47th week of 2008 patent applcation highlights part 60 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20080288349 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ONLINE INTERACTIVE COMMUNICATION - Systems and methods of providing interactive online communication are described. A chat enabled communication is transmitted over a network to a user via a browser hosted on a user terminal, wherein the communication is provided to the user in association with search results at least partly in response to a search query from the user, and wherein the communication includes a chat control. A connection is made between a chat server and a chat interface associated with the communication, wherein the chat interface including a text entry and display area, and wherein the connection is made after the user has activated the chat control and/or taken an action that satisfies a first chat connection rule. A chat agent is then connected to the chat interface in order to participate in a chat session. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288350 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENABLING ADVERTISERS TO PURCHASE ADVERTISEMENT SPACE IN VIDEO GAMES - The present invention provides a method for advertisers to send messages to targeted audiences in a video game. The messages are multimedia in nature (images and movies) and displayed in non-game play areas of games so that it does not interfere with the game play experience of the game player. The game playing audience is targeted based on the game itself and the type of game. The advertiser selects the demographic information of the gamers (collectively consumers of games, or game players) they want to reach and when the game requests ads from the server, the server matches the game and game type to the advertiser's request. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288351 | System and Method for Facilitating Electronic Financial Transactions Using a Mobile Telecommunication Device - A transaction processing system for processing a transaction between a supplier and a customer, said system comprising a supplier device for initiating the transaction, a system server and a mobile communication device, said device containing a message processing program module for enabling local verification of the transaction within the mobile device, wherein a transaction message is sent from the supplier device to the system server, a message requesting payment for the transaction is sent from the system server to the mobile communication device, the transaction is authorised and verified at the mobile telecommunications device from which a verification message is sent back to the system server, and the transaction is then processed. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288352 | Method and apparatus for interactive individualized gifting and method for feedback of receipt of same - Disclosed is a convenient and effectively immediate gifting method for who wants to interactively gift via a service provider by specific identification of a gift recipient, choosing a gift from among gifts available from the service provider or a partner thereof, and providing a message for relaying to the gift recipient. When the recipient accesses the service provider a gift notification is presented, allowing the recipient to redeem the gift and access the gift. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288353 | Interactive marketing network and process using electronic certificates - A data processing system issuing electronic certificates through “online” networks of personal computers, televisions, or other devices with video monitors or telephones. Each electronic certificate includes transaction data and identification data, and can be printed out on a printing device linked to a consumer's personal input device, or electronically stored in a designated data base until a specified expiration date. The certificate can be used for various purposes, including use as a coupon for a discounted price on a product or service, proof of a gift or award, proof of reservation, or proof of payment. Consumers access the data processing system online, browse among their choices, and make their selections. The data processing system provides reports on the selected certificates and their use following selection. Certificate issuers also have online access to the data processing system and can create or revise offers, and provide various instructions pertaining to the certificates, including limitations as to the number of certificates to be issued in total and to each individual consumer. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288354 | Location-Aware Adaptive Advertising - A system and method of advertising based on the automatic determination of an advertising recipient's location and inferences of preferences derived from usage behaviors is disclosed. The advertising recipient's location that is considered in delivering a specific advertisement may be the current location or one or more historical locations. Proximity considerations with regard to other people, locations, or physical objects may influence the advertisement that is to be delivered. The advertisement may be delivered to a mobile device that has location-aware capabilities such as a Global Positioning System-based system. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288355 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR LOCATION BASED MATCHING AND PROMOTION - Systems and methods for profile matching and promotion. Location-related data and other profile characteristics are used for promotion and for matching of businesses, venues and other entities with user specified criteria. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288356 | DISPLAYING PAID SEARCH LISTINGS IN PROPORTION TO ADVERTISER SPENDING - In a pay for placement database search system, in which advertisers pay to include their search listings in a database to be provided with search results in response to queries from searchers, each advertiser decides how much money he wants to spend on a search term. The search provider displays the advertisers' listings in proportion to the amount of money the respective advertisers spend. This permits the advertisers to subscribe to the database search system, deciding how much to pay for a subscription for a predetermined time period. The search provider can recommend an optimal spend amount for the advertisers. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288357 | RESTAURANT PATRON LOCATION TRACKING AND TABLE TURN MONITORING SYSTEM - A restaurant facility patron location tracking system that includes a restaurant networked table management system and portable pucks that have an ID chip reader which associates with a table with a ID chip located at the table, thereby allowing for the real-time monitoring and updating of location of customers within the facility. The system is programmed to associate the customer location to the food order number and allows users to query the system to determine the location of a patron by food order number or to query the system to determine the food order number by location. The networked system is a networked control, communication and display system with one or more monitoring stations and wireless communication with portable pagers and the pucks. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288358 | Funds collection tools and techniques - Tax collection tools and techniques automatically and electronically separate tax amounts from other funds in a commercial transaction, and divert the collected tax into a holding fund. The holding fund bears income, at little or no risk. Funds collected are tracked, as are their payment due dates, and tax payments are made automatically from the holding fund to tax authorities in a timely manner on behalf of merchants. Income from the holding fund may be distributed among various parties. Collection of debt, whether taxes or otherwise, through automatic incremental billing is also described. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288359 | METHOD, SYSTEM, AND PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR CUSTOMIZING EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS - The invention provides a method, system, and program product for preparing customized educational materials. The invention may include, for example, receiving input from a user regarding the user's preferences for educational materials, retrieving core educational materials from a repository, accepting dynamic educational materials, and assembling the customized educational materials using the core educational materials, the dynamic educational materials, and the user's preferences. The invention may further include scheduling the delivery of the customized educational materials to a user. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288360 | Online birthday register - Online birthday register software system, allowing a user to register his personal information including birth date online. The system allows a user to search for and select gifts by category and sub category and provides a method for the user to select gifts and to print customized gift certificates. The gift certificates and proof of birth date can be presented to participating businesses for redeeming free or discounted gifts. The software system provides a method for participating businesses to monitor the birthday register site for user gift selection and buying activities. The facilitator of the online site has the ability to monitor the certificate activity of the users so that the facilitator can charge participating businesses a referral fee for each gift certificate. The software system is capable of matching zip codes of registered users to zip codes of local businesses. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288361 | System and method for lead generation and lead demand fulfillment - A method and a system of lead generation and lead demand fulfillment are provided. In example embodiments, a first environment may be maintained for a first party to present information related to an on sale transaction lead that the first party is interested in selling; a second environment may be maintained for a second party to present information related to a demanded transaction lead, that the second party is interested in buying; and a third environment may be provided to facilitate a transaction between the first party and the second party, including a sale and purchase of a transaction lead. In an example embodiment, a lead referral system for facilitating a lead referral network expansion in an online transaction lead auction system may be presented. In an example embodiment, the system may include a first and a second user interface to receive information and a server to process the received information. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288362 | ONLINE SHOPPING SYSTEMS AND METHODS THAT INCLUDE A GAMING EXPERIENCE FOR SHOPPERS - Systems and methods for conducting or facilitating online shopping transactions that include gaming experiences for buyers/shoppers are disclosed. An exemplary method includes receiving a request to purchase an item which is offered for sale by an online seller from an online buyer/shopper, and, in response to receiving said request to purchase the item, determining an actual sales price of the item from among the plurality of possible sales prices using a gaming mechanism. According to one aspect of the invention, the gaming mechanism operates to determine the actual sales price in response to the buyer's/shopper's interaction with attributes of the gaming mechanism displayed to the buyer/shopper via, for example, an Internet browser. Generating visual attributes of a gaming mechanism for an online buyer/shopper to view and interact with during an online shopping transaction makes the online shopping experience a more exciting and enjoyable process, compared to prior art online shopping approaches. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288363 | Recording medium, information processing system and information processing method - An information processing system processes commodity order acceptance information generated in an online store. The system includes: a recording medium for a charging process for settling a charge imposed on purchase or lending of a commodity from an online store; a recording apparatus for recording delivery destination information indicative of a delivery destination of the commodity into the recording medium; a reading apparatus for reading the delivery destination information from the recording medium; and an information processing apparatus for commodity order acceptance connected to the reading apparatus, accepting an order or selection of the commodity, generating commodity order acceptance information. The information processing apparatus notifies an information processing apparatus for commodity order acceptance and delivery of commodity order acceptance information by which the delivery destination information read by the reading apparatus and commodity selection information obtained by order acceptance or commodity selection are associated with each other. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288364 | CONSTRUCTION PROJECT SUBMITTAL MANAGEMENT - A network based construction project management system. The system includes network accessible databases of project information including drawings and specifications. The system allows for varying amount of access for various user including general contractors, subcontractors, architects and project owners. The system allows for the effective creation, management and long term accessible storage of project submittals. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288365 | METHODS, MEDIA, AND SYSTEMS FOR PAYMENT DETERMINATION - A content management system distributes items of media content to groups of users. The media is fingerprinted and tracked for reporting purposes. The system uses an algorithm to compensate for multiple content owners. The system can also be configured to provide content while still providing anonymity for actual use. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288366 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR THE EXCHANGE OF GOODS OVER THE INTERNET - The present invention contemplates a computer-implemented, currency-based method and system for the exchange of goods over the internet. The invention provides and maintains an exchange web site and an overall list of items available for exchange. The exchange provides and maintains a medium of exchange, the units of which are termed ‘flips’, and assigns an exchange value in flips to each item offered for exchange. The exchange also provides and maintains an account for each user. The exchange includes a central computer and a database that maintains a separate library for each user that lists all items offered for exchange by that user, and a separate wish list for each user that lists all items desired for exchange by that user. The central computer analyzes data records input by users to find items that have been offered for exchange by at least one user and are desired for exchange by at least one user. When such an item is found, the central computer selects a first user who offers the item and selects a second user who desires the item to participate in an exchange. The central computer sends contact information regarding the second user to the first user and instructs the first user to send the item to the second user. The central computer deducts the cost, in flips, of the item from the account of the second user, credits the cost, in flips, of the item to the account of the first user, and charges a transaction fee to the second user. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288367 | System and Method For Interacting With a Plurality of Content Receivers - A system and method are described that allow TV viewers to play a game wherein a bidder submitting a lowest unique bid wins an auction article or its cash equivalent. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288368 | Real-time pricing of shipping vendors - Systems and methods for real-time pricing of shipping vendors are provided. Various shipping vendors may be queried concerning shipping specifications. Some embodiments provide for a query to be transmitted to a shipping vendor through an interface associated with the particular shipping vendor. In response to the query, real-time pricing information associated with the shipping specifications is received and displayed to a user. Upon the user designating a shipping vendor, customized shipping labels for each shipping vendor may be generated. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288369 | Next Generation Eyewear Retailing - In one embodiment, a method of viewing eyewear products is provided, which includes capturing a digital image of a consumer; standardizing the digital image of the consumer to a set coordinate system, providing a database containing a collection of eyewear images, wherein the images represent actual products for sale, searching the database of eyewear images using criteria input by the consumer, selecting an eyewear image from the search results, superimposing the selected eyewear image onto the digital image of the consumer to give the appearance of the consumer wearing the eyewear, and viewing the image of the eyewear superimposed on the consumer. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288370 | Business Method and System Related to a Fashionable Items Utilizing Internet - A method and system of B2C e-commerce for placing an order to purchase fashionable items for minimizing the return rate after selling via the Internet. The order is placed by a first banner window at seller's website for displaying a prerecorded digital video image of a model of the same or similar size of the buyer wearing the clothes that the buyer wants to purchase, and a second banner window for displaying a static digital image of the model for synthesizing the face of model, hair patterns, foot-wear or accessories such as necklace, earrings, hairpin, or sunglasses selected by the buyer from the database of the system. This provides a technology to reduce the return rate by checking the fashionable products whether suitable with the figure and face image of the buyer before placing an order through a cyber fashion show and synthesizing the image for confirming coordination. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288371 | Internet based method and process for facilitating the presentation, sale, purchase, development and management of creative ideas concepts and content - The present invention provides a internet based method and process for facilitating the submission, presentation, sale, purchase, development, and management of creative ideas, concepts and or content that generally comprises computer software, including internet web page based code, and methods of applications for providing clients, or creative contents buyers and creative content providers, more particularly with an internet based website that serves as an interface between clients looking for creative content and providers of creative content including but not limited in use to, video artists, photographers, writers, musicians, graphic artists, animators, etc., and which will serve as a development and or production management platform for the content contained therein. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288372 | Virtual Bundles - Virtual bundles of purchasable products are created by a person external to an electronic commerce site. In a preferred embodiment, the virtual bundles are associated with custom store accessible only by members of a group associated with the external administrator. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288373 | Method for Assisting Selection of a Build Ahead Configuration For Use in Supplying an Ordered Product - A method is provided for use in connection with build ahead configurations (BAC's), for enabling a manufacturer to quickly identify the available BAC that is most suitable for use in completing a product order. In one embodiment, directed to a method for increasing efficiency in constructing individual products of a particular product type, each individual product has an associated specification set. A number of BAC's are initially constructed, wherein each BAC comprises an at least partially complete product of the particular type, and likewise has an associated specification set. An order is received for an individual product of the particular type, wherein the order defines each specification in the specification set for the ordered product. Respective specifications for the ordered product are compared with the specifications of each BAC, in order to calculate a metric for each BAC, wherein the metric for a given BAC represents the effort required to modify the given BAC to conform to all specifications set of the ordered product. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288374 | PHILANTHROPY MANAGEMENT APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHODS OF USE AND DOING BUSINESS - A philanthropic donation management system and methods of use and doing business. The system includes a computing server in communication with a communications network, such as the Internet, a LAN, or a WAN. The computing server maintains information about charitable projects and provides remote users and others with management tools for inputting information about charitable projects, pre-approving or otherwise assessing them, and accessing and managing charitable project information, portfolios, user team member information and access. The system can provide a business based on, for example, providing system, access, charitable fund management, and charitable donation transaction fees. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288375 | Media Distribution Reporting System, Apparatus, Method and Software - An exemplary media distribution reporting system is couplable through a network to a plurality of media players. The exemplary system comprises a memory storing a database having media usage data; and a second media reporting server, the second media reporting server coupled to the memory and adapted to receive from each media player, of the plurality of media players, corresponding data comprising a user identification, an identification of first media, an identification of a plurality of second media inserted into the first media, a date, a time, any user payment amount for the first media; the second media reporting server further adapted to combine the corresponding data from the plurality of media players to generate the media usage data; and the second media reporting server further adapted to generate a plurality of media usage reports for allocation of revenue and payment among a plurality of users, first media providers, and second media providers. Exemplary methods and software are also disclosed. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288376 | Centralized payment hub method and system - Embodiments described herein include an electronic transaction service network (also referred to herein as a centralized electronic transaction (CET) service). In another embodiment, a financial management system hosts a “central payment hub” version of the CET service. The central payment hub is an industrial utility in that multiple financial institutions all participate in a central service that can be offered to their respective customers. All of the customers (both individuals and small businesses) of the various institutions come to one consolidated payment hub. For example a Bank of America invoice can come into the payment hub, and a Wells Fargo invoice can come into the payment hub. The payment hub is a shared utility across multiple financial institutions. The payment hub features a single registration at the payment hub across all of the participating financial institutions. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288377 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING REFERENCE COST OF FRAUD DATA RELATED TO FINANCIAL PRESENTATION DEVICES THAT ARE PRESENTABLE TO PROVIDERS OF GOODS OR SERVICES - A system for providing industry-wide reference cost of fraud data related to financial presentation devices that are presentable to providers of goods and services is provided. A fraud assessment module executable by a processor of the system receives, from multiple business entities, sales data and operating cost data both related to financial presentation devices. The fraud assessment module determines, based on the received data, the reference cost of fraud data including a direct fraud loss, fraud operating cost and opportunity cost for use by individual entities as benchmark cost of fraud data. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288378 | Processing system for recording media content - A method and system are provided in which a user is enabled to record, for example, a song or other radio and/or video content, on demand, and to account for and process appropriate payment for the use of the recorded content. The recorded material is saved and indexed by title and is retrievable for subsequent review, tabulation and/or playing at the user's convenience. In one example, a user is enabled to record received media content by pressing a single “ADD” button at any time while a favorite song is being received and played. The song then being played together with the title of the song or video presentation are then saved to memory for subsequent retrieval and playing. The received content is accounted for and tabulated and a payment for the use of the recorded song is processed by the user in accordance with a predetermined payment schedule. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288379 | Construction payment management system and method with automated electronic document generation features - A system and method for managing a construction payment process. One method embodying the invention can include generating a budget for a construction project, receiving an invoice amount from at least one participant in the construction project, generating at least one of an automated invoice and an automated sworn statement based on the invoice amount and the budget, generating at least one automated lien waiver based on at least one of the automated invoice and the automated sworn statement, and electronically executing at least one of the automated invoice, the automated sworn statement, and the at least one automated lien waiver to create at least one of a legally-binding invoice, a legally-binding sworn statement, and a legally-binding lien waiver. Another method embodying the invention can include electronically receiving a lien waiver from a participant in a construction project, electronically transmitting payment to the participant in response to receipt of the lien waiver, and releasing the lien waiver in response to the payment. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288380 | Method and System for Providing Streamed Game Software on Portable Terminal - A system and method for providing streaming game software for a portable terminal are provided. The system includes a software producer, a service provider, a portable terminal, and a billing device. The software producer produces streaming software, and the service provider provides the software in a streaming mode. The portable terminal creates virtual computing resources by virtualizing and amplifying real computing resources for executing software and executes streaming software provided from the service provider based on the amplified virtual computing resource. The billing devices collects billing information, and calculates a cost according to a billing policy set based on the collected billing information. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288381 | STUDENT HOUSING INVESTMENT PROCESS - A method of investing in a multi-unit residential property used for housing students registered with and attending a academic or quasi-academic institution. The residential property is configured to include common areas and one or more apartments, wherein each apartment further includes common areas and one or more bedroom spaces. Ownership interest in the property is transferred from a first entity to a second entity, and fractional ownership interests in the property are transferred from the second entity to one or more third entities. Factional ownership interest in the property includes occupancy rights to a specific bedroom space. The exclusive ownership interest in the specific bedroom space extends further to include non-exclusive ownership interest with accessibility and usage rights to the common areas associated with the apartment having the specific bedroom space and with the property. Criteria for acquiring, occupying, and/or retaining the fractional ownership interest in the property are established by the second entity. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288382 | Methods and Systems for Early Fraud Protection - Embodiments of the invention provide for improved early detection of fraud through user-defined monitoring of financial account information and communication of alerts and notifications of user-defined individualized potentially-fraudulent account activity to users. Embodiments of the invention permit an account fraud detection service provider to provide account monitoring services. The user may use the fraud detection service provider to monitor any number and type of financial accounts, and the user may define account notification rules or filters under which the user may choose to be notified of certain potentially-fraudulent account activities. The user may receive alerts and/or notifications of the user-selected account activities using a method selected by the user, and may therefore maintain awareness of account activities and be alerted of any troubling activity in a manner most convenient and effective for the user's needs. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288383 | System and process for protected retirement asset management - In one aspect, the invention comprises a system for the management and administration of a longevity policy funded by a retirement account comprising: (a) a means for creating a customized longevity policy by predicting future economic performance based on client data and (b) a means of servicing the customized longevity policy. In another aspect, the invention comprises a method of funding and administering a longevity policy comprising: (a) creating a longevity policy; (b) transferring the asset fee from a retirement account to the longevity policy on a systematic basis; (c) providing statements regarding the longevity policy; (d) distributing benefit payments to the longevity policy holder on a systematic basis; (e) allowing the asset fee and starting age to be adjusted. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288384 | System for automatic financial transaction notifications over wireless network or other network - In a method and system for automatically notifying a user when financial transactions (e.g., debit card transactions and credit card transactions) are carried out in association with the user's credit card or other financial account, each time a financial transaction is completed, a notification message is generated and transmitted to a user-designated terminal. Examples include transmitting e-mails, other text messages, or audio messages to the user's home computer terminal or mobile phone or other wireless unit. The notification message contains information identifying the user account and specifying the nature of the transaction, such as monetary amount, time of day and date, and where the transaction occurred. The notification is generated and transmitted substantially immediately after the transaction is completed. This way, a user is informed of each transaction separately and substantially contemporaneously with when the transaction is carried out, allowing users to intuitively assess the transaction from a time sense. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288385 | Method and system for preventing card fraud - A method and system for preventing card fraud include obtaining card event information of a card user from a provider such as a card issuer, a merchant, a retailer, etc., during a card event between the card user and the provider. The card event information is compared with known fraudulent information stored in a database. An alert is sent to the provider if there is a match between the card event information and the known fraudulent information. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288386 | Method of Systematic Trend-Following - This invention relates to alternative, synthesisable trend-following strategy, based on a rolling, delta-spliced lookback straddle. This operates like a conventional lookback straddle, except that the time to expiry, rather than monotonically running down to zero, is reset where possible to that of a ‘younger’ straddle, provided that the delta of the two straddles does not differ by more than a specified amount. It is more computationally efficient than prior art approaches; further, it does not lead to positions being prematurely liquidated. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288387 | SYSTEM, METHOD AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR IMPLEMENTING A MUNICIPAL ARBITRAGE PORTFOLIO (MAP) IN AN INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 FUND (1940 ACT FUND) - A system, method, and computer program product for implementing municipal arbitrage portfolios are set forth herein. A first investment fund that is compliant with the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the 1940 Act) uses a special purpose trust that: (i) issues at least a First Security funded at least in part by equity of the first investment fund, the First Security providing a series of residual interest payments to the first investment fund; (ii) issues at least one Second Security that results in a series of distributions to a second investment fund; and (iii) owns one or more municipal bonds. The first investment fund may have an obligation to reimburse a liquidity provider (LP) for losses incurred by the liquidity provider from performing its obligation to purchase the Second Security upon tender by a holder. Consolidation of the municipal bonds held by the special purpose trust on the balance sheet of the first investment fund is avoided by using one or more step out transactions. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288388 | Method of Conducting a Due Diligence Procedure in a Business Transaction - A method of conducting a due diligence procedure of a contemplated, continuing or follow-up business transaction between first and second parties generally consisting of devising a list of inquiries, assigning values to such inquiries, establishing levels of risk exposure due to each response to such inquiries, eliciting responses to such inquiries and the assignment of a level of risk exposure to each of such responses, and evaluating the relevant risk exposure in proceeding with such transaction by a consideration of the values assigned to such inquiries and the assigned levels of risk exposure to responses to such inquires. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288389 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING EMBEDDED RECEIVER NOTES - Systems and methods are provided for providing an embedded receiver note which includes a swaption embedded in a bond. If a reference rate exceeds a strike rate of the swaption, a note holder receives a par value of the note. If the reference rate is lower than the strike rate of the swaption, the note is extended with an exercised swaption. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288390 | COMPLEX ORDER LEG SYNCHRONIZATION - A system is provided for trading complex orders for financial instruments, including complex orders that include legs that are to be executed on different markets. The legs of the order are optionally specified to be executed in a particular ratio, at net price, and/or at a range of net prices. The system halts trading for all legs in one market, determines a quantity and price to execute a second leg of the order on the other market to achieve a specified ratio or net price and then submits the second leg for execution on the other market if the second leg remains marketable on the other market. If an execution is received from the other market, then the legs in the first market are executed and the series unfrozen. If the other market has not responded after a predetermined time, then the legs in the first market are unfrozen and trading continues. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288391 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATICALLY INPUTTING, MONITORING AND TRADING SPREADS - A method and system for providing dynamic display of electronic trading information for trading spreads. The method and system allow spreads to be automatically inputted, executed and monitored on one or more trading exchanges. The method and system also allows inputting and monitoring of the spreads from one or more graphical windows on a graphical user interface. The method and system provide automatic generation of one or more legs of an automatic spread and automatic readjustment of desired market limit prices using one or more pre-determined spread trading factors and market depth information to maintain the desired price differential for the automatic spread. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288392 | MERCHANT APPLICATION AND UNDERWRITING SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A method for establishing credit services with a merchant account using a computer system comprises receiving at a server computer application information on a merchant applying for a credit service. The application information is stored in a database. At the server computer, a request from a credit investigator is received to view at least some of the application information. The requested information is then sent to the credit investigator from the server computer. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288393 | Credit Worthiness Rating Method - A method of providing a credit worthiness rating, comprises receiving an identifier of an electronic device, such as a telephone number ( | 2008-11-20 |
20080288394 | Risk management system - An automated method and system ( | 2008-11-20 |
20080288395 | Method and apparatus for payment retrieval and review collection - A method for conducting a review including the step of detecting a payment request from a vendor; generating a review based on the payment request; and, transmitting a reference to the review to a customer, wherein the reference provides a link to retrieve the review. A system for performing the method is also described. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288396 | System and Method For Combined Reconciliation Of Co-Branded Card Promotion And Settlement Of Private Label Card Accounts - A system and method for combined reconciliation of co-branded card promotion and settlement of private label card accounts are disclosed. According to one embodiment, the method may include (1) establishing a first relationship with a merchant for promotion of a credit card, the first relationship including at least one merchant compensation term; (2) establishing a second relationship with the merchant for the administration of the merchant's private label credit card transactions, the second relationship including at least one issuer compensation term; (3) receiving a first financial information related to the first relationship; (4) receiving a second financial information related to the second relationship; and (5) determining an account balance for the merchant based on at least one of the first information, the second information, the at least one merchant compensation term, and the at least one issuer compensation term. According to another embodiment, the system may include a server in communication with an issuer, a merchant and a bank card network. The server may receive a first financial information related the merchant's promotion of a credit card and a second financial information related to the merchant's private label credit card transactions. The system may further include a database that stores merchant compensation terms and issuer compensation terms. The system may also include a processor that determines an account balance for the merchant based on the first information, the second information, the at least one merchant compensation term, and/or the at least one issuer compensation term. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288397 | Systems and Methods For Updating Remittance Data For Payees - Systems and methods for updating remittance information associated with a payee are disclosed, where a service provider receives updated remittance information associated with a payee and identifies a database entry associated with the payee that includes preexisting remittance information. The updated remittance information is then stored in association with the database entry as a potential replacement for the preexisting remittance information. A determination is then made as to whether a threshold value has been reached, where the threshold value is associated with a count of the number of times the updated remittance information has been previously received. Upon determining the threshold value has been reached, the preexisting remittance information is replaced with the updated remittance information in the database. The remittance information may include a payee's address or other information useful in directing a payment to the payee. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288398 | Cash sweep account platform system and method - An integrated banking transaction services (IBTS) module receives an instrument from a client to initiate a brokerage transaction between a broker-dealer and an investment firm. The IBTS module transmits a notification message to a broker-dealer that the instrument was presented. The IBTS module receives a confirmation message from the broker-dealer that includes information as to whether to pay the instrument. If the instrument is to be paid, the IBTS module transmits information associated with the brokerage transaction to a sub-accounting engine. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288399 | Ex vivo methods for testing organ system disruption - Properties such as toxicity of substances may be determined by assaying properties, fates and effects of substances in an ex vivo metabolically active human organ or tissue under normothermic perfusion with a fluid containing a test substance. The data can be used as, for example, part of a submission to a government regulatory organization. Preferred methods use perfused endocrine gland organs or tissues to evaluate hormone or other bodily chemical disruption caused by substances and pre-donation diseased or injured organs or tissues. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288400 | Centralized Payment Method and System for Online and Offline Transactions - Embodiments described herein include an electronic transaction service network (also referred to herein as a centralized electronic transaction (CET) service)=According to an embodiment, a financial management system hosts multiple CET web sites on behalf of multiple merchants. All transactions through any CET web site are executed and managed by the financial management system. Merchants may customize their web sites to include a branded look and feel. The merchant web sites are part of a CET service for which customer can register. Registered customers can then view and pay invoices from any merchants having CET web sites, whether purchases were made online or offline. Customers specify preferences for the CET service including choosing existing customer accounts from which the financial management system is to pay invoices on behalf of the customer. This eliminates the need for the customer to open and fund a separate payment account as in traditional methods. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288401 | Commercial self-service electronic cash transfer transaction system "person to person debit transfer system" - Disclosed is a system for transferring funds from ATM to ATM by performing a Debit Transfer transaction. The system provides the consumer with an alternative service for making a money transfer. Today, there is no commercial self-service electronic process in the market that enables the consumer to perform a money transfer transaction electronically directly from ATM to ATM. With Person-to-Person Debit Transfer System money can be sent from an ATM by a Cardholder and the recipient being an “unbanked” customer can pick up the funds without any type of credit card. The present invention provides a method for quick cash for emergencies for family members, business associates, students and “unbanked” customers. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288402 | Automated banking machine and system - A cash dispensing automated banking machine that operates in response to data read from user cards includes a cash dispenser, keypad, and a card reader. The card reader is operative to read data bearing records such as user cards that include financial account information. At least one computer in the automated banking machine is responsive to a keymap specified by at least one markup language document and is responsive to configuration data accessed by the automated banking machine, to selectively enable a subset of keys of the keypad to be capable of providing inputs operative to cause the automated banking machine to carry out a portion of a banking transaction. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288403 | PIN ENCRYPTION DEVICE SECURITY - An apparatus and method for securing transaction data, includes reading token data from a token using a read apparatus and encrypting the token data at the read apparatus, sending the encrypted token data to a security module over a communication link, and verifying the integrity of the communication link based on encrypted token data. The apparatus and method can further include receiving authentication data for the token and encrypting the authentication data within the security module, and combining the encrypted token data and encrypted authentication data into a transaction data stream. In various embodiments, a detection apparatus with plurality of read structures (for example, read gaps), can be used to provide additional information in verifying the integrity of the communication link comprises determining whether the read structures are detecting token data with a spatially diversity in accordance with a geometry of the read structures. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288404 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PAYMENT AUTHORIZATION AND CARD PRESENTATION USING PRE-ISSUED IDENTITIES - Systems and methods for authenticating a party are disclosed. A transaction may be initiated between a relying party and a presenter. The relying party can send the presenter a message with transaction information and requirements for authentication. The presenter can forward the message to a third party, which can authenticate the presenter to the relying party. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288405 | Systems and Methods for Automatic and Transparent Client Authentication and Online Transaction Verification - Systems and methods are described for providing fraud deterrents, detection and prevention during e-commerce, e-transactions, digital rights management and access control. Fraud deterrent levels may be automatically selected by a requesting transaction approval entity server (and can be related to level of risk, or security, related to fraud) or may be selected by a consumer. These deterrent levels can determine the manner in which the transaction occurs as well as the types of information that must be provided and validated for successful approval of the transaction. The client can associate their credit card with a specific device, an e-identity, such as an instant messaging identity, and the e-identity is contacted as a part of finalizing a payment transaction so that a client response of ‘approve’ or ‘reject’ can be obtained. The anti-fraud technology also provides for management and storage of historical transaction information. Entity-to-client communication occurs according to merchant permission parameters which are defined by the client and which enable messages sent by the entity to be automatically allowed, rejected, and managed in other ways as well. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288406 | System and method for telematic marketing - A method and system is provided for delivering promotional offers, information, or entertainment content relevant to a person comprising tracking the travel patterns, using the person's travel patterns to identify goods, services information or content of potential interest to the person, determining the location of the person and delivering relevant offers, information or content to that person based on the collected information. Various embodiments of the present invention use information from diverse sources to deliver highly relevant, timely promotional offers, information, or entertainment content to users via on-board processing and storage systems. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288407 | METHOD, SYSTEM AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR DETECTING AND PREVENTING FRAUDULENT HEALTH CARE CLAIMS - A method and system for detecting and preventing fraudulent health care claims. A bar code having a service date and provider ID is generated. The provider ID identifies a health care service provider that is requested to provide a service to a client on the service date. A digital image file that includes the bar code, transaction data, and a signature is received. The signature, transaction data, provider ID and service date are extracted from the digital image file. Verification software determines whether the extracted signature matches the client's reference signature stored in a database. Verification software determines whether extracted data that includes service date, provider ID, and client ID is included in any transaction record in the database. A report is generated that identifies a fraudulent claim if the extracted signature does not match any reference signature or if the extracted data is not included in any transaction record. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288408 | Mobile consumer-to-consumer personal point of sale system and related business method - A business method for mobile commerce includes a first buyer purchasing an item from a Internet-based vendor using a first mobile computing device. A shopping history is developed. A second buyer, using a second mobile computing device, interrogates the shopping history of the first buyer to discover certain parameters regarding an article of interest to the second buyer owned by the first buyer. The item is then purchased by the second buyer using shopping history information provided by the first mobile computing device. The method also includes electronically transferring funds to the vendor with at least some of the funds being electronically transferred to the first mobile consumer as a referral fee. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288409 | ELECTRONIC BIDDING/BID OPENING PROGRAM, ELECTRONIC BIDDING/BID OPENING SYSTEM, AND ELECTRONIC BIDDING/BID OPENING METHOD - An electronic bidding/bid opening program and the like that can verify validity of bidding information, and prove whether the bidding information has been falsified or not. Bidding information, partial identification information that shows each section of the bidding information in a manner identifiable from other sections, a plurality of pieces of information obtained by coding a plurality of suitable places in the bidding information, and information obtained by adding a signature of a person in charge of accepting to information obtained by coding the partial identification information and an amount are obtained. Then, predetermined validity with respect to successful bid processing is verified based on a predetermined combination of any of the plurality of pieces of information. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288410 | Content Distribution System - A content distribution method is provided that restricts content distribution means to a specific distribution method and traces a content distribution route in the specific distribution method, without any leakage, even when a user who does not reproduce contents on the way exists. The content distribution system primarily encrypts contents to distribute them from the server. When contents are distributed between terminals, a transmission terminal registers an encryption key for communication encryption in a server. A reception terminal captures the encryption key from the server. Thus, the server saves the content distribution route. Moreover, each terminal accesses the server to reproduce the contents. When the server verifies that the contents have been distributed to the terminal, the server issues the content reproduction key. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288411 | METHODS, MEDIA, AND SYSTEMS FOR TRACKING AND ENCRYPTING CONTENT USAGE - A content management system distributes items of media content to groups of users. The media is fingerprinted and tracked for reporting purposes. The system uses an algorithm to compensate for multiple content owners. The system can also be configured to provide content while still providing anonymity for actual use. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288412 | Method and Device For Controlling Distribution And Use of Digital Works - The present invention relates to a method and device for controlling distribution and use of a digital work stored together with an attached usage right information on a record carrier. The attached usage right information is encrypted or verified by using a hidden information which is changed at every change of said usage right information. The hidden information may be an encryption key used for encrypting the usage right information, or a checksum of a data block containing the usage right information. Thus, a “copy and restore attack” is not successful, since it will lead to a mismatch between the hidden information and the restored usage right information. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288413 | Method for the Automatic Generation and Processing of an Invoice Document - The invention relates to a method for automated invoice generation and settlement from a payer ( | 2008-11-20 |
20080288414 | Sales data processor and computer readable medium - A sales data processor connected to a server device via a communication network. A connection unit connects to the sales data processor a recording medium which has stored access information on the server device and identification information on the sales data processor. A CPU reads the access information and the identification information stored in the recording medium. A communication unit is authenticated by the server device based on the read access destination information and identification information to communicate with the server device. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288415 | Equity Protection - Systems and methods are illustrated for providing an equity protection product to a borrower of a loan. Aspects of the equity protection product may be implemented using an equity protection agreement. The equity protection product may be used to safeguard a borrower's investment in the event of a housing market downturn. In some examples, once the equity protection is purchased, the borrower's equity can only increase or remain stable (i.e., flat) regardless of market conditions. The payoff amount of the borrower's loan may be reduced to compensate for a change in the market value of the borrower's home. The equity protection product may be provided by a lending institution, bank, or any other comparable entity/person. A trading desk may also be used to hedge against the risk created by the equity protection product. In addition, an appraiser may also be used to evaluate and provide current market values of the relevant property. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288416 | USING ACCOUNTING DATA BASED INDEXING TO CREATE A PORTFOLIO OF FINANCIAL OBJECTS - A system, method and computer program product creates an index based on accounting based data, as well as a portfolio of financial objects based on the index where the portfolio is weighted according to accounting based data. A passive investment system may be based on indices created from various metrics. The indexes may be built with metrics other than market capitalization weighting, price weighting or equal weighting. Non-financial metrics may also be used to build indexes to create passive investment systems. Additionally, a combination of financial non-market capitalization metrics may be used along with non-financial metrics to create passive investment systems. Once the index is built, it may be used as a basis to purchase securities for a portfolio. Specifically excluded are widely-used capitalization-weighted indexes and price-weighted indexes, in which the price of a security contributes in a substantial way to the calculation of the weight of that security in the index or the portfolio, and equal weighting weighted indexes. Valuation indifferent indexes avoid overexposure to overvalued securities and underexposure to undervalued securities, as compared with conventional capitalization-weighted and price-weighted. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288417 | Method and a Computer System for Forecasting the Value of a Structured Financial Product - A method and system for forecasting the value of a structured financial product, which can be a weather-based structured financial product. The method and system calculate a forecast value based on forecasted weather data for a defined time period in a defined geographical area, calculate reference weather data from historical data for the defined time, and the defined geographical area, and calculate a quality indicator, indicative of a forecasting quality associated with the forecasted weather data, based on the forecasted weather data and the reference weather data. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288418 | INDEX-BASED LIQUIDITY SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system and method for creating liquidity relative to one or more small businesses or assets provides liquidity to the small business or asset holder in return for a payment stream that comprises at least one payment that is adjustable relative to at least one relevant index. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288419 | Integrated trading and information system for collection and dissemination of valuation data - Systems and methods are provided for a financial trading information processing and transmission system representing: (a) a financial business intelligence system (FBIS) which aggregates observable market inputs along with valuation algorithms or pricing models to generate synthetic or theoretical ‘fair values’ or prices (aka Level 2 prices as defined by the FAS | 2008-11-20 |
20080288420 | Portfolio Optimization by Means of Meta-Resampled Efficient Frontiers - A computer-implemented method and computer program product for selecting a portfolio weight (subject to specified constraints) for each of a plurality of assets of an optimal portfolio. A mean-variance efficient frontier is calculated based on input data characterizing the defined expected return and the defined standard deviation of return of each of the plurality of assets. Multiple sets of optimization inputs are drawn from a distribution of simulated optimization inputs consistent with the defined expected return, the defined standard deviation of return of each of the plurality of assets and then a simulated mean-variance efficient frontier is computed for each set of optimization inputs. A meta-resampled efficient frontier is determined as a statistical mean of associated portfolios among the simulated mean-variance efficient frontiers, and a portfolio weight is selected for each asset from the meta-resampled efficient frontier according to a specified investment objective. The number of simulations and the number of simulation periods is determined on the basis of a specified level of forecast certainty. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288421 | Method and Device Arrangement for Digitally Franking Postal Articles - Method for digitally franking postal articles during which a digital postage paid impression is generated by a computer and applied to a postal article. Postal article-specific data for one or more postal articles to be created are generated in a first computer at a customer, and the access to a remote second computer at a service provider is granted. Postal article-specific data for one or more postal articles are transmitted to the second computer. The postal article-specific data are processed in the second computer, and data for a digital postage paid impression are generated for each postal article. Afterwards, processing data are transmitted to accounting component, and a deduction of the franking is carried out at the customer. The postal-article specific data are transmitted with a digital postage paid impression for each postal article to be created to the first computer, and the data are recorded in the first computer. The postal article-specific data are then sent to a processor, and the data are printed for each respective postal article, whereupon the printed postal articles are placed in envelopes in the processor. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288422 | Documenting mail work flow - Exemplary systems and methods for documenting mail work flows are provided. A mailing label is read and the label information stored in a database. Additional information about the mailing service may be added to the database. Billing and/or delivery information is added to the database. A mailing label is read at a postage machine and postage information including a rate is associated to the mailing label. The label information from the mailing label and the associated postage information are compared so that records having matching information can be reported together for billing of the mailing services. The records are updatable as well to provide for article tracking. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288423 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING ACCESS TO A NETWORK - A method provides access to, and time for, using a network associated with a commercial establishment through a proxy server. The method enables access to the proxy server within a selected physical area adjacent to the commercial establishment; establishing data communication between a cash register within the commercial establishment and the proxy server; and enabling network access for a given time duration related to a commercial transaction between the customer and the commercial establishment. The transaction my include trade dealing in cash, airline miles or other point based system, certificates, coupons and any other trade related instrument. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288424 | Apparatus, Method, and Computer Program Product Providing Improved Identification of Suspect Entries in Transaction Data - The exemplary embodiments of the invention provide apparatus, systems, methods and computer program products for scoring entities in order to use the scoring for such tasks as identifying and prioritizing those entities that are candidates for further investigation, for example, from an audit or business control perspective. In an exemplary aspect of the invention, a method includes: providing transaction data having a plurality of pieces of information and an identification of a corresponding entity of a plurality of entities, wherein at least one piece of information of the plurality of pieces of information corresponds to each entity of the plurality of entities, wherein the transaction data comprises input data; computing at least one score for each entity of the plurality of entities by applying at least one statistical analysis technique to the input data, wherein the computed at least one score for a tested entity is indicative of at least one of a magnitude of deviation of the tested entity from a determined normal and repeated abnormal behavior of the tested entity; selecting zero or more entities of the plurality of entities by comparing at least one computed score of each entity with a specified threshold, wherein the selected zero or more entities comprise candidates for further investigation; and ordering the selected zero or more entities based on at least one computed score of each entity of the selected zero or more entities. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288425 | Methods and Apparatus for Reasoning About Information Fusion Approaches - Methods and apparatus for reasoning about information fusion approaches are described according to some aspects. In one aspect, a method for reasoning about information fusion approaches comprises selecting one or more information fusion approaches for evaluation, and applying the approaches to two or more sets of data. The selection of information fusion approaches can be based on a taxonomy that classifies information fusion algorithms. The impact of each of the applied information fusion approaches can then be conveyed to a user, wherein the conveyed impact is based on one or more impact measures. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288427 | FORMING A SIGNATURE OF PARAMETERS EXTRACTED FROM INFORMATION - A method of storing information relating to the transmission of messages by an entity over a given time period comprises the step of
| 2008-11-20 |
20080288428 | Method of Interaction With an Automated System - Methods of analyzing data are provided. An expert system receives input from at least a first source. Data is imported and analyzed by an expert system, wherein the expert system makes at least one first decision, which characterizes the data based on a rule base. The at least one first decision is displayable and modifiable by a first input from a first source. In response to the first input from the first source, the rule base may be re-applied to make at least one second decision, wherein the at least one second decision is different from the at least one first decision, or the at least one first decision may be accepted. The at least one first decision or the at least one second decision is then displayable and modifiable in response to a first input from a second source. In response to the first input from the second source, the rule base is either re-applied to make at least one third decision, wherein the third decision is different from the second decision, or either the first or second decisions are accepted. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288429 | Adaptable Clinical Workflow - Method of generating a number of steps constituting an adaptable clinical workflow based on a recursive approach in which for each step of the workflow the following steps are executed: Selecting a number of knowledge bases to be included in a reasoning step on the basis of (a) goal(s), generating (a) query(ies) taking into account the goal(s), applying the selected knowledge bases and the generated queries to a reasoning engine so as to generate a solution, interpreting this solution by translating the solution given in a formal representation into (an) executable action(s) for the current step in the clinical workflow. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288430 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO INFER ANOMALOUS BEHAVIOR OF MEMBERS OF COHORTS AND INFERENCE OF ASSOCIATE ACTORS RELATED TO THE ANOMALOUS BEHAVIOR - Inferring a probability of a first inference absent from a database at which a query regarding the inference is received. The first inference relates to identifying anomalous behavior of cohorts members, which identification can be used to identify crimes that are particularly difficult to detect, such as identity theft. Each datum of the database is conformed to the dimensions of the database. Each datum of the plurality of data has associated metadata and an associated key. The associated metadata includes data regarding cohorts associated with the corresponding datum, data regarding hierarchies associated with the corresponding datum, data regarding a corresponding source of the datum, and data regarding probabilities associated with integrity, reliability, and importance of each associated datum. The query is used as a frame of reference for the search. The database returns a probability of the correctness of the first inference based on the query and on the data. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288431 | Method and system for monitoring innovation activity - A computer based method for monitoring innovation activity including: accumulating first metadata associated with a first plurality of intellectual knowledge files; extracting a first plurality of patterns from the first plurality of intellectual knowledge files; creating a first plurality of concept spaces, using rules-based processing, the first metadata, and the first patterns; grouping, using rules-based processing, the first metadata, and the first plurality of patterns, the first plurality of intellectual knowledge files into first respective concept spaces in the first plurality of concept spaces; and generating a report, the report correlating the first plurality of intellectual knowledge files and the first respective concept spaces. The steps of accumulating, extracting, creating, grouping, and generating are performed by a general-purpose computer specially programmed to perform the steps of accumulating, extracting, creating, grouping, and generating. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288432 | Device and Method of Fixing Wireless Network Problems - A method is used to fix wireless network problems. The method comprises receiving at least one parameter relating to a wireless network. The method comprises comparing the at least one parameter with a database of problem identities. Each problem identity has a set of criteria. The at least one parameter relates to the set of criteria. The method comprises determining at least one problem with the wireless network based on the comparison of the at least one parameter with the problem identities. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288433 | System and Method for Employing Decision Activities for Providing Inferences in a Process Execution Environment - A set of decision activities can be provided to a business process management and design software tool. The tool can be used to define various processes that contain one or more activities linked by transitions. During process design time, a business analyst can identify process-relevant data of the process to be presented to the end users. The relevant data can be rendered to the end users at runtime, along with a set of possible options for the activities in a process instance. Upon receiving a decision of the user, the process instance can follow the selected transition to a different activity. Over time, the system can capture the decisions taken by users and enter the data associated with these decisions into a data classifier. In doing so, the software tool can generate suggestions, provide probabilities, automate and distribute workloads, flag abnormalities and deviations and generally improve process design and management. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288434 | DOMAIN-INDEPENDENT ARCHITECTURE IN A COMMAND AND CONTROL SYSTEM - In one aspect, a command and control (C2) system includes a domain-independent architecture comprising an ontology model. The ontology model includes a resource aspect configured to receive entities specific to a domain, a responsibility aspect configured to receive actions specific to the domain and performed by the entities, a rules aspect configured to receive rules specific to the domain and associated with the actions and a results aspect configured to receive effects specific to the domain and associated with the actions. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288435 | Context Conflict Resolution and Automatic Context Source Maintenance - Techniques are disclosed for detecting and resolving conflicts in context information from various sources. That information may be used to automatically update one or more context sources and/or to validate or invalidate (until further notice or for a period of time) input from one or more context sources. Or, the updates can be made in response to the user's instructions. Rules are used in preferred embodiments to dictate the conflict resolution approach for individual users. Updating the context source is particularly useful when the source is an electronic calendar. Updates that may be made to the calendar include adding, deleting, or changing scheduled events and/or working hours. Invalidating data from a context source is particularly useful for lost, forgotten, misplaced, or loaned devices. Marking data from a context source as valid is preferably done when harmony among several context sources is detected. Context suppliers may be notified of errors or discrepancies in their context data. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288436 | DATA PATTERN MATCHING TO REDUCE NUMBER OF WRITE OPERATIONS TO IMPROVE FLASH LIFE - A processing engine examines data to determine whether the received data is a sector filled with zero value data that may be mapped to a physical storage location already filled with zero value data. If the management software does not find the received data to be just zeros, the data is compared with stored patterns that are mapped to compressed encodings that correspond to the received data. The management software learns new data patterns and creates compressed encodings for future use. In a read mode the management software reverses the process to provide data stored in the memory device. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288437 | Perspective-based knowledge structuring & discovery agent guided by a maximal belief inductive logic - An inductive logic discovery process provides collective knowledge repository uniquely structured as a representative of a collection of knowledge elements in which representations, from which contexts are derived. The contexts lead to specific perspectives, and each perspective offers a specific point of view from which to study an idea. A convergent problem solving function associates a problem situation with problem solving activity in terms of strategy and tactics. The inductive logic is implemented to resolve the problem solving activity into an optimal form of creativity according to the desired degree of specificity of discovery with respect to creativity and logical strength. The maximum belief inductive logic provides the heuristics according to a desired bias toward maximally strong logical bridges and more creative logical bridges. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288438 | Device and Method for Multimedia Data Retrieval - The invention concerns a device for multimedia data retrieval, said multimedia data being associated with an active component, said device being characterized in that, depending on an external event, some of the active components trigger an action that make the user aware of the multimedia data associated with said active components. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288439 | COMBINED PERSONAL AND COMMUNITY LISTS - Presented are techniques for creating a relationship between a community list of information and a personal list of information in order to transfer data between each list. In one technique, a community interface is displayed including a community list of information available to users within a community. Additionally, a personal interface is displayed including a personal list of information, wherein the personal list of information is available only to a user that creates the personal list of information. Furthermore, copies of an item of interest can be transferred from the community list into the personal list between the personal and community interfaces. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288440 | SEARCHING AND INDEXING CONTENT IN UPNP DEVICES - A method including providing a mediator at an access point in a network, the mediator being configured to communication with UPnP devices coupled to the network, detecting a search request from a search engine in the network, using the mediator to search and retrieve content from each UPnP device coupled to the network, the retrieved content being related to the search request, converting the retrieved content into a protocol suitable for the search engine, and passing the retrieved content from the mediator to the search engine. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288441 | Processing method of data stream using Border Monitoring Query - The present invention relates to a processing method of data stream using Border Monitoring Query, and more particularly a monitoring method and a system for data streams which are a large volume of data and continuously generated such as financial ticker, GPS data or a ubiquitous sensor network (USN). | 2008-11-20 |
20080288442 | Ontology Based Text Indexing - A method and system are disclosed for indexing a set of statements, such as RDF statements, that are described in accordance with a specified ontology. The method comprises the steps of defining a set of indexing rules, and using these indexing rules to examine the statements to identify selected ones of the statements and to generate one or more indices from said selected ones of the statements. In a preferred embodiment, the rules match certain predicates of RDF statements to certain indices. Also, preferably, an RDF storage system may be configured with said set of indexing rules. When RDF statements are added to the RDF storage system, each statement is examined by the indexing subsystem. If the predicate of a statement matches one of the predicates of said set of indexing rules, that rule is applied to the statement. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288443 | Customizable Joint Type Assignment Method And Apparatus - Application software in a tester for generating and running test programs for testing a printed circuit board is presented. The application software may include customizable joint type assignments from a CAD file making use of regular expressions. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288444 | Evaluating Multi-Table Join Selectivity in a Computer Database - An improved method and apparatus is described for a query optimizer to evaluate multi-table join selectivities in a computer database. The query optimizer includes a statistics manager that finds the most appropriate set of assumptions and statistics to use when calculating the cost of an arbitrary join expression. As described herein, the statistics manager implements a unique bucket representation for the join expression. The bucket representation for the join expression can be evaluated and compared to the traditional domino expression so that the best possible estimate can be used. This new representation of the join expression allows the query optimizer to more accurately estimate the join selectivity for many queries compared to traditional representations. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288445 | Interactive aggregation of data on a scatter plot - A computer-implemented method, which comprises the following: aggregating a plurality of records in accordance with an aggregation specification, wherein the records are part of a dimensionally-modeled fact collection; graphically representing the records in un-aggregated form; graphically representing the records in aggregated form; and causing the graphical representation of the records to be switched between aggregated form and un-aggregated form based on a user indication. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288446 | Queries with soft time constraints - Systems, methodologies, media, and other embodiments associated with supporting queries with soft time constraints are described. One exemplary system embodiment includes logic for accepting a query having a soft time constraint. The example system may also include logic for rewriting the query having the soft time constraint into a query having a row limitation or a sample percentage limitation. In one example, the row limitation or sample percentage limitation are computed by repetitively comparing an estimated query execution time to the soft time constraint. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288447 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR IMPROVING PEER EFFICIENCY - Methods and apparatus for transferring data according to various aspects of the present invention operate in conjunction with a peer-to-peer (p2p) network. For example, a system may receive a request for sources for acquiring a file segment. The system may identify a set of candidate sources for retrieving the file segment and assess a connectivity for at least one candidate source. The system may transmit an identifier to the requestor for the at least one candidate source according to the connectivity assessment. | 2008-11-20 |
20080288448 | METHOD, APPARATUS, AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE - The novel business intelligence system disclosed herein provides companies with an out of the box enterprise worthy business intelligence solution or environment. The business intelligence system encompasses all of the processes that are involved in the implementation of a business intelligence solution with maximum flexibility but minimizes the need for building a customized system | 2008-11-20 |
20080288449 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR AN AGGREGATE WEB SITE SEARCH DATABASE - Signature schema documents may be pre-defined using a query language to provide instructions for application by an engine to extract data from web pages of respective web sites. For a particular web page, signature schema instructions identify a web page family for the web page and extract desired data from the web page in accordance with its web page family. The instructions use signatures previously identified within web pages of the same family to distinguish the web page family from others of the web site and to distinguish the desired data from other data for the web page family. A server may make one or more requests to obtain web pages from various web sites and apply respective signature schemas maintained in a repository coupled to the engine. Extracted data can be stored to an aggregate database. | 2008-11-20 |