Abstract: A method for managing the exchange of information is provided, wherein the method includes receiving at least one information location identifier, wherein the at least one information location identifier may be associated with at least one information portal and associating with at least one network browser. The method further includes generating an information location identifier template responsive to the at least one information portal and communicating with the at least one information portal to identify resultant information.

Abstract: A technique of tracking insurance funds using an interpretive representation of accounting information includes obtaining a plurality of accounting entities. It further includes deriving, based on the accounting entities, a plurality of funds-source entities and a plurality of funds-use entities. It further includes, in response to an allocation scheme, creating a set of tracking entities that allocate the funds-source entities to the funds-use entities, wherein each tracking entity connects one funds-source entity and one funds-use entity.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a social-networking system may receive, from a client system of a first user of an online social network, an indication that the first user is traveling to a first geographic location, and identify one or more second geographic locations within a threshold distance from the first geographic location. The second geographic locations may be determined based on a travel-recommendation model. The travel-recommendation model may include aggregated user information from the online social network associated with the first user and aggregated travel information from the online social network associated with one or more second users of the online social network who have traveled to the first geographic location. The social-networking system may generate travel recommendations based on the identified second geographic locations, and then send, to the client system of the first user, one or more of the travel recommendations for display to the first user.

Abstract: A vehicle-share relationship management system is presented herein. The vehicle-share relationship management system includes a short-range wireless communication (SRWC) module, mobile computing device, vehicle communication platform (VCP), and remote entity. The SRWC is located in a vehicle and configured to communicate with the mobile computing device and at least one vehicle system. The VCP is located within the vehicle, the VCP configured to communicably couple with the SRWC module and configured to generate one or more data transmissions. The remote entity configured to receive the one or more VCP data transmissions. Moreover, the SRWC module collaborates with the vehicle system and mobile computing device to generate one or more notices, the SRWC module subsequently collaborates with the VCP to transmit the one or more notices to the remote entity. In response to the one or more notices, the remote entity communicates one or more notifications to the VCP.

Abstract: Features are disclosed relating to a collaborative ticketing system that manages various aspects of ticketing for events (e.g., movies, concerts, sporting events, and the like) using knowledge about the contacts, friends, and other social connections of system users. The collaborative ticketing system may generate dynamic ticket offers that are based on the number of friends, invited by users, ultimately obtaining tickets. The collaborative ticketing system can also streamline the procurement of concessions and other event-related items by allowing users to pre-purchase such items (e.g., in connection with ticket offers), and then pick up the items at the event venue with little or no wait. In addition, users can preview event-related content (e.g., movie trailers) for event providers (e.g., movie studios), and answer questions or otherwise provide feedback about the event-related content in return for special offers, rewards, and other considerations.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for providing location-based service, which can be implemented on an electronic apparatus. The method includes receiving, by the electronic apparatus, a service request from a first device, wherein the service request includes a service requested by a service requester and a location data corresponding to a location of the service requester; retrieving, by the electronic apparatus, a list of service providers matching the service request; transmitting, by the electronic apparatus, the list of the service providers and associated information corresponding to each service provider to the first device; receiving, by the electronic apparatus, information associated with one service provider selected by the service requester; transmitting, by the electronic apparatus, the service request to a second device of the selected service provider for confirmation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system and method for managing financial information. According to an embodiment, electronic purchase data is received from an electronic payment source. The received electronic purchase data is generated into one or more visual representation formats using a transformation server. Once the visual representation has been generated, the visual representation format is rendered using a display device.

Abstract: Computationally implemented methods and systems that are designed for receiving one or more package delivery directives that direct a transportation vehicle unit to deliver one or more packages; receiving one or more end user transport directives that direct the transportation vehicle unit to transport one or more end users; and verifying that the one or more end user transport directives do not conflict with the one or more package delivery directives such that transport of the one or more end users by the transportation vehicle unit in accordance with the one or more end user transport directives will not violate one or more package delivery obligations of the transportation vehicle unit to deliver the one or more packages in accordance with the one or more package delivery directives. In addition to the foregoing, other aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text.

