Abstract: Techniques are described for facilitating interactions between computing systems, such as by performing transactions between parties that are automatically authorized via a third-party transaction authorization system. In some situations, the transactions are programmatic transactions involving the use of fee-based Web services by executing application programs, with the transaction authorization system authorizing and/or providing payments in accordance with private authorization instructions previously specified by the parties. The authorization instructions may include predefined instruction rule sets that regulate conditions under which a potential transaction can be authorized, with the instruction rule sets each referenced by an associated reference token.

Abstract: In a transaction between a merchant and a payer, approval of the transaction may be provided by a payment processing system using authentication information provided from a mobile device of the payer. The authentication information may include a location of the payer mobile device which may be compared to a location of a merchant payment device such that the transaction is approved if the payer mobile device is within a defined distance of the merchant payment device.

Abstract: Systems and methods that manage financial market data with hidden information. The systems and methods may receive market data about a plurality of financial instruments. The plurality of financial instruments comprises at least two different kinds of financial instruments. Hidden information is generated, based on the market data. The hidden information is viewable only after scrolling a cursor over a graphical element. The systems and methods also generate, based on the market data, a first graphical element that is embedded with hidden information. The first graphical element is displayed on a display. An indication is received indicating that the cursor has scrolled over the first graphical element. In response to the indication, the hidden information that is embedded in the first graphical element is displayed on the display.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for achieving completion of a telephone call by way of an instant communications client.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for a cell phone based dating service. The method uses telecommunication in the form of phones, cell phones or email. The invention proposes a method or way to exchange the information of two people in a fast way by the Internet or telephone or cell phones, making it possible divide peoples personal information in small portions and to give out these portions step by step. In the invention proposes a system-administrator, the system, will coordinate the exchange of information between the meeting people. The invention uses a computer based partner service system in which a participant can order the system to give out its personalized information in defined modifications.

Abstract: This invention relates to a terminal device capable of communicating with an accounting center, an accounting system, and a data processing method. A point memory 45 of a recording/reproducing device 10 stores accounting point information. An HDD 15 stores information distributed from an external source. A CPU 11 updates the accounting point information stored in the point memory 45 and updates attributes of the distributed information when the distributed information is stored onto the HDD 15. Thus, such inconvenience that communication with a distribution/accounting center 1 is carried out every time information is distributed to the recording/reproducing device 10 is avoided.

Abstract: A method and system of providing a language interpretation service is disclosed. A language interpretation number, such as an 811 number, can be provided. The language interpretation number can be used to place a telephone call to a language interpretation service for language assistance. A language interpretation telephone call is received at the language interpretation service provider from a caller speaking a first language. The caller places the language interpretation telephone call by dialing the language interpretation number. The caller has at least one business need. The first language is identified so as to provide the customer with an interpreter that can interpret between a first language and a second language. The interpreter can be associated with the language interpretation service provider. The interpreter can telephonically engage an agent representing a business entity that can service the at least one business need of the caller.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for managing financial market information. According to certain embodiments, the system includes a computer having a memory, processor, and display. The processor is capable of generating a graphical depiction of the financial market information on the display. The graphical depiction includes a multidimensional representation of a broad range of market information for at least two financial instruments. The graphical depiction resides in a single window on the display. The financial instruments may include multiple different classes of financial instruments, such as treasuries and futures. Different instruments may be selected and information, including basis information, relevant to the selected instruments may be displayed in a second window.

Abstract: A system and method for managing accounts payable that allocates at least a portion of an invoiced dollar amount to a virtual account associated with a vendor, allows the vendor to request that a dispersal dollar amount be transferred from the virtual account to a real account associated with the vendor, and initiates an electronic transfer of the dispersal dollar amount from a real account to the real account associated with the vendor.

