| BANK OF AMERICA Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
| 20120130842 | TRANSACTION SERVICES REVERSE AUCTION - A reverse auction platform for selecting a transaction service is provided. The platform may include a database configured to store a request for a transaction service and to store fee bids corresponding to the transaction service. The platform may also include a memory configured to store execution instructions as well as a processor coupled with the database and the memory. The processor may be configured to execute the instructions. The instructions may be configured to cause the processor to receive a request for a transaction service; to present the request; and to select a transaction service based on a fee bid corresponding to the transaction service. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120072336 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GLOBAL UNDERWRITING AND EXPRESS LOAN ORIGINATION - A method and apparatus that allow a rapid evaluation and origination of loans is provided. The creditworthiness of potential borrowers may be evaluated by multiple models. Some models may provide a nuanced evaluation of creditworthiness, while other models generate cross-sell opportunities. The models may implement a strategy. The model may be run on a logic engine or engines. The evaluation may utilize multiple stages, whereby each stage is reached only if the earlier stages are passed. Evaluation may utilize a multi-level strategy. In the event that a loan cannot be reasonably provided, the potential borrower may be given suitable reasons and/or be presented with alternative credit products. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120066773 | INFORMATION SAFEGUARD TOOL - Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and apparatuses for safeguarding information by, for example, controlling access to electronic files. Some embodiments of the present invention provide a method that includes embedding a script in an electronic file, where the script comprises commands that when operated on by a processor allow a recipient device to access the electronic file if either a token associated with the recipient device is detected or the recipient device is determined to be an authorized device. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120022987 | Personal Data Aggregation, Integration and Access - A data storage archive is provided for storing personal information and other data from a variety of disparate information sources. The information stored may be later electronically accessed and retrieved by users without requiring the users to carry physical documentation having the information stored thereon. The information may be stored in association with a user's financial account at a financial institution. For example, the information may be indexed or stored in an account identified by the user's financial account number or other financial identifier. In some arrangements, accessing the personal information may include a validation process using a security device separate from a device through which a user is attempting to access the information. Personal information may also be shared among financial account holders based on legal and financial relationships known to the financial institution. A user may also manually assign access privileges to other users. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20110316997 | ATM INCLUDING ENHANCED PRIVACY FEATURES - A method for minimizing glare and/or increasing privacy for a user of a self-service device is provided. The method may include mechanical means such as a fixed visor and/or hood or a user operated hinged glare reducing overlay screen. The method may further include as using sensors that detect the user's eyes and other sensors to detect a source of light that produces glare. Information from these sensors may be sent to a computer controlled system that operates system of actuators. The actuators are operated by the computer in response to sensor inputs to adjust the screen angle relative the user to minimize glare for that user and/or increase privacy from surreptitiously observing eyes or cameras. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110316828 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REDUCING GLARE AND/OR INCREASING PRIVACY OF A SELF-SERVICE DEVICE - A method for minimizing glare and/or increasing privacy for a user of a self-service device is provided. The method may include mechanical means such as a fixed visor and/or hood or a user operated hinged glare reducing overlay screen. The method may further include as using sensors that detect the user's eyes and other sensors to detect a source of light that produces glare. Information from these sensors may be sent to a computer controlled system that operates system of actuators. The actuators are operated by the computer in response to sensor inputs to adjust the screen angle relative the user to minimize glare for that user and/or increase privacy from surreptitiously observing eyes or cameras. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110283146 | RISK ELEMENT CONSOLIDATION - Apparatus and methods for reducing infrastructure failure rates. The apparatus and methods may involve reduction of data complexity. The reduction may be based on the use of nonlinear analysis to derive representative variables, which may be multi-valued. Multi-valued variables may be consolidated. A model may be developed based on the values and relationships of the derived variables. The model may be applied to assess the risk involved in a prospective infrastructure change. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110283145 | TECHNOLOGY INFRASTRUCTURE-CHANGE RISK MODEL - Apparatus and methods for reducing infrastructure failure rates. The apparatus and methods may compile and store data related to the physical devices and applications associated with an infrastructure change. Variables may be derived from the stored data using a range of methods and multiple variable values may be consolidated. A model may be developed based on the values and relationships of the derived variables. The model may be applied to assess the risk of a prospective infrastructure change. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110282817 | ORGANIZATION-SEGMENT-BASED RISK ANALYSIS MODEL - Apparatus and methods for reducing infrastructure failure rates. The apparatus and methods may compile and store data related to the organizational segments associated with the approval and implementation of an infrastructure change. Variables may be derived from the data using a range of methods, and multiple variable values may be consolidated. A model may be developed based on the values and relationships of the derived variables. The model may be applied to assess the risk involved in a prospective infrastructure change. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110246279 | COMMUNITY REWARDS - Embodiments of the invention provide methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for providing community rewards. For example, systems and methods are provided for: (1) accessing transaction data associated with a particular financial institution; (2) determining a threshold; (3) identifying from the transaction data a group of transactions associated with a predefined community and time period; (4) aggregating a particular aspect of the group of transactions associated with the predefined community to determine a community total; and (5) determining that a reward should be provided to the community based on a comparison of the community total and the threshold. In some embodiments, the predefined community is defined by a particular geographic area. In other embodiments, the predefined community is created by the consumers themselves. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110246272 | MERCHANT-BASED COMMUNITY REWARDS - Embodiments of the invention provide methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for providing community rewards. For example, systems and methods are provided for: (1) accessing transaction data associated with a particular financial institution; (2) determining a threshold; (3) identifying from the transaction data a group of transactions associated with a predefined community and time period; (4) aggregating a particular aspect of the group of transactions associated with the predefined community to determine a community total; and (5) determining that a reward should be provided to the community based on a comparison of the community total and the threshold. In some embodiments, the predefined community is defined at least in part by a particular one or more merchants. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110238596 | TRANSACTION INFORMATION ROUTING - Apparatus and methods for routing transaction information. The apparatus and methods may involve using receiving the transaction information; retrieving from computer readable memory: (a) a transaction information routing rule; and (b) transaction service provider information; and formulating routing information based on the transaction information, the transaction service provider information and the routing rule. The apparatus and methods may identify prospective recipients, among participants in a transaction, for receipt of the transaction information. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110231705 | ADAPTIVE DIAGNOSTICS FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF AN AUTOMATED TELLER MACHINE("ATM") THIN-CLIENT MODE - Thus, methods and apparatus for providing adaptive diagnostics for ATM fault conditions are provided. Such methods and apparatus may include one or more computer-readable media storing computer-executable instructions which, when executed by a processor on a computer system, perform a method for diagnosing an electronic self-service device fault condition. The method may include receiving an input from a self-service device. The input may include information regarding a fault-related event. The method may also include assessing a plurality of system-level ramifications of the fault-related event. In response to the assessing, the method may further include determining continued viability of a plurality of ATM services. The method may also include electronically providing a notification of a list of remaining viable self-service device services. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110208588 | FINANCIAL TRANSACTION DATA PROFILE - Embodiments of the invention include a method of developing a financial transaction data profile. Financial instruments are received as images, where the financial instruments include transactional data. The transactional data is extracted from the financial instruments and uploaded to a computer. The transactional data is organized so that the transactional data is grouped into categories. The categories are stored for presentation to the user in a financial transaction profile. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110202414 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING VISUAL FEEDBACK THROUGH A PHYSICAL MECHANISM - Thus, systems and methods for providing visual feedback for a banking customer have been provided. Such systems may include a financial instrument preparation device. Such a device may be used for providing cues to a banking customer. The financial instrument preparation device may include a cueing panel and an integrated silicon chip. The chip may further include a communications module for receiving an electronic signal relating to the banking customer's account balance. The chip may also include a computer processing unit for storing the electronic signal in a computer memory. In addition the chip may include an output signal connected to the cueing panel. The output signal may be based, at least in part, on the electronic signal. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110201960 | SYSTEMS FOR INDUCING CHANGE IN A HUMAN PHYSIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTIC - Systems and methods for inducing a change in a human physiological characteristic. The physiological characteristic may correspond to an emotional state of a dialogue participant. The dialogue participant may be an individual participating in a conversation. The outcome of the conversation may be related to a business objective, such as providing high quality call center services. A sensor may monitor the physiologic characteristic. A processor may relate the physiologic characteristic to an emotional state. The processor may provide feedback to the individual based on the emotional state. The feedback may be formulated to change the individual's emotional state. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110201959 | SYSTEMS FOR INDUCING CHANGE IN A HUMAN PHYSIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTIC - Systems and methods for inducing a change in a human physiological characteristic. The physiological characteristic may correspond to an emotional state of a dialogue participant. The dialogue participant may be an individual participating in a conversation. The outcome of the conversation may be related to a business objective, such as providing high quality call center services. A sensor may monitor the physiologic characteristic. A processor may relate the physiologic characteristic to an emotional state. The processor may provide feedback to the individual based on the emotional state. The feedback may be formulated to change the individual's emotional state. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110201899 | SYSTEMS FOR INDUCING CHANGE IN A HUMAN PHYSIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTIC - Systems and methods for inducing a change in a human physiological characteristic. The physiological characteristic may correspond to an emotional state of a dialogue participant. The dialogue participant may be an individual participating in a conversation. The outcome of the conversation may be related to a business objective, such as providing high quality call center services. A sensor may monitor the physiologic characteristic. A processor may relate the physiologic characteristic to an emotional state. The processor may provide feedback to the individual based on the emotional state. The feedback may be formulated to change the individual's emotional state. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110179352 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING CONTENT AWARE DOCUMENT ANALYSIS AND MODIFICATION - Systems, methods and consumer-readable media for providing content-aware document analysis and modification are provided. A system for analyzing document content according to the invention may include a rules server that stores a set of expressions. Such expressions may define predetermined confidential information and/or patterns of confidential expressions. The system may further include a communication plugin that provides a platform for incorporating the set of confidential expression patterns as part of a document-producing application. Following incorporation of the communication plugin, an inline document monitor module according to the invention may form part of the document-producing application. The inline document monitor may monitor for the occurrence of at least one of the set of confidential expression patterns in a document. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110125615 | SELF-SERVICE DEVICE INVENTORY INFORMATION CONTROL - Apparatus and methods for servicing a self-service device (“SSD”) such as an ATM. The SSD may include a customer service module that may perform part of a transaction or provide a service in support of the transaction. For example, the customer service module may be a currency acceptor, a printer, EPROM or any other device or circuit that is present in the SSD. The SSD may include a component map that may be stored in machine readable memory. An element of the map may correspond to the component. The SSD may include a central processing unit that may revise the map based on input from a service technician or machine-generated information. The map may be used to track the presence of the component in the SSD. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110060691 | TARGETABLE MULTI-MEDIA PROMOTION CHANNEL AT POINT OF SALE - Apparatus and methods for providing a targetable multi-media promotion channel at the point of sale are provided. The apparatus may include a system for providing to a customer an offer at a point of sale terminal. The system may include machine readable memory configured to store in an offer platform offer information corresponding to a first item. The system may also include an electromagnetic transmitter module configured to transmit the offer information to the point of sale terminal for presentation by the point of sale terminal during a transaction for a second item. The system may also include an electromagnetic receiver module configured to receive an offer acceptance corresponding to the offer information before the customer pays for the second item. | 03-10-2011 |
| 20110060641 | CUSTOMER BENEFIT OFFERS AT KIOSKS AND SELF-SERVICE DEVICES - Apparatus and methods for providing customer benefit offers at kiosks and self-service devices are provided. A method for providing customer benefit offer information according to the invention may include using a processor module to receive from an interactive display a customer instruction to dispense cash and dispensing the cash. The method may further include receiving purchasing instrument information from a purchasing instrument interface. The purchasing instrument information may correspond to the purchasing instrument of a customer. The method may further include using an electronic transmitter module to query customer benefit offer information from an offer processor via an electronic communication network. The method may also include using an output device to provide the customer benefit offer information to the customer. | 03-10-2011 |
| 20110060636 | TARGETED CUSTOMER BENEFIT OFFERS - Apparatus and methods for providing targeted customer benefit offers are provided. A system for associating a customer benefit offer with a purchasing instrument, the purchasing instrument associated with an account on an electronic offer platform, the account being associated with a customer, is provided. The system may include an electromagnetic receiver module configured to receive a customer benefit offer from an offer source and customer purchasing behavior data. The data may correspond to the customer. The system may also include a processor module configured to determine if the customer benefit offer is compatible with the customer based on the data and, if the customer benefit offer is compatible with the customer, store the customer benefit offer on the platform for transmission to the customer. | 03-10-2011 |
| 20110060634 | ACTIVATION OF ELECTRONIC CUSTOMER BENEFIT OFFERS - Apparatus and methods for activation of electronic customer benefit offers are provided. Such apparatus and methods may include a system for activating a customer benefit offer. The system may include an electromagnetic transmitter module configured to transmit customer benefit offer information from an offer platform to a customer via a communication channel selected by the customer. The customer benefit offer information may correspond to the customer benefit offer. The system may also include an electromagnetic receiver module configured to receive from the customer an acknowledgment of the customer benefit offer. The system may also include a data processing machine configured to mark a record in an account on the offer platform as “active.” The record may correspond to the customer benefit offer and the account may correspond to the customer. The purchasing instrument identifier may be linked to the account. The active customer benefit offer may be redeemed by use of the purchasing instrument to purchase goods corresponding to the customer benefit offer. | 03-10-2011 |