Abstract: A system and a method for determining whether a refund has been issued by at least one of multiple parties having potential responsibility for issuing a refund. Issuance of multiple refunds to a claimant or claimants, or chargebacks to acquirers when a refund has been issued is prevented. The system includes an electronic storage device that has a database of data concerning transactions, including data as to whether a refund has been issued, an access path that allows access to and supplementing of data concerning a transaction, and a processor for assembling the data concerning the transaction so that access is provided to the multiple parties granted selected access to the data.

Abstract: Techniques are described for vehicle or entity tracking. In one example, techniques include receiving a first set of data, said data comprising video or images from a first mobile data source, determining that said first set of data matches a second set of data in a first data source, the second set of data corresponding to a vehicle or entity being tracked; requesting a third set of data, said data comprising video or images from a second mobile data source, and determining a confidence level based on how well said first and third data sets match said second data set.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and a system for generating an annotated search index. The method is executable at a server. The method comprises retrieving a portion of a historical search session for a first search query, the portion including a first resource and a second resource, both the first and the second resource being relevant to the first search query; generating an association parameter for the second resource, the association parameter being based on a first historical parameter and a second historical parameter; and, responsive to the association parameter for the second resource being above a predetermined threshold, associating the second resource with one or more of the first resource and the included search terms, thereby generating an annotated search index for the included search terms.

Abstract: The present invention is an applications gateway that offers multiple functions and features for specific geographic venue locations, while providing easy access to advertising, purchasing, and redemption opportunities for that specific geographic venue location. Venue locations can be stadiums, shopping malls, amusement parks, open air spaces where people can congregate, and/or buildings, which most often require the presence of a concentration of people. The venue location may correlate to the location of the hand-held mobile unit or it may be a remote geographic venue location not near the location of the hand-held mobile unit. Access to the gateway application is through a hand-held mobile unit, which can include a mobile phone, smartphone device, or portable computer having a wireless radio transmission connection. (e.g. iPhone, Droid, iPad, Slate, etc.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for executing tasks selected based on locations of user devices. A first user device associated with an access right to a resource can be identified. The location of the first user device can be determined at a time before a defined time period. Further, a protocol execution condition can be detected. Upon detecting the protocol execution condition, executing a protocol. Executing the protocol can include determining a distance between the first user device and a resource location. Whether the distance between the first user device and the resource location is less than or equal to a distance range of the resource location at a time prior to the defined time period can be determined. In response to determining that the distance is not less than or equal to the distance range, accessing a plurality of tasks, selecting a task, and executing the task.

Abstract: A lowest rate on a multi-night lodging stay is achieved by obtaining lodging rate information for a first lodging location from a plurality of lodging rate sources. The information is correlated with each night of a window during which a consumer is available to travel. A block of nights within the window having the lowest lodging rate is identified. Then, a plurality of lodging reservations corresponding to the identified block are generated, wherein at least two of the lodging reservations correspond to different nights of the multi-night lodging stay and are placed through different lodging reservation systems. A block having the lowest total cost of travel can also be identified by considering the cost of other travel related expenses in conjunction with the lodging rate for the block.

Abstract: A method for inspecting an e-ticket on a mobile communication device of a user, including rendering the e-ticket on a display of the mobile communication device, wherein the e-ticket includes a ticket information area for displaying user related information, and a ticket validation area for displaying inspection related information when at least one predefined condition is met, enabling a ticket inspector to execute a checking gesture in the ticket validation area when the ticket inspector ascertains one or more predefined identifiers in the ticket validation area, displaying a confirmation code in the ticket validation area, upon execution of the checking gesture, enabling the ticket inspector to execute a confirmation gesture in the ticket validation area when the displayed confirmation code matches a predefined confirmation code, and marking the e-ticket as used upon execution of the confirmation gesture.