Abstract: A communication account system for dynamically providing communication accounts to communication devices for immediate transfer to users. The communication account system comprises a communication account server and an interface system coupled to the communication account server. The communication account server is configured to validate a communication device in response to a communication account request message from the communication device, associate a communication account with the communication device in response to the validation, and generate a response message indicating the communication account in response to the association. The interface system is configured to receive the first message from the communication device and transfer the second message to the communication device for the communication account server.

Abstract: Micro-payments for electronic sales transactions are securely and anonymously enabled by a central payment agent maintaining declining balance accounts for users and separately authenticating and authorizing customer and vendor transaction requests and payment upon confirmation of delivery. No personal billing information for the customer need be provided to the vendor, maintaining anonymity of the vendor. The vendor may electively set a pricing and terms policy allowing the price of the goods or services to dynamically vary across a series of transactions or transaction portions based on events such as quantity, bandwidth, or aggregate amount paid. A transaction may involve goods or services from multiple vendors in an apparent single transaction, with payment resolved among all participating vendors.

Abstract: A print system may include a job management server and a plurality of print stations. The job management server may receive, from a first network, a print stream that is representative of a document or graphic. The print stations may be located remotely from the job management server and may be in communication with the job management service via a second network. The job management server may deliver a copy of the print stream to one of the print stations for printing when a user who is authorized to access the print stream enters identifying information and selection data at the selected print station.

Abstract: A method for using a secondary PAN is disclosed. The method includes providing a secondary PAN associated with a primary PAN, where the secondary PAN has at least one end portion that is the same as the primary PAN, but has a middle portion of that is different than the primary PAN.

Abstract: At each of a plurality of transit readers of a transit system, for each of a plurality of riders, where each rider seeks to conduct an access transaction with the transit system for access into the transit facility by using a payment device issued by an issuer in a payment system, data is read from the payment device. The data includes an encryption code that uniquely corresponds to the payment device and was created by the issuer using one or more encryption keys and a predetermined algorithm. A check will be performed, remotely and/or locally, of one or more lists of other encryption codes to determine if the encryption code is on the list. On the basis of whether the encryption code is on the list, the rider is permitted access to the facility of the transit system. The payment device need not be changed for the rider's fare. Decryption of the encryption code read from the payment device is not required to complete the access transaction.

Abstract: A method of charging for secure data management and item authentication. The method includes charging an initiation fee to a customer to create an entry for an item owned or manufactured by the customer. The entry may include (i) information associated with the item, and (ii) information about a security feature associated with that item. The method also includes charging an annual maintenance fee to maintain the entry for the customer; and charging an authentication fee each time the customer requests authentication of the item. The method may also include charging a lease fee to a customer for each secure reader the customer leases, where a secure reader is required to request authentication of an item.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for managing financial market information. According to certain embodiments, the system includes a computer having a memory, processor, and display. The processor is capable of generating a graphical depiction of the financial market information on the display. The graphical depiction includes a multidimensional representation of a broad range of market information for at least two financial instruments. The graphical depiction resides in a single window on the display.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electronic financial transaction system and method providing a real-time authentication service through a wire/wireless communication network that is provided with an electronic slip processing function and a deposit account, so electronic financial transaction users can authenticate electronic financial transactions in real time. The system and method of the present invention is provided with an electronic slip processing function. Accordingly, electronic financial transaction users can authenticate electronic financial transactions in real time using electronic slips without temporal and spatial restrictions, so electronic financial transactions can be safely, conveniently and rapidly carried out Additionally, an approval authority can approve financial transactions in real time without temporal and spatial restrictions, so a multi-approval function through a mobile communication network is provided to prevent a leakage of information and a misappropriation of money.

