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12,500 | 12,500 | 13,533,625 | 3,683 | A research polling system obtains structured data from freeform text answers in a research poll. The system includes a database of objects that may represent answers to a research poll. The system presents a research poll to a user, where the research poll includes at least one freeform text field among the answers in the poll. A user answering the poll provides a partial user input to a research poll question in the text field. In response, the system searches for objects in the database that match the user's input, and optionally also based on the question. If one or more matching objects are found, the system presents the matching objects in a listing interface, from which the user may select an object for the answer to the poll question. | 1. A method comprising:
presenting a poll question to a user, the poll question comprising an answer field for receiving text input from the user; receiving a partial input from the user via the answer field; searching for one or more candidate answers that match the user's partial input; presenting the one or more candidate answers that match the user's partial input; receiving a selection from the user of one of the candidate answers; and logging the selected candidate answer as the user's response to the poll question. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein searching for candidate answers comprises:
determining a category associated with the poll question; and filtering the candidate answers matching the partial user input based on the determined category. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein determining the category associated with the poll question comprises receiving the category from a creator of the poll. 4. The method of claim 2, wherein determining the category associated with the poll question comprises performing semantic analysis at least on the poll question and other users' answers to the question. 5. The method of claim 2, wherein the candidate answers are structured objects collected from at least one of: input from other users, user profiles, advertisements, product reviews, user comments, and social network pages and communications. 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
in response to a successful search, presenting the candidate answers in at least one of:
an auto-fill to the partial user input; and
a list of candidates. 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
receiving user answers to the poll question, wherein the user answers include a selection from the candidate answers or a freeform text input by the user. 8. The method of claim 7, further comprising:
determining a number of occurrence for a freeform answer to the poll question; and in response to the number of occurrence exceeding a predetermined threshold, storing the freeform answer as a candidate answer to the poll questions. 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
collecting user answers to the poll question; and reporting poll results based on the collected user answers. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein reporting poll results comprises aggregating the user selections of the same candidate answers. 11. A method comprising:
presenting a poll question to each of a plurality of users, the poll question comprising an answer field for receiving text input from the user; for one or more of the plurality of the users,
receiving a partial input from the user via the answer field,
searching for one or more candidate answers that match the user's partial input,
presenting the one or more candidate answers that match the user's partial input,
receiving a selection from the user of one of the candidate answers, and
logging the selected candidate answer as the user's response to the poll question; and
preparing a report summarizing the users' responses to the poll question based on the logging. 12. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing executable computer program instructions for obtaining structured data from freeform text answers in a research poll, the computer program instructions comprising instructions for:
presenting a poll question to a user, the poll question comprising an answer field for receiving text input from the user; receiving a partial input from the user via the answer field; searching for one or more candidate answers that match the user's partial input; presenting the one or more candidate answers that match the user's partial input; receiving a selection from the user of one of the candidate answers; and logging the selected candidate answer as the user's response to the poll question. 13. The storage medium of claim 11, wherein searching for candidate answers comprises:
determining a category associated with the poll question; and filtering the candidate answers matching the partial user input based on the determined category. 14. The storage medium of claim 12, wherein determining the category associated with the poll question comprises receiving the category from a creator of the poll. 15. The storage medium of claim 12, wherein determining the category associated with the poll question comprises performing semantic analysis at least on the poll question and other users' answers to the question. 16. The storage medium of claim 12, wherein the candidate answers are structured objects collected from at least one of: input from other users, user profiles, advertisements, product reviews, user comments, and social network pages and communications. 17. The storage medium of claim 11, wherein the computer program instructions further comprise instructions for:
in response to a successful search, presenting the candidate answers in at least one of:
an auto-fill to the partial user input; and
a list of candidates. 18. The storage medium of claim 11, wherein the computer program instructions further comprise instructions for:
receiving user answers to the poll question, wherein the user answers include a selection from the candidate answer or a freeform text input by the user. 19. The storage medium of claim 18, wherein the computer program instructions further comprise instructions for:
determining a number of occurrence for a freeform answer to the poll question; and in response to the number of occurrence exceeding a predetermined threshold, storing the freeform answer as a candidate answer to the poll questions. 20. The storage medium of claim 11, wherein the computer program instructions further comprise instructions for:
collecting user answers to the poll question; and reporting poll results based on the collected user answers. 21. The storage medium of claim 18, wherein reporting poll results comprises aggregating the user selections of the same candidate answers. 22. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing executable computer program instructions for obtaining structured data from freeform text answers in a research poll, the computer program instructions comprising instructions for:
presenting a poll question to each of a plurality of users, the poll question comprising an answer field for receiving text input from the user; for one or more of a plurality of the users,
receiving a partial input from the user via the answer field,
searching for one or more candidate answers that match the user's partial input,
presenting the one or more candidate answers that match the user's partial input,
receiving a selection from the user of one of the candidate answers, and
logging the selected candidate answer as the user's response to the poll question; and
preparing a report summarizing the users' responses to the poll question based on the logging. | A research polling system obtains structured data from freeform text answers in a research poll. The system includes a database of objects that may represent answers to a research poll. The system presents a research poll to a user, where the research poll includes at least one freeform text field among the answers in the poll. A user answering the poll provides a partial user input to a research poll question in the text field. In response, the system searches for objects in the database that match the user's input, and optionally also based on the question. If one or more matching objects are found, the system presents the matching objects in a listing interface, from which the user may select an object for the answer to the poll question.1. A method comprising:
presenting a poll question to a user, the poll question comprising an answer field for receiving text input from the user; receiving a partial input from the user via the answer field; searching for one or more candidate answers that match the user's partial input; presenting the one or more candidate answers that match the user's partial input; receiving a selection from the user of one of the candidate answers; and logging the selected candidate answer as the user's response to the poll question. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein searching for candidate answers comprises:
determining a category associated with the poll question; and filtering the candidate answers matching the partial user input based on the determined category. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein determining the category associated with the poll question comprises receiving the category from a creator of the poll. 4. The method of claim 2, wherein determining the category associated with the poll question comprises performing semantic analysis at least on the poll question and other users' answers to the question. 5. The method of claim 2, wherein the candidate answers are structured objects collected from at least one of: input from other users, user profiles, advertisements, product reviews, user comments, and social network pages and communications. 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
in response to a successful search, presenting the candidate answers in at least one of:
an auto-fill to the partial user input; and
a list of candidates. 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
receiving user answers to the poll question, wherein the user answers include a selection from the candidate answers or a freeform text input by the user. 8. The method of claim 7, further comprising:
determining a number of occurrence for a freeform answer to the poll question; and in response to the number of occurrence exceeding a predetermined threshold, storing the freeform answer as a candidate answer to the poll questions. 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
collecting user answers to the poll question; and reporting poll results based on the collected user answers. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein reporting poll results comprises aggregating the user selections of the same candidate answers. 11. A method comprising:
presenting a poll question to each of a plurality of users, the poll question comprising an answer field for receiving text input from the user; for one or more of the plurality of the users,
receiving a partial input from the user via the answer field,
searching for one or more candidate answers that match the user's partial input,
presenting the one or more candidate answers that match the user's partial input,
receiving a selection from the user of one of the candidate answers, and
logging the selected candidate answer as the user's response to the poll question; and
preparing a report summarizing the users' responses to the poll question based on the logging. 12. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing executable computer program instructions for obtaining structured data from freeform text answers in a research poll, the computer program instructions comprising instructions for:
presenting a poll question to a user, the poll question comprising an answer field for receiving text input from the user; receiving a partial input from the user via the answer field; searching for one or more candidate answers that match the user's partial input; presenting the one or more candidate answers that match the user's partial input; receiving a selection from the user of one of the candidate answers; and logging the selected candidate answer as the user's response to the poll question. 13. The storage medium of claim 11, wherein searching for candidate answers comprises:
determining a category associated with the poll question; and filtering the candidate answers matching the partial user input based on the determined category. 14. The storage medium of claim 12, wherein determining the category associated with the poll question comprises receiving the category from a creator of the poll. 15. The storage medium of claim 12, wherein determining the category associated with the poll question comprises performing semantic analysis at least on the poll question and other users' answers to the question. 16. The storage medium of claim 12, wherein the candidate answers are structured objects collected from at least one of: input from other users, user profiles, advertisements, product reviews, user comments, and social network pages and communications. 17. The storage medium of claim 11, wherein the computer program instructions further comprise instructions for:
in response to a successful search, presenting the candidate answers in at least one of:
an auto-fill to the partial user input; and
a list of candidates. 18. The storage medium of claim 11, wherein the computer program instructions further comprise instructions for:
receiving user answers to the poll question, wherein the user answers include a selection from the candidate answer or a freeform text input by the user. 19. The storage medium of claim 18, wherein the computer program instructions further comprise instructions for:
determining a number of occurrence for a freeform answer to the poll question; and in response to the number of occurrence exceeding a predetermined threshold, storing the freeform answer as a candidate answer to the poll questions. 20. The storage medium of claim 11, wherein the computer program instructions further comprise instructions for:
collecting user answers to the poll question; and reporting poll results based on the collected user answers. 21. The storage medium of claim 18, wherein reporting poll results comprises aggregating the user selections of the same candidate answers. 22. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing executable computer program instructions for obtaining structured data from freeform text answers in a research poll, the computer program instructions comprising instructions for:
presenting a poll question to each of a plurality of users, the poll question comprising an answer field for receiving text input from the user; for one or more of a plurality of the users,
receiving a partial input from the user via the answer field,
searching for one or more candidate answers that match the user's partial input,
presenting the one or more candidate answers that match the user's partial input,
receiving a selection from the user of one of the candidate answers, and
logging the selected candidate answer as the user's response to the poll question; and
preparing a report summarizing the users' responses to the poll question based on the logging. | 3,600 |
12,501 | 12,501 | 12,895,598 | 3,693 | According to one aspect of the invention, health insurance claim data for a first group of individuals is obtained to generate a training corpus, including a training set of claim data and a holdout set of claim data. The first group of individuals represents enrollees of one or more first health insurance plans and the health insurance claim data represents historic insurance claim information for each individual in the first group. A Bayesian belief network (BBN) model is created by training a BBN network based on the training set of claim data using predetermined machine learning algorithms. The BBN model is validated using the holdout set of claim data. The BBN model, when having been successfully validated, is configured to identify at least one of individuals with risk for a disorder and individuals with risk who are most likely to benefit from intervention and treatment for the disorder. | 1. A computer-implemented method for evaluating enrollees of a health insurance plan, the method comprising:
obtaining health insurance claim data for a first group of individuals to generate a training corpus, including a training set of claim data and a holdout set of claim data, the first group of individuals representing enrollees of one or more first health insurance plans and the health insurance claim data representing historic insurance claim information for each individual in the first group; creating a Bayesian belief network (BBN) model by training a BBN network based on the training set of claim data using a predetermined machine learning algorithm; and validating the BBN model using the holdout set of claim data, wherein the BBN model, when having been successfully validated, is configured to identify at least one of individuals with risk for a disorder and individuals with risk who are most likely to benefit from intervention and treatment for the disorder; and using the validated BBN model to develop enrollee-specific estimates of disease risk, enrollee-specific future estimates of utilization and cost, and enrollee-specific estimates of the change which would result from successful intervention and/or treatment. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the BBN model comprises at least one screening model to identify a subset of the individuals in the first group with potential risk characteristics of the disorder and at least one cost model to calculate a cost estimate to produce an enrollee-specific cost estimate. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein creating a BBN model comprises:
building a list of a plurality of BBN model candidates based on the training set of claim data according to a plurality of categories using the predetermined machine learning algorithm; scoring each of the BBN model candidates in the list using a predetermined scoring method; and selecting the BBN model from the list of BBN model candidates, the selected BBN model having the highest score among the BBN model candidates to be validated. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the predetermined scoring method comprises a minimum description length (MDL) or Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) compatible method. 5. The method of claim 3, wherein building a list of BBN model candidates comprises:
calculating distributions of discrete states for variables of the BBN network; performing a preliminary modeling operation on the variables to identify appropriate machine learning parameters, optionally generating a first BBN model; performing a global modeling operation to set the appropriate machine learning parameters and to observe global data structures, optionally generating a second BBN model; performing a naïve modeling operation to identify a contribution of each of the variables, optionally generating a third BBN model; performing a focused modeling operation on a subset of the variables identified in at least one of the preliminary modeling operation, the global modeling operation, and the naïve model operation, optionally generating a fourth BBN model; using k-fold cross-validation to assist in attribute selection; and scoring, using the predetermined scoring method, all BBN models to select the best BBN model. 6. The method of claim 2, wherein validating the BBN model comprises:
generating a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve based on an outcome of the BBN model operated on the holdout set of claim data; and calculating an area under the curve (AUC) based on the ROC curve, wherein the AUC is used to evaluate predictive correctness of the BBN model given the holdout set of claim data. 7. The method of claim 2, further comprising:
receiving a second set of claim data from a client, the second set of claim data being associated with a second group of individuals representing enrollees of one or more second health insurance plans; performing a screening operation using at least one screening BBN model based on the second set of claim data to identify a second subset of individuals in the second group having risk characteristics associated with the disorder; performing a cost estimation on the second subset of individuals using at least one cost BBN model to produce enrollee specific cost estimates; and transmitting the enrollee-specific disease risk and cost estimates to the client. 8. The method of claim 7, further comprising retraining at least one screening BBN model and at least one cost BBN model based on the second set of claim data and the enrollee specific cost estimates for future usages. 9. A computer-readable storage medium having computer instructions stored therein, which when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform a method for evaluating enrollees of a health insurance plan, the method comprising:
obtaining health insurance claim data for a first group of individuals to generate a training corpus, including a training set of claim data and a holdout set of claim data, the first group of individuals representing enrollees of one or more first health insurance plans and the health insurance claim data representing historic insurance claim information for each individual in the first group; creating a Bayesian belief network (BBN) model by training a BBN network based on the training set of claim data using a predetermined machine learning algorithms; and validating the BBN model using the holdout set of claim data, wherein the BBN model, when having been successfully validated, is configured to identify at least one of individuals with risk for a disorder and individuals with risk who are most likely to benefit from intervention and treatment for the disorder. 10. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 9, wherein the BBN model comprises at least one screening model to identify a subset of the individuals in the first group with potential risk characteristics of the disorder and at least one cost model to predict a cost estimate to produce patient specific cost estimate. 11. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 10, wherein creating a BBN model comprises:
building a list of a plurality of BBN model candidates based on the training set of claim data according to a plurality of categories using the predetermined machine learning algorithm; scoring each of the BBN model candidates in the list using a predetermined scoring method; and selecting the BBN model from the list of BBN model candidates, the selected BBN model having the highest score among the BBN model candidates to be validated. 12. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 11, wherein the predetermined scoring method comprises a minimum description length (MDL) compatible method. 13. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 11, wherein building a list of BBN model candidates comprises:
calculating distributions of discrete states for variables of the BBN network; performing a preliminary modeling operation on the variables to identify appropriate machine learning parameters, optionally generating a first BBN model; performing a global modeling operation to set the appropriate machine learning parameters and to observe global data structures, optionally generating a second BBN model; performing a naïve modeling operation to identify a contribution of each of the variables, optionally generating a third BBN model; performing a focused modeling operation on a subset of the variables identified in at least one of the preliminary modeling operation, the global modeling operation, and the naïve model operation, optionally generating a fourth BBN model; using k-fold cross-validation to assist in attribute selection; and scoring, using the predetermined scoring method, all BBN models to select the best BBN model. 14. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 10, wherein validating the BBN model comprises:
generating a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve based on an outcome of the BBN model operated on the holdout set of claim data; and calculating an area under the curve (AUC) based on the ROC curve, wherein the AUC is used to evaluate predictive correctness of the BBN model given the holdout set of claim data. 15. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 10, wherein the method further comprises:
receiving a second set of claim data from a client, the second set of claim data being associated with a second group of individuals representing enrollees of one or more second health insurance plans; performing a screening operation using the at least one screening BBN model based on the second set of claim data to identify a second subset of individuals in the second group having risk characteristics associated with the disorder; performing a cost estimation on the second subset of individuals using the at least one cost BBN model to produce enrollee specific cost estimates; and transmitting the enrollee specific cost estimates to the client. 16. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein the method further comprises retraining the at least one screening BBN model and the at least one cost BBN model based on the second set of claim data and the enrollee specific cost estimates for future usages. 17. A data processing system, comprising:
a processor; and a memory coupled to the processor to store instructions, which when executed from the memory, cause the processor to
obtain health insurance claim data for a first group of individuals to generate a training corpus, including a training set of claim data and a holdout set of claim data, the first group of individuals representing enrollees of one or more first health insurance plans and the health insurance claim data representing historic insurance claim information for each individual in the first group,
create a Bayesian belief network (BBN) model by training a BBN network based on the training set of claim data using a predetermined machine learning algorithms, and
validate the BBN model using the holdout set of claim data, wherein the BBN model, when having been successfully validated, is configured to identify at least one of individuals with risk for a disorder and individuals with risk who are most likely to benefit from intervention and treatment for the disorder. 18. A computer-implemented method for evaluating enrollees of a health insurance plan, the method comprising:
receiving a first set of claim data from a client, the first set of claim data being associated with a first group of individuals representing enrollees of one or more first health insurance plans; and performing a screening operation using at least one screening Bayesian belief network (BBN) model based on the first set of claim data to identify a subset of individuals in the first group having risk characteristics associated with a disorder. 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising:
performing a cost estimation on the subset of individuals using at least one cost BBN model to produce enrollee specific cost estimates, wherein the at least one screening BBN model and the at least one cost BBN model were trained using a predetermined machine learning algorithm based on a second set of claim data associated with a second group of individuals of one or more second health insurance plans, and wherein the second set of claim data representing historic insurance claim information for each individual in the second group; and transmitting the enrollee specific cost estimates to the client. 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising retraining the at least one screening BBN model and the at least one cost BBN model based on the first set of claim data and the enrollee specific cost estimates for future usages. 21. The method of claim 19, further comprising training the at least one screening BBN model and the at least one cost BBN model prior to receiving the first set of claim data, including
partitioning the second set of claim data into a training set and a holdout set; building a list of a plurality of BBN model candidates based on the training set of claim data according to a plurality of categories using the predetermined machine learning algorithm; scoring each of the BBN model candidates in the list using a predetermined scoring method; and selecting a BBN model as a final candidate from the list of BBN model candidates, the selected BBN model having the highest score among the BBN model candidates. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the predetermined scoring method comprises a minimum description length (MDL) or Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) compatible method. 23. The method of claim 21, wherein building a list of BBN model candidates comprises:
calculating distributions of discrete states for variables of an initial BBN network; performing a preliminary modeling operation on the variables to identify appropriate machine learning parameters, optionally generating a first BBN model; performing a global modeling operation to set the appropriate machine learning parameters and to observe global data structures, optionally generating a second BBN model; performing a naïve modeling operation to identify a contribution of each of the variables, optionally generating a third BBN model; performing a focused modeling operation on a subset of the variables identified in at least one of the preliminary modeling operation, the global modeling operation, and the naïve model operation, optionally generating a fourth BBN model; using k-fold cross-validation to assist in attribute selection; and scoring, using the predetermined scoring method, all BBN models to select the best BBN model. 24. The method of claim 21, further comprising validating the selected BBN model, including
generating a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve based on an outcome of the selected BBN model operated on the holdout set of claim data; and calculating an area under the curve (AUC) based on the ROC curve, wherein the AUC is used to evaluate predictive correctness of the selected BBN model given the holdout set of claim data. 25. A computer-readable medium having computer instructions stored therein, which when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform a method for evaluating enrollees of a health insurance plan, the method comprising:
receiving a first set of claim data from a client, the first set of claim data being associated with a first group of individuals representing enrollees of one or more first health insurance plans; and performing a screening operation using at least one screening Bayesian belief network (BBN) model based on the first set of claim data to identify a subset of individuals in the first group having risk characteristics associated with a disorder. 26. The computer-readable medium of claim 25, wherein the method further comprises:
performing a cost estimation on the subset of individuals using at least one cost BBN model to produce enrollee specific cost estimates, wherein the at least one screening BBN model and the at least one cost BBN model were trained using a predetermined machine learning algorithm based on a second set of claim data associated with a second group of individuals of one or more second health insurance plans, and wherein the second set of claim data representing historic insurance claim information for each individual in the second group; and transmitting the enrollee specific cost estimates to the client. 27. The computer-readable medium of claim 26, wherein the method further comprises retraining at least one screening BBN model and at least one cost BBN model based on the first set of claim data and the enrollee specific cost estimates for future usages. 28. The computer-readable medium of claim 26, wherein the method further comprises training at least one screening BBN model and at least one cost BBN model prior to receiving the first set of claim data, including
partitioning the second set of claim data into a training set and a holdout set; building a list of a plurality of BBN model candidates based on the training set of claim data according to a plurality of categories using the predetermined machine learning algorithm; scoring each of the BBN model candidates in the list using a predetermined scoring method; and selecting a BBN model as a final candidate from the list of BBN model candidates, the selected BBN model having the highest score among the BBN model candidates. 29. The computer-readable medium of claim 28, wherein the predetermined scoring method comprises a minimum description length (MDL) or Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) compatible method. 30. The computer-readable medium of claim 28, wherein building a list of BBN model candidates comprises:
calculating distributions of discrete states for variables of an initial BBN network; performing a preliminary modeling operation on the variables to identify appropriate machine learning parameters, optionally generating a first BBN model; performing a global modeling operation to set the appropriate machine learning parameters and to observe global data structures, optionally generating a second BBN model; performing a naïve modeling operation to identify a contribution of each of the variables, optionally generating a third BBN model; performing a focused modeling operation on a subset of the variables identified in at least one of the preliminary modeling operation, the global modeling operation, and the naïve model operation, optionally generating a fourth BBN model; using k-fold cross-validation to assist in attribute selection; and scoring, using the predetermined scoring method, all BBN models to select the best BBN model. 31. The computer-readable medium of claim 28, wherein the method further comprises validating the selected BBN model, including
generating a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve based on an outcome of the selected BBN model operated on the holdout set of claim data; and calculating an area under the curve (AUC) based on the ROC curve, wherein the AUC is used to evaluate predictive correctness of the selected BBN model given the holdout set of claim data. | According to one aspect of the invention, health insurance claim data for a first group of individuals is obtained to generate a training corpus, including a training set of claim data and a holdout set of claim data. The first group of individuals represents enrollees of one or more first health insurance plans and the health insurance claim data represents historic insurance claim information for each individual in the first group. A Bayesian belief network (BBN) model is created by training a BBN network based on the training set of claim data using predetermined machine learning algorithms. The BBN model is validated using the holdout set of claim data. The BBN model, when having been successfully validated, is configured to identify at least one of individuals with risk for a disorder and individuals with risk who are most likely to benefit from intervention and treatment for the disorder.1. A computer-implemented method for evaluating enrollees of a health insurance plan, the method comprising:
obtaining health insurance claim data for a first group of individuals to generate a training corpus, including a training set of claim data and a holdout set of claim data, the first group of individuals representing enrollees of one or more first health insurance plans and the health insurance claim data representing historic insurance claim information for each individual in the first group; creating a Bayesian belief network (BBN) model by training a BBN network based on the training set of claim data using a predetermined machine learning algorithm; and validating the BBN model using the holdout set of claim data, wherein the BBN model, when having been successfully validated, is configured to identify at least one of individuals with risk for a disorder and individuals with risk who are most likely to benefit from intervention and treatment for the disorder; and using the validated BBN model to develop enrollee-specific estimates of disease risk, enrollee-specific future estimates of utilization and cost, and enrollee-specific estimates of the change which would result from successful intervention and/or treatment. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the BBN model comprises at least one screening model to identify a subset of the individuals in the first group with potential risk characteristics of the disorder and at least one cost model to calculate a cost estimate to produce an enrollee-specific cost estimate. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein creating a BBN model comprises:
building a list of a plurality of BBN model candidates based on the training set of claim data according to a plurality of categories using the predetermined machine learning algorithm; scoring each of the BBN model candidates in the list using a predetermined scoring method; and selecting the BBN model from the list of BBN model candidates, the selected BBN model having the highest score among the BBN model candidates to be validated. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the predetermined scoring method comprises a minimum description length (MDL) or Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) compatible method. 5. The method of claim 3, wherein building a list of BBN model candidates comprises:
calculating distributions of discrete states for variables of the BBN network; performing a preliminary modeling operation on the variables to identify appropriate machine learning parameters, optionally generating a first BBN model; performing a global modeling operation to set the appropriate machine learning parameters and to observe global data structures, optionally generating a second BBN model; performing a naïve modeling operation to identify a contribution of each of the variables, optionally generating a third BBN model; performing a focused modeling operation on a subset of the variables identified in at least one of the preliminary modeling operation, the global modeling operation, and the naïve model operation, optionally generating a fourth BBN model; using k-fold cross-validation to assist in attribute selection; and scoring, using the predetermined scoring method, all BBN models to select the best BBN model. 6. The method of claim 2, wherein validating the BBN model comprises:
generating a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve based on an outcome of the BBN model operated on the holdout set of claim data; and calculating an area under the curve (AUC) based on the ROC curve, wherein the AUC is used to evaluate predictive correctness of the BBN model given the holdout set of claim data. 7. The method of claim 2, further comprising:
receiving a second set of claim data from a client, the second set of claim data being associated with a second group of individuals representing enrollees of one or more second health insurance plans; performing a screening operation using at least one screening BBN model based on the second set of claim data to identify a second subset of individuals in the second group having risk characteristics associated with the disorder; performing a cost estimation on the second subset of individuals using at least one cost BBN model to produce enrollee specific cost estimates; and transmitting the enrollee-specific disease risk and cost estimates to the client. 8. The method of claim 7, further comprising retraining at least one screening BBN model and at least one cost BBN model based on the second set of claim data and the enrollee specific cost estimates for future usages. 9. A computer-readable storage medium having computer instructions stored therein, which when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform a method for evaluating enrollees of a health insurance plan, the method comprising:
obtaining health insurance claim data for a first group of individuals to generate a training corpus, including a training set of claim data and a holdout set of claim data, the first group of individuals representing enrollees of one or more first health insurance plans and the health insurance claim data representing historic insurance claim information for each individual in the first group; creating a Bayesian belief network (BBN) model by training a BBN network based on the training set of claim data using a predetermined machine learning algorithms; and validating the BBN model using the holdout set of claim data, wherein the BBN model, when having been successfully validated, is configured to identify at least one of individuals with risk for a disorder and individuals with risk who are most likely to benefit from intervention and treatment for the disorder. 10. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 9, wherein the BBN model comprises at least one screening model to identify a subset of the individuals in the first group with potential risk characteristics of the disorder and at least one cost model to predict a cost estimate to produce patient specific cost estimate. 11. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 10, wherein creating a BBN model comprises:
building a list of a plurality of BBN model candidates based on the training set of claim data according to a plurality of categories using the predetermined machine learning algorithm; scoring each of the BBN model candidates in the list using a predetermined scoring method; and selecting the BBN model from the list of BBN model candidates, the selected BBN model having the highest score among the BBN model candidates to be validated. 12. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 11, wherein the predetermined scoring method comprises a minimum description length (MDL) compatible method. 13. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 11, wherein building a list of BBN model candidates comprises:
calculating distributions of discrete states for variables of the BBN network; performing a preliminary modeling operation on the variables to identify appropriate machine learning parameters, optionally generating a first BBN model; performing a global modeling operation to set the appropriate machine learning parameters and to observe global data structures, optionally generating a second BBN model; performing a naïve modeling operation to identify a contribution of each of the variables, optionally generating a third BBN model; performing a focused modeling operation on a subset of the variables identified in at least one of the preliminary modeling operation, the global modeling operation, and the naïve model operation, optionally generating a fourth BBN model; using k-fold cross-validation to assist in attribute selection; and scoring, using the predetermined scoring method, all BBN models to select the best BBN model. 14. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 10, wherein validating the BBN model comprises:
generating a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve based on an outcome of the BBN model operated on the holdout set of claim data; and calculating an area under the curve (AUC) based on the ROC curve, wherein the AUC is used to evaluate predictive correctness of the BBN model given the holdout set of claim data. 15. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 10, wherein the method further comprises:
receiving a second set of claim data from a client, the second set of claim data being associated with a second group of individuals representing enrollees of one or more second health insurance plans; performing a screening operation using the at least one screening BBN model based on the second set of claim data to identify a second subset of individuals in the second group having risk characteristics associated with the disorder; performing a cost estimation on the second subset of individuals using the at least one cost BBN model to produce enrollee specific cost estimates; and transmitting the enrollee specific cost estimates to the client. 16. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein the method further comprises retraining the at least one screening BBN model and the at least one cost BBN model based on the second set of claim data and the enrollee specific cost estimates for future usages. 17. A data processing system, comprising:
a processor; and a memory coupled to the processor to store instructions, which when executed from the memory, cause the processor to
obtain health insurance claim data for a first group of individuals to generate a training corpus, including a training set of claim data and a holdout set of claim data, the first group of individuals representing enrollees of one or more first health insurance plans and the health insurance claim data representing historic insurance claim information for each individual in the first group,
create a Bayesian belief network (BBN) model by training a BBN network based on the training set of claim data using a predetermined machine learning algorithms, and
validate the BBN model using the holdout set of claim data, wherein the BBN model, when having been successfully validated, is configured to identify at least one of individuals with risk for a disorder and individuals with risk who are most likely to benefit from intervention and treatment for the disorder. 18. A computer-implemented method for evaluating enrollees of a health insurance plan, the method comprising:
receiving a first set of claim data from a client, the first set of claim data being associated with a first group of individuals representing enrollees of one or more first health insurance plans; and performing a screening operation using at least one screening Bayesian belief network (BBN) model based on the first set of claim data to identify a subset of individuals in the first group having risk characteristics associated with a disorder. 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising:
performing a cost estimation on the subset of individuals using at least one cost BBN model to produce enrollee specific cost estimates, wherein the at least one screening BBN model and the at least one cost BBN model were trained using a predetermined machine learning algorithm based on a second set of claim data associated with a second group of individuals of one or more second health insurance plans, and wherein the second set of claim data representing historic insurance claim information for each individual in the second group; and transmitting the enrollee specific cost estimates to the client. 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising retraining the at least one screening BBN model and the at least one cost BBN model based on the first set of claim data and the enrollee specific cost estimates for future usages. 21. The method of claim 19, further comprising training the at least one screening BBN model and the at least one cost BBN model prior to receiving the first set of claim data, including