Abstract: A portable device includes a data capture unit and a wireless communication circuit in communication with a control circuit. The data capture unit is configured to receive product information from a product identifier. The wireless communication circuit is configured to communicate with a vendor server storing an electronic catalog that includes a product associated with the product information.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for generating journey options in response to a journey request from an origin to a destination. Routes from the origin to the destination are selected as candidates to fulfill the journey request. Delay-related statistical information is derived from delay-related data for past journeys. A minimum connecting time at a connection between first and second segments of each route is estimated based on the statistical information. Journey combinations are determined from the routes based on origin departure time, destination arrival time, and schedule information for the first and second segments of each route. For each route in each journey combination, a determination is made whether the schedule information for the first and second segments satisfies a condition related to the minimum connecting time. Each journey combination for which the condition is satisfied by each route comprising the journey combination is selected as a journey option.

Abstract: There are provided a system, a method and a computer program product for assigning a workspace. The system receives one or more reservation request for the workspace, associated with one or more facilities including one or more workspace areas. Each workspace area includes one or more workspaces. The system receives inputs including one or more of: weather condition data, occupancy rates data, and date data, associated with the one or more facilities. The system predicts an energy cost for each workspace area. The system determines a user desirability value for the each workspace area. The system determines a minimum cost for operating the one or more facilities, which satisfies the received reservation request. The system selects one or more workspace area in the one or more facilities according to the determined minimum cost and the received reservation request. The selected workspace area has maximum user desirability values.

Abstract: Arrangements described relate to associating a meeting room with a meeting. A meeting invitation being accessed by a first recipient can be identified, wherein the meeting invitation is sent to a plurality of recipients. A location associated with the first recipient of the meeting invitation can be identified, and whether the location associated with the first recipient is similar to a location associated with a sender of the meeting invitation can be determined. Responsive to determining that the location associated with the first recipient is not similar to the location associated with a sender of the meeting invitation, the first recipient can be prompted to reserve a meeting room at the location associated with the first recipient. Responsive to receiving from the first recipient an indication of the meeting room being reserved, an association between the meeting and the meeting room can be created.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for the generation and use of merchant-customizable token formats that define tokens that represent credit card and other payment numbers in online transactions. The tokens, which are used instead of the card numbers themselves for security, can be specified by the token format to have a certain number of characters, have certain fields reserved for major card identifiers, use encryption and/or randomization, be alphanumeric, and have other formatting. The customized tokens can be used with legacy equipment that uses longer or shorter card numbers than the standard sixteen-digit payment card number format and can be less likely to be recognized as related to card numbers by identify thieves.

Abstract: A remote control system and method for lighting apparatus may include at least a remote-controlled lighting apparatus and an intelligent communication device. The lighting apparatus comprises a lighting unit, a first central processing unit (CPU) and a first communication unit, and the intelligent communication device comprises a second CPU, a second communication unit and at least a button and a storage unit. The storage unit is configured to store a control program, the Universally Unique Identifier of the lighting apparatus and at least an operating command of the lighting apparatus corresponding to the sequential key-in signal. When activated, the control program can execute the operating command stored in the storage unit corresponding to the sequential key-in signal input by a user, and send the operating signal to the lighting apparatus through the second communication unit to remotely control at least a lighting unit of the lighting apparatus.

Abstract: Techniques for dynamically pricing perishable goods. The objective is to sell all items before any remaining items become worthless. The method comprises: monitoring a time parameter T corresponding to period T0 to Tn; if T<Tn, periodically updating current price Pcurrent for an item; in response client's interest, offering a temporarily fixed price Pfreeze=Pcurrent for a freeze period ?Tfreeze; updating Pcurrent in response to offering the fixed price Pfreeze; accepting a purchase order for the item at Pfreeze if purchase order received within the freeze period ?Tfreeze; rejecting the purchase order after the freeze period ?Tfreeze; updating Pcurrent in response to receiving an accepted and/or rejected order; and repeating at least some of the above acts until T equals maximum time Tn.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method for estimating an ability of a worker in a process for integrating work results of multiple workers for the same task includes acquiring, for each of one or more tasks, a work result of a preceding-stage worker and a work result of a succeeding-stage worker that works based on the work result of the preceding-stage worker. The method also includes estimating multiple parameters of a probability model in which an ability of the succeeding-stage worker conditioned by a quality of the work result of the preceding-stage worker is introduced as a conditioned ability parameter, based on the multiple work results obtained for each of the one or more tasks.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a system that facilitates business interaction. During operation, the system identifies a non-registered entity associated with an interaction within a commerce network. Next, the system enables, for the non-registered entity, access to an artifact associated with the interaction without requiring authentication of the non-registered entity.