Abstract: An electronic transit fare payment system is disclosed. The system comprises a plurality of mobile devices adapted to store a transit fare payment application and a server in wireless communication with the mobile devices. The transit fare payment application decrements a transit fare funds balance by a fare amount after completing a transit ride, wirelessly requests a top-up of the transit funds balance when the transit funds balance drops below a threshold, wirelessly receives a top-up instruction, increments the transit fare funds balance in response to executing the top-up instruction, and wirelessly transmits a top-up confirmation. The server receives the request for the top-up, charges the top-up to a credit card associated with the mobile device requesting the top-up, transmits the top-up instruction to the mobile device requesting the top-up, receives the top-up confirmation. When the top-up confirmation is not received, the server requests top-up confirmation from the mobile device.

Abstract: A method and system for using a mobile computing device to wirelessly print data includes establishing a first wireless link with a printer system and establishing a second wireless link with a central computer system. User account data is transmitted to the central computer system via the second wireless link for verification. Upon verification, a mobile print package is generated and transmitted to the printer system via the first wireless link for printing. Depending on the level of service selected by the user, advertisement content can be included in the mobile print package.

Abstract: The computer of a relay agency holds the money which a buyer pays for a commodity in a relay account. Then, the computer of the relay agency makes a payment transfer card and a notification card, and sends the notification card together with the request of purchase of the commodity to a seller. The relay agency sends the payment transfer card to the buyer. The buyer, after receiving the commodity, inserts the payment transfer card and the notification card into an automated teller machine of a bank, and gives instructions on the payment transaction to the computer of the relay agency. The computer of the relay agency transfers the money for the commodity from the relay account to the seller's account.

Abstract: This disclosure provides various embodiments of software for navigating through components. In one aspect, the software associates a transactional process with a first component, triggers navigation from the first component to a second component, and performs the transactional process associated with the first component upon triggering navigation from the first component to the second component. In some implementations, the transactional process comprises validating modifications made to the data of the first component. In other implementations, the transactional process further comprises saving the modifications to the data of the first component if the validation is successful, and if the validation is unsuccessful, not saving the modifications to the data of the first component.

Abstract: An example embodiment for using a Partner Web Site within a Web Hosting Community starts with a Hosting Provider creating the Partner Web Site, a Community Web Site, and operating one or more Hosting Servers. A Partner, from the Partner Web Site, may make an application available for purchase and use to a plurality of Hosting Customers. At least one of the Hosting Customers, from the Community Web Site, may purchase and utilize the application with their Hosted Web Site.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the dynamic processing of royalties are disclosed. Sales records are processed on a transaction basis rather than in batch mode. This process also allows correction of information retroactively, rather than delaying the entire processing of the information. One embodiment includes a system comprising a message broker in communication with a plurality of clients and services, a state machine, a processor and a time manager. The message broker interacts with the processor to execute a common service based on events produced by the state machine. Another embodiment includes a method comprising providing a rate matrix, receiving a sales record from a database and calculating a royalty payment using the sales record and the rate matrix.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a message targeting and filtering database system are provided to deliver bulk messages to demographically selected audiences of willing recipients while preserving each recipient's anonymity and control over his private personal data, accomplished by means of a radically distributed database technique in which all operations requiring unencrypted data access are distributed to individual client devices.

Abstract: System and methods for transaction processing using a rewards account are described. The method may include: receiving a transaction containing a transaction type, formatting a message based on the transaction type and sending the message. The method may alternately include, receiving a transaction message and processing a transaction based on a transaction type contained within the transaction message. The system may include one or more software modules performing the following functions: receiving module to receive transactions, transaction processing module to parse the transaction and determine a transaction type, message processing module to format a transaction message based on the transaction type, and a user interface module to provide a user interface to a customer.

Abstract: A system is disclosed according to the present invention that manages the process of providing a client access to a secured service. In the exemplary embodiment, the secured service is a computer system that allows the client to trade financial instruments. Management of this process includes managing execution of tasks that can be automatically executed and delegating tasks that require manual execution; communicating with entities outside of the process management system; and handling “demands,” or unexpected problems that arise in the middle of the client connectivity process.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a method for generating fees using a receiving device, involves distributing censored video from a distributor video to a receiving device; and uncensoring the censored video using the receiving device upon payment of a fee. The receiving device uses overlay data received from the distributor to uncensor the censored video by overlaying the overlay data over the censored video using a video overlay frame to overlay a video frame containing the censored video data in accordance with boundaries determined by an alpha plane within the receiving device. This abstract should not be considered limiting since embodiments consistent with the present invention may involve more, different or fewer elements.