partitioning the second set of claim data into a training set and a holdout set; building a list of a plurality of BBN model candidates based on the training set of claim data according to a plurality of categories using the predetermined machine learning algorithm; scoring each of the BBN model candidates in the list using a predetermined scoring method; and selecting a BBN model as a final candidate from the list of BBN model candidates, the selected BBN model having the highest score among the BBN model candidates. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the predetermined scoring method comprises a minimum description length (MDL) or Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) compatible method. 23. The method of claim 21, wherein building a list of BBN model candidates comprises:
calculating distributions of discrete states for variables of an initial BBN network; performing a preliminary modeling operation on the variables to identify appropriate machine learning parameters, optionally generating a first BBN model; performing a global modeling operation to set the appropriate machine learning parameters and to observe global data structures, optionally generating a second BBN model; performing a naïve modeling operation to identify a contribution of each of the variables, optionally generating a third BBN model; performing a focused modeling operation on a subset of the variables identified in at least one of the preliminary modeling operation, the global modeling operation, and the naïve model operation, optionally generating a fourth BBN model; using k-fold cross-validation to assist in attribute selection; and scoring, using the predetermined scoring method, all BBN models to select the best BBN model. 24. The method of claim 21, further comprising validating the selected BBN model, including
generating a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve based on an outcome of the selected BBN model operated on the holdout set of claim data; and calculating an area under the curve (AUC) based on the ROC curve, wherein the AUC is used to evaluate predictive correctness of the selected BBN model given the holdout set of claim data. 25. A computer-readable medium having computer instructions stored therein, which when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform a method for evaluating enrollees of a health insurance plan, the method comprising:
receiving a first set of claim data from a client, the first set of claim data being associated with a first group of individuals representing enrollees of one or more first health insurance plans; and performing a screening operation using at least one screening Bayesian belief network (BBN) model based on the first set of claim data to identify a subset of individuals in the first group having risk characteristics associated with a disorder. 26. The computer-readable medium of claim 25, wherein the method further comprises:
performing a cost estimation on the subset of individuals using at least one cost BBN model to produce enrollee specific cost estimates, wherein the at least one screening BBN model and the at least one cost BBN model were trained using a predetermined machine learning algorithm based on a second set of claim data associated with a second group of individuals of one or more second health insurance plans, and wherein the second set of claim data representing historic insurance claim information for each individual in the second group; and transmitting the enrollee specific cost estimates to the client. 27. The computer-readable medium of claim 26, wherein the method further comprises retraining at least one screening BBN model and at least one cost BBN model based on the first set of claim data and the enrollee specific cost estimates for future usages. 28. The computer-readable medium of claim 26, wherein the method further comprises training at least one screening BBN model and at least one cost BBN model prior to receiving the first set of claim data, including
partitioning the second set of claim data into a training set and a holdout set; building a list of a plurality of BBN model candidates based on the training set of claim data according to a plurality of categories using the predetermined machine learning algorithm; scoring each of the BBN model candidates in the list using a predetermined scoring method; and selecting a BBN model as a final candidate from the list of BBN model candidates, the selected BBN model having the highest score among the BBN model candidates. 29. The computer-readable medium of claim 28, wherein the predetermined scoring method comprises a minimum description length (MDL) or Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) compatible method. 30. The computer-readable medium of claim 28, wherein building a list of BBN model candidates comprises:
calculating distributions of discrete states for variables of an initial BBN network; performing a preliminary modeling operation on the variables to identify appropriate machine learning parameters, optionally generating a first BBN model; performing a global modeling operation to set the appropriate machine learning parameters and to observe global data structures, optionally generating a second BBN model; performing a naïve modeling operation to identify a contribution of each of the variables, optionally generating a third BBN model; performing a focused modeling operation on a subset of the variables identified in at least one of the preliminary modeling operation, the global modeling operation, and the naïve model operation, optionally generating a fourth BBN model; using k-fold cross-validation to assist in attribute selection; and scoring, using the predetermined scoring method, all BBN models to select the best BBN model. 31. The computer-readable medium of claim 28, wherein the method further comprises validating the selected BBN model, including
generating a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve based on an outcome of the selected BBN model operated on the holdout set of claim data; and calculating an area under the curve (AUC) based on the ROC curve, wherein the AUC is used to evaluate predictive correctness of the selected BBN model given the holdout set of claim data. | 3,600 |
12,502 | 12,502 | 12,549,577 | 3,691 | A loan syndication tracking and management system and method provides a user with access to specific details related to a syndicated loan. The system and method coordinates investor, borrower and resource information, in addition to features related to the overall structure of a syndicated loan. Users access the system with various levels of permissions to view, add, update or delete information according to their allotted permissions. The system permits multiple users to access the information for efficient handling of approvals and requests related to multiple investors and borrowers, in addition to handling institution interchanges and notifications. The system and method keeps a record of all transactions and changes for review, reporting or regulatory purposes. The administration of a syndicated loan transaction is simplified while providing advanced features such as support for loan trading. | 1. A loan management system, comprising
at least one database storing
a first dataset containing lender data, send lender data being related to a plurality of lenders;
a second dataset containing borrower data, said borrower data being related to at least one borrower; and
a third dataset containing loan resource data, said loan resource data being related to a plurality of loan resources;
a processing engine to accessing said first, second and third datasets, said processing engine operable to implement loan management tools and transaction management tools to manipulate said lender data, said borrower data and said loan resource data contained in said first, second, and third datasets; a user interface coupled to the processing engine; and wherein a user provides instructions to said processing engine through said user interface to manipulate at least one of the loan management tools and transaction management tools, said instructions causing said processing engine to access said datasets and to implement at least one of the loan management tools and the transaction management tools to process loan information related to a loan, said loan information comprising said lender data, said resource data, and said borrower data. 2. A loan management system according to claim 1, further comprising:
a loan portion ownership transfer module operable to inform lenders in said loan management system of a first lender offering a loan portion for at least one of a sale and a trade; said loan portion ownership transfer module being further operable to consummate said at least one of said sale and said trade, whereby recordation of a transfer of said loan portion ownership is made in said loan management system; and said loan portion ownership transfer module is further operable to notify said first lender and an other party to said transfer of consummation of said transfer. 3. A loan management system according to claim 1, wherein said resource data includes resource data related to at least one of a term loan type resource, a revolving credit type resource and a letter of credit type resource. 4. A loan management system according to claim 1, wherein the processing engine further comprises:
business logic including criteria for determining if parameters of a transaction are within appropriate value ranges, wherein said business logic is operable to receive and analyze a transaction request from said user through said user interface and operable to approve said transaction request based on said criteria. 5. A loan management system according to claim 1, wherein said first, second, and third datasets are part of a relational database. 6. A loan management system according to claim 1, further comprising:
a set of funds transfer instructions for each of said plurality of lenders; and each of said funds transfer instructions having a status indicative of whether said funds transfer instructions are at least pending or approved. 7. A loan management system according to claim 6, wherein said processing engine is operable to process an instruction from a representative of a lender to modify said status for respective funds transfer instructions to pending thereby enabling approval of said funds transfer instructions. 8. A loan management system according to claim 7, wherein said representative is a first representative, and wherein said processing engine is operable to process an instruction from a second representative to change said status from pending to approved. 9. A loan management system according to claim 1, further comprising:
an agent fee calculation module operable to calculate an agent fee; and said agent fee related to at least one of transactions for and amounts of said loan resources. 10. A loan management system according to claim 1, further comprising:
a user access authorization module; and an access authorization level assigned to said user, whereby said user is granted access to various portions of said loan management system based on authorization accorded to said user by said user access authorization level. 11. A loan management system according to claim 1, further comprising a contact list including contacts for said plurality of lenders and for said at least one borrower. 12. A loan management system according to claim 1, further comprising:
an external data system coupled to said processing engine; wherein said user can provide instructions to said processing engine through said user interface to access said external data system; and said access to said external data system can be used to compare said loan information with external data, and import and export data. 13. A loan management system according to claim 1, wherein said processing engine is further operable to generate messages to at least one of said plurality of lenders, said at least one borrower and at least one contact related to said plurality of loan resources. 14. A loan management system according to claim 13, wherein said generated messages must be approved and released for transmission by a user having approval and release authorization. 15. A loan management system according to claim 14, wherein said generated messages contain all information needed to initiate a loan for use as one of said plurality of loan resources. 16-33. (canceled) 34. A computer-implemented client server-based loan management system for facilitating management of syndicate loans for a syndicate manager, each syndicate loan made to a borrower by a corresponding syndicate group including at least one investor, the system comprising:
at least one database storing lender data being related to a plurality of lenders, borrower data being related to at least one borrower, and loan resource data being related to a plurality of loan resources; a processing system accessing the data stored in the at least one database; a borrower management module including instructions executed by the processing system for managing the borrower information; an investor management module including instructions executed by the processing system for managing the investor information; a transaction management module including instructions executed by the processing system for managing the information corresponding to particular transactions; a loan management module comprising a syndicate loan sub-module and a facility management sub-module, the loan management module including instructions executed by the processing system upon receiving a credit facility selection for identifying and retrieving information pertaining to a corresponding syndicate loan; a report module in communication with the loan management module, the transaction management module, the borrower management module and the investor management module, the report module implemented by the processing system to generate reports related to selected parameters; and a syndicate manager interface enabling syndicate manager access to the system. 35. A loan management system according to claim 34, further comprising:
a loan portion ownership transfer module operable to inform investors in said loan management system of a first investor offering a loan portion for at least one of a sale and a trade; said loan portion ownership transfer module being further operable to consummate said at least one of said sale and said trade, whereby recordation of a transfer of said loan portion ownership is made in said loan management system; and said transfer module is further operable to notify said first investor and an other party to said transfer of consummation of said transfer. 36. A loan management system according to claim 34, further comprising a business logic module including stored criteria for determining if parameters of a transaction are within appropriate value ranges, wherein said business logic is operable to receive and analyze a transaction request from said user through said user interface and operable to approve said transaction request based on said criteria. 37. A loan management system according to claim 34, wherein the investor management module further comprises:
a set of funds transfer instructions for each of said plurality of investors; and each of said funds transfer instructions having a status indicative of whether said funds transfer instructions are pending or approved. 38. A loan management system according to claim 34, further comprising:
an agent fee calculation module operable to calculate an agent fee; and said agent fee related to at least one of transactions for and amounts of said loan resources. 39. A loan management system according to claim 34, further comprising:
a user access authorization module; and an access authorization level assigned to said user, whereby said user is granted access to various portions of said loan management system based on authorization accorded to said user by said user access authorization module determined by said access authorization level. 40. A loan management system according to claim 34, further comprising a contact list including contacts for said plurality of investors and for said at least one borrower. 41. A loan management system according to claim 34, further comprising:
an external data system coupled to the loan management system, wherein a user can provide instructions to loan management system through said user interface module to access said external data system; and said access to said external data system can be used to compare said loan information with external data, and import and export data to and from the loan management system. 42. A loan management system according to claim 34, wherein the loan management system is operable to generate messages to at least one of said plurality of investors, said at least one borrower and at least one contact related to said plurality of loan resources. 43. A loan management system according to claim 42, wherein said generated messages must be approved and released for transmission by a user having approval and release authorization. 44. A loan management system according to claim 43, wherein said generated messages contain all information needed to initiate a loan for use as one of said plurality of loan resources. | A loan syndication tracking and management system and method provides a user with access to specific details related to a syndicated loan. The system and method coordinates investor, borrower and resource information, in addition to features related to the overall structure of a syndicated loan. Users access the system with various levels of permissions to view, add, update or delete information according to their allotted permissions. The system permits multiple users to access the information for efficient handling of approvals and requests related to multiple investors and borrowers, in addition to handling institution interchanges and notifications. The system and method keeps a record of all transactions and changes for review, reporting or regulatory purposes. The administration of a syndicated loan transaction is simplified while providing advanced features such as support for loan trading.1. A loan management system, comprising
at least one database storing
a first dataset containing lender data, send lender data being related to a plurality of lenders;
a second dataset containing borrower data, said borrower data being related to at least one borrower; and
a third dataset containing loan resource data, said loan resource data being related to a plurality of loan resources;
a processing engine to accessing said first, second and third datasets, said processing engine operable to implement loan management tools and transaction management tools to manipulate said lender data, said borrower data and said loan resource data contained in said first, second, and third datasets; a user interface coupled to the processing engine; and wherein a user provides instructions to said processing engine through said user interface to manipulate at least one of the loan management tools and transaction management tools, said instructions causing said processing engine to access said datasets and to implement at least one of the loan management tools and the transaction management tools to process loan information related to a loan, said loan information comprising said lender data, said resource data, and said borrower data. 2. A loan management system according to claim 1, further comprising:
a loan portion ownership transfer module operable to inform lenders in said loan management system of a first lender offering a loan portion for at least one of a sale and a trade; said loan portion ownership transfer module being further operable to consummate said at least one of said sale and said trade, whereby recordation of a transfer of said loan portion ownership is made in said loan management system; and said loan portion ownership transfer module is further operable to notify said first lender and an other party to said transfer of consummation of said transfer. 3. A loan management system according to claim 1, wherein said resource data includes resource data related to at least one of a term loan type resource, a revolving credit type resource and a letter of credit type resource. 4. A loan management system according to claim 1, wherein the processing engine further comprises:
business logic including criteria for determining if parameters of a transaction are within appropriate value ranges, wherein said business logic is operable to receive and analyze a transaction request from said user through said user interface and operable to approve said transaction request based on said criteria. 5. A loan management system according to claim 1, wherein said first, second, and third datasets are part of a relational database. 6. A loan management system according to claim 1, further comprising:
a set of funds transfer instructions for each of said plurality of lenders; and each of said funds transfer instructions having a status indicative of whether said funds transfer instructions are at least pending or approved. 7. A loan management system according to claim 6, wherein said processing engine is operable to process an instruction from a representative of a lender to modify said status for respective funds transfer instructions to pending thereby enabling approval of said funds transfer instructions. 8. A loan management system according to claim 7, wherein said representative is a first representative, and wherein said processing engine is operable to process an instruction from a second representative to change said status from pending to approved. 9. A loan management system according to claim 1, further comprising:
an agent fee calculation module operable to calculate an agent fee; and said agent fee related to at least one of transactions for and amounts of said loan resources. 10. A loan management system according to claim 1, further comprising:
a user access authorization module; and an access authorization level assigned to said user, whereby said user is granted access to various portions of said loan management system based on authorization accorded to said user by said user access authorization level. 11. A loan management system according to claim 1, further comprising a contact list including contacts for said plurality of lenders and for said at least one borrower. 12. A loan management system according to claim 1, further comprising:
an external data system coupled to said processing engine; wherein said user can provide instructions to said processing engine through said user interface to access said external data system; and said access to said external data system can be used to compare said loan information with external data, and import and export data. 13. A loan management system according to claim 1, wherein said processing engine is further operable to generate messages to at least one of said plurality of lenders, said at least one borrower and at least one contact related to said plurality of loan resources. 14. A loan management system according to claim 13, wherein said generated messages must be approved and released for transmission by a user having approval and release authorization. 15. A loan management system according to claim 14, wherein said generated messages contain all information needed to initiate a loan for use as one of said plurality of loan resources. 16-33. (canceled) 34. A computer-implemented client server-based loan management system for facilitating management of syndicate loans for a syndicate manager, each syndicate loan made to a borrower by a corresponding syndicate group including at least one investor, the system comprising:
at least one database storing lender data being related to a plurality of lenders, borrower data being related to at least one borrower, and loan resource data being related to a plurality of loan resources; a processing system accessing the data stored in the at least one database; a borrower management module including instructions executed by the processing system for managing the borrower information; an investor management module including instructions executed by the processing system for managing the investor information; a transaction management module including instructions executed by the processing system for managing the information corresponding to particular transactions; a loan management module comprising a syndicate loan sub-module and a facility management sub-module, the loan management module including instructions executed by the processing system upon receiving a credit facility selection for identifying and retrieving information pertaining to a corresponding syndicate loan; a report module in communication with the loan management module, the transaction management module, the borrower management module and the investor management module, the report module implemented by the processing system to generate reports related to selected parameters; and a syndicate manager interface enabling syndicate manager access to the system. 35. A loan management system according to claim 34, further comprising:
a loan portion ownership transfer module operable to inform investors in said loan management system of a first investor offering a loan portion for at least one of a sale and a trade; said loan portion ownership transfer module being further operable to consummate said at least one of said sale and said trade, whereby recordation of a transfer of said loan portion ownership is made in said loan management system; and said transfer module is further operable to notify said first investor and an other party to said transfer of consummation of said transfer. 36. A loan management system according to claim 34, further comprising a business logic module including stored criteria for determining if parameters of a transaction are within appropriate value ranges, wherein said business logic is operable to receive and analyze a transaction request from said user through said user interface and operable to approve said transaction request based on said criteria. 37. A loan management system according to claim 34, wherein the investor management module further comprises:
a set of funds transfer instructions for each of said plurality of investors; and each of said funds transfer instructions having a status indicative of whether said funds transfer instructions are pending or approved. 38. A loan management system according to claim 34, further comprising:
an agent fee calculation module operable to calculate an agent fee; and said agent fee related to at least one of transactions for and amounts of said loan resources. 39. A loan management system according to claim 34, further comprising:
a user access authorization module; and an access authorization level assigned to said user, whereby said user is granted access to various portions of said loan management system based on authorization accorded to said user by said user access authorization module determined by said access authorization level. 40. A loan management system according to claim 34, further comprising a contact list including contacts for said plurality of investors and for said at least one borrower. 41. A loan management system according to claim 34, further comprising:
an external data system coupled to the loan management system, wherein a user can provide instructions to loan management system through said user interface module to access said external data system; and said access to said external data system can be used to compare said loan information with external data, and import and export data to and from the loan management system. 42. A loan management system according to claim 34, wherein the loan management system is operable to generate messages to at least one of said plurality of investors, said at least one borrower and at least one contact related to said plurality of loan resources. 43. A loan management system according to claim 42, wherein said generated messages must be approved and released for transmission by a user having approval and release authorization. 44. A loan management system according to claim 43, wherein said generated messages contain all information needed to initiate a loan for use as one of said plurality of loan resources. | 3,600 |
12,503 | 12,503 | 13,316,754 | 3,693 | Business insurance clients select parameters and/or preferences for monitoring in vehicle fleets using one or more telematics devices. The parameters and/or preferences may comprise an operating characteristic associated with fleet vehicles associated with a business insurance product. Selection and measurement of parameters and/or preferences may result in lower insurance premiums. In one embodiment, an apparatus causes, based on a user selection of at least one of a plurality of menu-selectable options, a remotely programmable memory of at least one monitoring device to store an indication of the monitoring parameters and/or preferences represented by the user selection. | 1. A method, comprising:
receiving, by a specially-programmed computer device and from a user device, an indication of a request for a fleet insurance product for a fleet of vehicles; determining, by the specially-programmed computer device, a base premium for the fleet insurance product; providing, by the specially-programmed computer device and to the user device, a plurality of menu-selectable options, each option representing at least one rule representing at least one of how and when a monitoring parameter relevant to the fleet insurance product is to be monitored; receiving, by the specially-programmed computer device and from the user device, an indication of a user selection of at least one of the plurality of menu-selectable options; determining, by the specially-programmed computer device and based on the user selection, an adjusted premium for the fleet insurance product; providing, by the specially-programmed computer device and to the user device, an indication of the adjusted premium for the fleet insurance product; and facilitating, by the specially-programmed computer device and based on the adjusted premium, a sale of the fleet insurance product to a client. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
providing, by the specially-programmed computer device and to the user device, an indication of the base premium for the fleet insurance product. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the adjusted premium comprises at least one of a presently discounted premium and an estimated future discounted premium. 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
monitoring, based on the user selection, the parameter relevant to the fleet insurance product. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the determining of the adjusted premium for the fleet insurance product is further based on the monitoring of the parameter relevant to the fleet insurance product. 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
configuring at least one monitoring device to monitor a value for the monitoring parameter in accordance with the at least one rule represented by the user selection. 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
receiving, by the specially-programmed computer device and from the user device, an indication of a quantity of vehicles in the fleet that are equipped for monitoring. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the quantity comprises a percentage of all vehicles in the fleet. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the quantity comprises a percentage of vehicles of a given class in the fleet. 10. The method of claim 7, wherein the adjusted premium is further based on the quantity of vehicles in the fleet that are equipped for monitoring. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the user device comprises at least one of an underwriting workstation and a device operated by a member of a business. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the monitoring parameter comprises an operating characteristic associated with at least one type of vehicle in the fleet of vehicles operated by a business. 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the monitoring parameter comprises an operating characteristic associated with a specific vehicle in the fleet of vehicles operated by a business. 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the monitoring parameter comprises a predefined group of parameters that, together, are descriptive of a characteristic relevant to the fleet insurance product. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the characteristic relevant to the fleet insurance product comprises one or more of: (i) a safety characteristic; (ii) a high risk characteristic; (iii) a “green” characteristic; (iv) a time window characteristic; (v) a sleeping characteristic; (vi) a distracted driver characteristic; and (viii) a risk zones characteristic. 16. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the adjusted premium for the fleet insurance product, comprises:
determining, for the at least one rule represented by the user selection, a premium adjustment amount; and calculating the adjusted premium by applying the premium adjustment amount to the base premium. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the premium adjustment amount comprises at least one of a dollar amount, a percentage, a weight, a discount, and a surcharge. 18. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving an indication of a user selection of at least one of the plurality of menu-selectable options comprises receiving the indication for a class of vehicles in the fleet. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the class is chosen from private passenger type, light duty trucks, medium duty trucks, heavy duty trucks, and trailers. 20. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one rule governs: (i) at what time(s) the monitoring parameter is to be monitored; (ii) at what time(s) the monitoring parameter is not to be monitored; (iii) at which vehicle location(s) the monitoring parameter is to be monitored; (iv) at which vehicle location(s) the monitoring parameter is not to be monitored; and (v) what event(s) trigger a monitoring of the monitoring parameter. 21. An apparatus, comprising:
a computerized processing device; and a memory device in communication with the computerized processing device and storing specially-programmed instructions that when executed by the computerized processing device result in:
receiving, from a user device, an indication of a request for a fleet insurance product for a fleet of vehicles;
determining a base premium for the fleet insurance product;
providing, to the user device, a plurality of menu-selectable options, each option representing at least one rule representing at least one of how and when a monitoring parameter relevant to the fleet insurance product is to be monitored;
receiving, from the user device, an indication of a user selection of at least one of the plurality of menu-selectable options;
determining, based on the user selection, an adjusted premium for the fleet insurance product;
providing, to the user device, an indication of the adjusted premium for the fleet insurance product; and
facilitating, based on the adjusted premium, a sale of the fleet insurance product to a client. 22. An interface, comprising:
a first plurality of menu-selectable options, each first option representing a type of vehicle in a fleet of vehicles and each first option having associated therewith: a second plurality of menu-selectable options, each second option representing at least one group of rules representing at least one of how and when a monitoring parameter relevant to a fleet insurance product is to be monitored, wherein the monitoring parameter comprises a plurality of metrics descriptive of a characteristic of the respective type of vehicle in the fleet of vehicles; and a fleet insurance product premium output area, the fleet insurance product premium output area being responsive to a selection of at least one of the first or second options such that any change to the insurance product premium based on (i) the selection of the at least one of the first or second options and (ii) a plurality of stored premium determination rules, is output to a business client via the fleet insurance product premium output area. 23. The interface of claim 22, wherein the interface is provided to the business client via a specially-programmed application executed via a fleet management software application. | Business insurance clients select parameters and/or preferences for monitoring in vehicle fleets using one or more telematics devices. The parameters and/or preferences may comprise an operating characteristic associated with fleet vehicles associated with a business insurance product. Selection and measurement of parameters and/or preferences may result in lower insurance premiums. In one embodiment, an apparatus causes, based on a user selection of at least one of a plurality of menu-selectable options, a remotely programmable memory of at least one monitoring device to store an indication of the monitoring parameters and/or preferences represented by the user selection.1. A method, comprising:
receiving, by a specially-programmed computer device and from a user device, an indication of a request for a fleet insurance product for a fleet of vehicles; determining, by the specially-programmed computer device, a base premium for the fleet insurance product; providing, by the specially-programmed computer device and to the user device, a plurality of menu-selectable options, each option representing at least one rule representing at least one of how and when a monitoring parameter relevant to the fleet insurance product is to be monitored; receiving, by the specially-programmed computer device and from the user device, an indication of a user selection of at least one of the plurality of menu-selectable options; determining, by the specially-programmed computer device and based on the user selection, an adjusted premium for the fleet insurance product; providing, by the specially-programmed computer device and to the user device, an indication of the adjusted premium for the fleet insurance product; and facilitating, by the specially-programmed computer device and based on the adjusted premium, a sale of the fleet insurance product to a client. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
providing, by the specially-programmed computer device and to the user device, an indication of the base premium for the fleet insurance product. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the adjusted premium comprises at least one of a presently discounted premium and an estimated future discounted premium. 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
monitoring, based on the user selection, the parameter relevant to the fleet insurance product. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the determining of the adjusted premium for the fleet insurance product is further based on the monitoring of the parameter relevant to the fleet insurance product. 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
configuring at least one monitoring device to monitor a value for the monitoring parameter in accordance with the at least one rule represented by the user selection. 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
receiving, by the specially-programmed computer device and from the user device, an indication of a quantity of vehicles in the fleet that are equipped for monitoring. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the quantity comprises a percentage of all vehicles in the fleet. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the quantity comprises a percentage of vehicles of a given class in the fleet. 10. The method of claim 7, wherein the adjusted premium is further based on the quantity of vehicles in the fleet that are equipped for monitoring. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the user device comprises at least one of an underwriting workstation and a device operated by a member of a business. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the monitoring parameter comprises an operating characteristic associated with at least one type of vehicle in the fleet of vehicles operated by a business. 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the monitoring parameter comprises an operating characteristic associated with a specific vehicle in the fleet of vehicles operated by a business. 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the monitoring parameter comprises a predefined group of parameters that, together, are descriptive of a characteristic relevant to the fleet insurance product. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the characteristic relevant to the fleet insurance product comprises one or more of: (i) a safety characteristic; (ii) a high risk characteristic; (iii) a “green” characteristic; (iv) a time window characteristic; (v) a sleeping characteristic; (vi) a distracted driver characteristic; and (viii) a risk zones characteristic. 16. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the adjusted premium for the fleet insurance product, comprises:
determining, for the at least one rule represented by the user selection, a premium adjustment amount; and calculating the adjusted premium by applying the premium adjustment amount to the base premium. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the premium adjustment amount comprises at least one of a dollar amount, a percentage, a weight, a discount, and a surcharge. 18. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving an indication of a user selection of at least one of the plurality of menu-selectable options comprises receiving the indication for a class of vehicles in the fleet. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the class is chosen from private passenger type, light duty trucks, medium duty trucks, heavy duty trucks, and trailers. 20. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one rule governs: (i) at what time(s) the monitoring parameter is to be monitored; (ii) at what time(s) the monitoring parameter is not to be monitored; (iii) at which vehicle location(s) the monitoring parameter is to be monitored; (iv) at which vehicle location(s) the monitoring parameter is not to be monitored; and (v) what event(s) trigger a monitoring of the monitoring parameter. 21. An apparatus, comprising:
a computerized processing device; and a memory device in communication with the computerized processing device and storing specially-programmed instructions that when executed by the computerized processing device result in:
receiving, from a user device, an indication of a request for a fleet insurance product for a fleet of vehicles;
determining a base premium for the fleet insurance product;
providing, to the user device, a plurality of menu-selectable options, each option representing at least one rule representing at least one of how and when a monitoring parameter relevant to the fleet insurance product is to be monitored;
receiving, from the user device, an indication of a user selection of at least one of the plurality of menu-selectable options;
determining, based on the user selection, an adjusted premium for the fleet insurance product;
providing, to the user device, an indication of the adjusted premium for the fleet insurance product; and
facilitating, based on the adjusted premium, a sale of the fleet insurance product to a client. 22. An interface, comprising:
a first plurality of menu-selectable options, each first option representing a type of vehicle in a fleet of vehicles and each first option having associated therewith: a second plurality of menu-selectable options, each second option representing at least one group of rules representing at least one of how and when a monitoring parameter relevant to a fleet insurance product is to be monitored, wherein the monitoring parameter comprises a plurality of metrics descriptive of a characteristic of the respective type of vehicle in the fleet of vehicles; and a fleet insurance product premium output area, the fleet insurance product premium output area being responsive to a selection of at least one of the first or second options such that any change to the insurance product premium based on (i) the selection of the at least one of the first or second options and (ii) a plurality of stored premium determination rules, is output to a business client via the fleet insurance product premium output area. 23. The interface of claim 22, wherein the interface is provided to the business client via a specially-programmed application executed via a fleet management software application. | 3,600 |
12,504 | 12,504 | 15,576,004 | 3,638 | A security document (e.g. passport) comprising a protective feature for authenticating a laminate data sheet thereof and method for making the same. A metalized flexible hinge attached to the laminate data sheet is used to bind the laminate data sheet into the passport with one or more other sheets at a binding of the passport such that at least a portion of the metalized surface of the flexible hinge is visible proximate to the laminate data sheet. Personalization data is etched on the visible portion of the metalized surface of the flexible hinge and matches personalization data of the laminate data sheet. | 1. A security document comprising a laminate data sheet attached to a flexible hinge which is attached to a binding of the security document, the flexible hinge comprising personalization data for authenticating the laminate data sheet, the security document comprising:
(a) a metalized flexible hinge attached to the laminate data sheet wherein a portion of the metalized flexible hinge attached to the laminate data sheet extends from a side of the laminate data sheet and binds with one or more other sheets at the binding, wherein at least a portion of the metalized surface of the flexible hinge is visible proximate to the laminate data sheet of the security document; and, (b) personalization data etched on the visible portion of the metalized surface of the flexible hinge, wherein the etched personalization data matches personalization data of the laminate data sheet. 2. A security document according to claim 1 wherein the metalized flexible hinge comprises a complex pattern of metal deposits in rastor form. 3. A security document according to claim 1 wherein the metalized flexible hinge comprises a solid metallic film. 4. A security document according to claim 1 wherein the metalized flexible hinge is metalized on both the upper and lower surfaces of the flexible hinge and at least a portion of the etched personalization data on the metalized flexible hinge comprises offset etchings in the metalized surfaces wherein different images are viewable upon viewing the flexible hinge from different angles relative to the surfaces. 5. A security document according to claim 1 wherein the metalized flexible hinge comprises nylon. 6. A security document according to claim 5 wherein the security document is a passport. 7. A security document according to claim 1 wherein the metalized surface of the flexible hinge is metalized by aluminum. 8. A security document according to claim 1 wherein a protective coating overcoats the metalized surface of the flexible hinge. 9. A security document according to claim 8 wherein the protective coating comprises UV curable ink. 10. A method for protecting the authenticity of a laminate data sheet of a security document, the method comprising the steps:
(a) providing a laminate data sheet having an attached flexible hinge comprising a metalized surface, wherein a portion of the metalized flexible hinge attached to the laminate data sheet extends from a side of the laminate data sheet; (b) binding together the flexible hinge attached to the laminate data sheet and one or more other sheets to form the security document wherein at least a portion of the metalized surface of the flexible hinge is visible proximate to the laminate data sheet of the security document; and, (c) laser etching personalization data onto the visible portion of the metalized surface of the flexible hinge wherein the etched personalization data matches personalization data of the laminate data sheet. 11. A method according to claim 10 wherein the metalized surface of the flexible hinge comprises metal deposits forming a complex image on the flexible hinge. 12. A method according to claim 10 wherein the metalized surface of the flexible hinge comprises metal deposits in solid form. 13. A method according to claim 10 wherein both an upper and a lower surface of the flexible hinge are metalized and the laser etching is applied at an angle to surface of the flexible hinge to produce offset etchings in the metalized surfaces which are viewable at from different angles relative to the surfaces. 14. A method according to claim 10 wherein the metalized surface is formed by vapour deposition. 15. A method according to claim 10 wherein the metal is aluminum. 16. A method according to claim 10 wherein the flexible hinge is comprised of nylon. 17. A method according to claim 10 further comprising coating the metalized surface of the flexible hinge with a protective coating. 18. A method according to claim 17 wherein the protective coating is a UV curable ink. 19. A method according to claim 10 wherein an Nd:YAG laser is used for the laser etching. | A security document (e.g. passport) comprising a protective feature for authenticating a laminate data sheet thereof and method for making the same. A metalized flexible hinge attached to the laminate data sheet is used to bind the laminate data sheet into the passport with one or more other sheets at a binding of the passport such that at least a portion of the metalized surface of the flexible hinge is visible proximate to the laminate data sheet. Personalization data is etched on the visible portion of the metalized surface of the flexible hinge and matches personalization data of the laminate data sheet.1. A security document comprising a laminate data sheet attached to a flexible hinge which is attached to a binding of the security document, the flexible hinge comprising personalization data for authenticating the laminate data sheet, the security document comprising:
(a) a metalized flexible hinge attached to the laminate data sheet wherein a portion of the metalized flexible hinge attached to the laminate data sheet extends from a side of the laminate data sheet and binds with one or more other sheets at the binding, wherein at least a portion of the metalized surface of the flexible hinge is visible proximate to the laminate data sheet of the security document; and, (b) personalization data etched on the visible portion of the metalized surface of the flexible hinge, wherein the etched personalization data matches personalization data of the laminate data sheet. 2. A security document according to claim 1 wherein the metalized flexible hinge comprises a complex pattern of metal deposits in rastor form. 3. A security document according to claim 1 wherein the metalized flexible hinge comprises a solid metallic film. 4. A security document according to claim 1 wherein the metalized flexible hinge is metalized on both the upper and lower surfaces of the flexible hinge and at least a portion of the etched personalization data on the metalized flexible hinge comprises offset etchings in the metalized surfaces wherein different images are viewable upon viewing the flexible hinge from different angles relative to the surfaces. 5. A security document according to claim 1 wherein the metalized flexible hinge comprises nylon. 6. A security document according to claim 5 wherein the security document is a passport. 7. A security document according to claim 1 wherein the metalized surface of the flexible hinge is metalized by aluminum. 8. A security document according to claim 1 wherein a protective coating overcoats the metalized surface of the flexible hinge. 9. A security document according to claim 8 wherein the protective coating comprises UV curable ink. 10. A method for protecting the authenticity of a laminate data sheet of a security document, the method comprising the steps:
(a) providing a laminate data sheet having an attached flexible hinge comprising a metalized surface, wherein a portion of the metalized flexible hinge attached to the laminate data sheet extends from a side of the laminate data sheet; (b) binding together the flexible hinge attached to the laminate data sheet and one or more other sheets to form the security document wherein at least a portion of the metalized surface of the flexible hinge is visible proximate to the laminate data sheet of the security document; and, (c) laser etching personalization data onto the visible portion of the metalized surface of the flexible hinge wherein the etched personalization data matches personalization data of the laminate data sheet. 11. A method according to claim 10 wherein the metalized surface of the flexible hinge comprises metal deposits forming a complex image on the flexible hinge. 12. A method according to claim 10 wherein the metalized surface of the flexible hinge comprises metal deposits in solid form. 13. A method according to claim 10 wherein both an upper and a lower surface of the flexible hinge are metalized and the laser etching is applied at an angle to surface of the flexible hinge to produce offset etchings in the metalized surfaces which are viewable at from different angles relative to the surfaces. 14. A method according to claim 10 wherein the metalized surface is formed by vapour deposition. 15. A method according to claim 10 wherein the metal is aluminum. 16. A method according to claim 10 wherein the flexible hinge is comprised of nylon. 17. A method according to claim 10 further comprising coating the metalized surface of the flexible hinge with a protective coating. 18. A method according to claim 17 wherein the protective coating is a UV curable ink. 19. A method according to claim 10 wherein an Nd:YAG laser is used for the laser etching. | 3,600 |
12,505 | 12,505 | 14,822,198 | 3,695 | The invention provides systems and methods for intra-day trading of actively managed exchange traded funds (AMETFs). The invention provides creation and redemption structures for AMETF shares that allow arbitrage, intra-day value estimations for AMETF shares, and hedging portfolios for hedging risks associated with trading AMETF shares, all without requiring disclosure of the specific assets underlying the AMETF. | 1. A method of intra-day trading in shares or derivative instruments of an actively managed fund comprising:
determining, by at least one computer, a hedging basket of instruments that track the actively managed fund or derivatives; managing investment risk taken in the shares or derivative instruments of the actively managed fund using said hedging basket of instruments, wherein the hedging basket of instruments do not reveal at least one of the group consisting of the fund assets and changes in the fund assets; and intra-day trading, via the at least one computer, the shares or derivative instruments. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein pricing of at least one of the group consisting of the traded shares and derivative instruments comprises negotiated pricing between buyers and sellers of shares in or derivative instruments of the actively managed fund. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the hedging basket of instruments comprises at least one of a creation basket portfolio and a redemption basket portfolio. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the value of the hedging basket of instruments substantially tracks a value of the actively managed fund. 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising:
executing, by the at least one computer, a process to produce the hedging portfolio; and hedging a position taken in the actively managed fund using the hedging portfolio. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the process to produce the hedging portfolio comprises a factor analysis process. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the factor analysis process includes analyzing factors related to at least one of economic activity and inflation rates. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein pricing of the fund shares or derivative instruments is derived from a calculated intra-day net asset value proxy for the actively managed fund. 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
determining, by the at least one computer, an intra-day net asset value proxy for the fund by applying prices received from a quote feed to instruments in the actively managed fund as of a closing of a prior trading day. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein determining the intra-day net asset value proxy occurs in a trusted computer system that comprises the at least one computer. 11. A method of intra-day trading of shares or derivative instruments of an actively managed fund, the method comprising:
calculating an intra-day net asset value proxy for fund shares of the actively managed fund by at least one computer by applying prices received from a quote feed to instruments in the actively managed fund, wherein the intra-day net asset value proxy does not reveal at least one of the group consisting of the fund assets and changes in the fund assets; and trading, via the at least one computer, the fund shares or derivative instruments based on negotiated pricing of the fund shares or derivative instruments. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the negotiated pricing of the fund shares or derivative instruments is derived from the intra-day net asset value proxy for the actively managed fund. 13. The method of claim 11, wherein trading the fund shares or derivative instruments occurs on a financial exchange or market entity comprising the at least one computer. 14. The method of claim 11, wherein trading the fund shares or derivative instruments occurs through at least one of a specialist computer and a market maker computer, the method further comprising:
determining, by the at least one computer, a hedging basket of instruments that tracks at least one of the group consisting of the actively managed fund and derivatives to allow management of investment risk in shares of the actively managed fund, with at least one of the specialist computer and market maker computer configured to hedge one or more positions using the determined hedging basket of instruments to offset a position taken by at least one of a specialist and market maker. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the determined hedging basket of instruments includes one or more last reported fund holdings of the actively managed fund. 16. The method of claim 14, wherein the hedging basket of instruments comprises at least one of a creation basket portfolio and a redemption basket portfolio. 17. The method of claim 14, wherein trading occurs in shares through at least one of the specialist computer and market maker computer, the method further comprises:
managing investment risk in shares of the actively managed fund by hedging one or more positions taken in the actively managed fund, said hedging comprising offsetting the one or more positions taken using the determined hedging basket of instruments, said determined hedging basket tracking the actively managed fund. 18. The method of claim 14, wherein trading occurs in derivative instruments through at least one of a specialist computer and a market maker computer, the method further comprises:
managing investment risk in the derivatives by hedging one or more positions taken in the derivatives, said hedging comprising offsetting the one or more positions taken using the determined hedging basket of instruments. 19. The method of claim 11, wherein the step of calculating the intra-day net asset value is executed within a trusted system that comprises the at least one computer, the method further comprises:
adjusting, by the at least one computer, the actively managed fund to reflect any transactions made on a prior trading day to take into consideration dividend credits and expenses attributable to the current trading day. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the trusted system comprises a physical hardware and operating system configuration in which domain configuration and trust relationships are established to control access to a decrypted portfolio file representing positions taken in the actively managed fund. 21. The method of claim 11, wherein the step of calculating the intra-day net asset value is executed within a trusted system that comprises the at least one computer, the method further comprises:
disseminating, by the at least one computer, the intra-day net asset value proxy for the actively managed fund. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the intra-day net asset value proxy is disseminated at one or more predetermined times during one or more trading days. 23. A method of intra-day trading on an exchange or market in shares or derivative instruments of an actively managed fund, the method comprising:
calculating, by at least one computer, an intra-day net asset value proxy for the actively managed fund; referencing, by the at least one computer, said intra-day net asset value proxy for the actively managed fund, wherein the net asset value proxy for the actively managed fund does not reveal at least one of the group consisting of the assets of the actively managed fund and changes in the assets of the actively managed fund; and trading, by the at least one computer, at least one of the group consisting of the shares and derivative instruments through negotiated pricing of the fund shares or derivative instruments by buyers and sellers of shares in or derivative instruments of the actively managed fund derived from prices posted for the calculated intra-day net asset value proxy for the actively managed fund. 24. The method of claim 23, further comprising:
executing, by the at least one computer, a factor analysis process to produce a hedging portfolio that tracks the actively managed fund to hedge positions taken by participants that trade in shares or derivative instruments of the actively managed fund. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the hedging portfolio comprises at least one of a creation basket portfolio and a redemption basket portfolio. 26. The method of claim 24, wherein trading the shares or derivative instruments occurs through at least one of a specialist computer and a market maker computer configured to hedge positions using the determined hedging portfolio. 27. The method of claim 23, wherein the intra-day net asset value proxy is calculated by applying prices received from a quote feed to instruments in the actively managed fund as of a closing of a prior trading day. 28. The method of claim 23, wherein the step of determining the intra-day net asset value proxy occurs in a trusted computer system that comprises the at least one computer. | The invention provides systems and methods for intra-day trading of actively managed exchange traded funds (AMETFs). The invention provides creation and redemption structures for AMETF shares that allow arbitrage, intra-day value estimations for AMETF shares, and hedging portfolios for hedging risks associated with trading AMETF shares, all without requiring disclosure of the specific assets underlying the AMETF.1. A method of intra-day trading in shares or derivative instruments of an actively managed fund comprising:
determining, by at least one computer, a hedging basket of instruments that track the actively managed fund or derivatives; managing investment risk taken in the shares or derivative instruments of the actively managed fund using said hedging basket of instruments, wherein the hedging basket of instruments do not reveal at least one of the group consisting of the fund assets and changes in the fund assets; and intra-day trading, via the at least one computer, the shares or derivative instruments. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein pricing of at least one of the group consisting of the traded shares and derivative instruments comprises negotiated pricing between buyers and sellers of shares in or derivative instruments of the actively managed fund. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the hedging basket of instruments comprises at least one of a creation basket portfolio and a redemption basket portfolio. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the value of the hedging basket of instruments substantially tracks a value of the actively managed fund. 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising:
executing, by the at least one computer, a process to produce the hedging portfolio; and hedging a position taken in the actively managed fund using the hedging portfolio. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the process to produce the hedging portfolio comprises a factor analysis process. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the factor analysis process includes analyzing factors related to at least one of economic activity and inflation rates. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein pricing of the fund shares or derivative instruments is derived from a calculated intra-day net asset value proxy for the actively managed fund. 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
determining, by the at least one computer, an intra-day net asset value proxy for the fund by applying prices received from a quote feed to instruments in the actively managed fund as of a closing of a prior trading day. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein determining the intra-day net asset value proxy occurs in a trusted computer system that comprises the at least one computer. 11. A method of intra-day trading of shares or derivative instruments of an actively managed fund, the method comprising:
calculating an intra-day net asset value proxy for fund shares of the actively managed fund by at least one computer by applying prices received from a quote feed to instruments in the actively managed fund, wherein the intra-day net asset value proxy does not reveal at least one of the group consisting of the fund assets and changes in the fund assets; and trading, via the at least one computer, the fund shares or derivative instruments based on negotiated pricing of the fund shares or derivative instruments. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the negotiated pricing of the fund shares or derivative instruments is derived from the intra-day net asset value proxy for the actively managed fund. 13. The method of claim 11, wherein trading the fund shares or derivative instruments occurs on a financial exchange or market entity comprising the at least one computer. 14. The method of claim 11, wherein trading the fund shares or derivative instruments occurs through at least one of a specialist computer and a market maker computer, the method further comprising:
determining, by the at least one computer, a hedging basket of instruments that tracks at least one of the group consisting of the actively managed fund and derivatives to allow management of investment risk in shares of the actively managed fund, with at least one of the specialist computer and market maker computer configured to hedge one or more positions using the determined hedging basket of instruments to offset a position taken by at least one of a specialist and market maker. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the determined hedging basket of instruments includes one or more last reported fund holdings of the actively managed fund. 16. The method of claim 14, wherein the hedging basket of instruments comprises at least one of a creation basket portfolio and a redemption basket portfolio. 17. The method of claim 14, wherein trading occurs in shares through at least one of the specialist computer and market maker computer, the method further comprises:
managing investment risk in shares of the actively managed fund by hedging one or more positions taken in the actively managed fund, said hedging comprising offsetting the one or more positions taken using the determined hedging basket of instruments, said determined hedging basket tracking the actively managed fund. 18. The method of claim 14, wherein trading occurs in derivative instruments through at least one of a specialist computer and a market maker computer, the method further comprises:
managing investment risk in the derivatives by hedging one or more positions taken in the derivatives, said hedging comprising offsetting the one or more positions taken using the determined hedging basket of instruments. 19. The method of claim 11, wherein the step of calculating the intra-day net asset value is executed within a trusted system that comprises the at least one computer, the method further comprises:
adjusting, by the at least one computer, the actively managed fund to reflect any transactions made on a prior trading day to take into consideration dividend credits and expenses attributable to the current trading day. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the trusted system comprises a physical hardware and operating system configuration in which domain configuration and trust relationships are established to control access to a decrypted portfolio file representing positions taken in the actively managed fund. 21. The method of claim 11, wherein the step of calculating the intra-day net asset value is executed within a trusted system that comprises the at least one computer, the method further comprises:
disseminating, by the at least one computer, the intra-day net asset value proxy for the actively managed fund. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the intra-day net asset value proxy is disseminated at one or more predetermined times during one or more trading days. 23. A method of intra-day trading on an exchange or market in shares or derivative instruments of an actively managed fund, the method comprising:
calculating, by at least one computer, an intra-day net asset value proxy for the actively managed fund; referencing, by the at least one computer, said intra-day net asset value proxy for the actively managed fund, wherein the net asset value proxy for the actively managed fund does not reveal at least one of the group consisting of the assets of the actively managed fund and changes in the assets of the actively managed fund; and trading, by the at least one computer, at least one of the group consisting of the shares and derivative instruments through negotiated pricing of the fund shares or derivative instruments by buyers and sellers of shares in or derivative instruments of the actively managed fund derived from prices posted for the calculated intra-day net asset value proxy for the actively managed fund. 24. The method of claim 23, further comprising:
executing, by the at least one computer, a factor analysis process to produce a hedging portfolio that tracks the actively managed fund to hedge positions taken by participants that trade in shares or derivative instruments of the actively managed fund. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the hedging portfolio comprises at least one of a creation basket portfolio and a redemption basket portfolio. 26. The method of claim 24, wherein trading the shares or derivative instruments occurs through at least one of a specialist computer and a market maker computer configured to hedge positions using the determined hedging portfolio. 27. The method of claim 23, wherein the intra-day net asset value proxy is calculated by applying prices received from a quote feed to instruments in the actively managed fund as of a closing of a prior trading day. 28. The method of claim 23, wherein the step of determining the intra-day net asset value proxy occurs in a trusted computer system that comprises the at least one computer. | 3,600 |
12,506 | 12,506 | 12,271,638 | 3,682 | Methods and systems for determining the suitability of information to be received by a mobile client are disclosed. For example, an exemplary method may includes identifying a set of location history information by the mobile client, updating a user profile by the mobile client based on the location history information, and displaying/storing target information on the mobile client based on the updated user profile. | 1. A method for determining the suitability of information to be received by a mobile client, comprising:
identifying a set of location history information by the mobile client; updating a user profile by the mobile client based on the location history information; and displaying and/or storing target information on the mobile client based on the updated user profile. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining location types based upon the location history information. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the location types include at least one of residence, work, education, recreational, shopping, and religion. 4. The method of claim 2, wherein the determining location types further includes determining location types for specific time intervals. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein identifying a set of location history information includes correlating the time intervals of the location history information to an expected time probability distribution of a specific location type. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein location information for the mobile client is provided by an alternate source that is not part of the mobile client. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the identifying includes identifying clusters of locations. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the identifying includes performing a path analysis. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the identifying includes performing a path analysis based upon at least one cluster of likely destinations. 10. The method of claim 2, wherein locations can include an area of interest. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein location information for the mobile client is provided by a GPS device in a car. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the GPS device is part of the car's navigation system. 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising providing location information for the mobile client by the car's GPS device via a short-range communication system. 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising providing location information for the mobile client by the car's GPS device via a Bluetooth system. 15. The method of claim 13, further comprising providing location information for the mobile client by the car's GPS device via a near-field communication system. 16. The method of claim 1, further comprising selecting a source of GPS information for the mobile client based on an energy availability level of the mobile client. 17. The method of claim 1, further comprising disabling an internal GPS device of the mobile client based on a low energy availability of the mobile client. 18. The method of claim 1, further comprising changing a rate of usage of an internal GPS device of the mobile client based on a low energy availability of the mobile client. 19. The method of claim 1, wherein the mobile client derives location information using publically available wireless LANs. 20. The method of claim 1, wherein updating the user profile includes correlating time data of the location history information to a time probability distribution of one or more specific locations associated with the mobile client. 21. The method of claim 20, wherein updating the user profile includes determining a probability density function of the presence of the mobile client's user at a given location as a function of time. 22. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining a most probable current destination of the mobile client's user as a function of time and based on the user profile. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the most probable current destination is a past identified destination of the user. 24. The method of claim 22, wherein the most probable current destination is an amalgam of a plurality of past identified destinations of the user. 25. The method of claim 22, wherein the amalgam is a spatial centroid of weighted location information of the past identified destinations of the user. 26. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining a plurality of most probable destinations of the mobile client's user based on one or more current observations and one or more past observations incorporated into the user profile. 27. The method of claim 26, where observations include at least one of location information, time information, and user behavior information. 28. The method of claim 26, wherein updating the user profile includes determining a likely transition time, time window or time probability distribution function (PDF) for leaving a first location. 29. The method of claim 28, wherein determining probable destinations is performed based on en route accumulated measures of location change of the mobile client's user after leaving the first location. 30. The method of claim 28, further comprising determining one or more likely routes of the mobile client's user based on spatial relationships of the mobile client's location to a plurality of most likely destination locations. 31. The method of claim 28, further comprising determining one or more likely routes of the mobile client's user based on spatial relationships of the plurality of most likely destination locations to one another. 32. The method of claim 30, further comprising determining one or more likely routes of the mobile client's user based on a kth order Markov model incorporated into the mobile client, where k is an integer greater than or equal to 1. 33. The method of claim 28, wherein determining a likely transition time includes performing an adaptive weighted allocation based on a route transition event. 34. The method of claim 33, wherein the adaptive weighted allocation based on time bucket measurements of which time bucket duration depends on a likely duration of travel for the user. 35. The method of claim 32, wherein the display/storage of target information is related to the amalgam of past identified destinations of the user. 36. The method of claim 1, wherein the display/storage of target information is based on a combination of location measurements and sensory measurements from at least one of an accelerometer and a speedometer. 37. The method of claim 1, wherein the display/storage of target information is based on sensors incorporated into an automobile and to which the mobile client has access. 38. The method of claim 1, wherein the user profile is updated to include activity information of the user along with the location history information. 39. The method of claim 38, wherein the activity information of the user includes a lack of activity of the user with the mobile client determined by monitoring the lack of interaction of the user with the user interface of the mobile client. 40. The method of claim 39, wherein the lack of user activity is used to determine a sleep pattern associated with the user of the mobile client. 41. The method of claim 40, wherein the sleep pattern is used to determine the likelihood of the user's location being the home location for the user. 42. The method of claim 2, wherein identifying the location-type includes utilizing additional available information regarding the neighborhood associated with the location being a residential neighborhood, a commercial neighborhood, an industrial neighborhood, or combinations thereof. 43. The method of claim 1, wherein daily patterns of user travel information, weekly patterns of user travel information, or combinations thereof are stored in the user profile. 44. The method of claim 43, wherein a correlation measure is established between daily patterns associated with different days of the week. 45. The method of claims 44, wherein at least one of a learning engine and a prediction engine incorporated into the mobile client treats highly correlated daily patterns of different days of the week to be equivalent, to enable faster learning of user travel behavior. 46. The method of claim 43, wherein a learning engine incorporated into the mobile client uses a weighted combination of information from daily patterns and weekly patterns to learn a pattern of user travel behavior, and wherein a prediction engine incorporated into the mobile client predicts a future user location. 47. The method of claims 46, wherein at least one of the learning engine and the prediction engine treats highly correlated daily patterns of different days of the week to be equivalent, to enable faster learning of user travel behavior. 48. An apparatus for determining the suitability of information to be received by a mobile client, comprising:
means for identifying a set of location history information by the mobile client; means for updating a user profile by the mobile client based on the location history information; and means for displaying and/or means for storing target information on the mobile client based on the updated user profile. 49. The apparatus of claim 48, further comprising means for determining location types based upon the location history information. 50. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein the location types include at least one of residence, work, education, recreational, shopping, and religion. 51. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein the means for determining location types is further for determining location types for specific time intervals. 52. The apparatus of claim 51, wherein the means for identifying a set of location history information is further for correlating the time intervals of the location history information to an expected time probability distribution of a specific location type. 53. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the means for identifying a set of location history is further for identifying clusters of locations. 54. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the means for identifying a set of location history is further for performing a path analysis. 55. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein locations can include an area of interest. 56. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the mobile client is configured to receive GPS information from a GPS device incorporated into a vehicle's navigation system. 57. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the means for updating a user profile includes a means for correlating time data of the location history information to a time probability distribution of one or more specific locations associated with the mobile client. 58. The apparatus of claim 48, further comprising means for determining a most probable current destination of the mobile client's user as a function of time and based on the user profile. 59. The apparatus of claim 58, further comprising means for determining a likely transition time, time window or time probability distribution function (PDF) for leaving a first location. 60. The apparatus of claim 58, further comprising means for determining one or more likely routes of the mobile client's user based on spatial relationships of the mobile client's location to a plurality of most likely destination locations. 61. The apparatus of claim 60, wherein the means for determining one or more likely routes of the mobile client's user is based on a kth order Markov model incorporated into the mobile client, where k is an integer greater than or equal to 1. 62. A mobile client, comprising:
a memory; a transceiver; a processor coupled to the memory and transceiver and operable to:
identify a set of location history information of the mobile client;
update a user profile of the mobile client based on the location history information; and
a display incorporated into the mobile client capable of displaying target information on the mobile client based on the updated user profile. 63. The apparatus of claim 62, wherein the processor is further operable to determine location types based upon the location history information. 64. The apparatus of claim 63, wherein the location types include at least one of residence, work, education, recreational, shopping, and religion. 65. The apparatus of claim 63, wherein the processor is further operable to determine location types for specific time intervals. 66. The apparatus of claim 65, wherein the processor is operable to identify a set of location history information by correlating time intervals of the location history information to an expected time probability distribution of a specific location type. 67. The apparatus of claim 62, wherein the processor is operable to identify a set of location history information by identifying clusters of locations. 68. The apparatus of claim 62, wherein the processor is operable to identify a set of location history information by performing a path analysis. 69. The apparatus of claim 63, wherein locations can include an area of interest. 70. The apparatus of claim 62, wherein the mobile client is configured to receive GPS information from a GPS device incorporated into a vehicle's navigation system. 71. The apparatus of claim 62, wherein the processor is operable to update the user profile by correlating time data of the location history information to a time probability distribution of one or more specific locations associated with the mobile client. 72. The apparatus of claim 62, wherein the processor is further operable to determine a most probable current destination of the mobile client's user as a function of time and based on the user profile. 73. The apparatus of claim 62, wherein the processor is further operable to determine a likely transition time, time window or time probability distribution function (PDF) for leaving a first location. 74. The apparatus of claim 62, wherein the processor is operable to determine one or more likely routes of the mobile client's user based on spatial relationships of the mobile client's location to a plurality of most likely destination locations. 75. The apparatus of claim 74, wherein the processor is operable to determine one or more likely routes of the mobile client's by using a kth order Markov model of location information incorporated into the mobile client, where k is an integer greater than or equal to 1. 76. The apparatus of claim 62, wherein updating the user profile includes correlating time data of the location history information to a time probability distribution of one or more specific locations associated with the mobile client. 77. The apparatus of claim 76, wherein the processor is operable to update the user profile by determining a probability density function of the presence of the mobile client's user at a given location as a function of time. 78. The apparatus of claim 62, wherein the processor is operable to update the user profile further by determining a most probable current destination of the mobile client's user as a function of time and based on the user profile. 79. The apparatus of claim 78, wherein the most probable current destination is one of a past identified destination of the user, an amalgam of a plurality of past identified destinations of the user and a spatial centroid of weighted location information of the past identified destinations of the user. 80. The apparatus of claim 62, wherein the processor is operable to update the user profile further by determining a plurality of most probable destinations of the mobile client's user based on one or more current observations and one or more past observations incorporated into the user profile. 81. The apparatus of claim 80, where observations include at least one of location information, time information, and user behavior information. 82. The apparatus of claim 80, wherein the processor is operable to update the user profile by determining a likely transition time, time window or time probability distribution function (PDF) for leaving a first location. 83. The apparatus of claim 82, wherein determining probable destinations is performed based on en route accumulated measures of location change of the mobile client's user after leaving the first location. 84. The apparatus of claim 82, wherein the processor is operable to update the user profile by determining one or more likely routes of the mobile client's user based on spatial relationships of the mobile client's location to a plurality of most likely destination locations. 85. The apparatus of claim 82, wherein the processor is further operable to update the user profile by updating the user profile by determining one or more likely routes of the mobile client's user based on spatial relationships of the plurality of most likely destination locations to one another. 86. The apparatus of claim 84, wherein the processor is operable to update the user profile by determining one or more likely routes of the mobile client's user based on a kth order Markov model incorporated into the mobile client, where k is an integer greater than or equal to 1. 87. The apparatus of claim 62, wherein the user profile is updated to include activity information of the user along with the location history information. 88. The apparatus of claim 87, wherein the activity information of the user includes a lack of activity of the user with the mobile client determined by monitoring the lack of interaction of the user with the user interface of the mobile client. 89. The apparatus of claim 88, wherein the lack of user activity is used to determine a sleep pattern associated with the user of the mobile client. 90. The apparatus of claim 63, wherein the processor is operable to determine location types by using additional available information regarding the neighborhood associated with the location being a residential neighborhood, a commercial neighborhood, an industrial neighborhood, or combinations thereof. 91. The apparatus of claim 62, wherein the processor is operable to update the user profile by using daily patterns of user travel information, weekly patterns of user travel information, or combinations. 92. The apparatus of claims 63, wherein the processor is operable to update a user profile by using at least one of a learning engine and a prediction engine that treats highly correlated daily patterns of different days of the week to be equivalent, to enable faster learning of user travel behavior. 93. A computer program product, comprising:
a computer-readable medium comprising:
instructions for identifying a set of location history information by the mobile client;
instructions for updating a user profile by the mobile client based on the location history information; and
instructions for displaying and/or storing target information on the mobile client based on the updated user profile. | Methods and systems for determining the suitability of information to be received by a mobile client are disclosed. For example, an exemplary method may includes identifying a set of location history information by the mobile client, updating a user profile by the mobile client based on the location history information, and displaying/storing target information on the mobile client based on the updated user profile.1. A method for determining the suitability of information to be received by a mobile client, comprising:
identifying a set of location history information by the mobile client; updating a user profile by the mobile client based on the location history information; and displaying and/or storing target information on the mobile client based on the updated user profile. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining location types based upon the location history information. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the location types include at least one of residence, work, education, recreational, shopping, and religion. 4. The method of claim 2, wherein the determining location types further includes determining location types for specific time intervals. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein identifying a set of location history information includes correlating the time intervals of the location history information to an expected time probability distribution of a specific location type. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein location information for the mobile client is provided by an alternate source that is not part of the mobile client. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the identifying includes identifying clusters of locations. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the identifying includes performing a path analysis. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the identifying includes performing a path analysis based upon at least one cluster of likely destinations. 10. The method of claim 2, wherein locations can include an area of interest. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein location information for the mobile client is provided by a GPS device in a car. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the GPS device is part of the car's navigation system. 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising providing location information for the mobile client by the car's GPS device via a short-range communication system. 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising providing location information for the mobile client by the car's GPS device via a Bluetooth system. 15. The method of claim 13, further comprising providing location information for the mobile client by the car's GPS device via a near-field communication system. 16. The method of claim 1, further comprising selecting a source of GPS information for the mobile client based on an energy availability level of the mobile client. 17. The method of claim 1, further comprising disabling an internal GPS device of the mobile client based on a low energy availability of the mobile client. 18. The method of claim 1, further comprising changing a rate of usage of an internal GPS device of the mobile client based on a low energy availability of the mobile client. 19. The method of claim 1, wherein the mobile client derives location information using publically available wireless LANs. 20. The method of claim 1, wherein updating the user profile includes correlating time data of the location history information to a time probability distribution of one or more specific locations associated with the mobile client. 21. The method of claim 20, wherein updating the user profile includes determining a probability density function of the presence of the mobile client's user at a given location as a function of time. 22. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining a most probable current destination of the mobile client's user as a function of time and based on the user profile. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the most probable current destination is a past identified destination of the user. 24. The method of claim 22, wherein the most probable current destination is an amalgam of a plurality of past identified destinations of the user. 25. The method of claim 22, wherein the amalgam is a spatial centroid of weighted location information of the past identified destinations of the user. 26. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining a plurality of most probable destinations of the mobile client's user based on one or more current observations and one or more past observations incorporated into the user profile. 27. The method of claim 26, where observations include at least one of location information, time information, and user behavior information. 28. The method of claim 26, wherein updating the user profile includes determining a likely transition time, time window or time probability distribution function (PDF) for leaving a first location. 29. The method of claim 28, wherein determining probable destinations is performed based on en route accumulated measures of location change of the mobile client's user after leaving the first location. 30. The method of claim 28, further comprising determining one or more likely routes of the mobile client's user based on spatial relationships of the mobile client's location to a plurality of most likely destination locations. 31. The method of claim 28, further comprising determining one or more likely routes of the mobile client's user based on spatial relationships of the plurality of most likely destination locations to one another. 32. The method of claim 30, further comprising determining one or more likely routes of the mobile client's user based on a kth order Markov model incorporated into the mobile client, where k is an integer greater than or equal to 1. 33. The method of claim 28, wherein determining a likely transition time includes performing an adaptive weighted allocation based on a route transition event. 34. The method of claim 33, wherein the adaptive weighted allocation based on time bucket measurements of which time bucket duration depends on a likely duration of travel for the user. 35. The method of claim 32, wherein the display/storage of target information is related to the amalgam of past identified destinations of the user. 36. The method of claim 1, wherein the display/storage of target information is based on a combination of location measurements and sensory measurements from at least one of an accelerometer and a speedometer. 37. The method of claim 1, wherein the display/storage of target information is based on sensors incorporated into an automobile and to which the mobile client has access. 38. The method of claim 1, wherein the user profile is updated to include activity information of the user along with the location history information. 39. The method of claim 38, wherein the activity information of the user includes a lack of activity of the user with the mobile client determined by monitoring the lack of interaction of the user with the user interface of the mobile client. 40. The method of claim 39, wherein the lack of user activity is used to determine a sleep pattern associated with the user of the mobile client. 41. The method of claim 40, wherein the sleep pattern is used to determine the likelihood of the user's location being the home location for the user. 42. The method of claim 2, wherein identifying the location-type includes utilizing additional available information regarding the neighborhood associated with the location being a residential neighborhood, a commercial neighborhood, an industrial neighborhood, or combinations thereof. 43. The method of claim 1, wherein daily patterns of user travel information, weekly patterns of user travel information, or combinations thereof are stored in the user profile. 44. The method of claim 43, wherein a correlation measure is established between daily patterns associated with different days of the week. 45. The method of claims 44, wherein at least one of a learning engine and a prediction engine incorporated into the mobile client treats highly correlated daily patterns of different days of the week to be equivalent, to enable faster learning of user travel behavior. 46. The method of claim 43, wherein a learning engine incorporated into the mobile client uses a weighted combination of information from daily patterns and weekly patterns to learn a pattern of user travel behavior, and wherein a prediction engine incorporated into the mobile client predicts a future user location. 47. The method of claims 46, wherein at least one of the learning engine and the prediction engine treats highly correlated daily patterns of different days of the week to be equivalent, to enable faster learning of user travel behavior. 48. An apparatus for determining the suitability of information to be received by a mobile client, comprising:
means for identifying a set of location history information by the mobile client; means for updating a user profile by the mobile client based on the location history information; and means for displaying and/or means for storing target information on the mobile client based on the updated user profile. 49. The apparatus of claim 48, further comprising means for determining location types based upon the location history information. 50. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein the location types include at least one of residence, work, education, recreational, shopping, and religion. 51. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein the means for determining location types is further for determining location types for specific time intervals. 52. The apparatus of claim 51, wherein the means for identifying a set of location history information is further for correlating the time intervals of the location history information to an expected time probability distribution of a specific location type. 53. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the means for identifying a set of location history is further for identifying clusters of locations. 54. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the means for identifying a set of location history is further for performing a path analysis. 55. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein locations can include an area of interest. 56. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the mobile client is configured to receive GPS information from a GPS device incorporated into a vehicle's navigation system. 57. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the means for updating a user profile includes a means for correlating time data of the location history information to a time probability distribution of one or more specific locations associated with the mobile client. 58. The apparatus of claim 48, further comprising means for determining a most probable current destination of the mobile client's user as a function of time and based on the user profile. 59. The apparatus of claim 58, further comprising means for determining a likely transition time, time window or time probability distribution function (PDF) for leaving a first location. 60. The apparatus of claim 58, further comprising means for determining one or more likely routes of the mobile client's user based on spatial relationships of the mobile client's location to a plurality of most likely destination locations. 61. The apparatus of claim 60, wherein the means for determining one or more likely routes of the mobile client's user is based on a kth order Markov model incorporated into the mobile client, where k is an integer greater than or equal to 1. 62. A mobile client, comprising:
a memory; a transceiver; a processor coupled to the memory and transceiver and operable to:
identify a set of location history information of the mobile client;
update a user profile of the mobile client based on the location history information; and
a display incorporated into the mobile client capable of displaying target information on the mobile client based on the updated user profile. 63. The apparatus of claim 62, wherein the processor is further operable to determine location types based upon the location history information. 64. The apparatus of claim 63, wherein the location types include at least one of residence, work, education, recreational, shopping, and religion. 65. The apparatus of claim 63, wherein the processor is further operable to determine location types for specific time intervals. 66. The apparatus of claim 65, wherein the processor is operable to identify a set of location history information by correlating time intervals of the location history information to an expected time probability distribution of a specific location type. 67. The apparatus of claim 62, wherein the processor is operable to identify a set of location history information by identifying clusters of locations. 68. The apparatus of claim 62, wherein the processor is operable to identify a set of location history information by performing a path analysis. 69. The apparatus of claim 63, wherein locations can include an area of interest. 70. The apparatus of claim 62, wherein the mobile client is configured to receive GPS information from a GPS device incorporated into a vehicle's navigation system. 71. The apparatus of claim 62, wherein the processor is operable to update the user profile by correlating time data of the location history information to a time probability distribution of one or more specific locations associated with the mobile client. 72. The apparatus of claim 62, wherein the processor is further operable to determine a most probable current destination of the mobile client's user as a function of time and based on the user profile. 73. The apparatus of claim 62, wherein the processor is further operable to determine a likely transition time, time window or time probability distribution function (PDF) for leaving a first location. 74. The apparatus of claim 62, wherein the processor is operable to determine one or more likely routes of the mobile client's user based on spatial relationships of the mobile client's location to a plurality of most likely destination locations. 75. The apparatus of claim 74, wherein the processor is operable to determine one or more likely routes of the mobile client's by using a kth order Markov model of location information incorporated into the mobile client, where k is an integer greater than or equal to 1. 76. The apparatus of claim 62, wherein updating the user profile includes correlating time data of the location history information to a time probability distribution of one or more specific locations associated with the mobile client. 77. The apparatus of claim 76, wherein the processor is operable to update the user profile by determining a probability density function of the presence of the mobile client's user at a given location as a function of time. 78. The apparatus of claim 62, wherein the processor is operable to update the user profile further by determining a most probable current destination of the mobile client's user as a function of time and based on the user profile. 79. The apparatus of claim 78, wherein the most probable current destination is one of a past identified destination of the user, an amalgam of a plurality of past identified destinations of the user and a spatial centroid of weighted location information of the past identified destinations of the user. 80. The apparatus of claim 62, wherein the processor is operable to update the user profile further by determining a plurality of most probable destinations of the mobile client's user based on one or more current observations and one or more past observations incorporated into the user profile. 81. The apparatus of claim 80, where observations include at least one of location information, time information, and user behavior information. 82. The apparatus of claim 80, wherein the processor is operable to update the user profile by determining a likely transition time, time window or time probability distribution function (PDF) for leaving a first location. 83. The apparatus of claim 82, wherein determining probable destinations is performed based on en route accumulated measures of location change of the mobile client's user after leaving the first location. 84. The apparatus of claim 82, wherein the processor is operable to update the user profile by determining one or more likely routes of the mobile client's user based on spatial relationships of the mobile client's location to a plurality of most likely destination locations. 85. The apparatus of claim 82, wherein the processor is further operable to update the user profile by updating the user profile by determining one or more likely routes of the mobile client's user based on spatial relationships of the plurality of most likely destination locations to one another. 86. The apparatus of claim 84, wherein the processor is operable to update the user profile by determining one or more likely routes of the mobile client's user based on a kth order Markov model incorporated into the mobile client, where k is an integer greater than or equal to 1. 87. The apparatus of claim 62, wherein the user profile is updated to include activity information of the user along with the location history information. 88. The apparatus of claim 87, wherein the activity information of the user includes a lack of activity of the user with the mobile client determined by monitoring the lack of interaction of the user with the user interface of the mobile client. 89. The apparatus of claim 88, wherein the lack of user activity is used to determine a sleep pattern associated with the user of the mobile client. 90. The apparatus of claim 63, wherein the processor is operable to determine location types by using additional available information regarding the neighborhood associated with the location being a residential neighborhood, a commercial neighborhood, an industrial neighborhood, or combinations thereof. 91. The apparatus of claim 62, wherein the processor is operable to update the user profile by using daily patterns of user travel information, weekly patterns of user travel information, or combinations. 92. The apparatus of claims 63, wherein the processor is operable to update a user profile by using at least one of a learning engine and a prediction engine that treats highly correlated daily patterns of different days of the week to be equivalent, to enable faster learning of user travel behavior. 93. A computer program product, comprising:
a computer-readable medium comprising:
instructions for identifying a set of location history information by the mobile client;
instructions for updating a user profile by the mobile client based on the location history information; and
instructions for displaying and/or storing target information on the mobile client based on the updated user profile. | 3,600 |
12,507 | 12,507 | 14,941,268 | 3,612 | A trim piece for a motor vehicle includes a cutout portion for receiving a vehicle member and an overlapping interlocking joint for securing the cutout portion around the vehicle member. The overlapping interlocking joint includes a flanged male portion and a cooperating female portion. The cooperating female portion may be defined on an edge of the overlapping interlocking joint or in an interior of the overlapping interlocking joint. The trim piece may be fabricated in whole or in part of a flexible material, and may be configured for attaching to a variety of structures such as a bottom surface of a decklid or to a trunk interior surface. | 1. A trim piece for a motor vehicle, comprising;
a cutout portion for receiving a vehicle member; and a flexible overlapping interlocking joint for securing the cutout portion around the vehicle member. 2. The trim piece of claim 1, wherein the overlapping interlocking joint includes a flanged male portion and a cooperating female portion. 3. The trim piece of claim 2, wherein the cooperating female portion is defined on an edge of the overlapping interlocking joint. 4. The trim piece of claim 2, wherein the cooperating female portion is provided as a closed receiver defined in an interior of the overlapping interlocking joint. 5. The trim piece of claim 1, including at least a portion fabricated of a flexible material. 6. The trim piece of claim 1, configured for attaching to a bottom surface of a decklid or to a trunk interior surface. 7. A motor vehicle including the trim piece of claim 1. 8. A trim piece for a motor vehicle, comprising;
a cutout portion for receiving a vehicle member; and an overlapping interlocking joint for securing the cutout portion around the vehicle member, comprising a flanged male portion and a cooperating female portion. 9. The trim piece of claim 8, wherein the cooperating female portion is defined on an edge of the overlapping interlocking joint. 10. The trim piece of claim 8, wherein the cooperating female portion is provided as a closed receiver defined in an interior of the overlapping interlocking joint. 11. The trim piece of claim 8, including at least a portion fabricated of a flexible material. 12. The trim piece of claim 8, configured for attaching to a bottom surface of a decklid or to a trunk interior surface. 13. A motor vehicle including the trim piece of claim 8. 14. An overlapping interlocking joint for a motor vehicle trim piece, comprising:
a flanged male portion; and a cooperating female portion. 15. The overlapping interlocking joint of claim 14, wherein the cooperating female portion is defined on an edge of the overlapping interlocking joint. 16. The overlapping interlocking joint of claim 14, wherein the cooperating female portion is provided as a closed receiver defined in an interior of the overlapping interlocking joint. 17. The overlapping interlocking joint of claim 14, fabricated of a flexible material. 18. A motor vehicle trim piece including the overlapping interlocking joint of claim 14. 19. A motor vehicle including the trim piece of claim 18. | A trim piece for a motor vehicle includes a cutout portion for receiving a vehicle member and an overlapping interlocking joint for securing the cutout portion around the vehicle member. The overlapping interlocking joint includes a flanged male portion and a cooperating female portion. The cooperating female portion may be defined on an edge of the overlapping interlocking joint or in an interior of the overlapping interlocking joint. The trim piece may be fabricated in whole or in part of a flexible material, and may be configured for attaching to a variety of structures such as a bottom surface of a decklid or to a trunk interior surface.1. A trim piece for a motor vehicle, comprising;
a cutout portion for receiving a vehicle member; and a flexible overlapping interlocking joint for securing the cutout portion around the vehicle member. 2. The trim piece of claim 1, wherein the overlapping interlocking joint includes a flanged male portion and a cooperating female portion. 3. The trim piece of claim 2, wherein the cooperating female portion is defined on an edge of the overlapping interlocking joint. 4. The trim piece of claim 2, wherein the cooperating female portion is provided as a closed receiver defined in an interior of the overlapping interlocking joint. 5. The trim piece of claim 1, including at least a portion fabricated of a flexible material. 6. The trim piece of claim 1, configured for attaching to a bottom surface of a decklid or to a trunk interior surface. 7. A motor vehicle including the trim piece of claim 1. 8. A trim piece for a motor vehicle, comprising;
a cutout portion for receiving a vehicle member; and an overlapping interlocking joint for securing the cutout portion around the vehicle member, comprising a flanged male portion and a cooperating female portion. 9. The trim piece of claim 8, wherein the cooperating female portion is defined on an edge of the overlapping interlocking joint. 10. The trim piece of claim 8, wherein the cooperating female portion is provided as a closed receiver defined in an interior of the overlapping interlocking joint. 11. The trim piece of claim 8, including at least a portion fabricated of a flexible material. 12. The trim piece of claim 8, configured for attaching to a bottom surface of a decklid or to a trunk interior surface. 13. A motor vehicle including the trim piece of claim 8. 14. An overlapping interlocking joint for a motor vehicle trim piece, comprising:
a flanged male portion; and a cooperating female portion. 15. The overlapping interlocking joint of claim 14, wherein the cooperating female portion is defined on an edge of the overlapping interlocking joint. 16. The overlapping interlocking joint of claim 14, wherein the cooperating female portion is provided as a closed receiver defined in an interior of the overlapping interlocking joint. 17. The overlapping interlocking joint of claim 14, fabricated of a flexible material. 18. A motor vehicle trim piece including the overlapping interlocking joint of claim 14. 19. A motor vehicle including the trim piece of claim 18. | 3,600 |
12,508 | 12,508 | 14,809,391 | 3,658 | An automatic transmission assembly includes a torque converter drivably engaged with a transmission. The torque converter has an impeller with a hub. The hub has an exterior surface, a hub end face, and a first chamfered edge between the exterior surface and the hub end face. A gear has an axial opening, a gear end face, and a second chamfered edge between the axial opening and the gear end face. First and second extensions extend from the second chamfered edge. The first and second extensions extend in a direction normal to the second chamfered edge. During indexing of the torque converter, the first and second extensions contact the first chamfered edge. | 1. A transmission assembly comprising:
a torque converter having an impeller having a hub with a first chamfered edge between an exterior surface and a first end face; a gear mounted in a transmission and on the hub and having a second chamfered edge between an axial opening and a second end face. and circumferentially spaced extensions extending in a normal direction from the second chamfered edge. 2. The transmission assembly of claim 1 wherein at least one of the extensions is an oval dome. 3. The transmission assembly of claim 1 wherein at least one of the extensions is a pyramid. 4. The transmission assembly of claim 1 wherein the axial opening has an interior surface abutting the exterior surface. 5. The transmission assembly of claim 4 wherein the interior and exterior surfaces each comprise curved portions and flat portions, wherein the curved portions of the interior surface abut the curved portions of the exterior surface and the flat portions of the interior surface abut the flat portions of the exterior surface. 6. The transmission assembly of claim 1 wherein the extensions contact the first chamfered edge during mounting of the gear on the hub. 7. The transmission assembly of claim 1 wherein the extensions are the only contact between the torque converter and the gear when the torque converter is indexed to the gear. 8. The transmission assembly of claim 1 wherein the extensions extend toward recesses in the exterior surface. 9. The transmission assembly of claim 1 wherein the extensions extend from the second chamfered edge at locations adjacent to flat portions of an interior surface of the axial opening. 10. A transmission assembly comprising:
a torque converter drivably engaged with a transmission, the torque converter having an impeller with a hub, wherein the hub has a first chamfered edge between an exterior surface and a hub end face; a gear having a second chamfered edge between an axial opening and a gear end face, and circumferentially spaced extensions extending from the second chamfered edge in a direction normal to the second chamfered edge and contacting the first chamfered edge during indexing of the torque converter. 11. The transmission assembly of claim 10 wherein the first and second extensions are oval domes. 12. The transmission assembly of claim 10 wherein the axial opening has an interior surface, and the interior and exterior surfaces each have constant radius portions and non-constant radius portions, the constant radius portions of the interior surface abutting the constant radius portions of the exterior surface and the non-constant radius portions of the interior surface abutting the non-constant radius portions of the exterior surface after the torque converter is indexed. 13. The transmission assembly of claim 10 wherein the first and second extensions have a contact area against the first chamfered edge that is less than a surface area of the second chamfered edge. 14. The transmission assembly of claim 10 wherein the axial opening has an interior surface, the first extension extends from the second chamfered edge adjacent a first flat portion of the interior surface, and the second extension extends from the second chamfered edge adjacent a second flat portion of the interior surface. 15. The transmission assembly of claim 10 wherein the first and second extensions are the only contact between the gear and hub during indexing of the torque converter. 16. A method of assembling a transmission assembly comprising:
stacking a torque converter and a transmission, wherein the torque converter has an impeller hub with an exterior surface, a first end face and a first chamfered edge between the exterior surface and the first end face, and the transmission has an auxiliary gear with a plurality of extensions normal to a second chamfered edge between an axial opening and a second end face, the extensions being the only contact between the torque converter and the auxiliary gear when the torque converter and transmission are initially stacked; rotating the stacked torque converter on the extensions until the hub aligns with the axial opening; sliding the aligned torque converter hub into the axial opening. 17. The method of claim 16 wherein the torque converter is lowered on top of the transmission and weight of the torque converter bears on the plurality of extensions. 18. The method of claim 16 wherein the extensions are oval domes. 19. The method of claim 16 wherein the plurality of extensions have a contact area against the second chamfered edge that is less than a surface area of the first chamfered edge. 20. The method of claim 16 wherein the axial opening has an interior surface, and the interior and exterior surfaces each have constant radius portions and non-constant radius portions, and, when the hub aligns with the axial opening, the constant radius portions of the interior surface align with the constant radius portions of the exterior surface and the non-constant radius portions of the interior surface align with the non-constant radius portions of the exterior surface. | An automatic transmission assembly includes a torque converter drivably engaged with a transmission. The torque converter has an impeller with a hub. The hub has an exterior surface, a hub end face, and a first chamfered edge between the exterior surface and the hub end face. A gear has an axial opening, a gear end face, and a second chamfered edge between the axial opening and the gear end face. First and second extensions extend from the second chamfered edge. The first and second extensions extend in a direction normal to the second chamfered edge. During indexing of the torque converter, the first and second extensions contact the first chamfered edge.1. A transmission assembly comprising:
a torque converter having an impeller having a hub with a first chamfered edge between an exterior surface and a first end face; a gear mounted in a transmission and on the hub and having a second chamfered edge between an axial opening and a second end face. and circumferentially spaced extensions extending in a normal direction from the second chamfered edge. 2. The transmission assembly of claim 1 wherein at least one of the extensions is an oval dome. 3. The transmission assembly of claim 1 wherein at least one of the extensions is a pyramid. 4. The transmission assembly of claim 1 wherein the axial opening has an interior surface abutting the exterior surface. 5. The transmission assembly of claim 4 wherein the interior and exterior surfaces each comprise curved portions and flat portions, wherein the curved portions of the interior surface abut the curved portions of the exterior surface and the flat portions of the interior surface abut the flat portions of the exterior surface. 6. The transmission assembly of claim 1 wherein the extensions contact the first chamfered edge during mounting of the gear on the hub. 7. The transmission assembly of claim 1 wherein the extensions are the only contact between the torque converter and the gear when the torque converter is indexed to the gear. 8. The transmission assembly of claim 1 wherein the extensions extend toward recesses in the exterior surface. 9. The transmission assembly of claim 1 wherein the extensions extend from the second chamfered edge at locations adjacent to flat portions of an interior surface of the axial opening. 10. A transmission assembly comprising:
a torque converter drivably engaged with a transmission, the torque converter having an impeller with a hub, wherein the hub has a first chamfered edge between an exterior surface and a hub end face; a gear having a second chamfered edge between an axial opening and a gear end face, and circumferentially spaced extensions extending from the second chamfered edge in a direction normal to the second chamfered edge and contacting the first chamfered edge during indexing of the torque converter. 11. The transmission assembly of claim 10 wherein the first and second extensions are oval domes. 12. The transmission assembly of claim 10 wherein the axial opening has an interior surface, and the interior and exterior surfaces each have constant radius portions and non-constant radius portions, the constant radius portions of the interior surface abutting the constant radius portions of the exterior surface and the non-constant radius portions of the interior surface abutting the non-constant radius portions of the exterior surface after the torque converter is indexed. 13. The transmission assembly of claim 10 wherein the first and second extensions have a contact area against the first chamfered edge that is less than a surface area of the second chamfered edge. 14. The transmission assembly of claim 10 wherein the axial opening has an interior surface, the first extension extends from the second chamfered edge adjacent a first flat portion of the interior surface, and the second extension extends from the second chamfered edge adjacent a second flat portion of the interior surface. 15. The transmission assembly of claim 10 wherein the first and second extensions are the only contact between the gear and hub during indexing of the torque converter. 16. A method of assembling a transmission assembly comprising:
stacking a torque converter and a transmission, wherein the torque converter has an impeller hub with an exterior surface, a first end face and a first chamfered edge between the exterior surface and the first end face, and the transmission has an auxiliary gear with a plurality of extensions normal to a second chamfered edge between an axial opening and a second end face, the extensions being the only contact between the torque converter and the auxiliary gear when the torque converter and transmission are initially stacked; rotating the stacked torque converter on the extensions until the hub aligns with the axial opening; sliding the aligned torque converter hub into the axial opening. 17. The method of claim 16 wherein the torque converter is lowered on top of the transmission and weight of the torque converter bears on the plurality of extensions. 18. The method of claim 16 wherein the extensions are oval domes. 19. The method of claim 16 wherein the plurality of extensions have a contact area against the second chamfered edge that is less than a surface area of the first chamfered edge. 20. The method of claim 16 wherein the axial opening has an interior surface, and the interior and exterior surfaces each have constant radius portions and non-constant radius portions, and, when the hub aligns with the axial opening, the constant radius portions of the interior surface align with the constant radius portions of the exterior surface and the non-constant radius portions of the interior surface align with the non-constant radius portions of the exterior surface. | 3,600 |
12,509 | 12,509 | 14,215,587 | 3,683 | Computer-implemented methods, systems, and computer-readable media for collecting customer feedback are disclosed. In one embodiment, a merchant provides registration data, defines one or more surveys, and one or more customer deals to a database. Each survey is linked to a customer deal. A customer of the merchant is induced to participate in a survey using his or her mobile device by the promise of receiving a deal for discounted goods or services in return for completing the survey. Upon completion of the survey, a deal certificate is issued to the customer. Survey results, deal redemption statistics, and other statistical analysis are provided to the merchant to enable the merchant to timely assess the performance of his business. | 1. A computer-implemented method for collecting customer feedback, comprising:
receiving, at a processor, data defining at least one merchant; receiving, at the processor, data defining one or more merchant surveys related to the at least one merchant; receiving, at the processor, data defining one or more merchant deals related to the at least one survey; selecting, at a customer device, one of the one or more merchant deals; completing, at the customer device, the survey related to the selected one of the one or more merchant deals; and delivering, in response to the completing, the selected one of the one or more merchant deals to a customer. 2. The computer-implemented method in accordance with claim 1, further comprising:
prohibiting redemption of the deal until at least a predetermined length of time has elapsed from the delivering. 3. The computer-implemented method in accordance with claim 2, wherein the predetermined length of time is eight hours. 4. The computer-implemented method in accordance with claim 1, wherein data defining one or more merchant surveys includes at least one of a survey name, a survey question category, a survey question subcategory, or a survey question. 5. The computer-implemented method in accordance with claim 1, wherein data defining one or more merchant deals includes at least one of a deal name, a deal structure, an active flag, a deal start time, a deal end time, a deal redeem-by date, or a deal condition. 6. The computer-implemented method in accordance with claim 1, wherein selecting, at a customer device, one of the one or more merchant deals includes performing automated identification of visual indicia. 7. The computer-implemented method in accordance with claim 6, wherein performing automated identification of visual indicia includes capturing a linear barcode, capturing a two-dimensional barcode, or performing optical character recognition. 8. The computer-implemented method in accordance with claim 1, further comprising:
receiving, at the processor, data representing the completed survey; and storing, in a database in operable communication with the processor, the data representing the completed survey. 9. The computer-implemented method in accordance with claim 8, further comprising:
retrieving, from the database, data representing at least one completed survey; analyzing the retrieved data to determine at least one statistical property thereof; and displaying, at a merchant device, the at least one statistical property. 10. A customer feedback system, comprising:
a processor, a database operably coupled to the processor; and a computer-readable storage medium operably coupled to the processor including instructions which, when executed on the processor, cause the processor to perform a method comprising:
receiving, at the processor, data defining at least one merchant;
receiving, at the processor, data defining one or more merchant surveys related to the at least one merchant;
receiving, at the processor, data defining one or more merchant deals related to the at least one survey;
receiving, from a customer device, results of a completed survey related to a selected one of the one or more merchant deals; and
delivering, in response to receiving the results of the completed survey, the selected one of the one or more merchant deals to a customer. 11. The customer feedback system in accordance with claim 10, wherein the computer-readable storage medium further includes instructions executable on the processor for prohibiting redemption of the deal until at least a predetermined length of time has elapsed from the delivering. 12. The customer feedback system in accordance with claim 11, wherein the predetermined length of time is eight hours. 13. The customer feedback system in accordance with claim 10, wherein data defining one or more merchant surveys includes at least one of a survey name, a survey question category, a survey question subcategory, or a survey question. 14. The customer feedback system in accordance with claim 10, wherein data defining one or more merchant deals includes at least one of a deal name, a deal structure, an active flag, a deal start time, a deal end time, a deal redeem-by date, or a deal condition. 15. The customer feedback system in accordance with claim 10, wherein the computer-readable storage medium further includes instructions executable on the processor for:
receiving, at the processor, data representing the completed survey; and storing, in a database in operable communication with the processor, the data representing the completed survey. 16. The customer feedback system in accordance with claim 15, wherein the computer-readable storage medium further includes instructions executable on the processor for:
retrieving, from the database, data representing at least one completed survey; analyzing the retrieved data to determine at least one statistical property thereof; and transmitting, to a merchant device, the at least one statistical property. 17. Non-transitory computer-readable media storing instructions, which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform a method of collecting customer feedback, the method comprising:
receiving, at the processor, data defining at least one merchant; receiving, at the processor, data defining one or more merchant surveys related to the at least one merchant; receiving, at the processor, data defining one or more merchant deals related to the at least one survey; receiving, from a customer device, results of a completed survey related to a selected one of the one or more merchant deals; and delivering, in response to receiving the results of the completed survey, the selected one of the one or more merchant deals to a customer. 18. The non-transitory computer-readable media in accordance with claim 17, wherein the computer-readable media further stores instructions executable on the processor for prohibiting redemption of the deal until at least a predetermined length of time has elapsed from the delivering. 19. The non-transitory computer-readable media in accordance with claim 17, wherein the computer-readable media further stores instructions executable on the processor for:
receiving, at the processor, data representing the completed survey; and storing, in a database in operable communication with the processor, the data representing the completed survey. 20. The non-transitory computer-readable media in accordance with claim 19, wherein the computer-readable media further stores instructions executable on the processor for:
retrieving, from the database, data representing at least one completed survey; analyzing the retrieved data to determine at least one statistical property thereof; and transmitting, to a merchant device, the at least one statistical property. | Computer-implemented methods, systems, and computer-readable media for collecting customer feedback are disclosed. In one embodiment, a merchant provides registration data, defines one or more surveys, and one or more customer deals to a database. Each survey is linked to a customer deal. A customer of the merchant is induced to participate in a survey using his or her mobile device by the promise of receiving a deal for discounted goods or services in return for completing the survey. Upon completion of the survey, a deal certificate is issued to the customer. Survey results, deal redemption statistics, and other statistical analysis are provided to the merchant to enable the merchant to timely assess the performance of his business.1. A computer-implemented method for collecting customer feedback, comprising:
receiving, at a processor, data defining at least one merchant; receiving, at the processor, data defining one or more merchant surveys related to the at least one merchant; receiving, at the processor, data defining one or more merchant deals related to the at least one survey; selecting, at a customer device, one of the one or more merchant deals; completing, at the customer device, the survey related to the selected one of the one or more merchant deals; and delivering, in response to the completing, the selected one of the one or more merchant deals to a customer. 2. The computer-implemented method in accordance with claim 1, further comprising:
prohibiting redemption of the deal until at least a predetermined length of time has elapsed from the delivering. 3. The computer-implemented method in accordance with claim 2, wherein the predetermined length of time is eight hours. 4. The computer-implemented method in accordance with claim 1, wherein data defining one or more merchant surveys includes at least one of a survey name, a survey question category, a survey question subcategory, or a survey question. 5. The computer-implemented method in accordance with claim 1, wherein data defining one or more merchant deals includes at least one of a deal name, a deal structure, an active flag, a deal start time, a deal end time, a deal redeem-by date, or a deal condition. 6. The computer-implemented method in accordance with claim 1, wherein selecting, at a customer device, one of the one or more merchant deals includes performing automated identification of visual indicia. 7. The computer-implemented method in accordance with claim 6, wherein performing automated identification of visual indicia includes capturing a linear barcode, capturing a two-dimensional barcode, or performing optical character recognition. 8. The computer-implemented method in accordance with claim 1, further comprising:
receiving, at the processor, data representing the completed survey; and storing, in a database in operable communication with the processor, the data representing the completed survey. 9. The computer-implemented method in accordance with claim 8, further comprising:
retrieving, from the database, data representing at least one completed survey; analyzing the retrieved data to determine at least one statistical property thereof; and displaying, at a merchant device, the at least one statistical property. 10. A customer feedback system, comprising:
a processor, a database operably coupled to the processor; and a computer-readable storage medium operably coupled to the processor including instructions which, when executed on the processor, cause the processor to perform a method comprising:
receiving, at the processor, data defining at least one merchant;
receiving, at the processor, data defining one or more merchant surveys related to the at least one merchant;
receiving, at the processor, data defining one or more merchant deals related to the at least one survey;
receiving, from a customer device, results of a completed survey related to a selected one of the one or more merchant deals; and
