41st week of 2008 patent applcation highlights part 52 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20080249905 | Multi-party web-beacon-based analytics - Tools and techniques are provided to allow partners of analytics providers and others who use web-beacons to submit web-beacon plug-ins for scrutiny, and for the plug-in to either be refused or else to be certified for use in a core JavaScript file or similar component. Analytics providers and others may also write web-beacon plug-ins. Certified plug-ins are executed in response to page loads, visitor clicks, and other visitor and programmatic actions at a website that has been tagged by the analytics provider's web-beacon, without requiring re-tagging of the website with a separate web-beacon for the partner. This allows the partner to obtain analytics data by piggybacking on the analytics provider, without re-tagging, and without compromising the availability and accuracy of the analytics data already being gathered. To be certified, web-beacon plug-ins must satisfy specific criteria as to their size, behavior, namespace, and the like. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249906 | Reservoir Evaluation Methods - Described herein are methods of evaluating reservoirs. At least one of the methods includes providing a three dimensional reservoir framework having a plurality of cells; assigning one or more constant reservoir property values to some or all of the cells to provide a first three dimensional reservoir model; updating the first three dimensional reservoir model by populating some or all of the cells with one or more variable reservoir property values to provide a second three dimensional reservoir model; and updating the second three dimensional reservoir model by populating some or all of the cells with one or more reservoir property values derived from seismic data to provide a third three dimensional reservoir model. Other methods are also described. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249907 | Novel Method for Paying a Mortgage - A method for a mortgage to skip a monthly payment per year comprising collecting twenty four payments from a mortgagee over an eleven month period, placing the payments in a predetermined account and timely paying the mortgagor monthly over a twelve month period from the predetermined account. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249908 | SYSTEM FOR CALCULATING ESTIMATED CURRENCY CONVERSION OUTCOME - A method includes receiving an inquiry. The inquiry identifies a first currency, a monetary amount in the first currency, and at least some digits of a payment card account number. The method also includes responding to the inquiry by providing a monetary amount in a second currency. The monetary amount in the second currency corresponds to a proposed currency conversion to be applied to the monetary amount in the first currency. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249909 | REMITTANCE SYSTEM WITH AUTOMATIC FINDING OF CASH LOCATIONS - A method includes receiving an indication that a funds transfer has been completed by crediting of a monetary amount to a recipient's payment card account. The method further includes transmitting, to the recipient's mobile telephone, and at a timing determined by the indication, data that indicates at least one location for retrieving funds from the recipient's payment card account. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249910 | REGISTRATION OF CUSTOMERS FOR PAYMENT CARD BASED REMITTANCE SYSTEM - An application is received to register a customer for a funds transfer system. The application includes (a) the customer's name, (b) the customer's residential address, (c) the customer's mobile telephone number, and (d) an identification document that confirms the customer's name and residential address. The customer's mobile telephone number is associated with a payment card account number. The customer's name and residential address and a record of the identification document are stored in association with the payment card account number. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249911 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR USING ASSIGNABLE FEE PROFILES TO DEFINE FEE STRUCTURES FOR REMITTANCE SERVICES - A method includes storing a plurality of service fee profiles. Each of the profiles is for associating a respective service fee level with each of a plurality of transaction amount tiers. The method further includes, after the storing step, selecting a pair of currencies. The pair of currencies includes a sender currency and a recipient currency. The method also includes assigning one of the stored service fee profiles to the selected pair of currencies to set up a service fee schedule for the selected pair of currencies. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249912 | FORMAT IN COMPUTER-PROVIDED USER INTERFACE FOR ENTERING TRANSACTION FEE STRUCTURE - Data entry fields for entering a transaction fee structure are laid out in a grid of rows and in three or four columns. Data entered in a field in the second column defines the end point amount for a tier of transactions and is automatically populated into the field in the first column in the next row to define the starting point for the next tier of transactions. Data entered into a field in the third or fourth column defines a fee level for the tier of transactions defined by the amounts in the fields in the same row and in the first and second columns. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249913 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CHECKING ANTI-MONEY-LAUNDERING SUSPECT LIST TRANSACTION BY TRANSACTION - A method includes maintaining a list of individuals prohibited from receiving funds transfers, and receiving information from time to time for updating the list. The method further includes receiving a plurality of funds transfer requests over time. Each of the funds transfer requests specifies a respective recipient individual. In response to receiving each of the funds transfer requests, the respective recipient individual specified in the funds transfer request is compared with the updated list of individuals prohibited from receiving funds transfers. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249914 | Fixed-Reference Money System Based on Electrical Capacity - A financial and computer system for conducting commerce using electricity-backed certificates, comprising: a physical certificate or electronic representation thereof having a face value and denominated in units of electricity representing a specified amount of electricity to be provided to a user thereof, wherein said certificate has an indefinite lifetime, identifies an issuer and has a signature for verifying authenticity; wherein said certificate circulates to purchase general items of commerce; wherein any certificate holder may tender it to the issuer as payment for said specified amount of electricity; and wherein said specified amount of electricity is provided to a user thereof, which electricity is paid for by the issuer in redemption of said tendered certificate. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249915 | SECURE, OBJECTIVE ONLINE EXCHANGE, CONFIRMATION AND EVALUATION METHODS - The present invention provides a method for facilitating a trade between a buyer and a seller of a product, the seller offering a product for sale at a predetermined price; the buyer purchasing the product; determining buyer's sufficient currency status or insufficient currency status. If the buyers account has a sufficient currency status, holding monies in an amount equal to the predetermined price are transferred into a holding account; requiring the seller to verify the date of receipt of the monies; requesting the seller to verify the shipping status of the product within a shipping confirmation response time frame; requesting the buyer to verify the receipt status of the product within a receipt confirmation response time frame; and assigning a conduct value to the buyer and seller. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249916 | FUEL OFFERING AND PURCHASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - The present disclosure is directed towards apparatuses, systems and methods to facilitate the pricing, sales and delivery of a commodity fuel to a Customer. In one embodiment, the disclosure teaches a Fuel Offer Generator that facilitates the purchase and management of fuel offerings. The Fuel Offer Generator allows Customers interested in securing fuel to obtain an offer for fuel at lock-in prices for various tenors. Fuel Customers can buy these fuel offers such that they may later exercise the fuel offers so their fuel costs are locked-in at desired levels (e.g., they may be set to strike prices). The Fuel Offer Generator also can establish a Premium Price that will be part of the fuel offer. The Fuel Offer Generator may generate hedges to counteract fuel related risks stemming from fuel offer purchases. Ultimately, a customer that purchases a fuel offering can exercise their fuel offering order at a specified price and redeem any difference between the market price for their purchased fuel and the price specified in their fuel offering order. The Fuel Offer Generator determines which metrics are relevant to pricing the fuel offering and then employs those determined metrics to establish the pricing of fuel offerings. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249917 | FUEL OFFERING AND PURCHASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - The present disclosure is directed towards apparatuses, systems and methods to facilitate the pricing, sales and delivery of a commodity fuel to a Customer. In one embodiment, the disclosure teaches a Fuel Offer Generator that facilitates the purchase and management of fuel offerings. The Fuel Offer Generator allows Customers interested in securing fuel to obtain an offer for fuel at lock-in prices for various tenors. Fuel Customers can buy these fuel offers such that they may later exercise the fuel offers so their fuel costs are locked-in at desired levels (e.g., they may be set to strike prices). The Fuel Offer Generator also can establish a Premium Price that will be part of the fuel offer. The Fuel Offer Generator may generate hedges to counteract fuel related risks stemming from fuel offer purchases. Ultimately, a customer that purchases a fuel offering can exercise their fuel offering order at a specified price and redeem any difference between the market price for their purchased fuel and the price specified in their fuel offering order. While the Fuel Offer Generator may place various constraints on redemption, it will determine which metrics are relevant to pricing the fuel offering and then employ those determined metrics to establish the pricing of fuel offerings. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249918 | FUEL OFFERING AND PURCHASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - The present disclosure is directed towards apparatuses, systems and methods to facilitate the pricing, sales and delivery of a commodity fuel to a Customer. In one embodiment, the disclosure teaches a Fuel Offer Generator that facilitates the purchase and management of fuel offerings. The Fuel Offer Generator allows Customers interested in securing fuel to obtain an offer for fuel at lock-in prices for various tenors. Fuel Customers can buy these fuel offers such that they may later exercise the fuel offers so their fuel costs are locked-in at desired levels (e.g., they may be set to strike prices). The Fuel Offer Generator also can establish a Premium Price that will be part of the fuel offer. The Fuel Offer Generator may generate hedges to counteract fuel related risks stemming from fuel offer purchases. Ultimately, a customer that purchases a fuel offering can exercise their fuel offering order at a specified price and redeem any difference between the market price for their purchased fuel and the price specified in their fuel offering order. The Fuel Offer Generator employs a national average fuel price metric as well as consumer behavior to establish the pricing of fuel offerings. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249919 | FUEL OFFERING AND PURCHASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - The present disclosure is directed towards apparatuses, systems and methods to facilitate the pricing, sales and delivery of a commodity fuel to a Customer. In one embodiment, the disclosure teaches a Fuel Offer Generator that facilitates the purchase and management of fuel offerings. The Fuel Offer Generator allows Customers interested in securing fuel to obtain an offer for fuel at lock-in prices for various tenors. Fuel Customers can buy these fuel offers such that they may later exercise the fuel offers so their fuel costs are locked-in at desired levels (e.g., they may be set to strike prices). The Fuel Offer Generator also can establish a Premium Price that will be part of the fuel offer. The Fuel Offer Generator may generate hedges to counteract fuel related risks stemming from fuel offer purchases. Ultimately, a customer that purchases a fuel offering can exercise their fuel offering order at a specified price and redeem any difference between the market price for their purchased fuel and the price specified in their fuel offering order. The Fuel Offer Generator employs a geographical fuel pump location metric as well as consumer purchasing behavior to establish the pricing of fuel offerings. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249920 | FUEL OFFERING AND PURCHASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - The present disclosure is directed towards apparatuses, systems and methods to facilitate the pricing, sales and delivery of a commodity fuel to a Customer. In one embodiment, the disclosure teaches a Fuel Offer Generator that facilitates the purchase and management of fuel offerings. The Fuel Offer Generator allows Customers interested in securing fuel to obtain an offer for fuel at lock-in prices for various tenors. Fuel Customers can buy these fuel offers such that they may later exercise the fuel offers so their fuel costs are locked-in at desired levels (e.g., they may be set to strike prices). The Fuel Offer Generator also can establish a Premium Price that will be part of the fuel offer. The Fuel Offer Generator may generate hedges to counteract fuel related risks stemming from fuel offer purchases. Ultimately, a customer that purchases a fuel offering can exercise their fuel offering order at a specified price and redeem any difference between the market price for their purchased fuel and the price specified in their fuel offering order. The Fuel Offer Generator employs a geographical fuel pump location metric as well as consumer redemption to establish the pricing of fuel offerings. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249921 | FUEL OFFERING AND PURCHASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - The present disclosure is directed towards apparatuses, systems and methods to facilitate the pricing, sales and delivery of a commodity fuel to a Customer. In one embodiment, the disclosure teaches a Fuel Offer Generator that facilitates the purchase and management of fuel offerings. The Fuel Offer Generator allows Customers interested in securing fuel to obtain an offer for fuel at lock-in prices for various tenors. Fuel Customers can buy these fuel offers such that they may later exercise the fuel offers so their fuel costs are locked-in at desired levels (e.g., they may be set to strike prices). The Fuel Offer Generator also can establish a Premium Price that will be part of the fuel offer. The Fuel Offer Generator may generate hedges to counteract fuel related risks stemming from fuel offer purchases. Ultimately, a customer that purchases a fuel offering can exercise their fuel offering order at a specified price and redeem any difference between the market price for their purchased fuel and the price specified in their fuel offering order. The Fuel Offer Generator allows for the management of regional fuel price offerings and allows for fuel offering redemption based on fuel pump prices. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249922 | FUEL OFFERING AND PURCHASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - The present disclosure is directed towards apparatuses, systems and methods to facilitate the pricing, sales and delivery of a commodity fuel to a Customer. In one embodiment, the disclosure teaches a Fuel Offer Generator that facilitates the purchase and management of fuel offerings. The Fuel Offer Generator allows Customers interested in securing fuel to obtain an offer for fuel at lock-in prices for various tenors. Fuel Customers can buy these fuel offers such that they may later exercise the fuel offers so their fuel costs are locked-in at desired levels (e.g., they may be set to strike prices). The Fuel Offer Generator also can establish a Premium Price that will be part of the fuel offer. The Fuel Offer Generator may generate hedges to counteract fuel related risks stemming from fuel offer purchases. Ultimately, a customer that purchases a fuel offering can exercise their fuel offering order at a specified price and redeem any difference between the market price for their purchased fuel and the price specified in their fuel offering order. While the Fuel Offer Generator may place various constraints on redemption, it will employ various consumer behavior metrics to establish the pricing of fuel offerings. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249923 | Exchange offer for securities - An exchange offer for securities where the exchange ratio is determined at or shortly after the end of the initial tender period. The exchange ratio can be determined based on a formula using trading data (and/or other variables) for the involved or other securities over a look-back period that covers the end or final portion of the tender period. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249924 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING THE BROKER SELECTION PROCESS TO MINIMIZE TOTAL EXECUTION COST OF SECURITIES TRADES - An embodiment of the present invention provides a system and method for minimizing the total expected execution cost of securities trades through a real-time analysis and optimization process incorporating: (1) the currently offered share price and liquidity in the securities markets; (2) execution costs as input in real-time by executing brokers; (3) expected price improvement based on current and recent trading data; (4) time required to execute an order by an executing broker; and (5) the current rate of change in the share price of a security during the time required to execute the transaction. Based on these factors, the invention ranks, in dollars and cents per shares, brokers from lowest to highest expected total execution cost. The initiating party to the securities transaction can route the order(s) to the executing brokers with the lowest expected total execution costs to minimize the total execution cost. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249925 | LIABILITY ADVICE SYSTEM AND METHOD - A computerized method and apparatus for providing a borrower with a choice of products relating to new debts or changes to a portfolio of debts. The method can include collecting borrower information using a user interface, building scenarios of debt products currently available to the borrower, evaluating the scenarios of debt products using (i) payment models for the scenarios determined based on interest and loan information and (ii) the borrower information, and selecting one or more of the scenarios based on the evaluation of the scenarios. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249926 | COLLECTION AND RESERVE SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Methods, systems, and machine-readable media are disclosed for handling unfunded financial transactions. According to one embodiment, information related to a transaction can be received. One or more rules can be applied to the information related to the transaction and a determination can be made as to whether payment of the transaction is doubtful based on application of the one or more rules. Applying the one or more rules to the from a set of rules based on a source of the information related to the transaction, a type of the transaction, identity of one or more parties to the transaction, or other information related to the transaction. In response to determining that payment of the transaction is doubtful, a portion of an account receivable corresponding to the transaction can be written off. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249927 | REMITTANCE RECIPIENT/SENDER NAME ON SENDER/RECIPIENT MONTHLY STATEMENT - A method includes receiving at an issuer computer at least one message relating to a funds transfer routed to the issuer computer by a payment system. The message(s) include information indicative of the name of an individual who initiated the funds transfer. The issuer computer is operated by or on behalf of an issuer of payment card accounts. The funds transfer is credited to a payment cared account issued by the issuer to a recipient of the funds transfer. A periodic statement is generated concerning transactions charged or credited to the recipient's payment card account. The periodic statement includes an entry for the funds transfer. The entry includes the name the individual who initiated the funds transfer. Similarly, the name of the recipient of a funds transfer may appear on the periodic payment card account statement for a sender of the funds transfer. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249928 | PAYMENT CARD BASED REMITTANCE SYSTEM WITH DESIGNATION OF RECIPIENT BY MOBILE TELEPHONE NUMBER - A request is received for a funds transfer. The request includes a destination telephone number. The destination telephone number is translated into a destination payment card account number. The funds transfer is routed as a payment transaction using the destination payment card account number. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249929 | PAYMENT CARD BASED REMITTANCE SYSTEM WITH DELIVERY OF ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING INFORMATION TO ORIGINATING FINANCIAL INSTITUTION - A payment system receives, from a first financial institution, a request for a funds transfer. The request originates from a sender who has an account with the first financial institution. The payment system routes the funds transfer to a second financial institution for the benefit of a recipient. The payment system receives, from the second financial institution, the recipient's name and residential address. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249930 | INTERNATIONAL REMITTANCE SYSTEM BASED ON PAYMENT CARD ACCOUNTS WITH ACCESS BY MOBILE TELEPHONE - A funds transfer system includes a first mobile telephone operating company and a first financial institution which exchanges data communications regarding funds transfer requests with the first mobile telephone operating company. The system further includes a second mobile telephone company and a second financial institution. The system also includes a payment processing network operating company. The payment processing network operating company transfers funds from the first financial institution to the second financial institution to benefit a recipient who owns a mobile telephone served by the second mobile telephone operating company. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249931 | ELECTRONIC PAYMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS UTILIZING DIGITALLY ORIGINATED CHECKS - The present invention provides a digitally originated check (DOC) through an electronic payment system (EPS) which captures payor metadata instructions regarding the intended payment to a payee. The metadata is stored in a database or the like for further processing instead of printing a paper check. The EPS is operable to clear the DOC through either paper or electronic Check 21 mechanisms. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249932 | INDEX-LINKED NOTES WITH PERIODIC COUPONS SUBJECT TO A TRIGGERING EVENT - Index-linked notes with periodic coupons subject to a triggering event, and accompanying methods, are described herein. In some instances, exemplary notes allow a purchaser to purchase a note and receive periodic coupons returned on the note as long as a triggering event does not occur. Assuming that the triggering event does not occur, the purchaser may receive these coupons until the note reaches maturity. Payment of the periodic coupons may cease, however, when a triggering event (e.g., the purchaser's death) does occur. In addition, the amount of the periodic coupons are tied in some manner to a financial index, such as the Bloomberg index, the S&P 500, or the like. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249933 | REAL-TIME INDICATION OF REMITTANCE SENDER THAT REMITTANCE TRANSACTION FAILS - A method includes initiating a remittance transaction interaction with a sender in response to a request from the sender. The request includes recipient information that identifies a recipient. As part of the remittance transaction, a request message is transmitted. A response is received in real time. The response indicates that the remittance transaction cannot be performed for lack of a valid recipient's account. The sender is informed that the remittance transaction cannot be performed. After the sender is so informed, the remittance transaction interaction with the sender is concluded. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249934 | COMPUTER-BASED PAYMENT TRANSACTION SYSTEM AND REPOSITORY - One embodiment of the invention relates to a method of operating a payment transaction system maintained by a first party who receives an instruction for a first transaction. The instructed first transaction is directed from a second party to a third party, and includes a transaction date on which the payment transaction system is to give effect to the first transaction. The first party stores the transaction instruction into a database, and permits the third party to access those transaction instructions stored in the database that are directed to the third party. The first party then receives a request from the third party to bring forward at least in part the instructed first transaction. In response to the request, the first party re-directs the first transaction at least in part from the third party to the first party. In addition, the first party creates a new instruction for a second transaction in the system. The second transaction is directed from the first party to the third party and has a second transaction date which is prior to the first transaction date. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249935 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR FUNDS REMITTANCES TO NON-PAYMENT CARD ACCOUNTS USING PAYMENT CARD SYSTEM - A method includes receiving a funds transfer request. The request specifies a transaction amount, a destination bank account and a source payment card account. A response to the request includes initiating a payment transaction to transfer the transaction amount from the source payment card account to a payment card system settlement account that was established by a payment card system with an agent bank. The response to the request also includes issuing an instruction for the agent bank to transfer the transaction amount from the settlement account to the destination bank account. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249936 | BILL PAYING SYSTEMS AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - Methods of paying user bills on behalf of a user are described. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving from a vendor a user bill having a user identifier, a vendor identifier, and a bill amount. The method further includes obtaining the user identifier, the vendor identifier, and the bill amount, associating the bill with the user based on the user identifier, and associating the bill with the vendor based on the vendor identifier. The method further includes determining whether the bill is payable, which includes comparing the bill to stored bill data associated with the user and the vendor. When the bill is payable, the method further includes obtaining funds from an account of the user, dispersing funds to the vendor to pay the bill and storing an indication of the paying of the bill. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249937 | PAYMENT CARD BASED REMITTANCE SYSTEM WITH DELIVERY OF ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING INFORMATION TO RECEIVING FINANCIAL INSTITUTION - A request for a funds transfer is received from a first financial institution located in a first country. The request includes data that indicates the name and residential address of an individual who initiated the funds transfer. The funds transfer is routed from the first financial institution to a second financial institution located in a second country that is different from the first country. The routing of the funds transfer includes transmitting, to the second financial institution, the name and residential address of the individual who initiated the funds transfer. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249938 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MERCHANT DISCOVERY AND TRANSFER OF PAYMENT DATA - A method and system are provided for communicating with a merchant server and transferring payment data in a transaction between a mobile device and a merchant server. A user of the mobile device has a user identifier registered with the system and the merchant server has a merchant identifier registered with the system. The method comprises the steps of: receiving the merchant identifier from the mobile device; determining a merchant server address associated with the merchant identifier; establishing a communication channel with the merchant server; exchanging interactive information requests and responses between the merchant server and the mobile device; determining payment data associated with the user identifier; and providing the payment data to the merchant server. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249939 | Systems and Methods for Using Interactive Devices for Identification, Security, and Authentication - A computer implemented method of using data from 1 or more physical devices to process business logic. The devices can comprise of things like a mobile phone or hand set, a cell phone system tower, a GPS satellite, cable systems set top box, a business machine like a merchant's credit card processing machine or a unique personal communication device. The data received from the different device(s) is analyzed by a server(s) to determine things like location, best practice, fraud, identification, secure data ownership, payment verification and the presence of a device owner's actual control of the physical device or a physical asset. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249940 | Transaction Accounting Processing System and Approach - Accounting data is classified to facilitate transaction processing and management. According to an example embodiment, data based rules are implemented for generating transaction data using stored rules and identified valid accounting codes. Transaction information is processed as a function of the rules and generated transaction data (e.g., for classifying expenses under generated valid accounting codes). This approach involves, for example, identifying data based rules and valid accounting codes to use in processing received transaction information and in generating/applying accounting codes to the transaction information. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249941 | TRANSACTION CARD SYSTEM AND APPROACH - A deferred-type payment approach facilitates transaction card management and processing. According to an example embodiment, a user's transaction card purchases are authorized against a purchase limit associated with a consideration-bearing (e.g., interest-bearing) account. The purchases are tracked and, at the end of a billing cycle, provided to the user via a statement or other informative approach. During a payment time period after the end of the billing cycle, the user is afforded an opportunity to review tracked purchases and provide funds to cover the purchases. If the user does not provide funds for the purchases during the payment time period, funds are automatically transferred from the consideration-bearing account to cover the purchases at the end of the payment time period. In this regard, purchases made with the transaction card against the consideration-bearing account are not assessed against the consideration-bearing account until after the billing cycle has ended. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249942 | Modifying A Digital Media Product - Producing, by a digital media production hub from users' digital expressions of preferences, information describing a user community's preference for replacing the modifiable part of the digital media product with a replacement part; receiving, in the digital media production hub from a media product owner, the digital media product and a digital grant of rights to modify and distribute the digital media product; receiving, by the digital media production hub from a media parts provider, at least one replacement part, a digital grant of rights to use the replacement part to modify the digital media product, and a digital grant of rights to distribute the replacement part with the digital media product; and replacing, by the digital media production hub in accordance with the information describing the user community preference and the digital grants of rights, the modifiable part with the replacement part. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249943 | Modifying A Digital Media Product - Storing by a media parts provider a replacement part in a distributed media library, the library including a digital grant of rights to use the replacement part to modify a digital media product and a digital grant of rights to distribute the replacement part with the digital media product; producing, by a digital media production hub, information describing a user community preference for replacing the modifiable part of the product with the replacement part; receiving the digital media product and a digital grant of rights to modify and distribute the digital media product; retrieving the replacement part, the digital grant of rights to use the replacement part, and the digital grant of rights to distribute the replacement part with the digital media product; and replacing, in accordance with the information describing the user community preference and the digital grants of rights, the modifiable part with the replacement part. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249944 | System of offering digital broadcasting using pip of portable terminal, method thereof, and apparatus thereof - A system, method and apparatus for providing digital broadcasting using a PIP function of a portable terminal. The method includes: transmitting a request message based on additional broadcasting information; receiving an entitlement management message (EMM) corresponding to the request message; and decrypting the EMM, displaying pay-per-view broadcasts while displaying advertisements through the PIP screen, simultaneously. The system and apparatus are configured to perform the method. Therefore, users can view pay-digital broadcasts for free, as advertising is broadcasted through the PIP screen during the pay-digital broadcasts. The broadcasting service providers can apportion charges to one or more sponsors corresponding to advertisement view times recorded in a billing server. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249945 | Method and apparatus for maintaining software at a third-party server - One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates maintaining software at a third-party server. During operation, the system receives the software at the third-party server, wherein the end-user has rights to the software. The system also receives information which is associated with the software at the third-party server. The system then stores the software and the information at the third-party server on behalf of the end-user. Furthermore, note that storing the software and the information at the third-party server facilitates subsequent installations of the software on a client. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249946 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO DISTRIBUTE CONTENT OVER A NETWORK - The present embodiments provide methods, apparatuses, and systems to distribute content over a network. Some embodiments provide methods to distribute content within a local media network. These methods receive a request for a first content to be transferred to a sink device, request from the source an access criteria for a first content that is protected according to a first digital rights management (DRM), forward the access criteria to the sink device, receive an evaluation of the access criteria from the sink device regarding at least whether the sink device can interpret the first DRM, determine according to the evaluation received from the sink device whether the sink device can utilize the first content that is protected according to the first DRM, and initiate a transfer of the first content from the source device to the sink device when the sink device can utilize the first content. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249947 | MULTI-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION USING A ONE TIME PASSWORD - A method of authenticating a user includes receiving a one time password from the user. The received one time password is compared to a first one time password associated with the user and provided to the user on a receipt corresponding to a transaction. The user is authenticated into a service only if the received one time password matches the first one time password associated with the user. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249948 | FINANCIAL INFORMATION INPUT METHOD USING SYMMETRICAL KEY SECURITY ALGORITHM AND COMMERCIAL TRANSACTION SYSTEM FOR MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS - A financial information input method using a symmetric key security algorithm and a mobile communications commercial transaction system using the same encrypts financial information such as a customer's identification number and a valid date with a symmetric key algorithm by use of an electronic wallet administration number of a customer's terminal used as an encryption key at the time of applying an issuance of a card, and directly inputs the encrypted financial information into a customer's electronic wallet terminal or inputs the same via a communications network. In the case that a commercial transaction settlement is accomplished with a mobile communications terminal in which the encrypted financial information is stored, his or her own electronic wallet administration number is input so that the encrypted financial information and the administration number are optically transmitted to a POS terminal/card inquiry machine of an affiliated shop. The POS terminal/card inquiry machine which has received the encrypted financial information and administration number uses the received electronic wallet administration number and decodes the encrypted financial information with the administration number. Thus, although an unauthorized person knows an encryption algorithm unless a customer's electronic wallet administration number is exposed illegally, customer's financial information cannot be used. That is, an effect of fundamentally preventing customer's financial information from being illegally copied can be provided. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249949 | Data Exchange method between multiple peer systems in a peer-to-peer network - A data exchange method between a first peer system having a requested data chunk and a second peer system having a credit includes: exchanging the credit of the second peer system for the requested data chunk of the first peer system; and using the credit received by the first peer system to exchange for a future data chunk from the second peer system at a later time. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249950 | Method and apparatus for conducting transactions generated at point-of-sale locations - A system and method for conducting credit card or debit card transactions in a wired or wireless network. A merchant utilizing one of a number of terminals would input information through one of a particular number of gateways to a central credit card processing center. The credit card processing center would review each transaction and process the transaction and then send a conformation or disapproval of the transaction to the appropriate merchant, as well as transmitting the transaction to one of a plurality of credit card or debit card processors. In this manner, a terminal provider would not be forced to certify the terminal with each of the credit card processors, but would only have to certify to the system itself. Additionally, the system includes a website allowing each merchant to review and alter any one of a number of transactions. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249951 | SECURITY SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DIGITAL PAYMENTS - The present invention provides security mechanisms for digital payments, such as a digitally originated check (DOC). The security mechanisms prevent fraud, tampering, counterfeiting, and the like of a digital payment. In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention utilizes an electronic payment system (EPS) to provide DOCs which can be utilized as Check 21 items, and which include the security mechanisms described herein to provide superior security over existing paper check-based mechanisms. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249952 | COMPUTERIZED SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING FINANCIAL INVESTMENT PORTFOLIOS - For managing financial investment portfolios, one or more underlying investment selections are received (S | 2008-10-09 |