Abstract: Described is a technology by which a computing device is booted into a normal mode of operation or a limited mode of operation, depending on whether the computing device was operating correctly (e.g., with respect to policy) prior to a reboot. The reboot may be forced. Examples of incorrect state include an overdue payment on a leased computer, or improper execution of certain important software. A metering mechanism evaluates the state of the computing device, and when an incorrect state is detected, configures the computing device for operation in the limited mode, by setting the computing device to boot via one boot path (e.g., a limited-mode BIOS) instead of another boot path (e.g., a normal-mode BIOS). A BIOS selector switches to the limited BIOS on the next reboot, wherein the computing device is restricted to the limited mode of operation (regardless of subsequent reboots) until the correct state is restored.

Abstract: A method and system for establishing and managing digital cash. This method is to emit and circulate secure electronic cash that allows to use non-homomorphic signature schemes, and avoids having to use blind signature techniques. With one specific embodiment, the method provides anonymous digital cash, and comprises the steps of providing an entity with a secure coprocessor, a user establishing a secure channel to a program running on said coprocessor, and the user sending a coin to be digitally signed to the coprocessor.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method for determining if a system is compatible with an upgrade to a hardware resource of the system, receiving instructions from a remote server to upgrade the hardware resource if the system is compatible, and programming the hardware resource based on the instructions. In one such embodiment, the hardware resource may be programmed via programmable fuses to enable circuitry of the hardware resource. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for purchasing an item via a self-service checkout at a merchant store. The item is associated with a bar code and an anti-theft device. A customer uses their phone to establish communication with the store's transaction host. The phone includes a camera and a programmable memory. The memory includes customer account data. The camera is used to capture and transmit an image of the bar code to the host. The host determines the item's cost from the received bar code image. The customer can wirelessly transmit their account data from the phone to an in-store terminal. The terminal can transmit the account data to the host. The host can accept and use the account data in payment for the item. After customer payment for the item, the host causes the anti-theft device to be neutralized.

Abstract: A banded billing system for data communication service is disclosed. A carrier's billing system maintains in data storage a banded-pricing schedule that divides a continuum of increments of data into a series of contiguous, mutually-exclusive increment-ranges and that specifies for each increment-range a respective cost. At the end of a billing period, the billing system determines a number of increments of data communicated by a given subscriber during the billing period. The billing system then queries the banded-pricing schedule to determine which increment-range the number of increments falls into, and to determine the cost specified by the banded-pricing schedule for that increment-range. The billing system then bills the determined cost to the subscriber, for data communication service in the billing period.

Abstract: The present invention extends to managing prepaid purchasing accounts and depositing funds therein. A kiosk and management system are connected over a network. The management system maintains purchasing accounts usable for multiple product or service purchases. To make a deposit, the consumer enters credentials at the kiosk, the credentials identifying a purchasing account. The consumer selects a payment method for making the deposit. For one or more payment methods (e.g., electronic check payment), the consumer selects a method to guarantee the deposit. The consumer also enters a deposit amount which is verified. Cash payments may be verified by an automated cash acceptor or a retail attendant. Credit card or debit card payments may be accepted by a card authorization network. Embodiments of the system also include debiting the purchasing account by a purchase amount. In addition, the purchasing account can be managed to view prior deposits and purchases.

