46th week of 2008 patent applcation highlights part 54 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20080281649 | System and method for automated release tracking - A real estate transaction and release tracking system ensures deeds of trust, liens and other encumbrances are released in a timely manner after a specified (or statutory) period of time following settlement of a real estate transaction. Based on information provided by an agent, such as an escrow agent or a settlement agent, the system creates a unique electronic record for each real estate transaction entered by the agent. The system tracks lien status information, either automatically from other computers or via manual input from searchers, and uses this status information to track each real estate transaction. The system monitors the records and indicates when a lien holder has failed to release their lien after a statutory time period that begins after the passing of the settlement date. When the statutory time period has passed, the system can generate a number of forms, including a demand letter as controlled optionally by the system or the user. The demand letter can be sent to the lien holder demanding them to release the lien. If the lien is not thereafter released, further legal documents can be generated and sent to a law firm or enforcement agent for legal action to be taken against the delinquent lien holder. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281650 | METHOD FOR COMPUTING THE RESILIENCY SCORE OF AN ORGANIZATION OR ANY PART THEREOF - A method computes a resiliency score of an entity by representing the entity as a set of components. The method determines interactions and relationships and can, in one embodiment, determine two types of relationships between the components to produce resiliency scores for the components. These two types of relationships comprise a dependency relationship (whether a first component depends on one or more additional components to function) and a substitution relationship (whether two or more components share some functionality, and whether the first component can be at least partially substituted for one or more additional components). The method computes and outputs an overall score representing a resiliency of the entity based on the scores of the components of the entity and relationships between the components. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281651 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MANAGING A STRATEGIC PLAN VIA DEFINING AND ALIGNING STRATEGIC PLAN ELEMENTS - A method and system for managing a strategic plan via developing and aligning strategy elements that include required business outcomes (RBOs), strategic business objectives (SBOs), and desired business outcomes (DBOs). RBOs are developed and assigned to key result areas (KRAs). RBOs are operational goals required by a higher-level organization, and deliverable via an execution of operational activities of a subordinate organization. KRAs are performance measurement categories included on the subordinate organization's scorecard and the higher-level organization's scorecard. SBOs are developed and assigned to KRAs, resulting in a first alignment of RBOs with SBOs. SBOs are strategic objectives of the subordinate organization. DBOs are developed and assigned to KRAs, resulting in a second alignment of DBOs with SBOs. DBOs are desired results of the subordinate organization. Strategic goals of the higher-level organization are monitored using RBO and DBO statuses and the first and second alignments. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281652 | METHOD, SYSTEM AND PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR DETERMINING AN OPTIMAL INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY REFRESH SOLUTION AND ASSOCIATED COSTS - A method, system and program product for determining an optimal information technology refresh solution and associated costs for implementing the information technology refresh solution in a business. The method includes deploying on a computer system an information technology refresh solution tool that is configured to determine an optimal information technology refresh solution based on business-technical data and/or business rules stored in a data repository. The method further includes updating the stored business-technical data and/or business rules based on one or more business-technical requirements, including any existing business constraints and any prospective business constraints and prioritizing the business-technical data updated to determine the optimal information technology refresh solution, such that, the optimal information technology refresh solution determined can be implemented in the business. Further, the method includes calculating, using the information technology refresh solution tool, an estimation of operational costs for implementing the optimal information technology refresh solution determined. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281653 | System and method for implementation of procedure tracking - A method for enabling managers/users to track the implementation of a procedure made up of many activities, within a large number of categories and over a prolonged period of time. The method includes entering data on the procedure and displaying activities that require attention within a specific category. The method also includes activating one of the categories requiring the manager's/user's attention and clicking a completed activity to open a window that displays any existing data for the activity, such that tracking of the implementation of the procedure is enabled. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281654 | Data center life cycle management - Managing a data center life cycle of an enterprise begins with a policy defining stages of the life cycle and criteria indicating a successful evaluation of each stage. Evaluators, according to a predetermined identity, attest to whether the policy is satisfied for a single stage of the life cycle until all stages are evaluated, but advancement from one stage to the next only occurs upon the policy being satisfactorily met. If the policy is not met, corrective action is taken, including an optional step of notifying personnel of a stage failure. Documenting the attestation is another consideration as is auditing the documenting. In this manner, troubleshooting is enhanced or an historical record is achieved. In the event of multiple evaluators, each may attest to the satisfaction of a portion of the policy. Further definitions include computing configurations per a single machine and/or an entirety of the data center. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281655 | Systems And Methods For Helping Advertisers Take Advantage Of Co-Op Advertising Opportunities - Software is used to automate selection of suitable co-op advertising programs from among choices with which an advertiser has had no prior substantial business relationship, to facilitate production, distribution and tracking of advertisements that comply with the specific requirements of the selected co-op advertising program(s). Of particular interest are Internet Yellow Pages and search engine business indices, although ad-serving networks, and other partner advertising platforms/sites are also contemplated. Preferred systems and methods can be utilized by advertising agencies on behalf of their clients, which among other things allow the agencies to cost-effectively provide services to even very small clients. Different interface skins can be used for displaying summary customer tracking information to advertisers, advertising agencies, co-op program managers, national brand managers, media providers, and so forth. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281656 | METHOD FOR COMPUTING THE RESILIENCY SCORE OF AN ORGANIZATION OR ANY PART THEREOF - A method computes a resiliency score of an entity by representing the entity as a set of components. The method determines interactions and relationships and can, in one embodiment, determine two types of relationships between the components to produce resiliency scores for the components. These two types of relationships comprise a dependency relationship (whether a first component depends on one or more additional components to function) and a substitution relationship (whether two or more components share some functionality, and whether the first component can be at least partially substituted for one or more additional components). The method computes and outputs an overall score representing a resiliency of the entity based on the scores of the components of the entity and relationships between the components. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281657 | System and method for assessing a procurement and accounts payable system - A system for deploying to a client accounting installation a general procurement and accounts payable application specifically configured for the client by an enterprise includes a database server for (1) maintaining on a storage device a database of templates describing procedures for assessing, preparing, developing, deploying and supporting the application, and for (2) serving these templates to team members operating web-enabled terminals for coordinating, recording and tracking team activities with respect to the application while generating a description for adapting a front end server and an accounting system server to the requirements of the client. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281658 | Systems and methods for creating and reviewing vehicle damage repair estimates, and notifying entities of issues relating to manufacturer's warranty or repair content - Methods and systems for generating a damage repair estimate, generating information relating to warranty and short sheet issues for a particular damage repair estimate, identifying included/non-included operations in a target damage repair estimate, and notifying entities of the existence of warranty and short sheet issues. The analysis portion accesses a central database of records for particular vehicles and determines whether a warranty, short sheet, or deviation from pre-determined repair procedures exists and creates a displayable file. Depending on the analysis requested, the system and method displays an appropriate damage estimate analysis. The notification portion accesses a central database of records for particular entities to contact for particular vehicles and electronically notifies entities of the existence of a damage estimate analysis. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281659 | Method and Apparatus for Optimization in Workflow Management Systems - Activities within a workflow are either data management activities (DMAs) or non-DMAs. A workflow is typically carried out by a system by executing one activity after the other. This can, however, be very time consuming. A method and system are provided for optimizing a group of activities (GOA) comprising a DMA, whereby the GOA is comprised in the workflow to improve the overall performance. The method determines the DMAs, and for each DMA, a data level statement (DLS). The GOA is determined and a process graph model (PGM) is determined from the GOA so that the DLS is comprised in the PGM and the semantics of the PGM are identical to those of the GOA. The PGM is optimized for which an optimized GOA is determined. The semantics of the optimized GOA are identical to those of the GOA. In the workflow, the GOA is replaced by the optimized GOA. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281660 | System, Method and Apparatus for Outsourcing Management of One or More Technology Infrastructures - The present invention provides a system, method and apparatus for outsourcing management of one or more technology infrastructures having two or more technology elements by collecting data from the technology elements using one or more interface rules and a metadata dictionary stored in a data repository wherein each technology infrastructure belongs to a separate entity and is remotely located with respect to a management entity, analyzing the collected data and initiating one or more automated processes based on the analyzed data, one or more thresholds and one or more management rules stored in the data repository. Note that this invention can be implemented using a computer program embodied on a computer readable medium wherein the steps are preformed by one or more code segments. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281661 | Real-time Advertisement Displaying System and Method thereof - A method for displaying advertisements in a real-time manner includes the step of getting an external information having one of the image data and the audio data, the step of managing the external data, the step of generating triggered messages, the step of displaying the advertisements according to the triggered messages corresponding to the external data, and the step of recording a number of displayed times of the advertisements. With the abovementioned method, sights of observers may be significantly attracted by displayed advertisements. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281662 | Inventory and revenue maximization method and system - A method is provided for enterprise management and bundling of radio, outdoor and entertainment inventory to achieve maximum revenue on perishable products. An electronic data-mart | 2008-11-13 |
20080281663 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SCHEDULING THE DISCHARGE OF DISTRIBUTED POWER STORAGE DEVICES AND FOR LEVELIZING DISPATCH PARTICIPATION - Disclosed is a computerized method for dispatching energy from distributed resources in a discharge event so that the energy stored in individual devices is levelized, or so that an operator request is met. Evaluation of event parameters may be deferred. The method may be utilized to dispatch energy from plug-in electric vehicles. Systems and methods to account for electricity dispatched to or from electric vehicles are disclosed. Systems and methods for incentivizing consumers to participate in a dispatch event or curtail energy use are disclosed. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281664 | System and method for managing use and availability of equipment - A system and method is disclosed for managing use and availability of equipment on a jobsite. The system includes a group of equipment units being available to be reserved and/or used by pre-approved users. A control panel is provided on each of the units of equipment to facilitate operation of the corresponding unit associated therewith. At least a first indicator is included with each of the control panels for displaying an indication whether the corresponding unit is reserved. At least one input receiving device is included with each of the control panels for inputting authorization input provided by a pre-approved user. At least one memory device is included with each of the control panels. A processor is included with each of the control panels adapted to verify the authorization input through comparison of a list of authorized inputs stored in the memory device with the authorization input. Once the authorization input is verified, the system authorizes the pre-approved user to reserve the corresponding unit. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281665 | Automated Calendar Concierge - A method and system of an embodiment of the present disclosure may include receiving data from a calendar client at a network element communicatively coupled to a network wherein the data comprises information relating at least in part to unscheduled time for a user associated with the calendar client, searching a database for at least one event offering corresponding to the unscheduled time, and sending the at least one event offering to the calendar client. The method and system may include ranking or filtering event offerings based at least in part on preferences of a calendar client user. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281667 | Method and Apparatus to Automatically Recover Well Geometry from Low Frequency Electromagnetic Signal Measurements - A technique that is usable with a well includes providing a model so predict measurements that are received by receivers due to transmission by sources baaed on estimated positions of the receivers relative to sources. The estimated positions each have at least two dimensions. At least some of the receivers and the sources are located in the well. On a computer, the estimated positions are automatically refined based on a comparison of the predicted measurements and actual measurements that are obtained by the receivers. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281668 | Determining the Effects of Advertising - Apparatuses, methods, and computer program products for determining the effect of advertising are provided. Advertisement data is gathered at the location of an advertisement regarding the identity of the consumer exposed to the advertisement (the target), as well as the subject matter of the advertisement, by detecting the proximity of the target to the advertisement location, for example by using the target's mobile terminal. Shopping data is gathered at the location of a commercial establishment regarding the identity of the consumer engaged in the shopping activity (the shopper), as well as the subject matter of the shopping activity, by detecting the proximity of the shopper to the commercial establishment location, for example by using the shopper's mobile terminal. The data is received by a correlation server and analyzed to determine the effect of advertisements on a consumer. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281669 | System and Method for Providing Electronic Price Feeds For Tradeable Objects - System and methods for a price feed generation are described. According to an example method described herein, upon receiving market information including a plurality of linear prices and order quantities, a reference price level is selected and a price feed message is generated to include the reference price level and the plurality of order quantities. The price feed message is then provided to client terminals. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281670 | OBJECT TRANSACTION METHOD AND SYSTEM - A transaction method and system. The system comprises a computing apparatus, a plurality of transceivers connected to the computing apparatus, and a plurality of transponder devices. Each transponder device comprising a customer data segment associated with a different customer from a plurality of customers for an entity. The computing apparatus receives from a first transponder device through a first transceiver, a first customer data segment. The first customer data segment is associated with a first customer of the plurality of customers. The first transponder device is possessed by the first customer. The first customer is located within a specified proximity of the first transceiver. The computing apparatus performs a first specified function for the first customer. The first specified function is based on the first customer data segment and a location of the first transceiver. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281671 | Method for determining a person's quality of life - A method of validating a questionnaire for use in determining quality of life indicators for users of consumer products is disclosed. The method includes the steps of;
| 2008-11-13 |
20080281672 | Systems And Methods For Helping Advertisers Take Advantage Of Co-Op Advertising Opportunities - Software is used to automate selection of suitable co-op advertising programs from among choices with which an advertiser has had no prior substantial business relationship, to facilitate production, distribution and tracking of advertisements that comply with the specific requirements of the selected co-op advertising program(s). Of particular interest are Internet Yellow Pages and search engine business indices, although ad-serving networks, and other partner advertising platforms/sites are also contemplated. Preferred systems and methods can be utilized by advertising agencies on behalf of their clients, which among other things allow the agencies to cost-effectively provide services to even very small clients. Different interface skins can be used for displaying summary customer tracking information to advertisers, advertising agencies, co-op program managers, national brand managers, media providers, and so forth. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281673 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SEMI-AUTOMATIC LAND PLANNING - One embodiment of the invention includes a land planning tool that maybe used to perform a variety of land planning tasks. The land planning tool may interpret global information systems (GIS) electronic data in conjunction with user-specified constraints to analyze and display a development site, visually indicating developable areas. The user may then use a pen-based device to sketch outlines of land planning objects. As the user sketches, the land planning tool may generate vector geometry stored in an electronic database for use by a variety of computer aided design tools. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281674 | DETERMINING METRICS ASSOCIATED WITH ADVERTISING SPECIALIST - The present disclosure includes a system and method for determining metrics associated advertising specialist. The method including identifying actions associated with an advertisement produced by an ad specialist. The ad specialist selected by a user from a plurality of ad specialist. One or more ratings are associated with the ad specialist are determined based, at least in part, on the identified actions. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281675 | Electronic Media Systems and Methods - Methods and systems of presenting media content targeted to at least one predetermined natural person are provided. Methods and systems for controlling the distribution of media content based on service provider profile data of a service provider are provided. Methods and systems for controlling the provision of media content for presentation to customers at locations of service providers are provided. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281676 | Methods and Systems to Facilitate Keyword Bid Arbitrage with Multiple Advertisement Placement Providers - A system and method are directed towards identifying advertisement keywords within a variety of content types, identifying similarity rankings of advertisements based on the keywords, and to the guiding of keyword purchases. In one embodiment, a search is performed based in part on defined selection criteria, and/or scheduling rules. Content that may include advertisements is processed to identify advertisement keywords. A similarity ranking of different advertisements based on keywords therein may be determined. The similarity rankings may be used, with keyword pricing data, to identify instances of keyword arbitrage, guide purchase of keywords, and to control traffic flow to and from advertisements to obtain a benefit from price differentials between what one keyword seller charges for a keyword and what a click buyer will, pay for traffic directed to advertisements with the same or related keyword. In one embodiment, a three-dimensional representation is provided indicating relationships between advertisements across websites. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281677 | SYSTEM AND ASSOCIATED METHOD FOR SELECTING ADVERTISEMENTS - The invention relates to the selection of personalized advertisements in a media delivery network ( | 2008-11-13 |
20080281678 | PRACTICE MANAGEMENT ANALYSIS TOOL FOR FINANCIAL ADVISORS - A practice management benchmarking tool may provide actionable feedback on practice and individual financial advisor performance that may identify how participants can improve their business. For example, the tool may provide a customized report that compares a practice's performance against other, relevant, local practices. The tool may also include an industry trend report that summarizes industry performance and compensation. An industry trend report may be relevant to larger corporate financial services companies with regional or national interests. The tool may provide a comparison analysis of a financial advisor practice according to three areas: 1) productivity and growth, 2) expenses, staffing, and profitability, and 3) individual financial planner productivity and pay. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281679 | COMPETITIVE FULFILLMENT OF DISCRETE OPPORTUNITIES FOR AN IMPRESSION OF BROADBAND VIDEO COMMERCIALS VIA SELF-REGULATING AND SELF-ADAPTIVE DYNAMIC SPOT MARKETS - Systems, methods and business models for facilitating the syndication of broadband video commercials are provided. According to one embodiment, eligible broadband video commercials from an electronic marketplace are syndicated in real time via competitive fulfillment against an opportunity for an impression and its derived targeting vectors by self-regulating and self-adaptive dynamic spot markets. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281680 | Method of and System for Managing Promotions for Purchase Transactions Over a Network - A system for managing promotions over a network includes a promotion server system having a computer processor and associated datastore, the datastore containing data representative of terms and statistics of one or more item promotions, and a commercial server system including a computer processor, the commercial server system being selectively coupleable to the promotion server system over the network. The promotion server system includes promotion code for transferring, to the commercial server system, the data representative of the terms and statistics of the promotions. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281681 | COMPENSATING PARTICIPANTS OF A MULTI-LEVEL SALES FORCE - The present invention provides a unique compensation plan for a multi-level sales force. This plan is a balanced matrix that combines the ability for participants to get paid not only on their personal down line but also on the entire matrix. This plan removes the limits found in other compensation plans by integrating a multi-level, unlimited depth matrix with individual bonus overrides on the entire matrix structure. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281682 | Voting system that allows voters to securely verify their votes - Various election methods are provided wherein voters are able to verify their votes through public means. In one embodiment, each of the ballots includes a ballot identifier and each of the choices thereon is associated with a selection identifier. After the completed ballots are received by the voting authority, the authority publishes the ballot identifiers obtained from the ballots in association with the selection identifiers of the selected choices to enable each voter to verify his or her vote. In another embodiment, the voter provides the ballot identifier and the selection identifiers of the selected choices on a delivery mechanism (e.g., envelope). The relevant identifiers are then obtained by the authority from the delivery mechanisms and published. In another embodiment, the voters generate their own selection identifiers on the ballot which are then published by the authority to enable each voter to verify his or her vote. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281683 | Business Marketing Process - A marketing method for a business is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of selecting at least one other business which may involve analysis of certain characteristics of the workforce of that business. The method further involves negotiating an agreement with the other business to locate within the premises of that other business a support member The support member includes printed indicia relating to goods and/or services of the first business. The support member also has a receptacle for business cards of a representative of the first method. The method further involves locating the support member in the premises of the other business and replacing promotional brochure and/or replenishing business at spaced time intervals. The support member may be located in a staff room, lunch room, waiting room or a restroom. The method preferably involves numerous re-visits to the other business and presentations to the staff and/or clients of the other business. The method may involve monitoring the results from the staff and/or clients of the other business and reporting them to the owner of the other business. Preferably, the method involves carrying out the above steps in a plurality of businesses. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281684 | METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCTS FOR IMPLEMENTING SALES OF PRODUCTS FEATURED IN A PROGRAM - A method, system, and computer program product for implementing sales of products featured in a program is provided. The method includes associating an object featured in the program with the program and a product. The product corresponds to the object in the program. The method includes receiving a request relating to the object featured in the program and presenting product information associated with the product corresponding to the object in response to the request relating to the object. The method further includes generating an order for the product in response to a request to purchase the product. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281685 | MEDIA WITH EMBEDDED ADVERTISING - A system and method for providing advertising to a user of a computer capable of displaying Internet based media, such as sequential media, played by a media player in a display. The method includes the steps of providing a media object, wherein the media object contains sequential media and advertising information encapsulated within the media object. Encapsulating the sequential media and advertising information within the media object prevents rogue users from simply stripping away the sequential media from the advertising information. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281686 | DYNAMIC CONTENT INSERTION METHOD AND SYSTEM - A method and computer program product for initializing an event timer. A first portion of a computer application is executed. After completion of the execution of the first portion of the computer application, it is determined if the event timer has reached a predetermined amount. If the event timer has reached the predetermined amount, a first advertisement is rendered. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281687 | METHOD FOR DETERMINING USER INTEREST IN PRODUCTS AND SERVICES FOR TARGETED ADVERTISING - A method and apparatus that selects and sends advertisements to a user based on the user's interests as determined by the user's location information is disclosed. The method may include receiving a user's location information, updating the user's location history based on the received location information, updating the user's interest profile based on the updated location history information, selecting one or more advertisement based on the updated user's interest profile, and transmitting the selected one or more advertisement for presentation to the user. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281688 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SHARING REVENUE RESULTING FROM ONLINE COUPON USE - A coupon revenue sharing system has a main affiliate, at least one partner affiliate and an affiliate reporting network wherein the main affiliate has coupons which it loads onto a coupon file which is loaded onto the coupon database managed by a partner affiliate. The partner affiliate uses the coupon database to create a website displaying the main affiliate coupons. The affiliate reporting network has a tracking server and a commission database to track the use of an online coupon and report transactions utilizing the coupon and paying the main affiliate its share of the commission earned. Moreover, the main affiliate reports the transaction and pays the partner affiliate its portion of the commission. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281689 | EMBEDDED VIDEO PLAYER ADVERTISEMENT DISPLAY - The present disclosure describes systems and methods for retrieving and accessing, through a media player rendering a first piece of media, other pieces of media. Metadata may be provided with media content items, such as media files containing media streams. At predefined points in time in the video, the metadata is accessed and any other media associated with that frame of video are determined therefrom. This associated media is then displayed to the user automatically. The associated media may be an advertisement related to what was being shown in that frame, or point in the playback, or additional info about what was being shown in that frame, or point in the playback. The systems and methods can be used for displaying advertisements on web pages or in media players with limited display area. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281690 | METHOD, SYSTEM AND COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR PROVIDING A LOYALTY ENGINE FOR DYNAMIC ADMINISTRATION OF CHARITY DONATIONS - A method, system and computer program for providing a loyalty engine enabling dynamic administration of charity donations is provided. The method includes a merchant creating by operation of the loyalty engine a customized loyalty program defined by a plurality of rules for administering their loyalty program; the operator of the loyalty engine registers one or more charities on the loyalty engine; the merchant also defines on the loyalty engine the rules under which, as part of their loyalty program, they will make a donation to the one or more charities in connection with one or more transactions with a member that is associated to the loyalty program; the member optionally selects, as part of their participation in the loyalty program, the one or more charities to whom the merchant shall make a donation based on transactions between the member and merchant, and further based on the applicable rules defined by the merchant. The loyalty engine tracks applicable transactions, applies the donation rules, accrues the applicable donations. The loyalty engine can also be provided with a transaction utility that is operable to process donation payments between the merchants and the charities. A system is also provided that consists of the loyalty engine, including a charity utility that provides the functions of the method, linked to a server computer that is connected to the Internet. The computer program of the invention is a web application that enables the members, charities, and merchants to access the functions of the invention via a browser. A reporting facility is also described that allows merchants, charities and members to track their donation activity in connection with the operation of the loyalty engine. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281691 | REBATE OFFERS FOR RECYCLING ELECTRONIC DEVICES - The present invention is a method of providing a consumer with a rebate in exchange for the recycling of an electronic device. The method comprises receiving a rebate claim and an electronic device from a consumer, providing the consumer with a different and/or new electronic device with a service associated with the different and/or new electronic device, and transferring the monetary value of the rebate to the consumer. In some embodiments, the method comprises accessing client information associated with current cellular phone service clients and selecting target clients for providing rebate offers to based on the client information. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281692 | Virtual Points Clearinghouse - Systems and methods establish a virtual points clearinghouse. The clearinghouse redeems heterogeneous digital micro-payments-such as bonus points received from various points issuers-across diverse service providers. Points meant for exclusive redemption at one service provider may be directly redeemed for non-corresponding goods of a different service provider. In one implementation, the clearinghouse includes contracts between points issuers, service providers, and a clearinghouse, including intervening conversion rates. A user interface enables a user to manage multiple point balances from a computing device, cell phone, or other mobile device. The user interface enables the user to find diverse goods and to directly obtain the goods by redeeming diverse heterogeneous points. The clearinghouse includes an invoicing engine to enable money flow between users, points issuers, service providers, and the clearinghouse. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281693 | METHODS OF FINANCING CONSTRUCTION AND SALES OF REAL PROPERTY - Financial instruments incentivize the development of low income real property by retaining profitability similar to property sold at fair market value. A REEIP is proposed wherein investors profit by receiving units of real property at a substantial discount that may be subsequently sold or rented after title passes to the investor. A construction fees, costs, or tax instrument are built into each real property unit and issued as a second or subsequent mortgage for all fees and compliance costs, which allows the purchaser of the real property to purchase the real property at a discount by removing the fees and compliance costs from the purchase price of the real property. Finally, real property may be sold to qualifying low income purchasers by allowing a developer to gradually turn over equity in a low income home to the purchaser over a predetermined time period, which is secured by a forgivable mortgage. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281694 | TARGETED ADVERTISING IN MOBILE DEVICES - A system may identify selected device users of multiple device users as members of a virtual group. The system may identify attributes, characteristics or actions that a sub-set of members of the virtual group may have in common that may be related to goods and/or services for sale. The system may send advertisements related to the goods or services to devices associated with other members of the group not included in the sub-set of members. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281695 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR USING VOICE SERVICES RECORDS TO PROVIDE TARGETED MARKETING SERVICES - Systems and methods can include collecting addressability information about users accessing a service provider's IP-based network communication services, collecting information sufficient to identify when the user is accessing the service provider's IP-based network communication services, collecting data from voice services usage by the user and using the collected data to associate the user with certain marketing content. The systems and methods can further include sending the marketing content to the user through various distribution channels by using the addressability information. The systems and methods can further include recording the collected information over time to refine the ability o predict the user's receptiveness to certain marketing content so as to improve the effectiveness of TMS. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281696 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR USING DNS RECORDS TO PROVIDE TARGETED MARKETING SERVICES - Systems and methods can include collecting addressability information about users accessing a service provider's IP-based network communication services, collecting information sufficient to identify when the user is accessing the service provider's IP-based network communication services, collecting the domain names accessed by the user and using the collected information to associate the user with certain marketing content. The systems and methods can further include sending the marketing content to the user through various distribution channels by using the addressability information. The systems and methods can further include recording the collected information over time to refine the ability or predict the user's receptiveness to certain marketing content so as to improve the effectiveness of TMS. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281697 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR USING VIDEO SERVICES RECORDS TO PROVIDE TARGETED MARKETING SERVICES - Systems and methods can include collecting addressability information about users accessing a service provider's IP-based network communication services, collecting information sufficient to identify when the user is accessing the service provider's IP-based network communication services, collecting data from video services usage by the user and using the collected data to associate the user with certain marketing content. The systems and methods can further include sending the marketing content to the user through various distribution channels by using the addressability information. The systems and methods can further include recording the collected information over time to refine the ability o predict the user's receptiveness to certain marketing content so as to improve the effectiveness of TMS. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281698 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR USING VALUE-ADDED SERVICES RECORDS TO PROVIDE TARGETED MARKETING SERVICES - Systems and methods can include collecting addressability information about users accessing a service provider's IP-based network communication services, collecting information sufficient to identify when the user is accessing the service provider's IP-based network communication services, collecting data from value-added services usage by the user and using the collected data to associate the user with certain marketing content. The systems and methods can further include sending the marketing content to the user through various distribution channels by using the addressability information. The systems and methods can further include recording the collected information over time to refine the ability o predict the user's receptiveness to certain marketing content so as to improve the effectiveness of TMS. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281699 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR USING IP TRANSPORT RECORDS TO PROVIDE TARGETED MARKETING SERVICES - Systems and methods can include collecting addressability information about users accessing a service provider's IP-based network communication services, collecting information sufficient to identify when the user is accessing the service provider's IP-based network communication services, collecting data from the IP packets sent or received by the user and using the collected data to associate the user with certain marketing content. The systems and methods can further include sending the marketing content to the user through various distribution channels by using the addressability information. The systems and methods can further include recording the collected information over time to refine the ability to predict the user's receptiveness to certain marketing content so as to improve the effectiveness of TMS. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281700 | Use of natural query events to improve online advertising campaigns - A system and method to identify targeting criteria for online advertising campaigns based on natural query event data are described. A request to determine targeting criteria is received from an advertiser entity. Natural or algorithmic query event data related to the advertiser entity is retrieved from a data storage module. Attribute data associated with targeted customers is extracted based on the retrieved natural query event data. Finally, the attribute data is further processed to determine a set of criteria to target advertisements to the customers. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281701 | Combination beach towel chair cover - A towel to fit over and be secured to a lounge chair to minimize slipping of the towel when a person in such lounge chair changes position. The towel includes an elongated cloth material of predetermined length to cover the length of such lounge chair and of width to cover the width of such lounge chair. A pouch member, of predetermined length and predetermined depth, is disposed at a first end of the elongated cloth material and engageable over an upper end of a back portion of such lounge chair. A portion of the pouch member is formed from the predetermined material and integrally with the first end thereof for retaining the elongated cloth material in place. There is at least one mechanism secured to and disposed on a second end of the elongated predetermined cloth material for holding the second end on a leg portion of such lounge chair. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281702 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING MOBILE COUPON INFORMATION IN A NETWORK - A computer-implemented method of providing a coupon in a digital network is provided. The method includes receiving a message indicative of the location of a purchaser; selecting a context for the purchaser based on the indicated location; identifying manufacturers of products that are sold in the location; and sending a coupon to the purchaser for products that are sold in the location. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281703 | Method of digital customer service and system thereof - A method of digital customer service and a system thereof are provide, which includes a network server machine, an identification (ID) sensing device, a display device, a merchandise sensing device, and a media playing device. The method is to sense a customer ID card via the ID sensing device, and then the network server machine accesses and outputs corresponding customer and consuming information, so as to output a specific greeting and advertising information based on the consuming information and requirements and display them in the display device. The merchandise sensing device is utilized to sense a merchandise label and then a corresponding advertisement is automatically played by the media playing device for promotion. Therefore, customers can find their favorite merchandises immediately after they enter the stores and the marketing media can help sales clerks to introduce merchandises and increase their knowledge about the merchandises, so as to increase service quality. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281704 | System and method for serving relevant question-based advertisements - Question-based advertising over a network where question-based advertisement selection takes into consideration the content of adjacent material. In various aspects, the adjacent material may be physical and in proximity to a terminal where the question is presented, it may be virtual and be displayed on the same terminal as the question, and it may precede or succeed the question in time. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281705 | Method and apparatus for a network system designed to actively match buyers and sellers in a buyer-driven environment - A method for using a computer connected to a network to match buyers and sellers, the method including: receiving a buyer request from a buyer, the buyer request including a request to purchase a good or service, having the computer search sites on the network for sell ads from sellers, each of the sell ads referring to an advertised good or advertised service, matching the buyer request with at least one of the sell ads, and notifying the associated seller for each matched sell ad that the buyer has requested a good or service similar to the advertised good or advertised service advertised in the matched sell ad. According to another embodiment of the present invention, a system for matching buyers and sellers, the sellers advertising goods or services via sell ads posted on sites on a network, the system including: means for receiving a buyer request from a buyer, the buyer request including a request to purchase a good or service, means for searching the sell ads for goods or services similar to those included in the request, means for enabling a seller to make an offer to the buyer, means for informing the seller of other offers made to the buyer. According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method for using a computer connected to a network to match buyers and sellers, the method including: having the computer search sites on the network for want ads from buyers, each of the want ads referring to a wanted good or wanted service, having the computer search sites on the network for sell ads from sellers, each of the sell ads referring to an advertised good or advertised service, matching at least one of the want ads with at least one of the sell ads, and notifying the associated buyer who posted the want ad that at least one sell ad has been matched to the want ad. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281706 | Systems and Methods for Delivering Affinity or Loyalty Reward Programs to Network Subscribers - The present invention provides a system and method for an affinity rewards program, also called a loyalty rewards program, that is administered by an Internet Service Provider (ISP). The system and method of the invention, as implemented by an ISP, provide many advantages over current affinity programs, which are administered by third party providers as distinct services from the services provided by ISPs. Among the advantages to the ISP subscribers are ease of use and ease of determining best prices for goods and services. Among the advantages to the ISP is an increase in subscribers and an increase in subscriber loyalty and satisfaction. Among the advantages to retailers is an increase in traffic at web sites, an increase in sales over the Internet, and an increase in the ability to personally market to program participants. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281707 | Sales Compensation Management Software - Incentive-based compensation plans are described. Associated compensation components are described for various organizational job positions. Each compensation component has an associated set of compensation-related characteristics. A visual representation of the job positions and their associated compensation components is displayed along with corresponding compensation components of different job positions which are located adjacent to each other. An incentive-based compensation arrangement is developed for each of the job positions based on the visual representation together with performance crediting rules and payment rules. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281708 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING A TELEPHONY-BASED CONTENT PORTAL - This invention relates generally to software and more specifically to systems and methods for providing a telephony-based content portal. In one embodiment, the invention includes a system for providing a content portal, the system including a computer system, the computer system being accessible to a content producer, an advertiser, and a consuming device over a communications network, the computer system configurable to receiving content from the content producer and an advertisement from the advertiser, the computer system configurable to distributing the content and the advertisement to a consumer upon the consumer accessing the computer system using the consuming device, and the computer system configurable to providing transport controls for any of the content and the advertisement. In a further embodiment, the communications network is a telephony-based network, the consuming device is a mobile phone, and the content is any of audio and visual. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281709 | ADVERTISING METHOD AND METHOD OF SHARING ADVERTISEMENT REVENUE - A method of sharing an advertisement revenue is provided. The method includes: receiving a request from a first user for posting a content item on a webpage of a website; posting the content item on the webpage; receiving from a second user a request for the content item for displaying, playing, or downloading on a terminal of the second user; sending the requested content item for displaying, playing or storing on the second user's terminal; in connection with sending the requested content item, causing an advertisement to be displayed or played on the second user's terminal; and sharing with the first user a revenue generated from causing the advertisement to be displayed or played on the second user's terminal in connection with sending the requested content item to the second user's terminal. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281710 | Youth Based Social Networking - The invention provides a method for managing an online social network, the method comprising: establishing criteria for membership in a social network; receiving a request to participate in the social network; obtaining information about the requester; verifying the actual identify of the requester; and determining the eligibility of the requester to participate in the social network based on the established criteria. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281711 | System and method for displaying advertisements according to business and consumer relevance - A system and method for the selection and delivery of at least one targeted advertisement over a network, wherein the targeted advertisement conforms to the preferences and criteria specified by each respective user and each respective advertiser. The targeted advertisement selections may be prioritized via correlation of a wide variety of user information and advertiser information. Such a system and method provide for delivery of highly targeted advertisements that ensures a retailer that advertisement marketing is reaching their desired demographic audience and, likewise, exposes each respective end user to highly relevant product and service advertisements. The present invention further increases network efficiency by performing advertisement selection and formatting only once at user login to eliminate continual fetching and formatting of new advertisements during the session. The system or method may employ a map of advertisements that is generated for the user a single time at login. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281712 | LIST-BASED SELECTION SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR USING THE SAME - A system and methods for enabling a user to create a list of items on a portable computing device, to communicate with external devices to locate each of the items available on the list within a geographically limited area, to provide users with visual or aural cues as to the location of items on the list, to progress through the list of items as each item is selected or rejected, and providing discounts toward, information about, or alternatives to the available items on the list. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281713 | TRANSACTION SETTLEMENT METHOD, TRANSACTION SETTLEMENT SYSTEM, TRANSACTION SETTLEMENT PROGRAM AND PROGRAM RECORDING MEDIUM - Disclosed is a security protected transaction settlement method in performing transaction settlement of sales using a register terminal. The upper limit amount that each casher who operates the register terminal can settle is preset and registered in advance. When a casher makes settlements of the sales using the register terminal, a judgment is made if the casher can settle the transaction by comparing the sales amount and the upper limit amount preset for the casher. If the sales amount is higher than the preset upper limit amount, the register terminal is disabled and the casher can settle the transaction only if an authorization code is inputted by a supervisor who has authority to settle any account in excess of the upper limit. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281714 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING A PRICE OF GOODS - A coupon integrator has a method for entering a desired product search term, a price comparison database which searches for online stores carrying a particular product and the pre coupon prices, a coupon database which identifies any available coupons, and a price calculator database which calculates the discount price based on the pre coupon price and any available coupons. Further optional embodiments include a product availability database which identifies whether a product is currently available at a merchant. A merchant database calculates the shipping, handling, and tax fees for a product for a specific zip code and a shipping charge and tax calculator database calculates the final cost by factoring in the discount price, the shipping and handling fee, any available shipping coupons, and the tax. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281715 | METHOD OF DESIGNING A SURFBOARD OR THE LIKE - An internet enabled method for designing and ordering a surfboard blank includes hosting on a program internet information service, a website, capable of supporting an interactive procedure and receiving from a web browser an account number request. Account number is assigned in response to the request and upon receipt of the account number by the website, a listing of surfboard blanks is offered for modification along with software. Upon receiving modification instruction for a selected surfboard blank, the modification instruction is associated with the account number and following receipt of an order from an authorized customer for a surfboard blank modified in accordance with modification instruction producing a surfboard blank. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281716 | Communication Control Device - The present invention provides a technique for outputting an appropriate message in response to a request for access to a content or a service. A communication control apparatus receives a packet for requesting access to a content or a service and determines whether or not the access should be permitted. If the access is prohibited, the communication control apparatus will instruct a message output server to output a message such as an error message. A message retaining unit retains a message to be output to an access request source, with respect to each user of access request source, or each URL or each category of contents to be accessed. A registration acceptance unit accepts message registration and instructs a charging unit to charge a registration fee. The charging unit then performs processing for deducting the registration fee from the registrant's account. A message output unit acquires from the communication control apparatus an ID of a user who has sent an access request, and the unit then refers to the message retaining unit to output a message set for the user. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281717 | Method for Placing a Palletless Goods Package in a Stock Shelf and Delivering Therefrom and for Controlling Logistics of Packages - A method to stack palletless and as to their size variable packages ( | 2008-11-13 |
20080281718 | HOUSEHOLD NETWORK INCORPORATING SECURE SET-TOP DEVICES - A method for establishing a household network that includes providing a secure set-top device (SSD) operably connected to the Internet; assigning the SSD to a credit card account to define a household network associated with the SSD; enrolling a digital media device in the household network; and requesting a digital media file for a digital media device within the household network. A digital media file may be requested via any device in the household network by a process that may include verifying that the digital media file is valid for the household network and if valid, causing the SSD to process the request, including identifying the digital media device and authorizing a charge to the credit card account, if required, to complete the request. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281719 | Methods and apparatus for connecting shippers and carriers in the third party logistics environment via the internet - An online electronic marketplace in which carriers bid for loads tendered by shippers, and shippers purchase the most attractive transportation services. The system described herein efficiently matches loads and capacities, lowers transaction costs, and creates value through enhanced visibility to information resulting in efficient transportation and financial transactions. According to specific embodiments, the present invention combines a neutral marketplace patterned after a stock exchange, with the electronic format of an Internet auction site to create a trading system for the logistics industry. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281720 | METHOD AND APPARATUS OF INTERACTIVE BIDDING - A method and apparatus for automating an auction is provided that includes a secure server, at least one device for entering data, and software executing on both the server and the device. A participant is able to enter bidding information in each device. Bids from each participant are managed, the winning bidder is determined, and the current status of the auction is maintained. Each participant can individually receive the status of the items they bid on and the general auction status is also available for display. The auction status may be displayed at each device or optionally on a projection system. At the close of auction, the winning bids for each participant are compiled and listed for ease of payment. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281721 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FAMILY-ORIENTED ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT - Systems and methods for facilitating online money management are provided. Parents may create accounts for themselves and their children. The children's accounts include savings, sharing, and spending sub-accounts. The parent's account may also include savings, sharing, and spending sub-accounts. A percentage of profit and/or revenue generated by the accounts are provided back to the children or their parents. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281722 | TEXT-TO-BUY WAP APPLICATION SERVER - An electronic platform ( | 2008-11-13 |