delivering, in response to receiving the results of the completed survey, the selected one of the one or more merchant deals to a customer. 11. The customer feedback system in accordance with claim 10, wherein the computer-readable storage medium further includes instructions executable on the processor for prohibiting redemption of the deal until at least a predetermined length of time has elapsed from the delivering. 12. The customer feedback system in accordance with claim 11, wherein the predetermined length of time is eight hours. 13. The customer feedback system in accordance with claim 10, wherein data defining one or more merchant surveys includes at least one of a survey name, a survey question category, a survey question subcategory, or a survey question. 14. The customer feedback system in accordance with claim 10, wherein data defining one or more merchant deals includes at least one of a deal name, a deal structure, an active flag, a deal start time, a deal end time, a deal redeem-by date, or a deal condition. 15. The customer feedback system in accordance with claim 10, wherein the computer-readable storage medium further includes instructions executable on the processor for:
receiving, at the processor, data representing the completed survey; and storing, in a database in operable communication with the processor, the data representing the completed survey. 16. The customer feedback system in accordance with claim 15, wherein the computer-readable storage medium further includes instructions executable on the processor for:
retrieving, from the database, data representing at least one completed survey; analyzing the retrieved data to determine at least one statistical property thereof; and transmitting, to a merchant device, the at least one statistical property. 17. Non-transitory computer-readable media storing instructions, which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform a method of collecting customer feedback, the method comprising:
receiving, at the processor, data defining at least one merchant; receiving, at the processor, data defining one or more merchant surveys related to the at least one merchant; receiving, at the processor, data defining one or more merchant deals related to the at least one survey; receiving, from a customer device, results of a completed survey related to a selected one of the one or more merchant deals; and delivering, in response to receiving the results of the completed survey, the selected one of the one or more merchant deals to a customer. 18. The non-transitory computer-readable media in accordance with claim 17, wherein the computer-readable media further stores instructions executable on the processor for prohibiting redemption of the deal until at least a predetermined length of time has elapsed from the delivering. 19. The non-transitory computer-readable media in accordance with claim 17, wherein the computer-readable media further stores instructions executable on the processor for:
receiving, at the processor, data representing the completed survey; and storing, in a database in operable communication with the processor, the data representing the completed survey. 20. The non-transitory computer-readable media in accordance with claim 19, wherein the computer-readable media further stores instructions executable on the processor for:
retrieving, from the database, data representing at least one completed survey; analyzing the retrieved data to determine at least one statistical property thereof; and transmitting, to a merchant device, the at least one statistical property. | 3,600 |
12,510 | 12,510 | 14,243,149 | 3,691 | The subject matter disclosed pertains to a computer-implemented method for determining a life insurance premium or setting a wage rate. The premium or wage rate is based on a time compression factor (CF A ) that quantifies the increased value of time as an individual ages to age (A). The compression factor is calculated according to:
CF
A
=
τ
childhood
+
Δ
τ
(
M
A
Δ
M
A
)
2
-
A
Δ
τ
(
M
childhood
Δ
M
childhood
)
2
where, M A is the mass of the adult, ΔM A is the nutritional consumption rate (e.g. mass of food per day), M childhood , ΔM childhood are corresponding values at the end of childhood and Δτ is a conversion factor for converting the product to years. | 1. A computer-implemented method for adjusting a life insurance premium for an adult, the method comprising the steps of:
inputting, into a computer, information about an adult's mass (MA) and the adult's mass at the end of childhood (Mchildhood); inputting, into the computer, information about the nutritional consumption rate (ΔMA) for the adult; inputting, into the computer, an age (A) for the adult; establishing a value for nutritional consumption rate as a child (ΔMchildhood) based on the adult's mass at the end of childhood (Mchildhood); and calculating, using the computer, a compression factor (CFA) that accounts for a ratio of the adult's mass (MA) to the nutritional consumption rate (ΔMA) according to:
CF
A
=
τ
childhood
+
Δτ
(
M
A
Δ
M
A
)
2
-
A
Δτ
(
M
childhood
Δ
M
childhood
)
2
where Δτ is a conversion factor for converting the nutritional consumption rate to years, τchildhood is a childhood lifespan in years;
adjusting, using the computer, a life insurance premium using the compression factor (CFA). 2. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the nutritional consumption rate (ΔMA) is in mass of food per day. 3. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the nutritional consumption rate (ΔMA) is provided by the adult. 4. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the nutritional consumption rate (ΔMA) is determined using the adult's generalized body mass index (GBMI) or waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). 5. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the childhood lifespan (τchildhood) is eighteen years. 6. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the step of establishing the value for nutritional consumption rate as a child (ΔMchildhood) is established according to:
Δ
M
childhood
=
M
childhood
Γ
max
-
τ
childhood
Δ
τ
where Γmax is a maximum total lifespan. 7. The method as recited in claim 6, wherein Γmax is 120 years and τchildhood is 18 years. 8. The method as recited in claim 7, where the step of inputting information about the adult's mass (MA) and the adult's mass at the end of childhood (Mchildhood) inputs the same value for both MA and Mchildhood. 9. A computer-implemented method for determining a life insurance premium for an adult, the method comprising the steps of:
receiving, with a computer, a mass (MA) for an adult; receiving, with the computer, an end-of-childhood mass (Mchildhood) for the adult; receiving, with the computer, an age (A) for the adult; receiving, with the computer, a nutritional consumption rate (ΔMA) for the adult; establishing a value for nutritional consumption rate as a child (ΔMchildhood) for the adult; calculating, using the computer, a compression factor (CFA) that accounts for a ratio of the adult's mass (MA) to the nutritional consumption rate (ΔMA) according to:
CF
A
=
τ
childhood
+
Δτ
(
M
A
Δ
M
A
)
2
-
A
Δτ
(
M
childhood
Δ
M
childhood
)
2
where Δτ is a conversion factor for converting the nutritional consumption rate to years, τchildhood is a childhood lifespan in years;
adjusting, with the computer, a life insurance premium using the compression factor (CFA). 10. The method as recited in claim 9, wherein the step of establishing the value for nutritional consumption rate as a child (ΔMchildhood) is established according to:
Δ
M
childhood
=
M
childhood
Γ
max
-
τ
childhood
Δ
τ
where Γmax is a maximum total lifespan. 11. The method as recited in claim 10, wherein Γmax is 120 years and τchildhood is 18 years. 12. The method as recited in claim 9, wherein the nutritional consumption rate (ΔMA) is in mass of food per day. 13. The method as recited in claim 9, wherein the nutritional consumption rate (ΔMA) is provided by the adult. 14. The method as recited in claim 9, wherein the nutritional consumption rate (ΔMA) is determined using the adult's generalized body mass index (GBMI) or waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). 15. A program storage device readable by machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by machine to perform method steps, the method comprising the steps of:
receiving, with a computer, a mass (MA) for an adult; receiving, with the computer, an end-of-childhood mass (Mchildhood) for the adult; receiving, with the computer, an age (A) for the adult; receiving, with the computer, a nutritional consumption rate (ΔMA) for the adult; establishing a value for nutritional consumption rate as a child (ΔMchildhood) for the adult; calculating, using the computer, a compression factor (CFA) that accounts for a ratio of the adult's mass (MA) to the nutritional consumption rate (ΔMA) according to:
CF
A
=
τ
childhood
+
Δτ
(
M
A
Δ
M
A
)
2
-
A
Δτ
(
M
childhood
Δ
M
childhood
)
2
where Δτ is a conversion factor for converting the nutritional consumption rate to years, τchildhood is a childhood lifespan in years;
adjusting, with the computer, a premium using the compression factor (CFA). 16. The program storage device as recited in claim 15, wherein the premium is a life insurance premium. 17. The program storage device as recited in claim 15, wherein the premium is a wage rate. 18. The program storage device as recited in claim 15, wherein the step of establishing the value for nutritional consumption rate as a child (ΔMchildhood) is established according to:
Δ
M
childhood
=
M
childhood
Γ
max
-
τ
childhood
Δ
τ
where Γmax is a maximum total lifespan. 19. The program storage device in claim 18, wherein Γmax is 120 years and τchildhood is 18 years. 20. The program storage device as recited in claim 15, wherein the nutritional consumption rate (ΔMA) is in mass of food per day. | The subject matter disclosed pertains to a computer-implemented method for determining a life insurance premium or setting a wage rate. The premium or wage rate is based on a time compression factor (CF A ) that quantifies the increased value of time as an individual ages to age (A). The compression factor is calculated according to:
CF
A
=
τ
childhood
+
Δ
τ
(
M
A
Δ
M
A
)
2
-
A
Δ
τ
(
M
childhood
Δ
M
childhood
)
2
where, M A is the mass of the adult, ΔM A is the nutritional consumption rate (e.g. mass of food per day), M childhood , ΔM childhood are corresponding values at the end of childhood and Δτ is a conversion factor for converting the product to years.1. A computer-implemented method for adjusting a life insurance premium for an adult, the method comprising the steps of:
inputting, into a computer, information about an adult's mass (MA) and the adult's mass at the end of childhood (Mchildhood); inputting, into the computer, information about the nutritional consumption rate (ΔMA) for the adult; inputting, into the computer, an age (A) for the adult; establishing a value for nutritional consumption rate as a child (ΔMchildhood) based on the adult's mass at the end of childhood (Mchildhood); and calculating, using the computer, a compression factor (CFA) that accounts for a ratio of the adult's mass (MA) to the nutritional consumption rate (ΔMA) according to:
CF
A
=
τ
childhood
+
Δτ
(
M
A
Δ
M
A
)
2
-
A
Δτ
(
M
childhood
Δ
M
childhood
)
2
where Δτ is a conversion factor for converting the nutritional consumption rate to years, τchildhood is a childhood lifespan in years;
adjusting, using the computer, a life insurance premium using the compression factor (CFA). 2. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the nutritional consumption rate (ΔMA) is in mass of food per day. 3. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the nutritional consumption rate (ΔMA) is provided by the adult. 4. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the nutritional consumption rate (ΔMA) is determined using the adult's generalized body mass index (GBMI) or waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). 5. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the childhood lifespan (τchildhood) is eighteen years. 6. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the step of establishing the value for nutritional consumption rate as a child (ΔMchildhood) is established according to:
Δ
M
childhood
=
M
childhood
Γ
max
-
τ
childhood
Δ
τ
where Γmax is a maximum total lifespan. 7. The method as recited in claim 6, wherein Γmax is 120 years and τchildhood is 18 years. 8. The method as recited in claim 7, where the step of inputting information about the adult's mass (MA) and the adult's mass at the end of childhood (Mchildhood) inputs the same value for both MA and Mchildhood. 9. A computer-implemented method for determining a life insurance premium for an adult, the method comprising the steps of:
receiving, with a computer, a mass (MA) for an adult; receiving, with the computer, an end-of-childhood mass (Mchildhood) for the adult; receiving, with the computer, an age (A) for the adult; receiving, with the computer, a nutritional consumption rate (ΔMA) for the adult; establishing a value for nutritional consumption rate as a child (ΔMchildhood) for the adult; calculating, using the computer, a compression factor (CFA) that accounts for a ratio of the adult's mass (MA) to the nutritional consumption rate (ΔMA) according to:
CF
A
=
τ
childhood
+
Δτ
(
M
A
Δ
M
A
)
2
-
A
Δτ
(
M
childhood
Δ
M
childhood
)
2
where Δτ is a conversion factor for converting the nutritional consumption rate to years, τchildhood is a childhood lifespan in years;
adjusting, with the computer, a life insurance premium using the compression factor (CFA). 10. The method as recited in claim 9, wherein the step of establishing the value for nutritional consumption rate as a child (ΔMchildhood) is established according to:
Δ
M
childhood
=
M
childhood
Γ
max
-
τ
childhood
Δ
τ
where Γmax is a maximum total lifespan. 11. The method as recited in claim 10, wherein Γmax is 120 years and τchildhood is 18 years. 12. The method as recited in claim 9, wherein the nutritional consumption rate (ΔMA) is in mass of food per day. 13. The method as recited in claim 9, wherein the nutritional consumption rate (ΔMA) is provided by the adult. 14. The method as recited in claim 9, wherein the nutritional consumption rate (ΔMA) is determined using the adult's generalized body mass index (GBMI) or waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). 15. A program storage device readable by machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by machine to perform method steps, the method comprising the steps of:
receiving, with a computer, a mass (MA) for an adult; receiving, with the computer, an end-of-childhood mass (Mchildhood) for the adult; receiving, with the computer, an age (A) for the adult; receiving, with the computer, a nutritional consumption rate (ΔMA) for the adult; establishing a value for nutritional consumption rate as a child (ΔMchildhood) for the adult; calculating, using the computer, a compression factor (CFA) that accounts for a ratio of the adult's mass (MA) to the nutritional consumption rate (ΔMA) according to:
CF
A
=
τ
childhood
+
Δτ
(
M
A
Δ
M
A
)
2
-
A
Δτ
(
M
childhood
Δ
M
childhood
)
2
where Δτ is a conversion factor for converting the nutritional consumption rate to years, τchildhood is a childhood lifespan in years;
adjusting, with the computer, a premium using the compression factor (CFA). 16. The program storage device as recited in claim 15, wherein the premium is a life insurance premium. 17. The program storage device as recited in claim 15, wherein the premium is a wage rate. 18. The program storage device as recited in claim 15, wherein the step of establishing the value for nutritional consumption rate as a child (ΔMchildhood) is established according to:
Δ
M
childhood
=
M
childhood
Γ
max
-
τ
childhood
Δ
τ
where Γmax is a maximum total lifespan. 19. The program storage device in claim 18, wherein Γmax is 120 years and τchildhood is 18 years. 20. The program storage device as recited in claim 15, wherein the nutritional consumption rate (ΔMA) is in mass of food per day. | 3,600 |
12,511 | 12,511 | 14,803,031 | 3,689 | A video signature system and method. A unique identifier for an agreement document is generated. Consecutive video frames with the unique identifier are captured for each party to the agreement. | 1. A method comprising:
using a processor of a user computing device to receive a data file configured to display plain text and/or images, the data file having one or more predetermined areas wherein a signature of a signer that is using said user computing device can be appended; using captured video frames of the signer to digitally sign one or more predetermined areas of the data file by using the processor to initiate a video capture device on the user computing device, using the video capture device to capture a plurality of video frames of the signer verbalizing acceptance of terms of the document, using the processor to store, in memory, the data file and the plurality of video frames, and associating said plurality of video frames with said one or more of the predetermined areas of the data file, wherein selection of at least one said predetermined areas of the data file initiates a video player that plays back the plurality of captured video frames to authenticate the signer's acceptance of terms of said document. 2. The method of claim 1 further comprising generating an identifier, namely, a numeric or alphanumeric identifier, uniquely associated with said document, wherein the identifier is verbalized by the user to accept terms of the document. 3. The method of claim 1 wherein said using the video capture device to capture a plurality of video frames of the signer verbalizing acceptance of terms of the document is for no more than a predetermined duration. 4. The method of claim 1 further comprising generating for storage on a server, a hash of the identifier, the plurality of the video frames and a name of the signer. 5. The method of claim 1 further comprising associating an image of the signers driving license to the data file. 6. A computer program product including a non-transitory computer readable storage medium having executable code, the code when executed by a processor is adapted for performing the following:
receive a data file configured to display plain text and/or images, wherein the data file includes at least one predetermined areas wherein a signature of a signer that is using a computing device can be appended; use captured video frames of the signer to digitally sign one or more predetermined areas of the data file by initiating a video capture device on the computing device, use the video capture device to capture a plurality of video frames of the signer verbalizing acceptance of terms of the document, store, in memory, the data file and the plurality of video frames, and associating said plurality of video frames with said one or more of the predetermined areas of the data file, wherein selection of at least one said predetermined areas of the data file initiates a video player that plays back the plurality of captured video frames to authenticate the signer's acceptance of terms of said document. 7. The computer program product of claim 6 wherein the code is adapted to: generate an identifier, namely, a numeric or alphanumeric identifier, uniquely associated with said document, wherein the identifier is verbalized by the user to accept terms of the document. 8. The computer program product of claim 6 wherein the code is adapted to: use the video capture device to capture a plurality of video frames of the signer verbalizing acceptance of terms of the document is for no more than a predetermined duration. 9. The computer program product of claim 6 wherein the code is adapted to: generate for storage on a server, a hash of the identifier, the plurality of the video frames and a name of the signer. 10. The computer program product of claim 6 wherein the code is adapted to: associate an image of the signers driving license with the data file. | A video signature system and method. A unique identifier for an agreement document is generated. Consecutive video frames with the unique identifier are captured for each party to the agreement.1. A method comprising:
using a processor of a user computing device to receive a data file configured to display plain text and/or images, the data file having one or more predetermined areas wherein a signature of a signer that is using said user computing device can be appended; using captured video frames of the signer to digitally sign one or more predetermined areas of the data file by using the processor to initiate a video capture device on the user computing device, using the video capture device to capture a plurality of video frames of the signer verbalizing acceptance of terms of the document, using the processor to store, in memory, the data file and the plurality of video frames, and associating said plurality of video frames with said one or more of the predetermined areas of the data file, wherein selection of at least one said predetermined areas of the data file initiates a video player that plays back the plurality of captured video frames to authenticate the signer's acceptance of terms of said document. 2. The method of claim 1 further comprising generating an identifier, namely, a numeric or alphanumeric identifier, uniquely associated with said document, wherein the identifier is verbalized by the user to accept terms of the document. 3. The method of claim 1 wherein said using the video capture device to capture a plurality of video frames of the signer verbalizing acceptance of terms of the document is for no more than a predetermined duration. 4. The method of claim 1 further comprising generating for storage on a server, a hash of the identifier, the plurality of the video frames and a name of the signer. 5. The method of claim 1 further comprising associating an image of the signers driving license to the data file. 6. A computer program product including a non-transitory computer readable storage medium having executable code, the code when executed by a processor is adapted for performing the following:
receive a data file configured to display plain text and/or images, wherein the data file includes at least one predetermined areas wherein a signature of a signer that is using a computing device can be appended; use captured video frames of the signer to digitally sign one or more predetermined areas of the data file by initiating a video capture device on the computing device, use the video capture device to capture a plurality of video frames of the signer verbalizing acceptance of terms of the document, store, in memory, the data file and the plurality of video frames, and associating said plurality of video frames with said one or more of the predetermined areas of the data file, wherein selection of at least one said predetermined areas of the data file initiates a video player that plays back the plurality of captured video frames to authenticate the signer's acceptance of terms of said document. 7. The computer program product of claim 6 wherein the code is adapted to: generate an identifier, namely, a numeric or alphanumeric identifier, uniquely associated with said document, wherein the identifier is verbalized by the user to accept terms of the document. 8. The computer program product of claim 6 wherein the code is adapted to: use the video capture device to capture a plurality of video frames of the signer verbalizing acceptance of terms of the document is for no more than a predetermined duration. 9. The computer program product of claim 6 wherein the code is adapted to: generate for storage on a server, a hash of the identifier, the plurality of the video frames and a name of the signer. 10. The computer program product of claim 6 wherein the code is adapted to: associate an image of the signers driving license with the data file. | 3,600 |
12,512 | 12,512 | 14,199,674 | 3,674 | The complexity of a fracture network within a subterranean formation may be enhanced by pumping a high breakdown pressure fluid followed by a low breakdown pressure fluid into the formation. The method increases the Stimulated Reservoir Volume (SRV) of the formation and provides for a network of ancillary fractures within the formation. | 1. A method of enhancing the complexity of a fracture network during hydraulic fracturing of a subterranean formation penetrated by a well comprising pumping into the well a first fluid followed by a second fluid, wherein (i) the breakdown pressure due to the first fluid is greater than the breakdown pressure due to the second fluid; (ii) the orientation of the fracture initiated by the first fluid is different from the orientation of the fracture initiated by the second fluid; and (iii) the complexity of the fracture network is enhanced by fractures initiated by the first fluid and fractures initiated by the second fluid. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the subterranean formation is shale. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the following conditions prevail:
(a) the viscosity of the fluid of higher breakdown pressure is greater than the viscosity of the fluid of lower breakdown pressure; (b) the fluid of higher breakdown pressure is a crosslinked gel and the fluid of lower breakdown pressure is a linear gel; (c) the fluid of higher breakdown pressure is a linear gel and the fluid of lower breakdown pressure is slickwater; (d) the fluid of higher breakdown pressure is a foam fluid and the fluid of lower breakdown pressure is a gas; (e) the fluid of higher breakdown pressure is a crosslinked gel and the fluid of lower breakdown pressure is a gas; (f) the fluid of higher breakdown pressure is a crosslinked gel and the fluid of lower breakdown pressure is slickwater; (g) the fluid of higher breakdown pressure is a linear gel and the fluid of lower breakdown pressure is a gas; (h) the fluid of higher breakdown pressure is slickwater and the fluid of lower breakdown pressure is a gas; (i) the injection rate of the fluid of higher breakdown pressure is greater than the injection rate of the fluid of lower breakdown pressure; (j) the fluid of higher breakdown pressure is slickwater and the fluid of lower breakdown pressure contains from about 0.1 to about 28% HCl; (k) the fluid of higher breakdown pressure and the fluid of lower breakdown pressure contain an equivalent amount and strength of HCl and further wherein the injection rate of the fluid of higher breakdown fluid is greater than the injection rate of the fluid of lower breakdown pressure; (l) the fluid of higher breakdown pressure contains a viscosifying agent and the fluid of lower breakdown pressure does not contain a viscosifying agent. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the following conditions prevail:
(a) the fluid of lower breakdown pressure is slickwater or a gas; (b) at least one of the fluids contains a viscosifying agent; (c) at least one of the fluids is a gas; or (d) at least one of the fluids contains a reactive acid. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein at least one of the fluids contains a viscoelastic surfactant or viscosifying polymer as viscosifying agent. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the viscosifying polymer is crosslinked. 7. The method of claim 5, wherein the viscosifying agent is a linear gel. 8. The method of claim 5, wherein at least one of the fluids is a gas and wherein the gas is selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, natural gas, air, liquefied natural gas, condensed natural gas or a combination thereof. 9. A method of enhancing the complexity of a fracture network during hydraulic fracturing of a subterranean formation penetrated by a well comprising pumping into a well in successive stages fluids differing in breakdown pressure and enhancing the complexity of the fracture network such that the breakdown pressure due to a first fluid initiates a fracture of a certain orientation and the breakdown pressure due to a second fluid initiates a fracture of a different orientation. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the subterranean formation is shale. 11. The method of claim 9, wherein at least one of the following conditions prevail:
(a) the fluid of higher breakdown pressure is a crosslinked gel and the fluid of lower breakdown pressure is a linear gel; (b) the fluid of higher breakdown pressure is a linear gel and the fluid of lower breakdown pressure is slickwater; (c) the injection rate of the fluid of higher breakdown pressure is greater than the injection rate of the fluid of lower breakdown pressure; (d) the fluid of higher breakdown pressure is slickwater and the fluid of lower breakdown pressure contains from about 0.1 to about 28% HCl; (e) the fluid of higher breakdown pressure and the fluid of lower breakdown pressure contain an equivalent amount and strength of HCl and further wherein the injection rate of the fluid of higher breakdown fluid is greater than the injection rate of the fluid of lower breakdown pressure; (f) the fluid of higher breakdown pressure contains a viscosifying agent and the fluid of lower breakdown pressure does not contain a viscosifying agent; (g) the fluid of lower breakdown pressure is slickwater or a gas. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein at least one of the fluids contains a viscoelastic surfactant or viscosifying polymer as viscosifying agent. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the viscosifying polymer is crosslinked. 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the viscosifying agent is a linear gel. 15. The method of claim 11, wherein at least one of the fluids is a gas and wherein the gas is selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, natural gas, air, liquefied natural gas, condensed natural gas or a combination thereof. 16. A method of enhancing the complexity of a fracture network during hydraulic fracturing of a subterranean formation penetrated by a well comprising:
(a) pumping into the well a first fluid and initiating a first fracture; (b) pumping into the well a second fluid and initiating a second fracture wherein:
(i) the breakdown pressure due to the first fluid is greater than the breakdown pressure due to the second fluid; and
(ii) the orientation of the first fracture is different from the orientation of the second fracture. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the subterranean formation is shale. 18. The method of claim 16, wherein at least one of the following conditions prevail:
(a) the fluid of higher breakdown pressure is a crosslinked gel and the fluid of lower breakdown pressure is a linear gel; (b) the fluid of higher breakdown pressure is a linear gel and the fluid of lower breakdown pressure is slickwater; (c) the injection rate of the fluid of higher breakdown pressure is greater than the injection rate of the fluid of lower breakdown pressure; (d) the fluid of higher breakdown pressure is slickwater and the fluid of lower breakdown pressure contains from about 0.1 to about 28% HCl; (e) the fluid of higher breakdown pressure and the fluid of lower breakdown pressure contain an equivalent amount and strength of HCl and further wherein the injection rate of the fluid of higher breakdown fluid is greater than the injection rate of the fluid of lower breakdown pressure; (f) the fluid of higher breakdown pressure contains a viscosifying agent and the fluid of lower breakdown pressure does not contain a viscosifying agent; or (g) the fluid of lower breakdown pressure is slickwater or a gas. 19. The method of claim 16, wherein at least one of the fluids contains a viscosifying agent selected from the group consisting of viscoelastic surfactants and viscosifying polymers and combinations thereof. 20. A method of enhancing the complexity of a fracture network during hydraulic fracturing of a subterranean formation comprising:
(a) pumping into the well penetrating the formation a fluid having a first defined breakdown pressure; (b) pumping into the well a fluid having a second defined breakdown pressure; (c) successively repeating steps (a) and (b); and (d) creating a fracture network within the formation wherein:
(i) the first defined breakdown pressure is either greater or less than the second defined breakdown pressure; and
(ii) the stimulated reservoir volume is increased after each repetition of step (a) and step (b). 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the subterranean formation is shale. 22. A method of enhancing the complexity of a fracture network within a tight gas formation or shale during hydraulic fracturing of the formation or shale comprising pumping into a well penetrating the tight gas formation or shale a first fluid followed by a second fluid, wherein the orientation of the fracture initiated by the first fluid is different from the orientation of the fracture initiated by the second fluid and wherein the complexity of the fracture network is enhanced by fractures initiated by the first fluid and fractures initiated by the second fluid. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the first fluid and the second fluid are reactive acid fluids. 24. The method of claim 22, wherein the first fluid and the second fluid are gaseous fluids. 25. The method of claim 22, wherein at the first fluid or the second fluid is a gas or a reactive acid fluid. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the first fluid or the second fluid is selected from the group consisting of a viscosifying agent or slickwater. 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the viscosifying agent is selected from the group consisting of viscoelastic surfactants, crosslinkable polymers, crosslinked gels or linear gels or a combination thereof. 28. The method of claim 24, wherein the gas is selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, natural gas, air, liquefied natural gas, condensed natural gas or a combination thereof. 29. The method of claim 28, wherein the gas is in a supercritical state. 30. The method of claim 25, wherein the reactive acid fluid is selected from the group consisting of straight inorganic acids, straight mineral acids, straight organic acids, delayed mineral acids, delayed organic acids, retarded mineral acids, retarded organic acids, and chelating agents and mixtures thereof. 31. The method of claim 30, wherein the reactive acid fluid is selected from the group consisting of HCl, HF, H3PO4, methanesulfonic acid, formic acid, citric acid, acetic acid, gelled, viscosified acids, dual-phase acids, glutamic acid diacetic acid, ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid and 1,6-hexandiamine tetraacetic acid and mixtures thereof. 32. A method of enhancing the complexity of a fracture network during hydraulic fracturing of a subterranean formation penetrated by a well comprising pumping into the well a first fluid and a second fluid, wherein at least one of the following conditions prevail:
(i) the first fluid is a gas and the second fluid is an acid, slickwater, a linear gel or a crosslinked gel; (ii) the first fluid and the second fluid are both acids and further wherein either the first fluid and the second fluid have different concentrations of acids, the first fluid and the second fluid are injected into the subterranean formation at different rates or the acid of the first fluid and the second fluid are different; or (iii) the first fluid and the second fluid are both gaseous fluids and further wherein either the first fluid and the second fluid are injected into the subterranean formation at different rates or the gas of the first fluid and the gas of the second fluid are different. | The complexity of a fracture network within a subterranean formation may be enhanced by pumping a high breakdown pressure fluid followed by a low breakdown pressure fluid into the formation. The method increases the Stimulated Reservoir Volume (SRV) of the formation and provides for a network of ancillary fractures within the formation.1. A method of enhancing the complexity of a fracture network during hydraulic fracturing of a subterranean formation penetrated by a well comprising pumping into the well a first fluid followed by a second fluid, wherein (i) the breakdown pressure due to the first fluid is greater than the breakdown pressure due to the second fluid; (ii) the orientation of the fracture initiated by the first fluid is different from the orientation of the fracture initiated by the second fluid; and (iii) the complexity of the fracture network is enhanced by fractures initiated by the first fluid and fractures initiated by the second fluid. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the subterranean formation is shale. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the following conditions prevail:
(a) the viscosity of the fluid of higher breakdown pressure is greater than the viscosity of the fluid of lower breakdown pressure; (b) the fluid of higher breakdown pressure is a crosslinked gel and the fluid of lower breakdown pressure is a linear gel; (c) the fluid of higher breakdown pressure is a linear gel and the fluid of lower breakdown pressure is slickwater; (d) the fluid of higher breakdown pressure is a foam fluid and the fluid of lower breakdown pressure is a gas; (e) the fluid of higher breakdown pressure is a crosslinked gel and the fluid of lower breakdown pressure is a gas; (f) the fluid of higher breakdown pressure is a crosslinked gel and the fluid of lower breakdown pressure is slickwater; (g) the fluid of higher breakdown pressure is a linear gel and the fluid of lower breakdown pressure is a gas; (h) the fluid of higher breakdown pressure is slickwater and the fluid of lower breakdown pressure is a gas; (i) the injection rate of the fluid of higher breakdown pressure is greater than the injection rate of the fluid of lower breakdown pressure; (j) the fluid of higher breakdown pressure is slickwater and the fluid of lower breakdown pressure contains from about 0.1 to about 28% HCl; (k) the fluid of higher breakdown pressure and the fluid of lower breakdown pressure contain an equivalent amount and strength of HCl and further wherein the injection rate of the fluid of higher breakdown fluid is greater than the injection rate of the fluid of lower breakdown pressure; (l) the fluid of higher breakdown pressure contains a viscosifying agent and the fluid of lower breakdown pressure does not contain a viscosifying agent. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the following conditions prevail:
(a) the fluid of lower breakdown pressure is slickwater or a gas; (b) at least one of the fluids contains a viscosifying agent; (c) at least one of the fluids is a gas; or (d) at least one of the fluids contains a reactive acid. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein at least one of the fluids contains a viscoelastic surfactant or viscosifying polymer as viscosifying agent. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the viscosifying polymer is crosslinked. 7. The method of claim 5, wherein the viscosifying agent is a linear gel. 8. The method of claim 5, wherein at least one of the fluids is a gas and wherein the gas is selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, natural gas, air, liquefied natural gas, condensed natural gas or a combination thereof. 9. A method of enhancing the complexity of a fracture network during hydraulic fracturing of a subterranean formation penetrated by a well comprising pumping into a well in successive stages fluids differing in breakdown pressure and enhancing the complexity of the fracture network such that the breakdown pressure due to a first fluid initiates a fracture of a certain orientation and the breakdown pressure due to a second fluid initiates a fracture of a different orientation. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the subterranean formation is shale. 11. The method of claim 9, wherein at least one of the following conditions prevail:
(a) the fluid of higher breakdown pressure is a crosslinked gel and the fluid of lower breakdown pressure is a linear gel; (b) the fluid of higher breakdown pressure is a linear gel and the fluid of lower breakdown pressure is slickwater; (c) the injection rate of the fluid of higher breakdown pressure is greater than the injection rate of the fluid of lower breakdown pressure; (d) the fluid of higher breakdown pressure is slickwater and the fluid of lower breakdown pressure contains from about 0.1 to about 28% HCl; (e) the fluid of higher breakdown pressure and the fluid of lower breakdown pressure contain an equivalent amount and strength of HCl and further wherein the injection rate of the fluid of higher breakdown fluid is greater than the injection rate of the fluid of lower breakdown pressure; (f) the fluid of higher breakdown pressure contains a viscosifying agent and the fluid of lower breakdown pressure does not contain a viscosifying agent; (g) the fluid of lower breakdown pressure is slickwater or a gas. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein at least one of the fluids contains a viscoelastic surfactant or viscosifying polymer as viscosifying agent. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the viscosifying polymer is crosslinked. 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the viscosifying agent is a linear gel. 15. The method of claim 11, wherein at least one of the fluids is a gas and wherein the gas is selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, natural gas, air, liquefied natural gas, condensed natural gas or a combination thereof. 16. A method of enhancing the complexity of a fracture network during hydraulic fracturing of a subterranean formation penetrated by a well comprising:
(a) pumping into the well a first fluid and initiating a first fracture; (b) pumping into the well a second fluid and initiating a second fracture wherein:
(i) the breakdown pressure due to the first fluid is greater than the breakdown pressure due to the second fluid; and
(ii) the orientation of the first fracture is different from the orientation of the second fracture. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the subterranean formation is shale. 18. The method of claim 16, wherein at least one of the following conditions prevail:
(a) the fluid of higher breakdown pressure is a crosslinked gel and the fluid of lower breakdown pressure is a linear gel; (b) the fluid of higher breakdown pressure is a linear gel and the fluid of lower breakdown pressure is slickwater; (c) the injection rate of the fluid of higher breakdown pressure is greater than the injection rate of the fluid of lower breakdown pressure; (d) the fluid of higher breakdown pressure is slickwater and the fluid of lower breakdown pressure contains from about 0.1 to about 28% HCl; (e) the fluid of higher breakdown pressure and the fluid of lower breakdown pressure contain an equivalent amount and strength of HCl and further wherein the injection rate of the fluid of higher breakdown fluid is greater than the injection rate of the fluid of lower breakdown pressure; (f) the fluid of higher breakdown pressure contains a viscosifying agent and the fluid of lower breakdown pressure does not contain a viscosifying agent; or (g) the fluid of lower breakdown pressure is slickwater or a gas. 19. The method of claim 16, wherein at least one of the fluids contains a viscosifying agent selected from the group consisting of viscoelastic surfactants and viscosifying polymers and combinations thereof. 20. A method of enhancing the complexity of a fracture network during hydraulic fracturing of a subterranean formation comprising:
(a) pumping into the well penetrating the formation a fluid having a first defined breakdown pressure; (b) pumping into the well a fluid having a second defined breakdown pressure; (c) successively repeating steps (a) and (b); and (d) creating a fracture network within the formation wherein:
(i) the first defined breakdown pressure is either greater or less than the second defined breakdown pressure; and
(ii) the stimulated reservoir volume is increased after each repetition of step (a) and step (b). 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the subterranean formation is shale. 22. A method of enhancing the complexity of a fracture network within a tight gas formation or shale during hydraulic fracturing of the formation or shale comprising pumping into a well penetrating the tight gas formation or shale a first fluid followed by a second fluid, wherein the orientation of the fracture initiated by the first fluid is different from the orientation of the fracture initiated by the second fluid and wherein the complexity of the fracture network is enhanced by fractures initiated by the first fluid and fractures initiated by the second fluid. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the first fluid and the second fluid are reactive acid fluids. 24. The method of claim 22, wherein the first fluid and the second fluid are gaseous fluids. 25. The method of claim 22, wherein at the first fluid or the second fluid is a gas or a reactive acid fluid. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the first fluid or the second fluid is selected from the group consisting of a viscosifying agent or slickwater. 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the viscosifying agent is selected from the group consisting of viscoelastic surfactants, crosslinkable polymers, crosslinked gels or linear gels or a combination thereof. 28. The method of claim 24, wherein the gas is selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, natural gas, air, liquefied natural gas, condensed natural gas or a combination thereof. 29. The method of claim 28, wherein the gas is in a supercritical state. 30. The method of claim 25, wherein the reactive acid fluid is selected from the group consisting of straight inorganic acids, straight mineral acids, straight organic acids, delayed mineral acids, delayed organic acids, retarded mineral acids, retarded organic acids, and chelating agents and mixtures thereof. 31. The method of claim 30, wherein the reactive acid fluid is selected from the group consisting of HCl, HF, H3PO4, methanesulfonic acid, formic acid, citric acid, acetic acid, gelled, viscosified acids, dual-phase acids, glutamic acid diacetic acid, ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid and 1,6-hexandiamine tetraacetic acid and mixtures thereof. 32. A method of enhancing the complexity of a fracture network during hydraulic fracturing of a subterranean formation penetrated by a well comprising pumping into the well a first fluid and a second fluid, wherein at least one of the following conditions prevail:
(i) the first fluid is a gas and the second fluid is an acid, slickwater, a linear gel or a crosslinked gel; (ii) the first fluid and the second fluid are both acids and further wherein either the first fluid and the second fluid have different concentrations of acids, the first fluid and the second fluid are injected into the subterranean formation at different rates or the acid of the first fluid and the second fluid are different; or (iii) the first fluid and the second fluid are both gaseous fluids and further wherein either the first fluid and the second fluid are injected into the subterranean formation at different rates or the gas of the first fluid and the gas of the second fluid are different. | 3,600 |
12,513 | 12,513 | 13,100,595 | 3,651 | A system, device and method for dispensing a product includes a delivery system that includes at least one auger with internal flighting that is either integral with or attached to an internal wall of a barrel portion of the auger. The auger rotates and the spiral flighting within the auger transmits a product from a bulk loading station to a product dispensation area. Thus, products can be bulk loaded into a device rather than having to be loaded one-by-one into a dispensing device. The spiral flighting reduces pinch points associated with conventional auger systems. | 1. A product dispensing device, comprising:
a base; a frame disposed within an interior of the base; a hopper including an opening allowing an object to be dispensed therethrough, the hopper being accessible within an exterior of the base; and at least one auger having first and second open ends and being coupled to the frame and rotatable thereon, the first open end of the at least one auger being structured to receive the object dispensed through the opening of the hopper, wherein the at least one auger includes:
a barrel portion; and
flighting extending at least partially between the first and second open ends of the at least one auger, the flighting being one of integral with and attached to the barrel portion. 2. The product dispensing device of claim 1, further comprising:
a worm motor disposed on the frame, wherein the at least one auger includes a worm gear adapted to engage with the worm motor to cause rotation of the at least one auger. 3. The product dispensing device of claim 1, further comprising an elbow communicating with the hopper and the at least one auger, the elbow being hingedly coupled to the frame so as to allow rotation of the elbow away from the frame. 4. The product dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the at least one auger is disposed on the frame at an angle of approximately 0 degrees to approximately 30 degrees with respect to the ground plane. 5. The product dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the flighting is shaped as a spiral and extends substantially from the first open end to the second open end of the at least one auger, the flighting including an extending portion disposed at an end of the flighting and extending at an angle to the flighting. 6. The product dispensing device of claim 1, further comprising:
an access point disposed within the base, the access point adapted to electronically communicate with an external computer. 7. The product dispensing device of claim 1, further comprising:
a tongue coupled to the flighting of the at least one auger and adapted to abut contents adjacent the at least one auger when rotated. 8. The product dispensing device of claim 1, further comprising:
an interface adapted to identify a user and communicate with an electronic console to cause the electronic console to begin movement of the at least one auger. 9. The product dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the flighting includes a flighting height that is tapered so as to decrease from the first open end to the second open end of the at least one auger. 10. A delivery system device, comprising:
a hopper having an opening that allows for products to be dispensed therethrough; and a frame having a bulk auger and a delivery auger coupled thereto and rotatable thereon, at least one of the bulk auger and the delivery auger having a barrel portion and flighting that is one of integral with and attached to an internal wall of the barrel portion, wherein: a first open end of the bulk auger is adapted to receive objects from the hopper; and a first open end of the delivery auger is adapted to receive objects from the bulk auger. 11. The delivery system device according to claim 10, further comprising:
a worm motor disposed on the frame, wherein at least one of the bulk auger and the delivery auger include a worm gear disposed around an outer circumference of the at least one of the bulk auger and the delivery auger, the worm motor adapted to engage with the worm gear to cause rotation of the at least one of the bulk auger and delivery auger upon actuation. 12. The delivery system device according to claim 10, further comprising an elbow communicating with both the hopper and the bulk auger and hingedly coupled to the frame so as to allow the bulk to rotate away from the bulk auger. 13. The delivery system device according to claim 10, wherein at least one of the bulk auger and the delivery auger are disposed on the frame at an angle of approximately 0 degrees to approximately 30 degrees with respect to the ground plane. 14. The delivery system device according to claim 10, wherein the flighting is spiral shaped, the flighting including an extending portion disposed at an end of the flighting and extending at an angle to the flighting. 15. The delivery system device according to claim 10, further comprising a tongue coupled to the flighting of at least one of the bulk auger and the delivery auger, the tongue adapted to abut contents adjacent the at least one of the bulk auger and the delivery auger when rotated. 16. The product dispensing device of claim 10, further comprising:
an interface adapted to identify a user and communicate with an electronic console to cause the electronic console to begin movement of the at least one of the bulk auger and the delivery auger. 17. The product dispensing device of claim 10, wherein the flighting includes a flighting height that is tapered so as to decrease from the first open end to a second open end of the at least one of the bulk auger and the delivery auger. 18. A method of dispensing a product, comprising:
depositing the product in a hopper; activating a first motor to rotate a bulk auger so as to transfer the product from the hopper through the bulk auger; transferring the product from the bulk auger to the delivery auger; activating a second motor to transfer the product through the delivery auger; and transporting the product from the delivery auger into a dispensation area. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein at least one of the first and second motors is a worm motor adapted to engage with a worm gear of the bulk auger or delivery auger. 20. The method of claim 18, further comprising:
identifying a user; and communicating with an electronic console to cause the electronic console to begin movement of at least one of the bulk auger and the delivery auger based on the identifying of the user. 21. A product delivery apparatus, comprising:
a hopper adapted to hold a plurality of products; a plurality of augers movably disposed on a frame and indirectly communicating with one another and with the hopper along a communication path; and a dispensation area provided at an end of the communication path, wherein at least one of the augers is positioned at an angle of approximately 0 degrees to approximately 30 degrees with respect to the ground plane. 22. The product delivery apparatus of claim 21, further comprising:
an interface adapted to identify a user and communicate with an electronic console to cause the electronic console to begin movement of at least one of the plurality of augers. | A system, device and method for dispensing a product includes a delivery system that includes at least one auger with internal flighting that is either integral with or attached to an internal wall of a barrel portion of the auger. The auger rotates and the spiral flighting within the auger transmits a product from a bulk loading station to a product dispensation area. Thus, products can be bulk loaded into a device rather than having to be loaded one-by-one into a dispensing device. The spiral flighting reduces pinch points associated with conventional auger systems.1. A product dispensing device, comprising:
a base; a frame disposed within an interior of the base; a hopper including an opening allowing an object to be dispensed therethrough, the hopper being accessible within an exterior of the base; and at least one auger having first and second open ends and being coupled to the frame and rotatable thereon, the first open end of the at least one auger being structured to receive the object dispensed through the opening of the hopper, wherein the at least one auger includes:
a barrel portion; and
flighting extending at least partially between the first and second open ends of the at least one auger, the flighting being one of integral with and attached to the barrel portion. 2. The product dispensing device of claim 1, further comprising:
a worm motor disposed on the frame, wherein the at least one auger includes a worm gear adapted to engage with the worm motor to cause rotation of the at least one auger. 3. The product dispensing device of claim 1, further comprising an elbow communicating with the hopper and the at least one auger, the elbow being hingedly coupled to the frame so as to allow rotation of the elbow away from the frame. 4. The product dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the at least one auger is disposed on the frame at an angle of approximately 0 degrees to approximately 30 degrees with respect to the ground plane. 5. The product dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the flighting is shaped as a spiral and extends substantially from the first open end to the second open end of the at least one auger, the flighting including an extending portion disposed at an end of the flighting and extending at an angle to the flighting. 6. The product dispensing device of claim 1, further comprising:
an access point disposed within the base, the access point adapted to electronically communicate with an external computer. 7. The product dispensing device of claim 1, further comprising:
a tongue coupled to the flighting of the at least one auger and adapted to abut contents adjacent the at least one auger when rotated. 8. The product dispensing device of claim 1, further comprising:
an interface adapted to identify a user and communicate with an electronic console to cause the electronic console to begin movement of the at least one auger. 9. The product dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the flighting includes a flighting height that is tapered so as to decrease from the first open end to the second open end of the at least one auger. 10. A delivery system device, comprising:
a hopper having an opening that allows for products to be dispensed therethrough; and a frame having a bulk auger and a delivery auger coupled thereto and rotatable thereon, at least one of the bulk auger and the delivery auger having a barrel portion and flighting that is one of integral with and attached to an internal wall of the barrel portion, wherein: a first open end of the bulk auger is adapted to receive objects from the hopper; and a first open end of the delivery auger is adapted to receive objects from the bulk auger. 11. The delivery system device according to claim 10, further comprising:
a worm motor disposed on the frame, wherein at least one of the bulk auger and the delivery auger include a worm gear disposed around an outer circumference of the at least one of the bulk auger and the delivery auger, the worm motor adapted to engage with the worm gear to cause rotation of the at least one of the bulk auger and delivery auger upon actuation. 12. The delivery system device according to claim 10, further comprising an elbow communicating with both the hopper and the bulk auger and hingedly coupled to the frame so as to allow the bulk to rotate away from the bulk auger. 13. The delivery system device according to claim 10, wherein at least one of the bulk auger and the delivery auger are disposed on the frame at an angle of approximately 0 degrees to approximately 30 degrees with respect to the ground plane. 14. The delivery system device according to claim 10, wherein the flighting is spiral shaped, the flighting including an extending portion disposed at an end of the flighting and extending at an angle to the flighting. 15. The delivery system device according to claim 10, further comprising a tongue coupled to the flighting of at least one of the bulk auger and the delivery auger, the tongue adapted to abut contents adjacent the at least one of the bulk auger and the delivery auger when rotated. 16. The product dispensing device of claim 10, further comprising:
an interface adapted to identify a user and communicate with an electronic console to cause the electronic console to begin movement of the at least one of the bulk auger and the delivery auger. 17. The product dispensing device of claim 10, wherein the flighting includes a flighting height that is tapered so as to decrease from the first open end to a second open end of the at least one of the bulk auger and the delivery auger. 18. A method of dispensing a product, comprising:
depositing the product in a hopper; activating a first motor to rotate a bulk auger so as to transfer the product from the hopper through the bulk auger; transferring the product from the bulk auger to the delivery auger; activating a second motor to transfer the product through the delivery auger; and transporting the product from the delivery auger into a dispensation area. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein at least one of the first and second motors is a worm motor adapted to engage with a worm gear of the bulk auger or delivery auger. 20. The method of claim 18, further comprising:
identifying a user; and communicating with an electronic console to cause the electronic console to begin movement of at least one of the bulk auger and the delivery auger based on the identifying of the user. 21. A product delivery apparatus, comprising:
a hopper adapted to hold a plurality of products; a plurality of augers movably disposed on a frame and indirectly communicating with one another and with the hopper along a communication path; and a dispensation area provided at an end of the communication path, wherein at least one of the augers is positioned at an angle of approximately 0 degrees to approximately 30 degrees with respect to the ground plane. 22. The product delivery apparatus of claim 21, further comprising:
an interface adapted to identify a user and communicate with an electronic console to cause the electronic console to begin movement of at least one of the plurality of augers. | 3,600 |
12,514 | 12,514 | 12,287,610 | 3,600 | A system of wireless advertising platform has a handheld wireless device that has an inbound wireless data function with a storage function to be able to receive and store, audio, text, image, and flash commercial messages from a message server. The device has a message exposure function that exposes these messages to a device user from the stored memory of the device into the incoming and outgoing communication, to and from the device user. The device has a message tracking function that tracks which messages have been exposed and periodically sends an account record to the message server. The message server has a message provider interface for planning and managing an advertising campaign using the wireless devices. | 1. A system for a mobile wireless advertising platform, comprising:
a. a message server with an Internet interface with a message provider that enables the message provider to enter commercial messages and the message server to store such messages in a database; b. the message server via a wireless communication network and a wireless interface interfaces with a mobile wireless device that enables the message server to send a message file with a one or more of commercial messages to the wireless device. 2. The system as in claim 1, further comprising:
the wireless device has a geographic location for communicating with the wireless communication network and that location is communicated to the message server, enabling the message server to send messages that are specific to a geographic location. 3. The system as in claim 1, comprising:
the message server via the wireless device interface receives a message exposure data file from the wireless device, based on which messages from the message file have been exposed to a device user, enabling the message server to compile statistical message exposure data for the message provider. 4. The system as in claim 1, message provider interface comprising:
to enter a message the message provider selects via a web interface to the message server, a message format type from, audio, text, image, and flash animation, and provides a corresponding message file. 5. The system as in claim 4, message provider interface comprising:
the message provider, in addition, selects the message delivery demographics, the number of message deliveries, and the time period of the delivery for exposing the message to the wireless device user during the use of the wireless device. 6. The system as in claim 1, comprising:
the message provider interface to the message server provides to the message provider, for the planning an advertising campaign using the wireless mobile advertising platforms. 7. The system as in claim 6, comprising:
a. the message provide interface includes designing and activating an advertising campaign; b. collecting status data for message exposure to wireless devices from the message server and refining the campaign by changing the message type, delivery method, demographics and delivery period. 8. A method for a mobile advertising platform, comprising the steps of:
a. entering commercial messages into a message server via an interface from the message provider to the message server and the message server storing such messages; b. sending a message file with a one or more of commercial messages, from the message server, to a mobile wireless device via a wireless interface to the device with a wireless communication network. 9. The method as in claim 8, further comprising:
having by the mobile wireless device a geographic location for being communicating with a wireless network, and communicating that location to the message server by the wireless network enabling the server to send messages specific to a geographic location. 10. The method as in claim 8, comprising the steps of:
receiving a message exposure data file from the wireless device via the wireless device into the message server, enabling the message server to compile statistical message exposure data for the message provider. 11. The method as in claim 8, message provider interface comprising the steps of:
entering a message by the message provider for, by selecting a message format type from, audio, text, image, and flash animation, and providing a corresponding message file in a web interface to the message server. 12. The method as in claim 8, message provider interface comprising the steps of:
selecting the message delivery demographics, the number of deliveries, and the time period of delivery; by the message provider, for exposing the message to the wireless device user during the wireless device use. 13. The method as in claim 8, comprising the steps of:
providing a message provider interface to the message server, for the message provider, for planning an advertising campaign using the mobile advertising platforms. 14. The method as in claim 13, comprising the steps of:
a. planning, designing and activating an advertising campaign; b. collecting status data for message exposure to wireless devices from the message server and refining the campaign by changing the message type, delivery method, demographics and delivery period. 15. A system for a mobile advertising platform, comprising:
a. a message server including an interface via Internet with a message provider, enabling the message provider to enter commercial messages and the message server to store such messages; b. the message server including a wireless interface with a wireless device enabling the message server to send a message file with one or more of commercial messages to the wireless device; c. the wireless device has an inbound wireless data communication function with a storage function to be able to receive and store, the message file that has, audio, text, image, and flash format commercial messages from the message server; d. the wireless device including a function that exposes the commercial messages from the message file to a device user before the user may use a communication such as, voice-call, e-mail, text, or request for information that use a wireless communication network. 16. The system as in claim 15, further comprising:
the device has a function that integrates the commercial messages from the stored memory of the device into the incoming and outgoing communication to and from the user, the number of messages so integrated in a single communication being limited in number and duration not to exceed a threshold. 17. The system as in claim 15, further comprising:
the device including a function that senses initiation and continuation of communication originating from the device, selects a one or more of commercial messages according to a preprogrammed criterion from the message data file in a storage memory of the device, and exposes the selected messages to the device user before the initiation of the communication and during the communication. 18. The system as in claim 15, further comprising:
the device has a message tracking function that tracks which messages from the message file have been exposed, number of times they have been exposed, and periodically sends an account record to the message server. 19. The system as in claim 15, comprising:
the message server receives from the wireless device via the wireless device interface, a message exposure data file from the wireless device, enabling the message server to compile statistical message exposure data for the message provider. 20. The system as in claim 15, further comprising:
the communication use cost of the device is discounted in return for being exposed commercial messages during the communication. | A system of wireless advertising platform has a handheld wireless device that has an inbound wireless data function with a storage function to be able to receive and store, audio, text, image, and flash commercial messages from a message server. The device has a message exposure function that exposes these messages to a device user from the stored memory of the device into the incoming and outgoing communication, to and from the device user. The device has a message tracking function that tracks which messages have been exposed and periodically sends an account record to the message server. The message server has a message provider interface for planning and managing an advertising campaign using the wireless devices.1. A system for a mobile wireless advertising platform, comprising:
a. a message server with an Internet interface with a message provider that enables the message provider to enter commercial messages and the message server to store such messages in a database; b. the message server via a wireless communication network and a wireless interface interfaces with a mobile wireless device that enables the message server to send a message file with a one or more of commercial messages to the wireless device. 2. The system as in claim 1, further comprising:
the wireless device has a geographic location for communicating with the wireless communication network and that location is communicated to the message server, enabling the message server to send messages that are specific to a geographic location. 3. The system as in claim 1, comprising:
the message server via the wireless device interface receives a message exposure data file from the wireless device, based on which messages from the message file have been exposed to a device user, enabling the message server to compile statistical message exposure data for the message provider. 4. The system as in claim 1, message provider interface comprising:
to enter a message the message provider selects via a web interface to the message server, a message format type from, audio, text, image, and flash animation, and provides a corresponding message file. 5. The system as in claim 4, message provider interface comprising:
the message provider, in addition, selects the message delivery demographics, the number of message deliveries, and the time period of the delivery for exposing the message to the wireless device user during the use of the wireless device. 6. The system as in claim 1, comprising:
the message provider interface to the message server provides to the message provider, for the planning an advertising campaign using the wireless mobile advertising platforms. 7. The system as in claim 6, comprising:
a. the message provide interface includes designing and activating an advertising campaign; b. collecting status data for message exposure to wireless devices from the message server and refining the campaign by changing the message type, delivery method, demographics and delivery period. 8. A method for a mobile advertising platform, comprising the steps of:
a. entering commercial messages into a message server via an interface from the message provider to the message server and the message server storing such messages; b. sending a message file with a one or more of commercial messages, from the message server, to a mobile wireless device via a wireless interface to the device with a wireless communication network. 9. The method as in claim 8, further comprising:
having by the mobile wireless device a geographic location for being communicating with a wireless network, and communicating that location to the message server by the wireless network enabling the server to send messages specific to a geographic location. 10. The method as in claim 8, comprising the steps of:
receiving a message exposure data file from the wireless device via the wireless device into the message server, enabling the message server to compile statistical message exposure data for the message provider. 11. The method as in claim 8, message provider interface comprising the steps of:
entering a message by the message provider for, by selecting a message format type from, audio, text, image, and flash animation, and providing a corresponding message file in a web interface to the message server. 12. The method as in claim 8, message provider interface comprising the steps of:
selecting the message delivery demographics, the number of deliveries, and the time period of delivery; by the message provider, for exposing the message to the wireless device user during the wireless device use. 13. The method as in claim 8, comprising the steps of:
providing a message provider interface to the message server, for the message provider, for planning an advertising campaign using the mobile advertising platforms. 14. The method as in claim 13, comprising the steps of:
a. planning, designing and activating an advertising campaign; b. collecting status data for message exposure to wireless devices from the message server and refining the campaign by changing the message type, delivery method, demographics and delivery period. 15. A system for a mobile advertising platform, comprising:
a. a message server including an interface via Internet with a message provider, enabling the message provider to enter commercial messages and the message server to store such messages; b. the message server including a wireless interface with a wireless device enabling the message server to send a message file with one or more of commercial messages to the wireless device; c. the wireless device has an inbound wireless data communication function with a storage function to be able to receive and store, the message file that has, audio, text, image, and flash format commercial messages from the message server; d. the wireless device including a function that exposes the commercial messages from the message file to a device user before the user may use a communication such as, voice-call, e-mail, text, or request for information that use a wireless communication network. 16. The system as in claim 15, further comprising:
the device has a function that integrates the commercial messages from the stored memory of the device into the incoming and outgoing communication to and from the user, the number of messages so integrated in a single communication being limited in number and duration not to exceed a threshold. 17. The system as in claim 15, further comprising:
the device including a function that senses initiation and continuation of communication originating from the device, selects a one or more of commercial messages according to a preprogrammed criterion from the message data file in a storage memory of the device, and exposes the selected messages to the device user before the initiation of the communication and during the communication. 18. The system as in claim 15, further comprising:
the device has a message tracking function that tracks which messages from the message file have been exposed, number of times they have been exposed, and periodically sends an account record to the message server. 19. The system as in claim 15, comprising:
the message server receives from the wireless device via the wireless device interface, a message exposure data file from the wireless device, enabling the message server to compile statistical message exposure data for the message provider. 20. The system as in claim 15, further comprising:
the communication use cost of the device is discounted in return for being exposed commercial messages during the communication. | 3,600 |
12,515 | 12,515 | 14,959,147 | 3,684 | Disclosed are various embodiments for locally searching a search string in network content. A user accesses network content through a client device and enters a search string through the client device. Once the local search is performed on the network content by a client application or a search application through a network, the result would be encoded and displayed for the user to view. Furthermore, the content may be modified based at least in part on stored search data corresponding to prior searches. | 1. A non-transitory computer-readable medium embodying a program executable in at least one computing device, wherein, when executed, the program causes the at least one computing device to at least:
generate a user interface to be rendered via a client device, the user interface including a search capability to search content within the user interface, and at least a portion of the content being positioned below-the-fold of the user interface; perform a search of the content in response to receiving a search string input via the search capability of the user interface; send an instruction to display a search result of the search to the client device; store search data of the search to a search history associated with the user interface; and order the content within the user interface based at least in part on the search history. 2. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 1, wherein the user interface corresponds to an item detail page of an item. 3. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 1, wherein the instruction implements an action to direct attention to a portion of the content in response to the search. 4. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 1, wherein the program further causes the at least one computing device to at least generate a search results page including the search results of the search, and the instruction instructs the client device to display the search results page. 5. A system, comprising:
at least one computing device; and at least one application executable in the at least one computing device, wherein, when executed, the at least one application causes the at least one computing device to at least:
encode for display a representation of an item in a user interface that includes a search capability to search content within the user interface;
perform a search of the content within the user interface in response to receiving a search string input from a client device where the search string input is facilitated by the search capability;
send an instruction to display a search result of the search to the client device;
store search data of the search to a search history associated with the user interface; and
position the content within the user interface based at least in part of the search history. 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the at least one application further causes the at least one computing device to receive and store data from the client device, the data being associated with an interaction associated with a user profile and a network site after the search. 7. The system of claim 5, wherein the at least one application further causes the at least one computing device to at least receive data in association with the search from the client device to store to the search history. 8. The system of claim 5, wherein the content includes a link to additional network content. 9. The system of claim 5, wherein the instruction implements an action to direct attention to a portion of the content responsive to the search. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the action to direct attention includes a scrolling action. 11. The system of claim 5, wherein the instruction causes an implementation of a search result display of the search result separate from a display of the user interface. 12. The system of claim 5, wherein the at least one application further causes the at least one computing device to at least:
perform a subsequent search on additional network content beyond the content within the user interface using the search string input in response to the search of the content failing to produce the search result; and store a subsequent search result in association with the search history. 13. The system of claim 5, wherein the at least one application further causes the at least one computing device to at least reorder the content based at least in part on the search history. 14. The system of claim 5, wherein the at least one application further causes the at least one computing device to at least determine to reorder an item listing associated with the user interface based at least upon the search history. 15. The system of claim 5, wherein the at least one application further causes the at least one computing device to at least provide a content recommendation to a seller device based at least on a plurality of search histories. 16. A method, comprising:
facilitating, by at least one computing device, an input of a search string via a user interface; performing, by the at least one computing device, a search of content within the user interface, the search corresponding to the search string being based at least in part on the search string, and at least a part of the content being positioned below-the-fold of the user interface; causing to be rendered, by the at least one computing device, an implementation of an action configured to direct attention to a portion of the content in response to the search; transmitting, by the at least one computing device, search data to another at least one computing device for storage; and reordering, by the at least one computing device, the content in response to the search data stored on the other at least one computing device. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising monitoring, by the at least one computing device, an interaction between a client device and a network site after the search. 18. The method of claim 16, further comprising causing to be rendered, by the at least one computing device, a result of the search separate from the content. 19. The method of claim 16, further comprising transmitting, by the at least one computing device, the search string to the other at least one computing device for storage. 20. The method of claim 16, further comprising receiving, by the at least one computing device, an instruction to display a result of the search from the other at least one computing device. | Disclosed are various embodiments for locally searching a search string in network content. A user accesses network content through a client device and enters a search string through the client device. Once the local search is performed on the network content by a client application or a search application through a network, the result would be encoded and displayed for the user to view. Furthermore, the content may be modified based at least in part on stored search data corresponding to prior searches.1. A non-transitory computer-readable medium embodying a program executable in at least one computing device, wherein, when executed, the program causes the at least one computing device to at least:
generate a user interface to be rendered via a client device, the user interface including a search capability to search content within the user interface, and at least a portion of the content being positioned below-the-fold of the user interface; perform a search of the content in response to receiving a search string input via the search capability of the user interface; send an instruction to display a search result of the search to the client device; store search data of the search to a search history associated with the user interface; and order the content within the user interface based at least in part on the search history. 2. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 1, wherein the user interface corresponds to an item detail page of an item. 3. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 1, wherein the instruction implements an action to direct attention to a portion of the content in response to the search. 4. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 1, wherein the program further causes the at least one computing device to at least generate a search results page including the search results of the search, and the instruction instructs the client device to display the search results page. 5. A system, comprising:
at least one computing device; and at least one application executable in the at least one computing device, wherein, when executed, the at least one application causes the at least one computing device to at least:
encode for display a representation of an item in a user interface that includes a search capability to search content within the user interface;
perform a search of the content within the user interface in response to receiving a search string input from a client device where the search string input is facilitated by the search capability;
send an instruction to display a search result of the search to the client device;
store search data of the search to a search history associated with the user interface; and
position the content within the user interface based at least in part of the search history. 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the at least one application further causes the at least one computing device to receive and store data from the client device, the data being associated with an interaction associated with a user profile and a network site after the search. 7. The system of claim 5, wherein the at least one application further causes the at least one computing device to at least receive data in association with the search from the client device to store to the search history. 8. The system of claim 5, wherein the content includes a link to additional network content. 9. The system of claim 5, wherein the instruction implements an action to direct attention to a portion of the content responsive to the search. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the action to direct attention includes a scrolling action. 11. The system of claim 5, wherein the instruction causes an implementation of a search result display of the search result separate from a display of the user interface. 12. The system of claim 5, wherein the at least one application further causes the at least one computing device to at least:
perform a subsequent search on additional network content beyond the content within the user interface using the search string input in response to the search of the content failing to produce the search result; and store a subsequent search result in association with the search history. 13. The system of claim 5, wherein the at least one application further causes the at least one computing device to at least reorder the content based at least in part on the search history. 14. The system of claim 5, wherein the at least one application further causes the at least one computing device to at least determine to reorder an item listing associated with the user interface based at least upon the search history. 15. The system of claim 5, wherein the at least one application further causes the at least one computing device to at least provide a content recommendation to a seller device based at least on a plurality of search histories. 16. A method, comprising:
facilitating, by at least one computing device, an input of a search string via a user interface; performing, by the at least one computing device, a search of content within the user interface, the search corresponding to the search string being based at least in part on the search string, and at least a part of the content being positioned below-the-fold of the user interface; causing to be rendered, by the at least one computing device, an implementation of an action configured to direct attention to a portion of the content in response to the search; transmitting, by the at least one computing device, search data to another at least one computing device for storage; and reordering, by the at least one computing device, the content in response to the search data stored on the other at least one computing device. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising monitoring, by the at least one computing device, an interaction between a client device and a network site after the search. 18. The method of claim 16, further comprising causing to be rendered, by the at least one computing device, a result of the search separate from the content. 19. The method of claim 16, further comprising transmitting, by the at least one computing device, the search string to the other at least one computing device for storage. 20. The method of claim 16, further comprising receiving, by the at least one computing device, an instruction to display a result of the search from the other at least one computing device. | 3,600 |
12,516 | 12,516 | 14,212,719 | 3,683 | Approaches are provided for normalizing performance data for the operation of industrial vehicles. The approaches comprise categorizing operations of an industrial vehicle into distinct, measureable activities. The approaches further comprise measuring the actual usage of the industrial vehicle as a function of each category of operation and wirelessly transmitting that measured usage to a remote server. The approaches also comprise associating for each category, a weighted impact on the work performed by each category as a function of energy consumed in performing that work. | 1. A method of normalizing industrial vehicle performance data, comprising:
establishing at least one category where:
each category is associated with a distinct, measureable activity capable of being performed by an industrial vehicle, and
each category is characterized by at least one parameter;
electronically collecting data from an industrial vehicle corresponding to actual vehicle use, where the collected data satisfies the parameter defining each category; accumulating the collected data according to each category; associating for each category, a weighted impact on work performed by that category as a function of energy consumed in performing that work; and providing an indication of the work performed by the industrial vehicle based upon the accumulated data. 2. The method of claim 1 further comprising:
using a communication device that communicates with native industrial vehicle components across a vehicle network to obtain the collected data from the industrial vehicle. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein:
establishing at least one category, comprises:
establishing a category as whether the industrial vehicle is in use; and
electronically collecting data from an industrial vehicle corresponding to actual vehicle usage, comprises:
extracting information from a battery coupled to the industrial vehicle so as to measure actual energy consumed by the industrial vehicle. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein:
establishing at least one category, comprises:
establishing a category as travel distance; and
electronically collecting data from an industrial vehicle corresponding to actual vehicle usage, comprises:
measuring a travel distance, where the travel distance is the distance traveled by the industrial vehicle while the industrial vehicle is being operated. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein measuring a travel distance comprises using odometery that measures tire travel and accounts for tire slippage in determining travel distance of industrial vehicles within a warehouse. 6. The method of claim 4, wherein measuring a travel distance comprises using a location tracking system to track the travel of industrial vehicles within a warehouse. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein:
establishing at least one category, comprises:
establishing a category as lift distance; and
electronically collecting data from an industrial vehicle corresponding to actual vehicle usage, comprises:
measuring a lift distance, where the lift distance is the distance of lift operations performed by the industrial vehicle while being operated. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein:
establishing a plurality of categories, comprises:
establishing a first category as travel of the industrial vehicle where the industrial vehicle is traveling with a load;
establishing a second category as travel of the industrial vehicle where the industrial vehicle is traveling with no load;