Abstract: A method for completing a transaction in response to a determination that goods have been acceptably delivered to a buyer. The method is particularly suitable for use in an online commerce system including a transaction computer operated by a transaction facilitator and a pre-authorized shipping service. After a transaction is initiated, payment instrument selection information is displayed to the buyer, who selects a payment instrument. Authorization for the payment instrument is obtained from a payment instrument processor. Instructions are communicated to the seller to ship the goods using the shipping service. Transaction information including a tracking number associated with the shipment of the goods is stored. A tracking database of the shipping service is queried to determine whether the goods have been delivered. If the goods have been delivered to and accepted by the buyer, an instruction is communicated to the payment instrument processor to make payment to the seller.

Abstract: This invention provides an information processing system which executes settlement processing for a plurality of orders all at once. To implement this system, an estimated amount is calculated by estimate calculation modules (115A-115C) for each order received at a printsite (113). A plurality of calculated estimated amounts are received by a photosite (107) and totalized to calculate the charge amount, and charge amount settlement is requested.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments include methods, systems, and storage mediums for implementing issue notification and resolution activities. The method includes receiving a request for access to a network service from a user associated with an account that has been flagged as having an issue. The method also includes redirecting the request for access, transmitting a notification of the issue and instructions for resolving the issue to the user, and deferring further access to network services without terminating the account pending a resolution of the issue.

Abstract: An offline code-based reload device and method for adding value to a reconfigurable memory storage means in a portable storage medium. Reload is effected using a reload device not directly connected by telephone or any other communication network to a value supplier. The system uses a “one time use number” (“OTN”) generated by a computer program containing an algorithm containing information on the value to be added and a transaction sequence number (“TSN”). Upon presentation of the portable storage medium to the reload device and entry of the OTN into a numeric keypad, the reload device decodes or disassembles the OTN to verify its authenticity, validate that it was created for the specific portable storage medium presented to the reload device and to verify through the TSN that the OTN has not been previously used to add value from the receiving reload device or any other reload device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for providing secure processing of electronic transactions for customers. Each customer maintains at least one payment account for use in the electronic transactions. The method includes processing a first electronic transaction. The first electronic transaction is processed using a payment account of the at least one payment account. Further, the method includes generating a transaction code for the first electronic transaction that is capable of identifying the payment account used for processing the first electronic transaction. Furthermore, the method includes processing a second electronic transaction for the customer using the transaction code on selection of the payment account. A transaction code is generated for each electronic transaction subsequent to the first electronic transaction.

Abstract: A server is operable to receive a media device identifying number (ID) and establish an association between a media device and a payment account and, in one embodiment, supports at least one of payment authorization and payment clearing based at least in part on the media device ID and the payment account. A network and system includes a payment card processor server that is operable to receive a payment authorization request and to determine if an authorized media device generated a purchase selection message and to determine to approve a received payment authorization request based, in part, if the media device was authorized for the purchase selection based upon a received media device ID. The system is further operable to perform a key rotation to protect payment account information.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention is a digital media-playing device. The digital media-playing device includes a controller and a compensation-enabled component for playing digital media coupled to the controller wherein the compensation-enabled component is non-bypassable.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, ingredients for a particular electronic recipe accessible at a particular web site are encrypted, wherein the encrypted ingredients may be decrypted by a food retailer that intends to pre-package the encrypted ingredients. Instructions for preparing the electronic recipe and the encrypted ingredients are transmitted to a computer system associated with a particular user. The particular user may select the food retailer at which the encrypted ingredients are to be pre-packaged and transmit the encrypted ingredients to the food retailer. The selected food retailer may decrypt the encrypted ingredients utilizing a decryption key provided by the particular web site and pre-package the encrypted ingredients for the particular user.

Abstract: The present invention is an information processing terminal capable of preventing leakage of identification information while adopting a general-purpose OS to provide development environment for a free application software and using a common keyboard for entry of identification number information and entry of other information. The information processing terminal is so constituted that a management mechanism comprises an execution management unit for operating a first and second information processing mechanisms, when a trigger detecting unit detects a trigger operation, so as to restrict execution of a first application and start a second application.