| 20110060631 | REDEMPTION OF CUSTOMER BENEFIT OFFERS BASED ON GOODS IDENTIFICATION - Apparatus and methods for redemption of customer benefit offers based on goods identification are provided. A system for redeeming a customer benefit offer that is represented in an account maintained on an offer platform according to the invention may include an electromagnetic receiver module configured to receive transaction information from a point of sale terminal, the transaction information being based on a transaction and including an identifier of a purchasing instrument used to execute the transaction and an identifier of an item that is part of the transaction and a quantity corresponding to the number of items having the same identifier in the transaction. The system may also include a processing module configured to: identify in an offer platform a customer benefit offer corresponding to the purchasing instrument, the item identifier and the quantity; and further configured to mark a record in the account as “redeemed,” the record corresponding to the customer benefit offer. | 03-10-2011 |
| 20110057027 | CUSTOMER BENEFIT OFFER PROGRAM ENROLLMENT - Apparatus and methods for providing customer benefit offer program enrollment are provided. A system for enrolling a purchasing instrument in an electronic customer benefit offer program an electromagnetic receiver module. The receiver module may be configured to receive data from the purchasing instrument and receive from a customer a customer selection of a notification channel, the channel to be used for notifying the customer about a customer benefit. The system may also include a processor module configured to associate the purchasing instrument data with an account on an electronic platform so that a customer benefit offer that is stored on the platform may be associated with the purchasing instrument. | 03-10-2011 |
| 20110051909 | PHONE KEY AUTHENTICATION - A phone key registration process between a user and an institution directed to establishing an audible sound or a collection of audible sounds recognizable to a user and stored with the institution. Subsequent to establishing the phone key, when the institution calls the user, the registered phone key may be played back to the user allowing the user to authenticate that the calling party is, indeed, the institution which the user registered the phone key with. Such a process may prevent an unauthorized party without knowledge of the phone key to call a user acting as the institution to illegally obtain private or sensitive information. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20100268629 | CONCRETE BUDGETING - Apparatus and methods for supporting a budgeting process are provided. A method according to the invention may include operating an electronic information processing platform to receive an electronic confirmation of one of a purchase, a savings transaction, and an investment transaction. The method may further include performing a reevaluation of a future savings goal in response to the confirmation. The method may also include performing one of the following in response to the reevaluation: 1) presenting an alternative to the future savings goal and 2) auto-executing a process. The auto-executing may be based on pre-determined rules. | 10-21-2010 |
| 20100250379 | INTERACTIVE INTERCHANGE RATE DECISIONING - Apparatus and methods for providing transaction fee information to a customer. The apparatus and methods may provide to a customer at a merchant point of sale terminal information regarding a transaction fee. The transaction may be based on the customer's credit card or other purchasing instrument. The transaction fee may be imposed by an issuer of the credit card. The merchant may be required to pay the fee. The point of sale terminal may be configured to provide an opportunity for the customer to decide, based on the transaction fee, whether to continue the transaction or obtain information about fees associated with other credit cards. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100241584 | FLEXIBLE DESIGN PENSION ACCOUNT - Apparatus and methods for configuring a flexible pension account are provided. A flexible pension account may be offered as a product of a financial institution. Terms governing contribution of funds to the account, distribution of funds from the account, modifications to the account and management of the account may be chosen to create an account customized toward individual customer needs. The flexibility within the account design allows for unequal contributions from a variety of contributors as well as unequal distributions to a variety of beneficiaries. The flexible design may be combined, in certain embodiments, with tax-deferred growth and a minimum income guarantee. Account management and modification may be in the hands of an account administrator. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100241559 | FINANCIAL SOCIAL NETWORKING - Apparatus and methods for providing an online financial social network service to a user. The method may include storing in a computer information about a financial goal of a first user. The method may additionally include receiving instructions to present a display reflecting the stored financial goal information. The method may also include authenticating a second user to access the first user online financial social network account. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100241546 | PERSONAL FINANCIAL NETWORK - Apparatus and methods for providing a personal financial network service are provided. The method may use an electronic information processing platform. The method may include storing information relating to a first participant account. The method may also include storing information relating to a second participant account. The systems and methods of the invention may further include storing information relating to a group of accounts containing the first participant and the second participant account, wherein first said account and second said account are stored independently of one another. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100241545 | MASTER FINANCIAL ACCOUNT - Apparatus and methods for configuring a master financial account providing comprehensive access to financial services are provided. A master account may be configured for a customer of a financial institution. The master account holder may build a customized array of financial services which may be accessed and managed through the master account. Benefits associated with use of a sub-account may accrue collectively in the master account. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100239085 | CROSS CHANNEL CONTACT HISTORY MANAGEMENT - Apparatus and methods for providing customer interaction information to a business channel. The apparatus and methods may involve receiving from a first business channel a first customer interaction data structure corresponding to a customer interaction, storing a data object corresponding to the first customer interaction data structure; and providing to a second business channel formatting information corresponding to the first customer interaction data structure. The first and second business channels may thus use independent data structures for storing their customer interaction information in a centralized database. The first and second data structures may view the other's data structures using formatting from the other channel. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100191581 | OBJECTIVE ACHIEVEMENT MANAGEMENT - A method to manage achieving an objective may include collecting data related to the objective and determining a set of drivers related to the objective. The method may also include calculating a gap for each driver between a baseline and a goal for the objective. The method may further include analyzing the gap to associate a quantity of gap points with each driver to achieve the goal. | 07-29-2010 |
| 20100169386 | IDENTITY DATABASE BUREAU - Systems and methods for making biometric data susceptible to use in locating individuals and tracking the location of individuals over time are provided. The system may involve the collection of initial biometric data, including iris scans, and corresponding identification information, the entry of such data into a database, and then the further collection of biometric data associated with locational information and entry of that data into a database correlating to the first database. | 07-01-2010 |
| 20100156591 | Facility Access Integrated With Other Security Systems - Systems and methods for integrating facility access with other security systems are described. An individual seeking access authorization to a facility may be identified with a biometric parameter such as an iris scan. If authorized, the system may allow entry by disabling the alarm system, and a time period for access may be determined based on one or more characteristics associated with the individual. These characteristics may include the functional role of the individual at the facility and/or the location of the facility itself. Moreover, this facility access authorization system may be integrated with a network access authorization system associated with the facility so that when an individual gains access to the facility for a specific time period, the system is also able to determine how long the individual may access its network resources. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100153502 | TEXT CHAT FOR AT-RISK CUSTOMERS - Apparatus and methods for supporting text chat for at-risk customers are provided. A method for operating an electronic information processing platform may include receiving, via the electronic information processing platform, information indicating that a customer exhibits behavior indicative of a desire to terminate a relationship with an entity. The method may further include, transmitting to the customer a text chat invitation, via the electronic information processing platform, in response to the received information. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100114659 | MINING PUBLIC MEDIA FOR CONSUMER RESPONSE INFORMATION - Systems and methods for inferring the success or failure of a third-party Marketing Effort Assays (MEAs) from the marketing efforts of that third party which follow up on the MEA are provided. The system may involve identifying Initial MEA Marketing Efforts (IMEs) by the use of keyword analysis, maintaining a database of such marketing efforts, and comparing those IMEs to later-observed follow-up marketing efforts. The system may further involve establishing geographically or demographically similar peer groupings and applying the inferred success or failure of the MEAs in one such peer group member to another such peer group member. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100106639 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR FACILITATING REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS - Apparatus and methods for approving financing for the sale of real estate. The apparatus and methods may involve receiving from a seller, or a seller's agent, information regarding the property so that a financial institution can determine a loan amount before the seller is engaged by a buyer. The financial institution may order from vendors documentation and certification desired or required for closing. The financial institution may issue a seal certifying that the financial institution has pre-approved a loan in a stated amount. The amount may be subject to change based on the qualifications of a buyer. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100106638 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR VERIFYING A CREDIT APPLICANT'S INCOME THAT ENHANCE A CREDIT APPLICANT'S EXPERIENCE - Apparatus and methods for processing a loan application. The apparatus and methods may involve accessing a financial institution customer account that includes a plurality of transactions; identifying those transactions that belong to a predetermined transaction category; and summarizing the transactions. Summary information may be presented as part of an income and expenses flow report that at least partially characterizes the account or the applicant. A financial institution representative may query a database for the summary information and, optionally, initiate an underwriting process based on the loan application and the summary information. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100076904 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR FACTS BASED TRADING - Apparatus and methods for providing a trading recommendation. The apparatus and methods may involve using information about events and reactions to the events. The events and the reactions may be used to identify an expected impact of the event on a market. The expected impact may be used to recommend investment vehicle trades. The methods may include receiving an information item that relates to an event; receiving a sentiment indicator corresponding to the item; assigning to the item a market impact weighting index that is at least partially based on the sentiment indicator; and, based at least partially on the market impact weighting index, selecting the trading recommendation from a database of trading recommendations. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100076895 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR CUSTOMER INTERACTION MANAGEMENT - Apparatus and methods for selecting an offer for presentation to a customer of a bank are provided. The methods may include optimizing historical customer data; selecting an offer based on the historical customer data; and, based at least in part on recent customer data, determining whether to present the offer to the customer. Optimizing the historical data may involve performing batch processing on the historical data. The recent customer data may be updated in real time. Offers may be generated and selected for presentation to the customer based on the historical data, the recent data and rules. One or more offers that are generated may be removed from consideration based on the recent customer data, which may provide real-time information about the customer and/or the customer's needs. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100070405 | WIRELESS NUMBER RISK SCORES FOR USE WITH MOBILE PAYMENTS - Apparatus and methods for evaluating risk of nonpayment for mobile payments. Wireless phone numbers with associated customer history and account information may be used as a proxy to determine risk of nonpayment. Risk scores may be continually updated with new purchase and payment information. In some embodiments, authorization for a point of sale transaction may include evaluation of the mobile wireless risk score. A low wireless number risk score may result in authorization of the transaction. A high wireless number risk score may result in denial of the transaction. | 03-18-2010 |
| 20100063856 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING BUSINESS ACTIVITY MONITORING - Apparatus and methods for providing a business activity monitoring system. The apparatus and methods may involve monitoring a plurality of business activities that take place within a business communication network; formulating a monitoring program for activities that extend from inside the network to a platform outside the network; and, providing a business activity monitoring system that is configured to monitor activities on the business platform that is outside the network. | 03-11-2010 |
| 20100057613 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR CHECK CARD FEE WAIVER - Apparatus and methods for waiving at least a portion of a service fee. The apparatus and methods may involve providing a check card to a customer and determining whether the customer is using the check card sufficiently to warrant waiving the fee or a portion of the fee. In some embodiments, the apparatus and methods may involve enrolling the customer in a check card program. The customer may select alerts regarding check card usage. The check card issuing entity may monitor the usage to reduce the risk of unauthorized use. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20100057574 | BUDGET ENVELOPE CREDIT CARD - Apparatus and methods for providing a budget envelope credit card are provided. An apparatus according to the invention may include a budget envelope credit card software engine and a rewards software engine that provides a reward scheme for use by the budget envelope credit card engine, the rewards scheme that defines a reward frequency. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20100049643 | ONLINE BILLPAY MEMO DATA - Apparatus and methods for improving online bill payment processes are provided. Online bill payment typically involves a paying party (“payor”), an intermediary (such as a bank, a billpay service or a billpay network) and a payee. In some embodiments, the apparatus and methods may provide optional file attachments that may be communicated from a payor (initiator) to a payee (recipient). Such attachments might include a signed contract for products or services, a payment stub with descriptive details of the payment, a photo of an item being purchased, or any other document that the payor wishes to send in connection with the payment transaction. | 02-25-2010 |
| 20100049642 | ONLINE BILLPAY ATTACHMENTS - Apparatus and methods for improving online bill payment processes are provided. Online bill payment typically involves a paying party (“payor”), an intermediary (such as a bank, a billpay service or a billpay network) and a payee. In some embodiments, the apparatus and methods may provide optional file attachments that may be communicated from a payor (initiator) to a payee (recipient). Such attachments might include a signed contract for products or services, a payment stub with descriptive details of the payment, a photo of an item being purchased, or any other document that the payor wishes to send in connection with the payment transaction. | 02-25-2010 |
| 20100042446 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING CORE PROPERTY REVIEW - An apparatus for providing real estate property review and evaluation is provided. The apparatus may include a storage module, an analysis engine in communication with the storage module, and an evaluation output module in communication with the analysis engine. The analysis engine may be configured to receive from the storage module information corresponding to a plurality of real estate properties. The information may further correspond to a predetermined group of data points for each of the properties. The analysis engine may calculate a score for each of the properties based on the information for the data points for each of the properties. The analysis engine may also transmit to the evaluation output module an index value for each of the properties based, at least in part, on the calculated score for each of the properties. | 02-18-2010 |