20080249953 | COMPUTER METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR EQUITY FINANCING BY RETAIL INVESTORS WITH COLLECTIVE DUE DILIGENCE FUNDING - The present invention provides a business facilitation system enabling retail investors to acquire equity in business entities that are seeking equity financing. The fund seeker electronically posts a proposal seeking funds. Through electronic communication means investors commit to buying the private equity at the rate fixed or indicate interest in getting due diligence conducted. If the funds sought are not met by unconditional commitments then investors who had indicated interest in due diligence can make conditional commitments based on the results of the due diligence for which they are willing to pool in funds. If a certain percentage of the funds sought are committed or met though conditional commitments whose conditions are satisfied within a fixed time period, then the fund seeker honors the proposal. Otherwise the fund seeker can revise, extend, honor or withdraw the proposal. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249954 | World uranium mining index and tradeable investment products resulting therefrom - A world uranium mining index (“WUMI”) incorporating at least one mining company (i) with investable shares, comprising application of the following: | 2008-10-09 |
20080249955 | System and method for creating customized weather derivatives - Exemplary systems and methods for creating customized weather derivatives are provided. In exemplary embodiments, a general weather derivative contract form is provided. A weather contract type selection within the general weather derivative contract form is received from a purchaser by a derivative seller system. A weather index term and a payout term based on the weather contract type selection are also received from the purchaser. The customized weather derivative based on the weather contract type selection, the weather index term, and the payout term is generated. In some embodiments, a pricing analysis based on the weather contract type selection, the weather index term, and the payout term is performed. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249956 | INTEREST RATE SWAP INDEX - A set of indices is provided which allows accurate tracking of interest rate swap (IRS) markets. The indices are calculated using market data and synthetic purchasing and selling of synthetic interest rate swaps utilizing the present market data. The value of the synthetic interest rate swaps are the basis for the value of a particular index. The purchasing and selling of the synthetic interest rate swap occurs at a frequency to minimize effects of shortening terms on the index. One subset of the IRS indices reflects a plain-vanilla swap for a specific term of years. Another subset of the IRS indices reflects a spread between two specific terms of years. A third subset of the IRS indices reflect two spreads, sometimes referred to as a butterfly, between a middle term of years and a shorter term of years and the same middle term of years and a longer term of years. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249957 | Stock Portfolio Selection Device, Stock Portfolio Selection Method and Medium Storing Stock Portfolio Selection Program - Upon selecting the stock portfolio, a plurality of corporate valuation index related data containing an intellectual asset related index is acquired (steps S | 2008-10-09 |
20080249958 | FACTORIZATION OF INTEREST RATE SWAP VARIATION - Methods are described for processing and clearing derivative products such as interest rate swaps (IRSs). A swap value factor (SVF) may be generated to calculate the mark-to-market value of an IRS. The SVF may be a function of interest rates derived from a yield curve. Cash flow may be generated between the buyer and the seller to reflect the change in the market price of the derivative, i.e., the mark-to-market process. The results of a cleared swap may be used to determine or alter the margin deposit required by the buyer or seller. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249959 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TRADING A TRADE LIST IN FINANCIAL MARKETS - Systems and methods are provided for maintaining neutrality while trading a list of securities using an algorithmic trading facility coupled with at least one destination. This destination includes at least one alternative trading system (ATS). This facility is coupled, via an electronic data network, to a plurality of trading clients, and configured to receive a trade request to trade a list of securities from a trading client. This request includes user defined trading constraints that are used to generate and transmit trade orders to at least one ATS. The orders are transmitted based on trading data related to the destinations, the trade list, and the trading constraints. The facility can identify each executed trade corresponding to the trade orders and calculate a trade imbalance. The facility can determine whether the trade imbalance exceeds the trading constraints, and reallocate one or more of said submitted orders based on this determination. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249960 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATED TRADING OF EQUITY SECURITIES USING A REAL TIME DATA ANALYSIS - A system and method for buying and selling securities based on volatility and liquidity rather than other fundamentals is demonstrated. The method involves: providing at least one decision model to buy and sell a security; inputting real-time data into the decision model; and automatically generating an order and executing transactions to buy and sell the security based in response to the decision model. The method continues in buying and selling the security based in response to decision model until the method is stopped. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249961 | DIGITAL RIGHTS MANAGEMENT AND AUDIENCE MEASUREMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Digital rights management and audience measurement systems and methods are disclosed. An example method includes receiving a request to upload media content to a content distributor, attempting to obtain a code associated with the media content, querying a program information database for program information associated with the media content using the code, and applying a business rule to the media content based on the program information. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249962 | MAIL PROCESSOR MACHINE CASING HAVING A DETACHABLE IDENTITY PLATE - A mail processor machine casing having an identity plate for identifying the machine, which identity plate is formed by a portion of said casing that is connected to the remainder of said casing by a peripheral zone of weakness that, on being broken, makes it possible to detach said identity plate. Preferably, said zone of weakness comprises a plurality of casing bridges that can be broken by hand. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249963 | Reconfigurable mailing system having interchangeable mailpiece sealing and opening modules - A mailing machine is provided for processing mailpiece envelopes including a housing having a transport deck adapted to convey an envelope along a feed path. The mailing machine is reconfigurable to perform one of two mailpiece processing operation by alternately selecting or activating one of two mailpiece modules/assemblies. A first processing module/assembly is disposed along the feed path and is operative to moisten a glue line disposed along an envelope flap during the first mailpiece processing operation. The second processing module assembly is disposed along the feed path and is adapted to cut and open an edge of the envelope during the second mailpiece processing operation. Further, a means is provided for selecting one of the first and second the processing modules/assemblies to perform the processing operations. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249964 | Method for providing a refund for indicium-based postage - A refund processing system and method where mailpiece identification information carried in first indicia is embedded in second indicia. Second indicia are stored in a database. A refund processor receives a request for a refund that includes identifiers of mailpieces for which a postage refund is sought. The refund processor determines if a corresponding second indicia is stored in the database, if any such indicia is authentic and monitors the mailstream to determine if any mailpiece corresponding to the identifier in the refund request is processed by the carrier. If an authentic second indicia is found that corresponds to the mailpiece and the mailpiece identifier is not detected in the mailstream, the refund is processed and the requester's account is credited to an amount equal to the postage borne by the second indicia. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249965 | System and Apparatus for Collecting and Distributing Voluntary Environmental Impact Offset Payments on Fuel Purchases at Point of Sale - Systems and methods are described for collecting and distributing environmental impact offset payments at the point of sale of a fuel. An exemplary method presents a user interface at a point of sale of a purchase of a fuel, receives via the user interface a user-selection indicating an intention of the user to pay an environmental impact offset fee associated with the purchase, presents a choice to the user of making a custom offset payment or of buying a fuel that has the offset fee included in the price of the fuel, and calculates a custom offset payment for the purchase. The custom offset payment can be based on such considerations as an energy equivalency of the fuel purchased, volume or weight of the fuel being purchased, fuel type, fuel grade, e.g., octane level, oxygenation level, temperature of the fuel, fuel composition, climatic data, regional variation in fuel composition, efficiency of a vehicle receiving the fuel, pollution control capability of the vehicle receiving the fuel, and life-cycle environmental impacts of fuels, such as costs for extraction, processing, delivery, and combustion. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249966 | Method and system of classifying, ranking and relating information based on networks - What is disclosed is an automatic method of classification, qualification and relation of information that is based on a network built starting from the semantic, numeric, conceptual, etc. relationships between elements of different sets that are structurally alike. Through the topological properties of the network, we generate a vector of relations for each element that allows us to analyze the similarity among them, improve and facilitate the clustering processes, carry out personalized dynamic ranking, analyze conduct patterns as well as maintain the auto evolving dynamic of the network through the interaction and feedback of its elements, among other characteristics. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249967 | Adaptive recommendation explanations - A method and system for generating adaptive explanations for associated recommendations is disclosed. The adaptive explanations comprise a syntactical structure and associated phrases that are selected in accordance with usage behaviors and/or inferences associated with usage behaviors. The phrases included in an adaptive explanation may be selected through application of a non-deterministic process. The adaptive explanations may be beneficially applied to recommendations that are associated with content, products, and people, including recommendations that comprise advertisements. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249968 | Adaptive computer-based personalities - A method and system for adapting computer-based personalities, as manifested by textual or audio communications, is disclosed. The communications comprise one or more phrases that may be selected non-deterministically. The frequency distribution of the plurality of potential phrases is updated based on the behaviors of the communications recipients. Thus, the frequency of the selection of phrases included in communications, and hence the “personality,” of the computer-based system, is influenced by prior usage behaviors. The computer-based personality may also exhibit “self-awareness' by monitoring changes in phrase frequency distributions over time, as well as being capable of expressing awareness of, and inferences from, changes in the behavior patterns of users over time. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249969 | INTELLIGENT AGENT FOR DISTRIBUTED SERVICES FOR MOBILE DEVICES - Mobile devices, mobile device systems and methods applying to mobile devices are provided that employ intelligent agents in combination with a wide array of remote utilities and information sources to facilitate improving a mobile device user's experience. By collecting contextual information from numerous information sources related to the mobile device user's context, more accurate and optimized determinations and/or inferences are formed relating to which remote utilities to make available to the mobile device user. This facilitates less confusion for the user in selecting desired mobile device content, services, and/or applications. The devices, systems, and methodologies also provide for an improved user experience in an open remote utility provider model. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249970 | METHOD AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR SELECTING AMONG MULTIPLE PROVISIONING MECHANISMS IN A SELF-MANAGING COMPUTER SYSTEM - A computer implemented method and a computer program product provide a provisioning system for automated provisioning of a computing infrastructure by providing relationship factories with resources of the computing infrastructure. The relationship factories include information necessary for establishing relationships within the computing infrastructure. The provisioning system ranks relationship factories according to suitability to provide for appropriate provisioning of new resources added to the computing infrastructure. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249971 | Process and Heuristic Statistic for Prospect Selection Through Data Mining - Method, system, and article of manufacture for selecting prospects for a product promotion though data mining. An initial set of prospects in a customer database is identified, by data mining, as initially identified prospects based on predetermined selection criteria. The number of initially identified prospects is compared to a target number of prospects. When the number of initially identified prospects matches the target number of prospects, the initially identified prospects are utilized as the final selection of prospects. When the number of initially identified prospects mismatches the target number of prospects, the final selection of prospects is determined by performing a culling process or an augmenting process to reduce or increase, respectively, the initial set of prospects using a heuristic measure H, until the number of prospects in the initial set of prospects matches the target number of prospects. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249972 | SOFTWARE FRAMEWORK THAT FACILITATES DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF DATABASE APPLICATIONS - An intelligent framework is provided that is disposed between a high-level language environment and a database system environment. According to one embodiment, a software framework infers the need for one or more integrity constraints. The software framework programmatically receives (a) information regarding definitions of a multiple data structures associated with multiple objects participating in a software application, and (b) information regarding relationships among the data structures, where each object represents an instance of a data structure of the multiple data structures. Then, the software framework infers the need for one or more integrity constraints based upon the information regarding definitions of the data structures and the information regarding relationships among the data structures. Finally, the software framework instructs a storage system to apply the one or more integrity constraint. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249973 | SYSTEM FOR MANAGING MULTI-FIELD CLASSIFICATION RULES RELATING TO INGRESS CONTEXTS AND EGRESS CONTEXTS - The present invention relates to a system for managing a plurality of multi-field classification rules. The system provides a first table that includes a plurality of entries corresponding to a plurality of rules relating to an ingress context and a second table that includes a plurality of entries corresponding to a plurality of rules relating to an egress context. The system also includes a network processor for classifying packets of information, wherein the network processor is programmed to utilize the first table and the second table to identify any rules relating to the ingress context and any one rules relating to the egress context that match a search key. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249974 | Method, apparatus and computer program for registering a respective target network system state form each one of a plurality of programs - It is disclosed a method comprising registering a respective target network system state from each one of a plurality of programs, each of the plurality of programs comprising a first program state, detecting a current network system state, selecting one or more of the plurality of programs based on a result matching the detected current network system state against the registered target network system states, and commanding transition of the selected one or more programs from the first program state to a second program state different from the first program state. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249975 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF ADAPTIVE GENERATION OF PROBLEM DETERMINATION DECISION PROCEDURES - System, method, and program storage device for adaptive generation of problem determination decision procedures are provided. The decision procedures may be used, for example, for isolating problems and determining solutions to the problems in complex systems, such as IT systems and consumer electronics products. In one aspect, an optimal decision procedure is generated from an universal representation of system states and actions. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249976 | Coded Domain Audio Analysis - The present invention provides methods, computer-readable media, and apparatuses for determining a measure a similarity of the audio content of a plurality of files. Quantized samples are converted to energy values from files having audio content with compressed formats. Energy characteristics are determined from the energy values and are matched to obtain a greatest content match for a plurality of delay instances. A selected delay value corresponds to a determined offset between the files for relating the audio content of the files. A degree of similarity is determined to relate the audio content of the files. A frequency spectrum is partitioned into a plurality of frequency bands, and a total energy value is determined for each frequency band. The total energy values are correlated for the files. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249977 | Similar files management apparatus and method and program therefor - A similar files management apparatus displays files similar to a specified file with the respective degrees of similarity. The similar files management apparatus includes a unit specific information generation means for acquiring information specific to each unit contained in a file by means of a predetermined computation formula from the contents of the unit, a file similarity degree computation means for computing the similarity degree between files by comparing the pieces of information specific to the respective units on a unit by unit basis and a display means for displaying the similarity degree of each file other than a specified file relative to the specified file and file identification information of the each file. The information specific to each unit may be a hash value, a sum check value or a CRC value. The units may be pages, chapters, sections or paragraphs. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249978 | APPARATUS, AND SYSTEM FOR CERTIFICATE OF MAILING - An apparatus and system are disclosed for analyzing computer events recorded in a plurality of computer datasets. The apparatus includes a read module configured to access chronicle records in two datasets, an extraction module configured to extract a timestamp from each chronicle record, a generation module configured to generate a chronicle time indicator for each chronicle record based on the extracted timestamp, and a placement module configured to place the generated chronicle time indicator into the associated chronicle record. Typically, chronicle records in a first chronicle record have records with desired timestamp characteristics while chronicle records in a second dataset have chronicle records with incompatible timestamp characteristics. The apparatus and method generate the chronicle time indicator to be compatible with desired timestamp characteristics of the first dataset and place the generated chronicle time indicator in each incompatible chronicle record. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249979 | Method and arrangement for pairing off parties on a labour market - The invention provides a method and an arrangement for pairing off a job seeker with potential employers on a labour market. A service provider maintains a database ( | 2008-10-09 |
20080249980 | METHOD FOR CLASSIFYING TERMS OF LEGAL DOCUMENTS - A method for classifying terms and conditions of legal documents is provided. The method includes the steps of: standardizing terms and conditions of all of the legal documents stored in a database; classifying the all of the legal documents having standardized terms and conditions into different categories according to different areas of practices; extracting universal terms and conditions of each of the categories; extracting universal terms and conditions of all of the legal documents in all categories; and extracting categorical terms and conditions of each of the categories. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249981 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FEDERATING DATA - The system and method federates relational and non-relational data by business users creating a virtual relational map of unrelated data in disparate systems. The method uses a declarative language to capture data relationships. As the relationships are built, it captures a virtual relational data map of all the data existing in multiple disparate systems. This virtual map can be viewed as a relational database of enterprise data, further new relationships can be added and existing relationships can be modified. The method supports any business client (user interface or programmatic) that has knowledge of how to modify the virtual relationship map or request for federated data. The map of relationships itself can be constructed and modified by users as they are working with the system unlike traditional techniques where relationships need to be predefined and likewise, new changes and additions to the map are made available to users immediately in real-time. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249982 | Audio search system - The present invention relates to systems and methods for identifying audio files. In particular, the present invention relates to systems and methods for identifying audio files (e.g., music files) with user-established search criteria. The systems and methods of the present invention allow a user to use an audio file to search for audio files having similar audio characteristics. The audio characteristics are identified by an automated system using statistical comparison of audio files. The searches are preferably based on audio characteristics inherent in the audio file submitted by the user. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249983 | IDENTIFYING A RESULT RESPONSIVE TO A CURRENT LOCATION OF A CLIENT DEVICE - A method for identifying a result responsive to a current location of a client device includes receiving, form a client device and at a host, a search query that includes a point of interest and a current location of the client device. The method also includes automatically updating the search query as the current location of the client device changes and instructing the host to identify a potential location associated with the point of interest and located within a user-defined proximity from the current location of the client device. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249984 | Use of Graphical Objects to Customize Content - A method, apparatus and computer-usable medium is provided for using graphical objects to automate the definition of search queries submitted to an information management system. A search query is defined using a plurality of predetermined search terms represented as graphical objects within a user interface. The search query is structured by spatially referencing the graphical objects to a first area of the user interface, which results in their associated search terms being submitted to an information management system. The results of the search query are then presented in a second area of the user interface. The graphical objects comprise predetermined classifications of information content segmented by the implementation of display attributes. The display attributes depict the information content's source, quantity, format or chronology. The search query results presented in the second area of the user interface change dynamically as the spatial relationship between the graphical objects are changed relative to each other and the first area of the user interface. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249985 | Facilitating Identification of Star Schemas in Database Environments - Facilitating identification of star schemas in database environments. In an embodiment, queries are examined to determine the joins required. The two tables of each join are added as a relationship in the star schema. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249986 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DISPLAYING CONTEXTUAL ADVERTISEMENTS WITH MEDIA - Systems and methods have been developed for displaying contextually relevant advertisements to users as media objects are being rendered. One or more data sources with contextual information for different portions of each media object are maintained. From this contextual information, keywords may be generated and used to locate contextually-related advertisements. The advertisements are selected based on contextual information about the media object in order to match or otherwise be contextually relevant with the media content being rendered. As the subject matter of the media object changes during rendering, different advertisements related to the new context are provided that replace the prior advertisement. The advertisements are displayed in an area that could be used for other purposes when the rendering device is not rendering media objects. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249987 | System And Method For Content Selection Based On User Profile Data - Online content is selected based at least in part on user profile data. In one embodiment, user profile data, including individual user characteristics, is stored on a profile server. A profile probability may then be calculated for the individual user characteristics. Subsequent online user behavior is analyzed and used to update the profile probabilities for corresponding user characteristics. In one embodiment, specific online content may then be selected and presented based on the user profile data and/or the updated profile probabilities. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249988 | COMPUTER PROGRAMMING METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PERFORMING A REVERSAL OF SELECTED STRUCTURED QUERY LANGUAGE OPERATIONS WITHIN A DATABASE TRANSACTION - An invention is disclosed for performing reversal of selected Structured Query Language (SQL) operations within a database transaction by a database server. Specifically, a computer programming product, method and system is provided for enabling a software client to reverse (i.e., “undo” or “rollback”) one or more selected SQL statement(s) within the current transaction without having to reverse the entire database transaction. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249989 | Integrating a hosted services system and a search system - Technologies are described herein for integrating a hosted services system and a search system. A query for an entity is received at a search system. If an entry for the entity indicates that an information site does not exist for the entity, a request to create an information site for the entity is transmitted to a hosted services system. When the hosted services system receives the request, the hosted services system utilizes provided information to create a basic information site for the entity. Once the information site has been created, a network address for the information site is returned to the search system. The search system modifies an existing entry or creates a new entry for the entity that includes the provided network address. Modifications to information regarding the entity made at the hosted services system are passed to the search system for use in updating the entry. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249990 | Accessing data from asynchronously maintained index - A method and apparatus for computing queries in a way that is consistent with an index and the underlying base table is provided. A query is computed such that it is consistent with the state of an index and base table as of the last point at which the index and table were synchronized. For example, if an index is maintained asynchronously then it is not necessarily consistent with its base table when a query is to be run against the table and the index. Therefore, the query is computed such that it will be consistent with the last point at which the index and the table were synchronized. In one embodiment, a System Change Number (SCN) of the last successful synchronization operation is used to perform a flashback query on the table. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249991 | Dynamic bid pricing for sponsored search - A method for an online sponsored search system includes storing a database of items. At least some of the items include a keyword and a money amount associated with a respective advertiser. The method further includes receiving information about current user preferences within the online sponsored search system. When the received user information relates to a keyword of an item, the method includes automatically adjusting the money amount of the item based on the received user interest information. In response to a received user query, the method includes identifying items relating to the received user search query and generating a search result list including the related items. The method then includes ordering the related items according to the adjusted money amounts associated with the matching items. In response to the designation of a Web page to received sponsored advertisements, the method includes identifying items relating to the subject matter of one or more portions of the Web page. In this instance, the method then includes determining which items are to be shown and their placement on the Web page according to the adjusted money amounts associated with the related items. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249992 | Cross-language searching - Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, related to cross-language searching. Input characterizing search criteria in a first language may be received and a search may be performed on a database having records in a second language. The search may be performed on the database with synonyms of the search criteria that are in the second language. A user may be able to select or edit search criteria in the second language from suggested search criteria. Context information may be used to find search criteria in the second language or results that may be more relevant. The results may be translated for a user to the first language. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249993 | System And Method For Localized Social Network - Systems and methods are provided to localize a social network. A VIP card may be used to connect businesses and users. Multiple user types may be specified. Features and functionality associated with multiple users may be specified. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249994 | System and process for server side stateless data interchange - A system and process for data exchange using a stateless router and stateless server is disclosed. Using commodity hardware, the present invention enables assembly of a flexible extensible information management system without complexity or productivity loss. Comprising of a client computer, a stateless router, a stateless server and a database stored in a persistent layer associated with the stateless server, the present invention is easy to set up and use. System elements may communicate over a network, and consistency between data records is defined by an item-schema. The server accepts data record requests from the client, and automatically locates the requested data record. Because it is stateless, it retains no record of the data record transaction, and does not need to anticipate future requests. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249995 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ATTRIBUTE MANAGEMENT IN A NAMESPACE - A computer-based method and system for managing attributes of objects in a namespace and for allowing multiple views into the namespace. The namespace system allows the objects identified by the names of the namespace to be hierarchically organized. The namespace system allows for attributes of various objects, including directory objects and data objects, to be dynamically defined after creation of an object. The namespace system also allows for the querying of objects based on their dynamically defined attributes. When the namespace system receives a query specification that includes a newly defined attribute, it identifies the objects that match that query specification that includes a newly defined attribute, it identifies the objects that match that query specification. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249996 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SEARCHING STORED DATA - A complete document management system is disclosed. Accordingly, systems and methods for managing data associated with a data storage component coupled to multiple computers over a network are disclosed. Systems and methods for managing data associated with a data storage component coupled to multiple computers over a network are further disclosed. Additionally, systems and methods for accessing documents available through a network, wherein the documents are stored on one or more data storage devices coupled to the network, are disclosed. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249997 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR QUERYING USER INFORMATION AND SEARCH PROXY, CLIENT AND USER - A method for querying user information includes: A search proxy receives a query request containing query conditions sent from a client, and forwards a message of the query request to the XDM server in which the user information is stored. The search proxy receives the query result returned from the XDM server, and subscribes to the user URI presence information from the presence server. The user URI presence information is contained in the query result. The search proxy integrates the presence information returned from the presence server with the query result, and sends an integration result to the client. Thus, a user can obtain the user information when he/she obtains the user information in XDM. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249998 | TECHNIQUES FOR PROCESSING DATA FROM A MULTILINGUAL DATABASE - A method, system and article of manufacture for providing natural language support for users running queries against a multilingual database. One embodiment comprises identifying one or more physical values defined by physical data in the multilingual database for a query result associated with an executed query. At least one translation function configured to transform at least a portion of the identified physical values defined in one or more different natural languages into alternative values defined in a selected language is executed. From each executed translation function, a data structure mapping at least a portion of the identified physical values to translated values defined in the selected language is identified and the translated values defining the alternative values defined in the selected language are retrieved from each identified data structure. The query result associated with the executed query including the alternative values defined in the selected language is output. | 2008-10-09 |
20080249999 | Interactive cleaning for automatic document clustering and categorization - Documents are clustered or categorized to generate a model associating documents with classes. Outlier measures are computed for the documents indicative of how well each document fits into the model. Outlier documents are identified to a user based on the outlier measures and a user selected outlier criterion. Ambiguity measures are computed for the documents indicative of a number of classes with which each document has similarity under the model. If a document is annotated with a label class, a possible corrective label class is identified if the annotated document has higher similarity with the possible corrective label class under the model than with the annotated label class. The clustering or categorizing is repeated adjusted based on received user input to generate an updated model associating documents with classes. Outlier and. ambiguity measures are also calculated at runtime for new documents classified using the model. | 2008-10-09 |
20080250000 | Uniform metadata retrieval - A method for uniform metadata retrieval generates an interface for requesting metadata from a relational database. A hierarchical metadata request can be received via the interface. The hierarchical metadata request can be translated into a relational database metadata request. The relational database metadata request is utilized to retrieve metadata from the relational database. | 2008-10-09 |
20080250001 | Method and System for Providing Information in Virtual Space - In an information providing system | 2008-10-09 |
20080250002 | OBJECT CLASSIFICATION - Classification of objects using the best boolean expression that represents the most optimal combination of the underlying features is disclosed. | 2008-10-09 |
20080250003 | PEER TO PEER (P2P) CONCEPT QUERY ABSTRACTION MODEL AUGMENTATION WITH FEDERATED ACCESS ONLY ELEMENTS - Embodiments of the invention are generally related to data processing, and more specifically to retrieving results for a query from one or more devices coupled to a network. A first device may receive an abstract query including logical fields defined by a first data abstraction model and retrieve query results stored in the first device. The query may be sent to one or more other devices via the network. The one or more other devices may be configured to convert the abstract query to local abstract queries including logical fields defined in local data abstraction models. The local queries may be issued against local databases to retrieve additional results for the query. | 2008-10-09 |
20080250004 | PEER TO PEER (P2P) CONCEPT QUERY NOTIFICATION OF AVAILABLE QUERY AUGMENTATION WITHIN QUERY RESULTS - Embodiments of the invention are generally related to data processing, and more specifically to retrieving results for a query from one or more devices coupled to a network. A first device may receive an abstract query including logical fields defined by a first data abstraction model and retrieve query results stored in the first device. The query may be sent to one or more other devices via the network. The one or more other devices may be configured to convert the abstract query to local abstract queries including logical fields defined in local data abstraction models. The local queries may be issued against local databases to retrieve additional results for the query. | 2008-10-09 |