Abstract: An electronic settlement system/method includes a keyboard having multiple card identification and charging functions. The electronic settlement may include charges with a smart card, an RF card, or a magnetic card using the keyboard with an electronic cash management server via a web server interlocked with a PC. A settlement approval step may be included to access the electronic commerce server via a web server through a line separate from the electronic cash management server for choosing an item and a settlement type. Scanning the charged card according tithe settlement type using the keyboard may be employed for getting a settlement approval and confirmation. A safe and convenient method/system is provided using a keyboard to identify magnetic cards, read/write smart cards and RF cards. A user PC is coupled with the keyboard through electronic cash management servers, financial settlement institute servers, and/or electronic commerce servers on the Internet.

Abstract: A method and system for encouraging users of computer readable content to register. The method involves embedding in the computer readable content, instruction codes operable to direct a processor circuit to automatically establish a connection to a server, when the content is in use by the processor circuit, to transmit registration information to the server and operable to control further use of the content by the processor circuit in response to a key received from the server.

Abstract: The present invention extends to managing the dispensing of petroleum products. A kiosk (e.g., at a gas station) and fuel management system are connected over a network. The fuel management system maintains balances for fuel purchasing accounts that can be debited to purchase fuel. To purchase fuel, a customer enters credentials identifying a fuel purchasing account at the kiosk. After fueling is complete, the fuel purchasing account is debited by the amount of the fuel purchase. Embodiments of the fuel system can also include networked (e.g., Internet) based payments into a fuel purchasing account, either from a kiosk or from a personal computer. Consumers can pay for increased amounts of fuel, such as, for example, multiple tanks of gasoline, in a single payment, potentially reducing or even eliminating returned check losses and/or card fees associated with “tank-at-a-time” purchases.

Abstract: A system that communicates information is described. During operation, this system receives an encryption key through a first wireless communication technique, wherein the first wireless communication technique includes near field communication. Then, the system communicates a document through a second wireless communication technique, where the document is associated with a financial transaction being conducted with a commercial establishment. Next, the system receives encrypted information through the second wireless communication technique, where the encrypted information is, at least in part, encrypted using the encryption key, and where the second wireless communication technique includes a technique other than near field communication.

Abstract: A value information management system includes, a value exchange card, user terminal, and management server. The value exchange card stores value information representing the value of a product/service purchased through a network, together with ID information. The user terminal includes a medium information reading unit which reads the information of the value exchange card and an information transmitting unit which transmits the information read by the medium information reading unit through the network. The management server includes an information storage management unit which receives the information transmitted from the user terminal and stores/manages ID information and value information in association with each other, and a value information search unit which searches for the value information corresponding to the ID information in response to an inquiry sent through the network and returns the value information. A value information management method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for enabling electronic delivery of files is disclosed. The method and system include maintaining a data repository for storing information relating to the files available in the digital marketplace, wherein the information includes business rules associated with each file that define electronic transfer of the files during commercial transactions. In response to a first user requesting to resell a particular file and thereby becoming a reseller, the data repository is accessed to dynamically generate a reseller uniform resource locator (RURL) that uniquely identifies the reseller and the file. The RURL is then provided to the reseller for posting on a website in order to make the file commercially available to others on the website.

Abstract: A method of operating a transaction processing system (19) for confirming orders placed over a public data network (1), comprising: receiving first order references from a number of different merchant sites (7) via first data communication paths; receiving payment data and second order references from a number of customers via second communication paths different from said first communication path; and matching said first and second order references and settling payments.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments include methods, systems, and storage mediums for providing multi-media content storage and management services. From a single user interface, the method includes creating a library of content items including at least one of a photo library and a video library, creating at least one other content item including at least one of a web page, newsletter, message board, email, instant message, chat room text message, and electronic greeting, associating at least one component of the library with the at least one other content item to form an arrangement, and designating access restrictions to the arrangement. The access restrictions include the option of applying no restriction.