Abstract: A system, method and program product for providing passenger screening. A method is disclosed that includes: providing a third party service to collect profile information from a user and provide the user with a unique ID; submitting the unique ID from the user to a reservation system when the user books a reservation; passing the unique ID from the reservation system to a government agency; submitting the unique ID from the government agency to the third party service and returning associated profile information to the government agency; checking the associated profile information against a watch list within the government agency and generating a screening level for the user; and communicating the screening level to a screening agent.

Abstract: A set-top box with an interactive portal and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment of the set-top box, the set-top box is deployed to provide an interactive portal in a hospitality establishment having multiple rooms, such as a hotel. The set-top box is associated with a room and includes a housing that secures a television input, a television output, a processor, a transceiver, and memory therein in an interconnected bus architecture. The set-top box generates a default interactive portal as well as a guest-specific interactive portal, which is generated from a guest configuration profile having information including guest identification, a guest channel preference presentation, and a guest service preference presentation with guest account information. The guest configuration profile may also enable the creation of a local area wireless network with substantially the same behavior as the guest's home wireless network.

Abstract: Some embodiments comprises methods of providing a guest with security credentials to gain access to a guest room, the methods comprise: identifying a user; identifying a guest room of multiple guests rooms at a property and with which the user is intended to occupy; acquiring a first security credential intended to be validated by a door lock system of a door to the identified guest room; and causing the first security credentials to be communicated, over a distributed network, to a portable consumer electronic user device associated with the user to be stored on the user device such that the user device is configured to wirelessly communicate the first security credential to the door lock system to gain access to the guest room.

Abstract: Methods and systems for implementing extensible profiles for enterprise applications. Users of the system are able to continuously extend their contact model by adding additional attributes or by adding related custom objects over a period of time. This permits the users of the system to adapt to changing circumstances and needs. Web services are able to perform operations on the extended attributes and objects through the use of profile adapters. Some embodiments also provide the ability to capture data from various sources, such as web surveys, data imports, and web services and write it to the extended attributes/objects.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods relating to security checkpoints. In some embodiments the present invention includes a security checkpoint system that is optimized in one or more of design and decor, audio characteristics, and efficiency in passing customers through the security checkpoint and generating revenue with adverting and sponsorships.

Abstract: A system for upgrading airline seats during an online pre-boarding auction that is accessible through travelers' mobile devices. The auction starts at or after check-in but prior to the boarding of a flight. During the auction, travelers that have confirmed reservations for an airline flight are permitted to bid on one or more seat upgrades through their mobile devices. For example, the travelers may be bidding on upgrades from economy to first class, and the bids may be submitted through bidding applications installed on the travelers' mobile devices. The auction can be a live auction that updates the travelers on the status of the auction and receives bids from the travelers throughout the auction. The auction ends prior to boarding, and the winning travelers are sent upgrade confirmations, such as scannable boarding codes that can be used as boarding passes when boarding the flight.

Abstract: A schedule recording method includes the following steps: an authentication server receiving triggering information and then acquiring key information from the triggering information, the key information comprising an authentication code; acquiring an authentication window, and searching the authentication window for the authentication code; if the authentication code is found, extracting a time factor corresponding to the authentication code, and generating and storing an authentication code list and/or staff log.

Abstract: Certain embodiments include a system and method for generating verification of access to a venue. A system includes an access device allowing access to a venue based on authentication data from a patron without presentation of a paper ticket or physical material created for the venue and a verification generation module generating a verification of access for the patron. The verification allows identification of an area and/or a feature to which the patron is allowed access. The access device and verification generation module may be integrated into a single unit. The system may also include a secondary access point for checking the verification to allow the patron access to at least one of an area and a feature of the venue. The secondary access point may check the verification without presentation of a printed material or personalized physical material created for an event at the venue.