| 20100017844 | ASSOCIATING A UNIQUE IDENTIFIER AND A HEIRARCHY CODE WITH A RECORD - A method and system for creating a record and associating a unique identifier and a hierarchy code with the record where the record is created in response to identifying that a transmission violates an institution's policy. The record may also be passed to a reporting module which may generate a report based on the unique identifier and/or a hierarchy code. Additionally, the record may be passed to a remediation agent for handling. The remediation agent may also update the record based on actions taken by the remediation agent or updates identified by the remediation agent. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20100017310 | CURRENCY ORDERING BY DENOMINATION - Apparatus and methods for calculating a currency shipment amount for a banking center. The currency shipment amount may correspond to currency having a uniform denomination. The apparatus and methods may involve formulating a historical mix fraction for the uniform denomination; calculating a future order period desired starting balance based on the historical mix fraction; and calculating the currency shipment amount based on the future order period desired starting balance and a banking center ending balance. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20100010846 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR EVALUATING BUSINESS-CRITICAL CRITERIA RELATING TO EXPLORING ENTITY MOBILITY/PRODUCTIVITY OPPORTUNITIES - Systems, methods and computer-readable media for evaluating business-critical criteria relating to exploring entity mobility/productivity opportunities are provided. A method according to the invention may include calculating a hierarchy of a plurality of decision elements regarding the opportunities. The calculating can include forming a matrix of values corresponding to the relative importance of each of the decision elements with respect to one another. The method can also include calculating a weighted composite score for each sub-process specified in each of the plurality of decision elements. The method may include compiling a favorability rating for each sub-process. The favorability rating for each sub-process may be based, at least in part, on the weighted composite score for each sub-process and the matrix of values corresponding to the relative importance of each of the decision elements with respect to one another. Finally, the method may include ranking each favorability rating to form a favorability index. | 01-14-2010 |
| 20100005515 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ASSOCIATE TO ASSOCIATE AUTHENTICATION - Systems, methods and consumer-readable media for providing a platform between a requesting associate and an authenticating entity associate are provided. The method may include receiving a request for authentication from the requesting associate and transmitting the request to the authenticating associate. The method may include receiving a request for a single-use verification code from the authenticating associate in response to the request for authentication. The method may also include generating the single-use verification code, or, perhaps retrieving the single-use verification code from storage and transmitting the single-use verification code to the authenticating associate. Once the requesting associate has receiving the code from the authenticating associate, the requesting associate may enter the code. The system may then display the identity of the requesting associate on a workstation associated with the authenticating associate. | 01-07-2010 |
| 20090327308 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING A CONSUMPTION NETWORK - Systems and methods for providing a consumption network are provided. A method according to the invention may include receiving purchase information on a mobile device and recording the purchasing information. The information may be transmitted to a central database. At the central database, the information may be recorded and transmitted from the central database to a pre-determined group of users. Alternatively, the information may be transmitted to a group of users directly from the mobile phone associated with the purchasing. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090327036 | DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEMS USING MULTI-SCALE CUSTOMER AND TRANSACTION CLUSTERING AND VISUALIZATION - Systems, methods and consumer-readable media for using multi-scale customer and transaction clustering and visualization according to the invention have been provided. Systems and methods according to the invention may use program code to obtain customer transaction data and categorize obtained customer transaction data. The systems and methods may also analyze the categorized customer transaction data in order to identify patterns among the data. The systems and methods may also use the identified patterns to isolate a selected number of behavioral factors and group customers into population segments based on the behavioral factors. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090319424 | POSTAL MAIL DEPOSIT AGENCY - Apparatus and methods for electronically depositing a check in a bank account. In some embodiments, the apparatus and methods may involve a check identification module configured to analyze content of an electronically imaged postal mail item; and a customer control module configured to receive from a customer an instruction to deposit the check in the bank account. | 12-24-2009 |
| 20090313146 | PRIVATE SECTOR COIN CONSORTIUM - Apparatus and methods for distributing coins in a coin distribution system. Coins may be distributed among members of a coin consortium. Coins may be shipped from a first coin consortium member to a second coin consortium member based on a requirement to adjust a first coin inventory of the first consortium member and a second coin inventory of the second consortium member, respectively. Neither the first consortium member nor the second consortium member is the U.S. Federal Reserve Branch. Coins may be shipped from the second coin consortium member to the first coin consortium member based on a second requirement to adjust the first and second coin inventories. | 12-17-2009 |
