with the selection, via an API, to a flight planning system, and receive, from the flight planning system via the API, responsive information that fulfills the request, wherein the responsive information was generated by the flight planning system based on information from a third-party device.

Abstract: A centralized web-based system and method for managing appointments having a user interface that interacts with one or more users to display one or more items based on user input, a management module connected to the user interface and configured to receive data related to scheduling an appointment, determine one or more possible appointments based on the data, present the one or more possible appointments, receive a user selection from the one or more possible appointments, and schedule the appointment based on the user selection, and one or more databases configured to store appointment information, wherein the one or more databases are connected to the management module and wherein the data comprises a date and time slot and at least one of a facility, a service, and a servicer.

Abstract: A method of initializing a mobile device to operate in a mobile credentialing system, the method including sending an authorization code and host URL from a hotel loyalty application to a mobile credential library of a mobile application on a mobile device, the mobile device operable to perform a first sync with a credential service to establish an ongoing trust relationship between the mobile credential library and the credential service such that the mobile application is operable to interact with an access control without the user of the mobile device knowing either an authorization code or a host location of the credential service.

Abstract: When a user inputs an action request, such as a requested command, to be performed on a target machine, a management system receives the request and verifies it with a separate authentication and permission system. The authentication and permission system verifies signatures on the request and signs it and generates an approved workflow package. The approved workflow package is sent to the target machine.

Abstract: The present publication discloses a method and system for sending messages in a telecommunications network. In the method, a first text-form message is sent to a user of the service, a reply to the first text-form message is received from the user of the service to an address defined in the previous message, if the reply is of the correct form and content, the desired service is sent to the user of the service. According to the invention, the user of the message service is offered a second service by a message, the information (such as the sending number is text-message traffic) defining the reply address of which differs from that of the first message, and the second offer message is sent with a sending delay, which depends of the content or type of the first service.