Abstract: Methods and systems comprising receiving travel request data; retrieving schedule data associated with the travel request data, the schedule data being further associated with a scheduled travel time; retrieving availability data associated with the travel request data, the availability data being further associated with an available travel time; generating representation data representing the schedule data and the availability data, the representation data representing the schedule data and/or the availability data differently based on a whether an itinerary complies with an organization's travel policies; and sending the representation data.

Abstract: A travel information system is a software method of organizing and distributing air-travel related information amongst a plurality of subscribers. The software will begin by receiving updated air-travel information from an airline or an airport. The software will then format this information into a textual message that can comprehended by a user. Next, the software will tag the textual message with a unique designator for the specific airline or airport. Once the textual messages is formatted and tagged, the software will publish the textual message on a middleware broker, which allows a plurality of subscribers to access the textual message. The software will also send the textual message to a specific subscriber if that subscriber inputted a request that matches the unique designator of the airline or airport.

Abstract: An online address book is configured to include a multi-user input bar to receive search terms intended to match contacts existing in a user's contact list. If a search term does not match any entry in the current contact list the search is extended by the multi-user input bar to include further candidate contacts. Candidate contacts are acquired through social profiles available from a set of networking sites linked-to over the Internet. A candidate contact that does match the search term is added to the contact list with a public profile whose contents are populated with contact data acquired from social profiles available through the networking sites. This practice of profile bookmarking may be applied iteratively across candidate contacts from various networking sites to build an extensive public profile.

Abstract: An event wizard server includes at least one processor that executes the event wizard server application that bidirectionally communicates event planning data with a user of a client device via a network interface. The event planning data includes: event type menu data, event type selection data, event size selection data, location data received from the client device, event budget menu data, event budget selection data, event budget data, event option menu data, event option selection data, event invitee menu data, and event invitee selection data.

Abstract: The present invention provides a methodology and system for efficiently performing travel reservation queries and presenting significant search results to a user. A travel reservation search engine constructs a first query from one or more constraints. The first query has a threshold probability of returning a first set of search results that will lead to the purchase of a travel reservation. Additionally, if determined necessary by the search engine a second query is constructed from one or more constraints. The second query returns a second set of search results.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delaying responses to requests in a server are described. Upon receipt, from a client device, of a first request for a resource at a first location, a response that includes a redirection instruction to a second location is transmitted, where the response includes a first number of redirects that the client device is to complete prior to the first request being fulfilled. Upon receipt of a following request including a number of redirects, determining whether the number of redirects has been performed. When the number of redirects has not been performed the transmission of the redirection instruction is repeated with a number of redirects smaller than the first number of redirects until the receipt of a request indicating that the number of redirects has been performed. When the number of redirects has been performed the request is fulfilled.

Abstract: A method of generating notifications related to availability of media content is provided. The method includes receiving a watchlist subscription including a request to monitor for availability of media content. The method also includes detecting a change in the availability of media content based on the subscription, and if a change is detected, determining an access right and transmitting a notification of the change in the availability of the media content. The metadata of the media content is used in the subscriptions to determine when to generate notifications. The media content may include a media article, media selection, live content, or a theatrical media release.

Abstract: The present invention includes systems and methods for providing event information. A one-time use app is downloaded to a user device when a user elects to purchase the app. The app receives event-related information from an event database. The event database receives information from a plurality of sources. The sources are each associated with an application programming interface. The app provides event-related information to the user through purchased options. The app can filter information based on a user profile before providing the information to the user.