| 20090299886 | ACTIVITY BASED CREDIT CARD LIMIT ASSIGNMENT - Systems and methods for reducing the exposure of a financial institution to lending risk. The systems and methods may involve determining a basic credit limit for a customer's new credit card account based at least in part on attributes associated with the customer; assigning an adjusted credit limit to the account; and promising to decide whether to replace the adjusted credit limit with a higher credit limit. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090254395 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OPTIMIZING MARKET SELECTION FOR ENTITY OPERATIONS LOCATION - Systems and methods for corporate workplace capacity planning and optimization are provided. A system according to the invention may include a computer. The computer may be configured to receive a plurality of characteristics relating to an entity or a portion of an entity. The computer may be further configured to receive a predetermined selection of buildings. The computer may also be configured to determine a plurality of solution sets. Each of the solution sets may express a subset of space located within the selected buildings for the location of the entity or the portion of the entity. The solution sets may be fixed for a predetermined amount of time into the future. The solutions sets can be based, at least in part, on the plurality of characteristics. The computer may also be configured to select a subset of the plurality of solution sets. Finally, a display device may be configured to display at least a portion of a single solution set. | 10-08-2009 |
| 20090254389 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CORPORATE WORKPLACE CAPACITY PLANNING AND OPTIMIZATION - Systems and methods for corporate workplace capacity planning and optimization are provided. A system according to the invention may include a computer. The computer may be configured to receive a plurality of characteristics relating to an entity or a portion of an entity. The computer may be further configured to receive a predetermined selection of buildings. The computer may also be configured to determine a plurality of solution sets. Each of the solution sets may express a subset of space located within the selected buildings for the location of the entity or the portion of the entity. The solution sets may be fixed for a predetermined amount of time into the future. The solutions sets can be based, at least in part, on the plurality of characteristics. The computer may also be configured to select a subset of the plurality of solution sets. Finally, a display device may be configured to display at least a portion of a single solution set. | 10-08-2009 |
| 20090216662 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ENHANCING COMPLIANCE WITH THE FEDERAL RESERVE CUSTODIAL INVENTORY (CI) PROCEDURES - Systems, methods and consumer-readable media for enhancing compliance with the Federal Reserve Custodial Inventory procedures are provided. The system may include an inventory management system for retrieving cash balance inventory information and an information management system for receiving Fed Cash information. This information may be retrieved using specific process steps and predetermined timing. The cash balance inventory information may include information about the amount of unverified cash in inventory. The Fed Cash information may include Custodial Inventory information, minimum vault holding requirement information, a Federal Reserve Cap and physical space cap for Custodial Inventory. The system may also display an amount that can be deposited in the Custodial Inventory. The amount may be based at least in part on the cash balance inventory information, the Custodial Inventory information, the minimum vault holding requirement information, the Federal Reserve Cap for Custodial Inventory and a ratio of 10 and/or 20 dollar bills in unverified cash balance to a total unverified cash balance. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090208142 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING CONTENT AWARE DOCUMENT ANALYSIS AND MODIFICATION - Systems, methods and consumer-readable media for providing content-aware document analysis and modification are provided. A system for analyzing document content according to the invention may include a rules server that stores a set of expressions. Such expressions may define predetermined confidential information and/or patterns of confidential expressions. The system may further include a communication plugin that provides a platform for incorporating the set of confidential expression patterns as part of a document-producing application. Following incorporation of the communication plugin, an inline document monitor module according to the invention may form part of the document-producing application. The inline document monitor may monitor for the occurrence of at least one of the set of confidential expression patterns in a document. | 08-20-2009 |
| 20080301460 | REMOTE PROVISION OF CONSISTENT ONE-TIME PASSWORD FUNCTIONALITY FOR DISPARATE ON-LINE RESOURCES - Consistent one-time password (OTP) functionality is provided from a presentation server to secure various on-line resources. A seed file can be provided to or created by a service provider for execution as part of a hosted page displayed at a client to a user. A presentation server receives a call from the seed file. A user interface widget can be initialized at the presentation server in response to the call from the seed file. The widget can be displayed as part of the remotely hosted Web page so that the user perceives the UI widget to be embedded in the page as viewed on the client computer system. Security for the interaction between the servers can be provided through use of security assertion markup language (SAML). | 12-04-2008 |
| 20080288415 | Equity Protection - Systems and methods are illustrated for providing an equity protection product to a borrower of a loan. Aspects of the equity protection product may be implemented using an equity protection agreement. The equity protection product may be used to safeguard a borrower's investment in the event of a housing market downturn. In some examples, once the equity protection is purchased, the borrower's equity can only increase or remain stable (i.e., flat) regardless of market conditions. The payoff amount of the borrower's loan may be reduced to compensate for a change in the market value of the borrower's home. The equity protection product may be provided by a lending institution, bank, or any other comparable entity/person. A trading desk may also be used to hedge against the risk created by the equity protection product. In addition, an appraiser may also be used to evaluate and provide current market values of the relevant property. | 11-20-2008 |