20080281723 | Automated sales support method & device - A system and method for notifying salespersons of customer communications including a target item is provided. Individual customers are mapped to one or more salespersons. Target items of interest to a salesperson are defined and a salesperson is associated with a customer. For each salesperson, on-line communication channels are monitored for the occurrence of a communications involving a customer associated with the salesperson and including a target item defined by the salesperson. When such an occurrence happens, a notification is directed to the salesperson. Salesperson access to the system and customer access to the on-line communication channels requires authorization. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281724 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR REFERENCING TRADING AGREEMENTS - An electronic commerce system supports on-line stores that are accessible by a set of buyers. Each buyer is associated with one of a set of one or more organizations. The electronic commerce system includes the ability to define a base trading agreement with terms and conditions for associated buyers and on-line stores, store settings with terms and conditions associated with one of the on-line stores, and customer preferences trading agreements, associated with organizations. The system includes an application interface for returning a set of governing terms and conditions for a buyer-store electronic commerce session, based on the associated base, store settings and customer preferences trading agreements. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281725 | Methods and Systems for Selling Shoes at a Hosted Shoe Party - Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to methods and systems for selling shoes to guests at a hosted shoe party, in which a mobile onsite shoe inventory unit is stocked with an inventory of available shoes in a range of sizes and is transported to the location of the hosted shoe party. A sample of every shoe in the available shoe inventory is displayed to the guests at the hosted shoe party and shoes, in the correct size, are made available to shoe party guests as requested. All orders to purchase shoes may be fulfilled instantly from the stocked mobile onsite shoe inventory unit and payment may be received. The host of the shoe party may receive an incentive for hosting the party and inviting the guests. After each shoe party the mobile onsite shoe inventory unit may be restocked with new inventory for the next shoe party. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281726 | Credit and transaction systems - An Internet-coupled transaction service has a link to a computer appliance coupled to a merchant site, the computer appliance operated by a person who has selected one or more products or services to purchase at the merchant site, and who has selected, through the merchant site, the transaction service to arrange payment, and software executing from a computer-readable medium accessible to the service. The transaction service, via the software verifies the identity of the person, determines a credit worthiness for the person, and the score being sufficient, arranges payment to be made to the merchant on behalf of the person, and arranges repayment terms with the person for the payment to the merchant. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281727 | Method of applying to purchase or lease a unit in a multiunit building or building complex - A computer-implemented method is provided for applying to purchase or lease a unit in a multiunit building or building complex. An administration computer is provided for hosting a plurality of electronic applications for purchase or lease of a unit in a multiunit building or building complex, hosting one or more contributors, and hosting a plurality of reviewers. Each electronic application includes one or more electronic documents that are useful for evaluating factors relevant to an applicant's potential purchase or lease of the unit. The one or more contributors and the plurality of reviewers interact with an electronic application via an electronic network. The one or more contributors contribute to the one or more electronic documents of the electronic application so as to produce the electronic application. The plurality of reviewers access the one or more electronic documents of the electronic application so as to review the electronic documents and decide whether to accept the application. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281728 | Method and instruments for sale of personal care products - Disclosed in this specification is a system for selecting a desired personal care product from a database of such products. The system scans the target application to determine the digital color value of the target. The resulting color value is converted into a standardized color value for comparison to a list of products with reference digital color values. A suggested product is found by searching the list for products whose reference color value closely matches the standardized color value obtained from the scan. The system is further capable of tracking customer data, sales history, and a variety of similar functions. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281729 | Method of Developing, Inventorying and Distributing Content - A method of developing, inventorying and distributing content with particular applicability to the advertising industry with regard to how agencies may be compensated by advertisers for the development of this content. The method may include the steps of developing a plurality of concepts conceived by at least one creative team working for an agency and inventorying the plurality of concepts in a first computer system. Each one of the plurality of concepts may be saved as a computer file during the inventorying step. The method may further include testing the plurality of concepts to determine at least one winning concept conceived by a winning creative team and a plurality of unselected concepts, distributing the winning concept to an advertiser via electronic transmission to a second computer system, wherein the advertiser is permitted to use the winning concept for a period of time in return for consideration, and sharing rights in at least one unselected concept with the advertiser and the winning creative team. Also included may be a step of allocating a portion of the consideration to the winning creative team. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281730 | Method and system for digital image inventors and claims processing - An electronic system for inventorying shipments of items and processing claims for damages to those items. Furthermore, the system also generates digital image inventories of shipments and processes claims for damages. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281731 | Customer support system, an office system, a customer support center, a supply center and a customer support method - Resupply, recycling and exchange of consumption items of office apparatuses made by two or more manufacturers can be facilitated by a customer support center, a supply center, office systems and customer support terminals connected via a communication network, wherein an apparatus management database, a cost and supply information database, an analysis database, and a supply management database are installed at appropriate locations, each associated with functional units such as a data acquisition unit, a data analysis unit, a report generating unit and the like for issuing purchase orders, recycling orders, exchange orders and office system improvement proposals. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281732 | Battery Exchange Service System and Charging Method Therefor, and Portable Device - There is provided a service system that allows a user to charge and repeatedly use a secondary battery and exchanges a battery pack for a charged battery pack. There is provided a battery exchange service system in which a terminal is connected to a management server. The terminal includes an information obtaining unit that obtains battery information and user information; a charging and discharging unit that charges and discharges a battery pack; and a power information generation unit that generates information on an amount of electricity based on the charging and discharging by the charging and discharging unit. The management server includes a battery information database that stores battery information distributed in the battery exchange service system; a contractor information database that stores contractor information for the battery exchange service system; a battery information verification unit that verifies the battery information by the battery information stored in the battery information database; a user information verification unit that verifies the user information by the contractor information stored in the contractor information database; and a charge calculation unit that calculates a charge based on the information on the amount of electricity. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281733 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTHORIZING ELECTRONIC PAYMENT TRANSACTIONS - A transaction authorization system comprises an authorization engine ( | 2008-11-13 |
20080281734 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INTEGRATED CREDIT APPLICATION AND TAX REFUND ESTIMATION - Systems and methods for handling multiple aspects of the acquisition of products and/or services, such as vehicles, are provided in a unified and streamlined fashion. Through an integrated credit application and tax refund estimation service application/systems, credit application-related data and non-overlapping tax-related data is captured. A tax refund is estimated based upon the tax-related data and at least a portion of the credit application-related data. Upon a determination to utilize at least a portion of the estimated tax refund as at least a portion of a down payment on a loan, at least a portion of the estimated tax refund is incorporated into a deal structure of the loan, and a credit application including the deal structure and at least the credit application-related data is submitted for a decision. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281735 | CONSTRUCTION PAYMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD WITH DOCUMENT EXCHANGE FEATURES - Systems and methods for managing a construction payment process. One construction of the system includes a computer readable memory and a software enabled user interface. A process is configured to display to a payee via the user interface an electronic notification of a pending payment and a request for an electronically signed document such as a lien waiver. The processor of this construction is further configured to receive the electronically signed document, store it to a computer readable memory, and initiate payment. In some constructions, the processor is further configured to display the electronically signed document to the payer only after payment has been initiated. In some constructions, the processor is further configured to verify that requirements are fulfilled before initiating payment. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281736 | BYTE-BASED METHOD, PROCESS AND ALGORITHM FOR SERVICE-ORIENTED AND UTILITY INFRASTRUCTURE USAGE MEASUREMENT, METERING, AND PRICING - A method for accounting for data processing system service usage is provided. The method comprises monitoring a total environmental consumption related to an information technology resource, determining a percentage of the information technology resource used by a customer, and determining an environmental factor corresponding to a product of the percentage of the information technology resource used by the customer with the total environmental consumption related to the information technology resource and integrating the product over a billing period. The method further comprises determining an information technology factor corresponding to a sum of a total network usage, a total storage usage, and a total processor usage for the customer over the billing period, determining a total bill for the customer according to the environmental factor and the information technology factor, and storing the total bill for the customer in a computer-readable medium. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281737 | System and Method for Authenticating the Identity of a User - A system for authenticating the identity of a user comprising a user and an authenticating party, where the user enters identifying information to a web page associated with the authenticating party along with details of a communication identifier, the authenticating party generates a unique passkey and sends a communications message including the unique passkey to the user by way of the communication identifier, the user then operable to enter a passkey using an appropriate mechanism provided for at the web page and where the authenticating party authenticates the identity of the user in accordance with the result of a comparison between the passkey entered via the web page and the generated unique passkey. The system can also be performed by entering information and receiving information via a second destination address. Further embodiments describe a system for transferring credit of a mobile phone or SIM card to a new mobile phone on authentication of the identity of a user. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281738 | Automated Compliance Management of Endowments Throughout Their Life Cycle - A method, system and program are disclosed for the automated enforcement of compliance controls for a plurality of endowments throughout their lifecycles, comprised of life cycle phases that include: requisition, qualification, authorization, provision, obligation, termination, and end of life. Compliance controls for endowment objectives, constraints, resources, and results is similarly enforced. An on-line request is made for an endowment, which is automatically transitioned from one life cycle phase to another once predetermined compliance control metrics have been enforced and met. Transition through each of the endowment's life cycle phases is further controlled by the automated enforcement of predetermined compliance control metrics for endowment objectives, constraints, resources, and results. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281739 | Automated administration of endowments throughout their life cycle - A method, system and program are disclosed for the automated administration of a plurality of endowments throughout their life cycles, comprised of life cycle phases which include: requisition, qualification, authorization, provision, obligation, termination, and end of life. Endowment objectives, constraints, resources, and results are similarly administered. An on-line request is made for an endowment, which is automatically transitioned from one life cycle phase to another once predetermined criteria have been met. Transition through each of the endowment's life cycle phases is further bounded by predetermined endowment objectives, constraints, resources, and results. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281740 | SECURE CARD WITH STORED BIOMETRIC DATA AND METHOD FOR USING THE SECURE CARD - A secure card comprising biometric data of an individual for identifying or confirming authority of the individual is disclosed. Prior to issuing the secure card a cardholder's biometric data is stored in the secure cards memory. When the secure card is used the cardholder inputs biometric data. This input biometric data is then compared to the biometric data stored in the card. If the input biometric data matches the stored biometric data the identity of the cardholder is confirmed. The secure card also comprises a transparent input area to separate the cardholder from an identity verification machine. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281741 | DATA NETWORK ASSOCIATION FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES - A system is provided for consolidating financial information to allow multiple advisors to advise a customer with respect to financial products and/or services. Account data from a plurality of financial institutions is brought together in a computer implemented front end program having network access to each of the accounts. Each advisor can access this single environment. The customer has control over what type of account data each advisor can view, edit or transact with. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281742 | Pension Fund Systems - A method, for use for example in pension scheme defeasance, comprises providing to an entity a financial instrument which undertakes to pay to the entity, at regular points in time within a specified duration, sums according to a schedule of payment amounts associated with the financial instrument, the scheduled payment amounts being arranged to match with the expected cash flow obligations of a pension scheme to its members. At a re-set point in time the schedule of payment amounts is re-set such that the entity will receive an adjusted payment amount calculated to be the aggregate of nominal cash flows to be paid to the pension scheme members adjusted to take into account the actual cumulative mortality experience of the pension scheme prior to the re-set point in time. Calculations for carrying out the method may be made using a data processing system. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281743 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETECTING FRAUD IN A CREDIT CARD TRANSACTION OVER THE INTERNET - A method and system for detecting fraud in a credit card transaction between consumer and a merchant over the internet. The method and system comprises obtaining credit card information relating to the transaction from the consumer; and verifying the credit card information based upon a variety of parameters. The variety of parameters are weighted so as to provide a merchant with a quantifiable indication of whether the credit card transaction is fraudulent. In so doing, an integrated verification system is provided which allows a merchant, or the like, to accurately and efficiently determine the validity of a transaction over the internet. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281744 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE LIQUIDITY OF A CREDIT - The present invention relates to a credit index, a system and method for structuring a credit index, a system and method for operating a credit index, and a system and method for determining the liquidity of a credit. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281745 | System And Method For Requesting A Support Service From An Electronic Trading System - A system for providing a support service includes a memory and one or more processors. The memory stores context information associated with a trader of a trading system. The processors provide a button that when selected initiates the communication of a support service request requesting a support service for the trader. The processors receive the support service request. A communication session with a support entity is established in order to provide the support service to a client system of the trader, where the communication session allows the support entity to communicate with the client system. The processors send the context information to the support entity. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281746 | Computer-based method of commodity trading automation - The present invention introduces a method which may be implemented on a variety of computer systems. The method of the present invention can be used for commodity trading automation and provides the core components to build an actual system and use it for position and risk management, valuation, settlement, scheduling and other commodity trading processes. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281747 | RATING ENGINE FOR ENVIRONMENTALLY RELEVANT ITEMS - Methods and systems for facilitating exchange of rights associated with environmentally relevant items are provided. The methods and systems may include identifying a type of environmentally relevant item recognized by a market associated with an environmentally relevant action and providing a user interface whereby a user may access a rating relating to a particular environmentally relevant item. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281748 | License market, license contracts and method for trading license contracts - A license exchange is provided that allows for companies who desire to obtain licenses for intellectual property and speculators to bid in order to set pricing for license contracts that provide for market rates to be set for such licenses. The exchange insures liquidity for such license contracts by providing market makers, scarcity features or modules and predetermined trading periods. In an embodiment the exchange may provide an electronic auction where license contracts may be traded by parties including patentees who may wish to avoid litigation and obtain fair and reasonable royalties for the patents underlying the license contracts being traded. The exchange also provides an alternate licensing resolution process where IP can be evaluated with respect to validity, valuated to determine a fair license rate and auctioned to licensees in a transparent bidding process. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281749 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR HIGH-YIELD RETURNS IN RISKLESS-PRINCIPAL INTEREST RATE/YIELD ARBITRAGE - A system, method and strategy of investment can be executed in any currency and amount and, when constructed, can be executed and closed in certain steps to result in a pre-defined, guaranteed and quantifiable level of profitability for an investment without risk that the principal investment amount will be lost or depleted. The system, method and strategy also simultaneously guarantees the following results for all other transaction participants: (a) a pre-defined level of profit for the Investor and/or his Asset Manager (“Manager”) and the lender for the refinancing or discounting; (b) an option to call which when executed by the original issuer of the instruments will result in a profit for the original issuer (e.g. insurance companies, banks, brokerage firms, financial institutions, and/or corporations); (c) an exit strategy that allows each and every participant in the transaction to exit its original position without exposure to ongoing currency fluctuations, changes in interest rates and yields, or default by the issuers of financial products. | 2008-11-13 |