Abstract: A method and system for applying vehicle settings to a vehicle. The method and system include receiving a device identification (ID) from at least one of: a first portable device and a second portable device. The method and system additionally include identifying a user settings profile that is associated to the device ID. The method and system also include determining if the user settings profile has been updated since a last ignition cycle of the vehicle. The method and system further include applying the user settings profile to control a vehicle system, wherein the user settings profile is retrieved from at least one of: a central user settings data repository, a telematics unit of the vehicle, and a head unit of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for identifying a simulated social media account history is provided. The method may include querying a social media identification information (“social media ID”) to determine whether the account history includes one or more parameters that indicate whether the social media ID is related to an automated entity or a human entity. The parameters may include at least one of less than a threshold number of friends on the account. The parameters may include more than a threshold frequency of historic ticket purchases per unit time. The parameters may also include disparate location of historic ticket purchases per unit time. The parameters may also include a historic record of less than a threshold reaction time to a plurality of ticket offers.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention may be directed to an interactive system. The interactive system may include a browser application allowing a user to access a website using a communication pathway. The website provides website information in a standardized interchange protocol and also in webpages. The browser application is configured to allow user access to the webpages. The interactive system may also include a module of the browser application compatible with the standardized interchange protocol and configured to store and implement user personalized commands and to store recorded user history information. The module implements a graphical user interface with the website information that is personalized to the user. The graphical user interface includes a personalized display experience and a personalized interaction experience that are both custom designed for the user.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are system, media, and method for flight searching, comparison, and selection based on physical characteristics of travelers and usable seat space comprising a database of seats with seat spaces, and an application comprising: a software module allowing a traveler to enter physical information and search criteria; a software module calculating a volumetric physical space of the traveler; a software module generating a list of seats based on the physical information and said search criteria, the list comprising: an optimal seat and competing seats, wherein one of the competing seats has a greater seat space while the other has less seat space that of the optimal seat; a software module allowing visual comparison the volumetric physical space to various seat spaces; a software module generating a travel avatar of the traveler; and a software module allowing visualization of three-dimensional movement of the travel avatar in a virtual seat.

Abstract: Disclosed are a mobile terminal and a control method thereof. Embodiments according to the present invention comprise: a display unit for outputting a first map screen; a communication unit for accessing at least one external device and receiving location data related to the first map screen selected on a second map screen output by the external device; and a control unit for determining a geographical location corresponding to the selected location data, calculating coordinate values of the first map screen corresponding to the determined geographical location and displaying the calculated coordinate values on the first map screen, and outputting a request signal for setting the determined geographical location as at least one of a destination and a waypoint of a vehicle.

Abstract: A system includes a user interface allowing a developer to select a function to supplement functionality of an application under development. A data store holds identifiers for functions representing external functionality available from third party applications. A code generation module provides a software object to the developer for incorporation into a state of the application. The state includes a user interface element associated with an entity. When the state is instantiated, an action query is transmitted to a search system with the unique identifier of the selected function and information about the entity. The user interface element is selectively visually adapted in response to the search system response. In response to user selection of the user interface element, a search result, the search system is displayed, including (i) an identifier of a target application and (ii) an access mechanism for a specified state of the target application, is displayed.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a vehicle used in providing a service is disclosed. The system detects when the service is complete, and upon detecting that the service is complete, the system determines, from one or more sensors of the vehicle, that an object which should have been removed from the vehicle after completion of the transport service, remains in the vehicle. The system then automatically initiates performance of a remedial action.

Abstract: A method is provided for recommending a desired func sequence to a user. The method includes obtaining a user intention list including at least one user intention; separating the user intention into a plurality of tasks; and creating a task flow graph for the plurality of tasks based on user usage data. Each vertex in the task flow graph represents a task and indicating an importance of the task. The method also includes creating a func flow graph based on the user usage data and temporal sequences of the tasks and funcs, and each vertex in the func flow graph represents a func and indicating an importance of the func. Further, the method includes determining a desired func sequence to fulfill the user intention based on the user usage data, the task flow graph, and the func flow graph; and recommending the desired func sequence to the user.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for wireless communications access security, the method comprising: measuring at least one parameter during a wireless communication with an active access point, calculating at least one indicator from the measured parameter(s), and determining a threat indication by applying a threat evaluation function on the calculated indicator(s).

Abstract: Methods and systems for improving seat selection at a venue are described. The methods and systems help users understand how good a view they will have of a performance or event and/or how enjoyable an experience they will have before they purchase a ticket. A user selects a seat and is able to access relevant traits of people who purchased seats proximate to the selected seat. Relevant traits include physical features such as height, weight, build, etc., and behavior information, such as how noisy or quiet the person is.