establishing a third category as lift operations with a load; and
establishing a fourth category as lift operation without a load. 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising
establishing a fifth category that comprises the blending of travel and lifting into a single operation. 10. The method of claim 8, wherein:
associating for each category, a weighted impact comprises assigning a static baseline value for each category. 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising:
adjusting the static value associated with a first category by a dynamic value. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein associating for each category, a weighted impact on the work performed by each category comprises:
defining a work unit expressed as power expended per unit of time; and using the work unit to compute a cost associated with each category. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein defining a work unit comprises:
defining the work unit as kilowatt hours. 14. The method of claim 12, wherein using the work unit to compute a cost associated with each category comprises:
multiplying the total measure by a cost of energy expended per unit of time. 15. The method of claim 12 further comprising:
determining cost for defined tasks based upon the weighted impacts for the categories. 16. The method of claim 15 further comprising:
comparing an actual measured cost for a given task to an ideal cost for that task to evaluate the performance of an operator of the industrial vehicle. 17. A method of normalizing industrial vehicle performance data, comprising:
measuring a total horizontal movement of an industrial vehicle over a pre-determined interval; measuring a total vertical movement of the forks of the industrial vehicle over the pre-determined interval; summing the total horizontal movement and the total vertical movement to a summed total; deriving a work unit by dividing the summed total by a standardizing factor; and providing an indication of the derived work unit. 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising:
determining a cost per work unit by dividing a determined total cost by the derived work unit. 19. The method of claim 17, further comprising:
defining a plurality of categories, each category corresponding to a predefined task; computing the work units for each predefined task for multiple industrial vehicles; and comparing the work units for each industrial vehicle, for each predefined task to compare fleet operations. 20. The method of claim 17, wherein deriving a work unit further comprises:
defining a work unit expressed as power expended per unit of time, measured in kilowatt hours; and using the work unit to compute a cost associated with each category. 21. A method of normalizing performance data of industrial vehicles, comprising:
identifying distinct, measurable activities; identifying a measure Y1 . . . YN as at least one of:
a time duration (t1 . . . tN) corresponding to each activity, and
a distance (d1 . . . dN) corresponding to each activity;
assigning a weight (X1 . . . XN) to each activity to produce a weighted activity:
An=XnYn; and
calculating total event cost (ECtotal) as:
EC
total
=
∑
n
=
1
N
(
A
n
) 22. The method of claim 21, further comprising:
calculating a normalized event cost (ECnorm) as:
EC
norm
=
EC
total
∑
n
=
1
N
(
t
n
)
. 23. The method of claim 21, further comprising:
calculating total work units expended as:
WU=(S)(ECnorm),
wherein S is a scaling factor. | Approaches are provided for normalizing performance data for the operation of industrial vehicles. The approaches comprise categorizing operations of an industrial vehicle into distinct, measureable activities. The approaches further comprise measuring the actual usage of the industrial vehicle as a function of each category of operation and wirelessly transmitting that measured usage to a remote server. The approaches also comprise associating for each category, a weighted impact on the work performed by each category as a function of energy consumed in performing that work.1. A method of normalizing industrial vehicle performance data, comprising:
establishing at least one category where:
each category is associated with a distinct, measureable activity capable of being performed by an industrial vehicle, and
each category is characterized by at least one parameter;
electronically collecting data from an industrial vehicle corresponding to actual vehicle use, where the collected data satisfies the parameter defining each category; accumulating the collected data according to each category; associating for each category, a weighted impact on work performed by that category as a function of energy consumed in performing that work; and providing an indication of the work performed by the industrial vehicle based upon the accumulated data. 2. The method of claim 1 further comprising:
using a communication device that communicates with native industrial vehicle components across a vehicle network to obtain the collected data from the industrial vehicle. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein:
establishing at least one category, comprises:
establishing a category as whether the industrial vehicle is in use; and
electronically collecting data from an industrial vehicle corresponding to actual vehicle usage, comprises:
extracting information from a battery coupled to the industrial vehicle so as to measure actual energy consumed by the industrial vehicle. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein:
establishing at least one category, comprises:
establishing a category as travel distance; and
electronically collecting data from an industrial vehicle corresponding to actual vehicle usage, comprises:
measuring a travel distance, where the travel distance is the distance traveled by the industrial vehicle while the industrial vehicle is being operated. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein measuring a travel distance comprises using odometery that measures tire travel and accounts for tire slippage in determining travel distance of industrial vehicles within a warehouse. 6. The method of claim 4, wherein measuring a travel distance comprises using a location tracking system to track the travel of industrial vehicles within a warehouse. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein:
establishing at least one category, comprises:
establishing a category as lift distance; and
electronically collecting data from an industrial vehicle corresponding to actual vehicle usage, comprises:
measuring a lift distance, where the lift distance is the distance of lift operations performed by the industrial vehicle while being operated. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein:
establishing a plurality of categories, comprises:
establishing a first category as travel of the industrial vehicle where the industrial vehicle is traveling with a load;
establishing a second category as travel of the industrial vehicle where the industrial vehicle is traveling with no load;
establishing a third category as lift operations with a load; and
establishing a fourth category as lift operation without a load. 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising
establishing a fifth category that comprises the blending of travel and lifting into a single operation. 10. The method of claim 8, wherein:
associating for each category, a weighted impact comprises assigning a static baseline value for each category. 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising:
adjusting the static value associated with a first category by a dynamic value. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein associating for each category, a weighted impact on the work performed by each category comprises:
defining a work unit expressed as power expended per unit of time; and using the work unit to compute a cost associated with each category. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein defining a work unit comprises:
defining the work unit as kilowatt hours. 14. The method of claim 12, wherein using the work unit to compute a cost associated with each category comprises:
multiplying the total measure by a cost of energy expended per unit of time. 15. The method of claim 12 further comprising:
determining cost for defined tasks based upon the weighted impacts for the categories. 16. The method of claim 15 further comprising:
comparing an actual measured cost for a given task to an ideal cost for that task to evaluate the performance of an operator of the industrial vehicle. 17. A method of normalizing industrial vehicle performance data, comprising:
measuring a total horizontal movement of an industrial vehicle over a pre-determined interval; measuring a total vertical movement of the forks of the industrial vehicle over the pre-determined interval; summing the total horizontal movement and the total vertical movement to a summed total; deriving a work unit by dividing the summed total by a standardizing factor; and providing an indication of the derived work unit. 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising:
determining a cost per work unit by dividing a determined total cost by the derived work unit. 19. The method of claim 17, further comprising:
defining a plurality of categories, each category corresponding to a predefined task; computing the work units for each predefined task for multiple industrial vehicles; and comparing the work units for each industrial vehicle, for each predefined task to compare fleet operations. 20. The method of claim 17, wherein deriving a work unit further comprises:
defining a work unit expressed as power expended per unit of time, measured in kilowatt hours; and using the work unit to compute a cost associated with each category. 21. A method of normalizing performance data of industrial vehicles, comprising:
identifying distinct, measurable activities; identifying a measure Y1 . . . YN as at least one of:
a time duration (t1 . . . tN) corresponding to each activity, and
a distance (d1 . . . dN) corresponding to each activity;
assigning a weight (X1 . . . XN) to each activity to produce a weighted activity:
An=XnYn; and
calculating total event cost (ECtotal) as:
EC
total
=
∑
n
=
1
N
(
A
n
) 22. The method of claim 21, further comprising:
calculating a normalized event cost (ECnorm) as:
EC
norm
=
EC
total
∑
n
=
1
N
(
t
n
)
. 23. The method of claim 21, further comprising:
calculating total work units expended as:
WU=(S)(ECnorm),
wherein S is a scaling factor. | 3,600 |
12,517 | 12,517 | 13,209,949 | 3,691 | A method of providing an account is provided. The method includes receiving identification information associated with a user during a communication session. The method further includes communicating a request for credit information, wherein the request includes at least a portion of the identification information. The requested credit information is received and an account is approved based at least in part on the received credit information. The account is opened and access is provided to the opened account during the communication session. | 1. A method of providing an account, comprising:
receiving identification information associated with a user during a communication session; communicating a request for credit information, the request including at least a portion of the identification information; receiving the requested credit information; approving an account based at least in part on the received credit information; opening the account; and providing access to the opened account during the communication session. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the account is at least in part a credit account. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the received credit information comprises a credit score and approving the account comprises approving the account based at least in part on the credit score. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the received credit information comprises a credit score and one or more credit information details and approving the account comprises approving the account based at least in part on the credit score and the credit information details. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein approving the account comprises applying one or more business rules to the credit information details. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the received credit information comprises an identity score and a credit score and approving the account comprises approving the account based at least in part on the identity score and the credit score. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein approving the account comprises applying a decision matrix to the identity score and the credit score. 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
for each of a plurality of different types of accounts, determining whether to approve that type of account based at least in part on the received credit information; communicating a notification indicating each of the approved types of accounts; and receiving a selection of one of the approved types of accounts; wherein opening the account comprises opening the selected type of account. 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
during the communication session, receiving a request to place a first order to trade a product, the request being made using the opened account; and placing the first order. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the first order is defined at least in part by a plurality of order parameters, the method further comprising determining whether to approve the request to place the first order based at least in part on one or more of the order parameters. 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising:
determining one or more balances for the account based at least in part on the received credit information; and wherein determining whether to approve the request to place the first order is based at least in part on one or more of the order parameters and one or more of the determined balances for the account. 12. A system for providing an account, comprising:
a processor operable to:
receive identification information associated with a user during a communication session;
communicate a request for credit information, the request comprising at least a portion of the identification information;
receive the requested credit information;
approve an account based at least in part on the received credit information;
open the approved account; and
provide access to the opened account during the communication session; and
a memory operable to store the opened account. 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the account is at least in part a credit account. 14. The system of claim 12, wherein:
the received credit information comprises a credit score; and the processor approves the account based at least in part on the credit score. 15. The system of claim 12, wherein:
the received credit information comprises a credit score and one or more credit information details; and the processor approves the account based at least in part on the credit score and the credit information details. 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the processor approves the account by applying one or more business rules to the credit information details. 17. The system of claim 12, wherein:
the received credit information comprises an identity score and a credit score; and the processor approves the account based at least in part on the identity score and the credit score. 18. The system of claim 17, wherein approving the account comprises applying a decision matrix to the identity score and the credit score. 19. The system of claim 12, wherein the processor is further operable to:
determine, for each of a plurality of different types of accounts, whether to approve that type of account based at least in part on the received credit information; communicate a notification indicating each of the approved types of accounts; and receive a selection of one of the approved types of accounts; wherein opening the account comprises opening the selected type of account. 20. The system of claim 12, wherein the processor is further operable to:
receive, during the communication session, a request to place a first order to trade a product, the request being made using the opened account; and place the first order. 21. The system of claim 20, wherein:
the first order is defined at least in part by a plurality of order parameters; and the processor determines whether to approve the request to place the first order based at least in part on one or more of the order parameters. 22. The system of claim 21, wherein the processor determines one or more balances for the account based at least in part on the received credit information, and determines whether to approve the request to place the first order based at least in part on one or more of the order parameters and one or more of the determined balances for the account. 23. A method of providing an account, comprising:
electronically receiving credit information regarding a user; approving an account based at least in part on the electronically received credit information; opening the account; and providing access to the opened account. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the account is at least in part a credit account. 25. The method of claim 23, wherein the received credit information comprises a credit score and approving the account comprises approving the account based at least in part on the credit score. 26. The method of claim 23, wherein the received credit information comprises a credit score and one or more credit information details and approving the account comprises approving the account based at least in part on the credit score and the credit information details. 27. The method of claim 26, wherein approving the account comprises applying one or more business rules to the credit information details. 28. The method of claim 23, wherein the received credit information comprises an identity score and a credit score and approving the account comprises approving the account based at least in part on the identity score and the credit score. 29. The method of claim 28, wherein approving the account comprises applying a decision matrix to the identity score and the credit score. 30. The method of claim 23, further comprising:
for each of a plurality of different types of accounts, determining whether to approve that type of account based at least in part on the received credit information; communicating a notification indicating each of the approved types of accounts; and receiving a selection of one of the approved types of accounts; wherein opening the account comprises opening the selected type of account. 31. The method of claim 23, further comprising:
receiving a request to place a first order to trade a product, the request being made using the opened account; and placing the first order. 32. The method of claim 31, wherein the first order is defined at least in part by a plurality of order parameters, the method further comprising determining whether to approve the request to place the first order based at least in part on one or more of the order parameters. 33. The method of claim 32, further comprising:
determining one or more balances for the account based at least in part on the received credit information; and wherein determining whether to approve the request to place the first order is based at least in part on one or more of the order parameters and one or more of the determined balances for the account. | A method of providing an account is provided. The method includes receiving identification information associated with a user during a communication session. The method further includes communicating a request for credit information, wherein the request includes at least a portion of the identification information. The requested credit information is received and an account is approved based at least in part on the received credit information. The account is opened and access is provided to the opened account during the communication session.1. A method of providing an account, comprising:
receiving identification information associated with a user during a communication session; communicating a request for credit information, the request including at least a portion of the identification information; receiving the requested credit information; approving an account based at least in part on the received credit information; opening the account; and providing access to the opened account during the communication session. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the account is at least in part a credit account. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the received credit information comprises a credit score and approving the account comprises approving the account based at least in part on the credit score. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the received credit information comprises a credit score and one or more credit information details and approving the account comprises approving the account based at least in part on the credit score and the credit information details. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein approving the account comprises applying one or more business rules to the credit information details. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the received credit information comprises an identity score and a credit score and approving the account comprises approving the account based at least in part on the identity score and the credit score. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein approving the account comprises applying a decision matrix to the identity score and the credit score. 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
for each of a plurality of different types of accounts, determining whether to approve that type of account based at least in part on the received credit information; communicating a notification indicating each of the approved types of accounts; and receiving a selection of one of the approved types of accounts; wherein opening the account comprises opening the selected type of account. 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
during the communication session, receiving a request to place a first order to trade a product, the request being made using the opened account; and placing the first order. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the first order is defined at least in part by a plurality of order parameters, the method further comprising determining whether to approve the request to place the first order based at least in part on one or more of the order parameters. 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising:
determining one or more balances for the account based at least in part on the received credit information; and wherein determining whether to approve the request to place the first order is based at least in part on one or more of the order parameters and one or more of the determined balances for the account. 12. A system for providing an account, comprising:
a processor operable to:
receive identification information associated with a user during a communication session;
communicate a request for credit information, the request comprising at least a portion of the identification information;
receive the requested credit information;
approve an account based at least in part on the received credit information;
open the approved account; and
provide access to the opened account during the communication session; and
a memory operable to store the opened account. 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the account is at least in part a credit account. 14. The system of claim 12, wherein:
the received credit information comprises a credit score; and the processor approves the account based at least in part on the credit score. 15. The system of claim 12, wherein:
the received credit information comprises a credit score and one or more credit information details; and the processor approves the account based at least in part on the credit score and the credit information details. 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the processor approves the account by applying one or more business rules to the credit information details. 17. The system of claim 12, wherein:
the received credit information comprises an identity score and a credit score; and the processor approves the account based at least in part on the identity score and the credit score. 18. The system of claim 17, wherein approving the account comprises applying a decision matrix to the identity score and the credit score. 19. The system of claim 12, wherein the processor is further operable to:
determine, for each of a plurality of different types of accounts, whether to approve that type of account based at least in part on the received credit information; communicate a notification indicating each of the approved types of accounts; and receive a selection of one of the approved types of accounts; wherein opening the account comprises opening the selected type of account. 20. The system of claim 12, wherein the processor is further operable to:
receive, during the communication session, a request to place a first order to trade a product, the request being made using the opened account; and place the first order. 21. The system of claim 20, wherein:
the first order is defined at least in part by a plurality of order parameters; and the processor determines whether to approve the request to place the first order based at least in part on one or more of the order parameters. 22. The system of claim 21, wherein the processor determines one or more balances for the account based at least in part on the received credit information, and determines whether to approve the request to place the first order based at least in part on one or more of the order parameters and one or more of the determined balances for the account. 23. A method of providing an account, comprising:
electronically receiving credit information regarding a user; approving an account based at least in part on the electronically received credit information; opening the account; and providing access to the opened account. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the account is at least in part a credit account. 25. The method of claim 23, wherein the received credit information comprises a credit score and approving the account comprises approving the account based at least in part on the credit score. 26. The method of claim 23, wherein the received credit information comprises a credit score and one or more credit information details and approving the account comprises approving the account based at least in part on the credit score and the credit information details. 27. The method of claim 26, wherein approving the account comprises applying one or more business rules to the credit information details. 28. The method of claim 23, wherein the received credit information comprises an identity score and a credit score and approving the account comprises approving the account based at least in part on the identity score and the credit score. 29. The method of claim 28, wherein approving the account comprises applying a decision matrix to the identity score and the credit score. 30. The method of claim 23, further comprising:
for each of a plurality of different types of accounts, determining whether to approve that type of account based at least in part on the received credit information; communicating a notification indicating each of the approved types of accounts; and receiving a selection of one of the approved types of accounts; wherein opening the account comprises opening the selected type of account. 31. The method of claim 23, further comprising:
receiving a request to place a first order to trade a product, the request being made using the opened account; and placing the first order. 32. The method of claim 31, wherein the first order is defined at least in part by a plurality of order parameters, the method further comprising determining whether to approve the request to place the first order based at least in part on one or more of the order parameters. 33. The method of claim 32, further comprising:
determining one or more balances for the account based at least in part on the received credit information; and wherein determining whether to approve the request to place the first order is based at least in part on one or more of the order parameters and one or more of the determined balances for the account. | 3,600 |
12,518 | 12,518 | 13,512,032 | 3,621 | A method includes presenting, via a display ( 118 ) of an imaging apparatus ( 100 ), information for a person interacting with the imaging apparatus. A system includes an imaging apparatus ( 100 ) with a patient examination region ( 106 ) and a display ( 118 ) for presenting information, a console ( 116 ) that controls an operation of the imaging apparatus ( 101 ), and an electronic assistant ( 120 ) that selects one or more programs from pre-recorded electronic media ( 210 ) stored in an electronic media library ( 208 ), wherein the one or more programs are presented via the display ( 118 ). | 1. A method, comprising:
presenting, via a display of an imaging apparatus, information for a person interacting with the imaging apparatus. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the information presented is based on an identification of the person. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the person is a patient undergoing an imaging examination via the imaging apparatus and wherein the information includes at least one of data about the imaging examination or verification of patient identification 4. The method of claim 2, wherein the information includes patient instructions for the imaging examination, and drives scan protocol selection or a next step of a procedure. 5. The method of claim 2, further comprising:
selecting the information from pre-recorded electronic media based on the identification of the person. 6. The method of claim 2, wherein the information is provided based on a scan protocol for the person. 7. The method of claim 2, further comprising:
enhancing the information with information specific to the person based on the identification. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the information includes a request of an identification of the person from the person, and further comprising:
receiving a signal indicative of a response to the request from the person, wherein the signal includes the identification of the person. 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising:
comparing the identification in the signal with an identification in an electronic schedule; and confirming the identification of the person only if the identification in the signal matches the identification from an electronic schedule. 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising:
presenting an alert on the display if the identification in the signal does not match the identification from the electronic schedule. 11. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
presenting, via the display, an instruction to an operator of the imaging apparatus, wherein the instruction relates to an imaging acquisition before, during and/or after the imaging acquisition. 12. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
obtaining patient information; selecting second information from the pre-recorded electronic media based on the patient information; and presenting the second information on the display. 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the person is a service technician and the information includes service related information and device history. 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the person is a manufacturing technician and the information includes manufacturing related information. 15. The method of claim 1, wherein the display is physically and electrically integrated with a gantry of the imaging apparatus. 16. The method of claim 1, wherein the display is removably affixed to the imaging apparatus and includes wireless technology for wirelessly communicating with the imaging apparatus when removed from the imaging apparatus. 17. An imaging system, comprising:
an imaging apparatus, including:
a patient examination region; and
a display for presenting information;
a console that controls an operation of the imaging apparatus; and an electronic assistant that selects one or more programs from pre-recorded electronic media, wherein the one or more programs are presented via the display. 18. The system of claim 17, the display, comprising:
an output region that presents the one or more programs; and an input region that accepts at least one of audible, optical, or tactile input, wherein the one or more programs are selected based on an input received by the input region. 19. The system of claim 18, wherein the one or more programs request identification information from a patient interacting with the display and the input includes the identification information. 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the electronic assistant confirms the patient's identification based on the input and a patient identification from an electronic schedule. 21. The system of claim 20, wherein the electronic assistant obtains patient information for the patient based on the identification. 22. The system of claim 20, wherein the electronic assistant selects a next one or more programs to present via the display based on at least one of the identification or the patient information. 23. The system of claim 22, wherein the next one or more programs are selected based on a language spoken by the patient. 24. The system of claim 22, wherein the next one or more programs are selected based on an age of the patient. 25. The system of claim 22, wherein the next one or more programs are selected based on an imaging examination scheduled for the patient. 26. The system of claim 25, wherein the next one or more programs includes information about the imaging examination. 27. The system of claim 25, wherein the next one or more programs includes patient instructions for the imaging examination. 28. The system of claim 17, wherein the one or more programs includes a post-imaging examination survey. 29. The system of claim 17, wherein the one or more programs includes at least one of a commercial or an advertisement. 30. The system of claim 17, the imaging apparatus further comprising: a gantry, wherein the display is integrated with the gantry. 31. A computer readable storage medium containing instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the acts of:
selecting a program to present to a patient of an imaging apparatus based on information about the patient; and presenting the program via a display of the imaging apparatus. | A method includes presenting, via a display ( 118 ) of an imaging apparatus ( 100 ), information for a person interacting with the imaging apparatus. A system includes an imaging apparatus ( 100 ) with a patient examination region ( 106 ) and a display ( 118 ) for presenting information, a console ( 116 ) that controls an operation of the imaging apparatus ( 101 ), and an electronic assistant ( 120 ) that selects one or more programs from pre-recorded electronic media ( 210 ) stored in an electronic media library ( 208 ), wherein the one or more programs are presented via the display ( 118 ).1. A method, comprising:
presenting, via a display of an imaging apparatus, information for a person interacting with the imaging apparatus. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the information presented is based on an identification of the person. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the person is a patient undergoing an imaging examination via the imaging apparatus and wherein the information includes at least one of data about the imaging examination or verification of patient identification 4. The method of claim 2, wherein the information includes patient instructions for the imaging examination, and drives scan protocol selection or a next step of a procedure. 5. The method of claim 2, further comprising:
selecting the information from pre-recorded electronic media based on the identification of the person. 6. The method of claim 2, wherein the information is provided based on a scan protocol for the person. 7. The method of claim 2, further comprising:
enhancing the information with information specific to the person based on the identification. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the information includes a request of an identification of the person from the person, and further comprising:
receiving a signal indicative of a response to the request from the person, wherein the signal includes the identification of the person. 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising:
comparing the identification in the signal with an identification in an electronic schedule; and confirming the identification of the person only if the identification in the signal matches the identification from an electronic schedule. 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising:
presenting an alert on the display if the identification in the signal does not match the identification from the electronic schedule. 11. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
presenting, via the display, an instruction to an operator of the imaging apparatus, wherein the instruction relates to an imaging acquisition before, during and/or after the imaging acquisition. 12. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
obtaining patient information; selecting second information from the pre-recorded electronic media based on the patient information; and presenting the second information on the display. 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the person is a service technician and the information includes service related information and device history. 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the person is a manufacturing technician and the information includes manufacturing related information. 15. The method of claim 1, wherein the display is physically and electrically integrated with a gantry of the imaging apparatus. 16. The method of claim 1, wherein the display is removably affixed to the imaging apparatus and includes wireless technology for wirelessly communicating with the imaging apparatus when removed from the imaging apparatus. 17. An imaging system, comprising:
an imaging apparatus, including:
a patient examination region; and
a display for presenting information;
a console that controls an operation of the imaging apparatus; and an electronic assistant that selects one or more programs from pre-recorded electronic media, wherein the one or more programs are presented via the display. 18. The system of claim 17, the display, comprising:
an output region that presents the one or more programs; and an input region that accepts at least one of audible, optical, or tactile input, wherein the one or more programs are selected based on an input received by the input region. 19. The system of claim 18, wherein the one or more programs request identification information from a patient interacting with the display and the input includes the identification information. 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the electronic assistant confirms the patient's identification based on the input and a patient identification from an electronic schedule. 21. The system of claim 20, wherein the electronic assistant obtains patient information for the patient based on the identification. 22. The system of claim 20, wherein the electronic assistant selects a next one or more programs to present via the display based on at least one of the identification or the patient information. 23. The system of claim 22, wherein the next one or more programs are selected based on a language spoken by the patient. 24. The system of claim 22, wherein the next one or more programs are selected based on an age of the patient. 25. The system of claim 22, wherein the next one or more programs are selected based on an imaging examination scheduled for the patient. 26. The system of claim 25, wherein the next one or more programs includes information about the imaging examination. 27. The system of claim 25, wherein the next one or more programs includes patient instructions for the imaging examination. 28. The system of claim 17, wherein the one or more programs includes a post-imaging examination survey. 29. The system of claim 17, wherein the one or more programs includes at least one of a commercial or an advertisement. 30. The system of claim 17, the imaging apparatus further comprising: a gantry, wherein the display is integrated with the gantry. 31. A computer readable storage medium containing instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the acts of:
selecting a program to present to a patient of an imaging apparatus based on information about the patient; and presenting the program via a display of the imaging apparatus. | 3,600 |
12,519 | 12,519 | 14,004,197 | 3,651 | A dispenser for hygienic articles such as wipes, towels, toilet paper or soap, includes a dispenser housing for containing the articles, and a fastener for fastening the dispenser to a fastening surface. The fastener includes a suction unit disposed on the outside of the dispenser facing the fastening surface. The fastener further comprise operating device by which the suction unit is operable so as to establish or release a sub-atmospheric pressure between the suction unit and the fastening surface. Access to the operating device is provided from inside the dispenser. | 1. A dispenser for disposable hygienic articles, comprising:
a dispenser housing for containing said articles, a fastener for fastening the dispenser to a fastening surface, the fastener including a suction unit disposed on an outside of the dispenser facing the fastening surface, and comprising operating means by which the suction unit is operable so as to establish or release a sub-atmospheric pressure between the suction unit and the fastening surface, a mounting bracket to which the dispenser housing is attachable, the fastener being provided for fastening the mounting bracket to the fastening surface, and means for releasing the dispenser housing from the mounting bracket, wherein the means for releasing are accessible from inside the housing, and the operating means are only accessible after having the dispenser housing released from the mounting bracket. 2. A dispenser for disposable hygienic articles, comprising:
a dispenser housing for containing said articles, a fastener for fastening the dispenser to a fastening surface, the fastener including a suction unit disposed on an outside of the dispenser facing the fastening surface, and comprising operating means by which the suction unit is operable so as to establish or release a sub-atmospheric pressure between the suction unit and the fastening surface, wherein access to the operating means is provided from inside the housing of the dispenser, the housing further comprises a cover which is opened in order to provide access to an interior of the housing, the cover being lockable, and access to the operating means is only provided after opening the cover. 3. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the suction unit includes a suction cup having a suction face on a side facing the fastening surface. 4. The dispenser of claim 3, wherein the suction unit further comprises an operable element on a side of the suction cup opposite the suction face, for engagement with the operating means. 5. The dispenser of claim 4, wherein the operable element is provided in the form of a stem projecting from the side of the suction cup opposite the suction face, and the operating means is provided in the form of an actuating nut engaging with the stem. 6. The dispenser of claim 4, wherein the operable element of the suction unit extends through an opening in a wall of the dispenser. 7. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the operating means is provided in a recess formed in the dispenser. 8. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the fastener is arranged and constructed for fastening the dispenser to a vertical fastening surface. 9. The dispenser of claim 1, further comprising an additional support structure arranged between the suction unit and the outside of the dispenser, wherein the support structure is in the form of a support ring. 10. The dispenser of claim 9, wherein the suction unit, when operated, adapts to the shape of the additional support structure. 11. The dispenser of claim 1, further comprising support means provided on a wall of the dispenser facing the fastening surface, for adjusting a distance between the dispenser wall and the fastening surface. 12. The dispenser of claim 1, comprising at least two suction units. 13. The dispenser of claim 2, wherein the suction unit includes a suction cup having a suction face on a side facing the fastening surface. 14. The dispenser of claim 2, wherein the operating means is provided in a recess formed in the dispenser. 15. The dispenser of claim 2, wherein the fastener is arranged and constructed for fastening the dispenser to a vertical fastening surface. 16. The dispenser of claim 2, further comprising an additional support structure arranged between the suction unit and the outside of the dispenser, wherein the support structure is in the form of a support ring. 17. The dispenser of claim 2, further comprising support means provided on a wall of the dispenser facing the fastening surface, for adjusting a distance between the dispenser wall and the fastening surface. 18. The dispenser of claim 2, comprising at least two suction units. | A dispenser for hygienic articles such as wipes, towels, toilet paper or soap, includes a dispenser housing for containing the articles, and a fastener for fastening the dispenser to a fastening surface. The fastener includes a suction unit disposed on the outside of the dispenser facing the fastening surface. The fastener further comprise operating device by which the suction unit is operable so as to establish or release a sub-atmospheric pressure between the suction unit and the fastening surface. Access to the operating device is provided from inside the dispenser.1. A dispenser for disposable hygienic articles, comprising:
a dispenser housing for containing said articles, a fastener for fastening the dispenser to a fastening surface, the fastener including a suction unit disposed on an outside of the dispenser facing the fastening surface, and comprising operating means by which the suction unit is operable so as to establish or release a sub-atmospheric pressure between the suction unit and the fastening surface, a mounting bracket to which the dispenser housing is attachable, the fastener being provided for fastening the mounting bracket to the fastening surface, and means for releasing the dispenser housing from the mounting bracket, wherein the means for releasing are accessible from inside the housing, and the operating means are only accessible after having the dispenser housing released from the mounting bracket. 2. A dispenser for disposable hygienic articles, comprising:
a dispenser housing for containing said articles, a fastener for fastening the dispenser to a fastening surface, the fastener including a suction unit disposed on an outside of the dispenser facing the fastening surface, and comprising operating means by which the suction unit is operable so as to establish or release a sub-atmospheric pressure between the suction unit and the fastening surface, wherein access to the operating means is provided from inside the housing of the dispenser, the housing further comprises a cover which is opened in order to provide access to an interior of the housing, the cover being lockable, and access to the operating means is only provided after opening the cover. 3. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the suction unit includes a suction cup having a suction face on a side facing the fastening surface. 4. The dispenser of claim 3, wherein the suction unit further comprises an operable element on a side of the suction cup opposite the suction face, for engagement with the operating means. 5. The dispenser of claim 4, wherein the operable element is provided in the form of a stem projecting from the side of the suction cup opposite the suction face, and the operating means is provided in the form of an actuating nut engaging with the stem. 6. The dispenser of claim 4, wherein the operable element of the suction unit extends through an opening in a wall of the dispenser. 7. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the operating means is provided in a recess formed in the dispenser. 8. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the fastener is arranged and constructed for fastening the dispenser to a vertical fastening surface. 9. The dispenser of claim 1, further comprising an additional support structure arranged between the suction unit and the outside of the dispenser, wherein the support structure is in the form of a support ring. 10. The dispenser of claim 9, wherein the suction unit, when operated, adapts to the shape of the additional support structure. 11. The dispenser of claim 1, further comprising support means provided on a wall of the dispenser facing the fastening surface, for adjusting a distance between the dispenser wall and the fastening surface. 12. The dispenser of claim 1, comprising at least two suction units. 13. The dispenser of claim 2, wherein the suction unit includes a suction cup having a suction face on a side facing the fastening surface. 14. The dispenser of claim 2, wherein the operating means is provided in a recess formed in the dispenser. 15. The dispenser of claim 2, wherein the fastener is arranged and constructed for fastening the dispenser to a vertical fastening surface. 16. The dispenser of claim 2, further comprising an additional support structure arranged between the suction unit and the outside of the dispenser, wherein the support structure is in the form of a support ring. 17. The dispenser of claim 2, further comprising support means provided on a wall of the dispenser facing the fastening surface, for adjusting a distance between the dispenser wall and the fastening surface. 18. The dispenser of claim 2, comprising at least two suction units. | 3,600 |
12,520 | 12,520 | 14,212,511 | 3,681 | A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided for calculating profits associated with a promotion or group of promotions offered by a promotion and marketing service. Profits may be calculated based on dynamically determined costs. The costs and profits may be averaged and/or summed for promotions associated with a category, subcategory and/or provider. A configurable view of the data included in the profit calculations may be provided to an internal user of a promotional system. Profit calculations may be used to identify certain types of promotions associated with high profits for a promotion and marketing service. | 1. A method for calculating profit for a promotion and marketing service, the method comprising:
receiving an indication of a gross booking dollars, wherein the gross booking dollars is a hypothetical consumer cost of at least one promotion offered for sale by the promotion and marketing service, and wherein the at least one promotion is redeemable by the consumer at a provider; with a processor, dynamically determining one or more costs associated with the at least one promotion, wherein the one or more costs comprise at least a payment to the provider and a deal factory cost; calculating the profit associated with the at least one promotion and for the promotion and marketing service based on at least the dynamically determined one or more costs; and causing display of the profit associated with the at least one promotion and for the promotion and marketing service. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
receiving cost assumptions from an internal user, wherein the profit for the promotion and marketing service is further based on at least the cost assumptions from the internal user. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more costs are based on historical data associated with a promotion category. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more costs are based on historical data associated with the provider. 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
receiving an indication of a time period and a selected category; calculating respective profits for the promotion and marketing service for a plurality of subcategories associated with the selected category; and causing display of the respective profits for each of the plurality of subcategories. 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
receiving an indication of a time period, and an indication of at least one of a selected category, selected subcategory, or geographic location; calculating respective profits for the promotion and marketing service during the period of time and for a plurality of respective promotions associated with the at least one selected category, selected subcategory, or selected geographic location; and causing display of the respective profits for each of the plurality of promotions. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more costs comprise an estimated amount of net refunds per promotion based on a provider refund rate. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more costs comprise an estimated cost of consumer points awarded to the consumer for purchasing the promotion. 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
providing an interface to the internal user; receiving a request via the interface to display a plurality of promotions and associated profits; ranking the plurality of promotions according to the request; and causing display of the plurality of promotions and associated profits in ranked order. 10. A computer program product for calculating profit for a promotion and marketing service, the computer program product comprising at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium having computer-readable program instructions stored therein, the computer-readable program instructions comprising instructions, which when performed by an apparatus, are configured to cause the apparatus to perform at least:
receiving an indication of a gross booking dollars, wherein the gross booking dollars is a hypothetical consumer cost of at least one promotion offered for sale by the promotion and marketing service, and wherein the at least one promotion is redeemable by the consumer at a provider; dynamically determining one or more costs associated with the at least one promotion, wherein the one or more costs comprise at least a payment to the provider and a deal factory cost; calculating the profit associated with the at least one promotion and for the promotion and marketing service based on at least the dynamically determined one or more costs; and causing display of the profit associated with the at least one promotion and for the promotion and marketing service. 11. The computer program product of claim 10, wherein the computer-readable program instructions further comprise instructions, which when performed by an apparatus, are configured to cause the apparatus to perform at least:
receiving cost assumptions from an internal user, wherein the profit for the promotion and marketing service is further based on at least the cost assumptions from the internal user. 12. The computer program product of claim 10, wherein the one or more costs are based on historical data associated with a promotion category. 13. The computer program product of claim 10, wherein the one or more costs are based on historical data associated with the provider. 14. The computer program product of claim 10, wherein the computer-readable program instructions further comprise instructions, which when performed by an apparatus, are configured to cause the apparatus to perform at least:
receiving an indication of a time period and a selected category; calculating respective profits for the promotion and marketing service for a plurality of subcategories associated with the selected category; and causing display of the respective profits for each of the plurality of subcategories. 15. The computer program product of claim 10, wherein the computer-readable program instructions further comprise instructions, which when performed by an apparatus, are configured to cause the apparatus to perform at least:
receiving an indication of a time period, and an indication of at least one of a selected category, selected subcategory, or geographic location; calculating respective profits for the promotion and marketing service during the period of time and for a plurality of respective promotions associated with the at least one selected category selected subcategory, or selected geographic location; and causing display of the respective profits for each of the plurality of promotions. 16. The computer program product of claim 10, wherein the one or more costs comprise an estimated amount of net refunds per promotion based on a provider refund rate. 17. The computer program product of claim 10, wherein the one or more costs comprise an estimated cost of consumer points awarded to the consumer for purchasing the promotion. 18. The computer program product of claim 10, wherein the computer-readable program instructions further comprise instructions, which when performed by an apparatus, are configured to cause the apparatus to perform at least:
providing an interface to the internal user; receiving a request via the interface to display a plurality of promotions and associated profits; ranking the plurality of promotions according to the request; and causing display of the plurality of promotions and associated profits in ranked order. 19. An apparatus for calculating profit for a promotion and marketing service, the apparatus comprising processing circuitry configured to cause the apparatus to perform at least:
receiving an indication of a gross booking dollars, wherein the gross booking dollars is a hypothetical consumer cost of at least one promotion offered for sale by the promotion and marketing service, and wherein the at least one promotion is redeemable by the consumer at a provider; dynamically determining one or more costs associated with the at least one promotion, wherein the one or more costs comprise at least a payment to the provider and a deal factory cost; calculating the profit associated with the at least one promotion and for the promotion and marketing service based on at least the dynamically determined one or more costs; and causing display of the profit associated with the at least one promotion and for the promotion and marketing service. 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to cause the apparatus to perform at least:
receiving cost assumptions from an internal user, wherein the profit for the promotion and marketing service is further based on at least the cost assumptions from the internal user. 21. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the one or more costs are based on historical data associated with a promotion category. 22. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the one or more costs are based on historical data associated with the provider. 23. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to cause the apparatus to perform at least:
receiving an indication of a time period and a selected category; calculating respective profits for the promotion and marketing service for a plurality of subcategories associated with the selected category; and causing display of the respective profits for each of the plurality of subcategories. 24. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to cause the apparatus to perform at least:
receiving an indication of a time period, and an indication of at least one of a selected category, selected subcategory, or geographic location; calculating respective profits for the promotion and marketing service during the period of time and for a plurality of respective promotions associated with the at least one selected category, selected subcategory, or selected geographic location; and causing display of the respective profits for each of the plurality of promotions. 25. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the one or more costs comprise an estimated amount of net refunds per promotion based on a provider refund rate. 26. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the one or more costs comprise an estimated cost of consumer points awarded to the consumer for purchasing the promotion. 27. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to cause the apparatus to perform at least:
providing an interface to the internal user; receiving a request via the interface to display a plurality of promotions and associated profits; ranking the plurality of promotions according to the request; and causing display of the plurality of promotions and associated profits in ranked order. | A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided for calculating profits associated with a promotion or group of promotions offered by a promotion and marketing service. Profits may be calculated based on dynamically determined costs. The costs and profits may be averaged and/or summed for promotions associated with a category, subcategory and/or provider. A configurable view of the data included in the profit calculations may be provided to an internal user of a promotional system. Profit calculations may be used to identify certain types of promotions associated with high profits for a promotion and marketing service.1. A method for calculating profit for a promotion and marketing service, the method comprising:
receiving an indication of a gross booking dollars, wherein the gross booking dollars is a hypothetical consumer cost of at least one promotion offered for sale by the promotion and marketing service, and wherein the at least one promotion is redeemable by the consumer at a provider; with a processor, dynamically determining one or more costs associated with the at least one promotion, wherein the one or more costs comprise at least a payment to the provider and a deal factory cost; calculating the profit associated with the at least one promotion and for the promotion and marketing service based on at least the dynamically determined one or more costs; and causing display of the profit associated with the at least one promotion and for the promotion and marketing service. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
receiving cost assumptions from an internal user, wherein the profit for the promotion and marketing service is further based on at least the cost assumptions from the internal user. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more costs are based on historical data associated with a promotion category. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more costs are based on historical data associated with the provider. 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
receiving an indication of a time period and a selected category; calculating respective profits for the promotion and marketing service for a plurality of subcategories associated with the selected category; and causing display of the respective profits for each of the plurality of subcategories. 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
receiving an indication of a time period, and an indication of at least one of a selected category, selected subcategory, or geographic location; calculating respective profits for the promotion and marketing service during the period of time and for a plurality of respective promotions associated with the at least one selected category, selected subcategory, or selected geographic location; and causing display of the respective profits for each of the plurality of promotions. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more costs comprise an estimated amount of net refunds per promotion based on a provider refund rate. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more costs comprise an estimated cost of consumer points awarded to the consumer for purchasing the promotion. 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
providing an interface to the internal user; receiving a request via the interface to display a plurality of promotions and associated profits; ranking the plurality of promotions according to the request; and causing display of the plurality of promotions and associated profits in ranked order. 10. A computer program product for calculating profit for a promotion and marketing service, the computer program product comprising at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium having computer-readable program instructions stored therein, the computer-readable program instructions comprising instructions, which when performed by an apparatus, are configured to cause the apparatus to perform at least:
receiving an indication of a gross booking dollars, wherein the gross booking dollars is a hypothetical consumer cost of at least one promotion offered for sale by the promotion and marketing service, and wherein the at least one promotion is redeemable by the consumer at a provider; dynamically determining one or more costs associated with the at least one promotion, wherein the one or more costs comprise at least a payment to the provider and a deal factory cost; calculating the profit associated with the at least one promotion and for the promotion and marketing service based on at least the dynamically determined one or more costs; and causing display of the profit associated with the at least one promotion and for the promotion and marketing service. 11. The computer program product of claim 10, wherein the computer-readable program instructions further comprise instructions, which when performed by an apparatus, are configured to cause the apparatus to perform at least:
receiving cost assumptions from an internal user, wherein the profit for the promotion and marketing service is further based on at least the cost assumptions from the internal user. 12. The computer program product of claim 10, wherein the one or more costs are based on historical data associated with a promotion category. 13. The computer program product of claim 10, wherein the one or more costs are based on historical data associated with the provider. 14. The computer program product of claim 10, wherein the computer-readable program instructions further comprise instructions, which when performed by an apparatus, are configured to cause the apparatus to perform at least:
receiving an indication of a time period and a selected category; calculating respective profits for the promotion and marketing service for a plurality of subcategories associated with the selected category; and causing display of the respective profits for each of the plurality of subcategories. 15. The computer program product of claim 10, wherein the computer-readable program instructions further comprise instructions, which when performed by an apparatus, are configured to cause the apparatus to perform at least:
receiving an indication of a time period, and an indication of at least one of a selected category, selected subcategory, or geographic location; calculating respective profits for the promotion and marketing service during the period of time and for a plurality of respective promotions associated with the at least one selected category selected subcategory, or selected geographic location; and causing display of the respective profits for each of the plurality of promotions. 16. The computer program product of claim 10, wherein the one or more costs comprise an estimated amount of net refunds per promotion based on a provider refund rate. 17. The computer program product of claim 10, wherein the one or more costs comprise an estimated cost of consumer points awarded to the consumer for purchasing the promotion. 18. The computer program product of claim 10, wherein the computer-readable program instructions further comprise instructions, which when performed by an apparatus, are configured to cause the apparatus to perform at least:
providing an interface to the internal user; receiving a request via the interface to display a plurality of promotions and associated profits; ranking the plurality of promotions according to the request; and causing display of the plurality of promotions and associated profits in ranked order. 19. An apparatus for calculating profit for a promotion and marketing service, the apparatus comprising processing circuitry configured to cause the apparatus to perform at least:
receiving an indication of a gross booking dollars, wherein the gross booking dollars is a hypothetical consumer cost of at least one promotion offered for sale by the promotion and marketing service, and wherein the at least one promotion is redeemable by the consumer at a provider; dynamically determining one or more costs associated with the at least one promotion, wherein the one or more costs comprise at least a payment to the provider and a deal factory cost; calculating the profit associated with the at least one promotion and for the promotion and marketing service based on at least the dynamically determined one or more costs; and causing display of the profit associated with the at least one promotion and for the promotion and marketing service. 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to cause the apparatus to perform at least:
receiving cost assumptions from an internal user, wherein the profit for the promotion and marketing service is further based on at least the cost assumptions from the internal user. 21. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the one or more costs are based on historical data associated with a promotion category. 22. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the one or more costs are based on historical data associated with the provider. 23. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to cause the apparatus to perform at least:
receiving an indication of a time period and a selected category; calculating respective profits for the promotion and marketing service for a plurality of subcategories associated with the selected category; and causing display of the respective profits for each of the plurality of subcategories. 24. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to cause the apparatus to perform at least:
receiving an indication of a time period, and an indication of at least one of a selected category, selected subcategory, or geographic location; calculating respective profits for the promotion and marketing service during the period of time and for a plurality of respective promotions associated with the at least one selected category, selected subcategory, or selected geographic location; and causing display of the respective profits for each of the plurality of promotions. 25. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the one or more costs comprise an estimated amount of net refunds per promotion based on a provider refund rate. 26. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the one or more costs comprise an estimated cost of consumer points awarded to the consumer for purchasing the promotion. 27. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to cause the apparatus to perform at least:
providing an interface to the internal user; receiving a request via the interface to display a plurality of promotions and associated profits; ranking the plurality of promotions according to the request; and causing display of the plurality of promotions and associated profits in ranked order. | 3,600 |
12,521 | 12,521 | 13,405,153 | 3,624 | Deployment of commercial and industrial (“C&I”) facilities in wholesale markets may be optimized by unbundling attributes from the facilities and combining those attributes for deployment. Buildings within portfolios may include complimentary attributes, features, and capabilities that can be coordinated for synergistic effect. The optimization may include mathematically unbundling attributes of each facility that may be mathematically and optimally aggregated into synthetic resources that are matched for selecting particular markets. These synthetic resources may be deployed optimally in the selected markets. | 1. A computerized method comprising:
identifying facilities for energy optimization; unbundling components from each of the identified facilities; optimizing the unbundled components by rebundling components into optimal aggregations; and deploying the rebundled components. 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the optimizing comprises receiving resources from markets, wherein the deploying comprises receiving resources from the markets based on the rebundled components. 3. The method of claim 2 wherein the markets comprise gas and electricity delivery. 4. The method of claim 3 wherein the resources comprise energy delivery. 5. The method of claim 1 wherein the unbundling and optimizing utilizes decision analysis for optimizing the deploying of the rebundled components. 6. The method of claim 1 wherein the optimizing comprises selecting which of the markets deploy certain of the resources and further selecting when those resources are deployed. 7. The method of claim 1 wherein the attributes comprise at least one of a thermostat value, air ventilation, or humidity level. 8. A non-transitory computer readable medium having stored therein data representing instructions executable by a programmed processor for optimizing energy usage, the storage medium comprising instructions operative for:
accessing one or more facilities that receive resources from one or more markets; identifying attributes from the facilities; aggregating the identified attributes for optimal usage of the resources; and deploying the resources from the markets based on the aggregation of the attributes. 9. The computer readable medium of claim 8 wherein the attributes comprise at least one of a thermostat value, air ventilation, or humidity level. 10. The computer readable medium of claim 8 wherein the identifying and aggregating utilizes decision analysis for optimizing the deploying of the resources. 11. The computer readable medium of claim 8 wherein the markets comprise gas and electricity delivery. 12. The computer readable medium of claim 11 wherein the resources comprise energy delivery. 13. The computer readable medium of claim 8 wherein the optimal usage of the resources comprises selecting which of the markets deploy certain of the resources and further selecting when those resources are deployed. 14. The computer readable medium of claim 8 wherein the identifying and aggregating are iteratively repeated for optimizing the aggregation of the attributes. 15. A system for optimizing facility energy usage comprising:
an optimizer that receives attributes from a plurality of facilities and receives information about resources provided by a plurality of markets, the optimizer comprising:
an unbundler that identifies the attributes from each of the facilities;
an aggregator coupled with the unbundler that combines the attributes from the facilities into an optimal aggregation; and
a deployer coupled with the aggregator that utilizes the optimal aggregation for deployment of the resources from the markets. 16. The system of claim 15 wherein the deployer controls receipt and delivery of the resources based on the aggregated attributes. 17. The system of claim 15 wherein the markets comprise gas and electricity delivery. 18. The system of claim 17 wherein the resources comprise energy delivery. 19. The system of claim 15 wherein the at least one of the unbundler, aggregator, or deployer utilizes decision analysis for optimizing the aggregation of attributes and the deployment of resources based on that aggregation. 20. The system of claim 15 wherein the attributes comprise at least one of a thermostat value, air ventilation, or humidity level. | Deployment of commercial and industrial (“C&I”) facilities in wholesale markets may be optimized by unbundling attributes from the facilities and combining those attributes for deployment. Buildings within portfolios may include complimentary attributes, features, and capabilities that can be coordinated for synergistic effect. The optimization may include mathematically unbundling attributes of each facility that may be mathematically and optimally aggregated into synthetic resources that are matched for selecting particular markets. These synthetic resources may be deployed optimally in the selected markets.1. A computerized method comprising:
identifying facilities for energy optimization; unbundling components from each of the identified facilities; optimizing the unbundled components by rebundling components into optimal aggregations; and deploying the rebundled components. 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the optimizing comprises receiving resources from markets, wherein the deploying comprises receiving resources from the markets based on the rebundled components. 3. The method of claim 2 wherein the markets comprise gas and electricity delivery. 4. The method of claim 3 wherein the resources comprise energy delivery. 5. The method of claim 1 wherein the unbundling and optimizing utilizes decision analysis for optimizing the deploying of the rebundled components. 6. The method of claim 1 wherein the optimizing comprises selecting which of the markets deploy certain of the resources and further selecting when those resources are deployed. 7. The method of claim 1 wherein the attributes comprise at least one of a thermostat value, air ventilation, or humidity level. 8. A non-transitory computer readable medium having stored therein data representing instructions executable by a programmed processor for optimizing energy usage, the storage medium comprising instructions operative for:
accessing one or more facilities that receive resources from one or more markets; identifying attributes from the facilities; aggregating the identified attributes for optimal usage of the resources; and deploying the resources from the markets based on the aggregation of the attributes. 9. The computer readable medium of claim 8 wherein the attributes comprise at least one of a thermostat value, air ventilation, or humidity level. 10. The computer readable medium of claim 8 wherein the identifying and aggregating utilizes decision analysis for optimizing the deploying of the resources. 11. The computer readable medium of claim 8 wherein the markets comprise gas and electricity delivery. 12. The computer readable medium of claim 11 wherein the resources comprise energy delivery. 13. The computer readable medium of claim 8 wherein the optimal usage of the resources comprises selecting which of the markets deploy certain of the resources and further selecting when those resources are deployed. 14. The computer readable medium of claim 8 wherein the identifying and aggregating are iteratively repeated for optimizing the aggregation of the attributes. 15. A system for optimizing facility energy usage comprising:
an optimizer that receives attributes from a plurality of facilities and receives information about resources provided by a plurality of markets, the optimizer comprising:
an unbundler that identifies the attributes from each of the facilities;
an aggregator coupled with the unbundler that combines the attributes from the facilities into an optimal aggregation; and
a deployer coupled with the aggregator that utilizes the optimal aggregation for deployment of the resources from the markets. 16. The system of claim 15 wherein the deployer controls receipt and delivery of the resources based on the aggregated attributes. 17. The system of claim 15 wherein the markets comprise gas and electricity delivery. 18. The system of claim 17 wherein the resources comprise energy delivery. 19. The system of claim 15 wherein the at least one of the unbundler, aggregator, or deployer utilizes decision analysis for optimizing the aggregation of attributes and the deployment of resources based on that aggregation. 20. The system of claim 15 wherein the attributes comprise at least one of a thermostat value, air ventilation, or humidity level. | 3,600 |
12,522 | 12,522 | 13,619,743 | 3,621 | A method enabling a frequent shopper reward system capable of tracking performance data of a plurality of members or account holders linked to a single frequent shopper account. | 1. A method comprising:
receiving transaction data that includes frequent shopper data and item or service data associated with a customer transaction; determining, based on the frequent shopper data, frequent shopper account data that includes information identifying a primary account holder, at least one sub-account holder, and at least one previous order; displaying the at least one previous order associated with the frequent shopper account; receiving an instruction to purchase another item or service according to the at least one previous order; and processing the customer transaction in accordance with the transaction data and the received instruction. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
receiving physical presence information identifying the primary account holder and at least one sub-account holder present during the transaction; evaluating the customer transaction based on at least one of the physical presence information, the transaction data, and the instruction to purchase an item or service according to the at least one previous order; and updating performance data of at least one of the primary account holder and the at least one sub-account holder. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein updating performance data comprises at least one of adding reward points, subtracting reward points, calculating a reward level, and allocating a calculated award level to at least one of the primary account holder and to at least one sub-account holder. 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing a reward to at least one of the primary account holder and at least one sub-account holder. 5. The method of claim 4, in which providing the reward comprises providing at least one of an immediate discount associated with the transaction, an increase in reward points, a future discount, a coupon, and a monetary rebate. 6. The method of claim 4, in which providing the reward further comprises allocating the reward between the primary account holder and at least one sub-account holder account according to at least one rule. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the at least one rule comprises at least one of transaction rules, reward rules, physical presence rules, and affiliation rules. 8. A computer readable medium storing instructions configured to direct a processor to:
receive transaction data that includes frequent shopper data and item or service data associated with a customer transaction; determine, based on the frequent shopper data, frequent shopper account data which includes information identifying a primary account holder, at least one sub-account holder, and at least one previous order; display the at least one previous order associated with the frequent shopper account; receive an instruction to purchase another item or service according to the at least one previous order; and process the customer transaction in accordance with the transaction data and the received instruction. 9. The computer readable medium of claim 8, which further comprises instructions configured to direct the processor to:
receive physical presence information identifying the primary account holder and at least one sub-account holder present during the transaction; evaluate the customer transaction based on at least one of the physical presence information, the transaction data, and the instruction to purchase an item or service according to the at least one previous order; and update performance data of at least one of the primary account holder and the at least one sub-account holder. 10. The computer readable medium of claim 9, in which updating the performance data further comprises instructions configured to direct the processor to at least one of add reward points, subtract reward points, calculate a reward level, and allocate a calculated award level to at least one of the primary account holder and to at least one sub-account holder. 11. The computer readable medium of claim 8, which further comprises instructions configured to direct the processor to provide a reward to at least one of the primary account holder and at least one sub-account holder. 12. The computer readable medium of claim 11, in which providing the
reward comprises instructions configured to direct the processor to at least one of issue an immediate discount associated with the transaction, increase reward points, provide a future discount, issue a coupon, and provide a monetary rebate. 13. The computer readable medium of claim 11, which further comprises instructions configured to direct the processor to allocate the reward between the primary account holder and at least one sub-account holder account according to at least one rule. 14. A system, comprising:
a transaction controller including a microprocessor and a memory; and an input device operatively connected to the transaction controller; wherein the input device receives transaction data that includes frequent shopper data and item or service data associated with a customer transaction, and wherein the microprocessor determines, based on the frequent shopper data, frequent shopper account data that includes information identifying a primary account holder, at least one sub-account holder, and at least one previous order, provides instructions to display the at least one previous order, receives an instruction to purchase an item or service according to the at least one previous order, and processes the customer transaction in accordance with the transaction data and the instruction to purchase an item or service according to the at least one previous order. 15. The system of claim 14, further comprising at least one server in communication with the transaction controller, wherein the server comprises an input/output circuit, a microprocessor, and a memory including at least one of an awards rules database, an awards database, and entertainment programs. 16. The system of claim 14, wherein the input device comprises at least one of a biometric device, a voice recognition unit, a license plate scanner, a handwriting recognition unit, a fingerprint scanner, a retinal scanner, a barcode scanner, a touchscreen, a keyboard, and a computer mouse. 17. The system of claim 14, wherein the microprocessor is operable to calculate a reward, allocate the reward among the primary account holder and the sub-account holders, and to update an account of at least one of the primary account holder and at least one sub-account holder. 18. The system of claim 14, wherein the input device comprises a card reader, and an account holder provides data by using at least one of a frequent shopper card, bank card, credit card, debit card, and an affinity card. | A method enabling a frequent shopper reward system capable of tracking performance data of a plurality of members or account holders linked to a single frequent shopper account.1. A method comprising:
receiving transaction data that includes frequent shopper data and item or service data associated with a customer transaction; determining, based on the frequent shopper data, frequent shopper account data that includes information identifying a primary account holder, at least one sub-account holder, and at least one previous order; displaying the at least one previous order associated with the frequent shopper account; receiving an instruction to purchase another item or service according to the at least one previous order; and processing the customer transaction in accordance with the transaction data and the received instruction. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
receiving physical presence information identifying the primary account holder and at least one sub-account holder present during the transaction; evaluating the customer transaction based on at least one of the physical presence information, the transaction data, and the instruction to purchase an item or service according to the at least one previous order; and updating performance data of at least one of the primary account holder and the at least one sub-account holder. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein updating performance data comprises at least one of adding reward points, subtracting reward points, calculating a reward level, and allocating a calculated award level to at least one of the primary account holder and to at least one sub-account holder. 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing a reward to at least one of the primary account holder and at least one sub-account holder. 5. The method of claim 4, in which providing the reward comprises providing at least one of an immediate discount associated with the transaction, an increase in reward points, a future discount, a coupon, and a monetary rebate. 6. The method of claim 4, in which providing the reward further comprises allocating the reward between the primary account holder and at least one sub-account holder account according to at least one rule. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the at least one rule comprises at least one of transaction rules, reward rules, physical presence rules, and affiliation rules. 8. A computer readable medium storing instructions configured to direct a processor to:
receive transaction data that includes frequent shopper data and item or service data associated with a customer transaction; determine, based on the frequent shopper data, frequent shopper account data which includes information identifying a primary account holder, at least one sub-account holder, and at least one previous order; display the at least one previous order associated with the frequent shopper account; receive an instruction to purchase another item or service according to the at least one previous order; and process the customer transaction in accordance with the transaction data and the received instruction. 9. The computer readable medium of claim 8, which further comprises instructions configured to direct the processor to:
receive physical presence information identifying the primary account holder and at least one sub-account holder present during the transaction; evaluate the customer transaction based on at least one of the physical presence information, the transaction data, and the instruction to purchase an item or service according to the at least one previous order; and update performance data of at least one of the primary account holder and the at least one sub-account holder. 10. The computer readable medium of claim 9, in which updating the performance data further comprises instructions configured to direct the processor to at least one of add reward points, subtract reward points, calculate a reward level, and allocate a calculated award level to at least one of the primary account holder and to at least one sub-account holder. 11. The computer readable medium of claim 8, which further comprises instructions configured to direct the processor to provide a reward to at least one of the primary account holder and at least one sub-account holder. 12. The computer readable medium of claim 11, in which providing the
reward comprises instructions configured to direct the processor to at least one of issue an immediate discount associated with the transaction, increase reward points, provide a future discount, issue a coupon, and provide a monetary rebate. 13. The computer readable medium of claim 11, which further comprises instructions configured to direct the processor to allocate the reward between the primary account holder and at least one sub-account holder account according to at least one rule. 14. A system, comprising:
a transaction controller including a microprocessor and a memory; and an input device operatively connected to the transaction controller; wherein the input device receives transaction data that includes frequent shopper data and item or service data associated with a customer transaction, and wherein the microprocessor determines, based on the frequent shopper data, frequent shopper account data that includes information identifying a primary account holder, at least one sub-account holder, and at least one previous order, provides instructions to display the at least one previous order, receives an instruction to purchase an item or service according to the at least one previous order, and processes the customer transaction in accordance with the transaction data and the instruction to purchase an item or service according to the at least one previous order. 15. The system of claim 14, further comprising at least one server in communication with the transaction controller, wherein the server comprises an input/output circuit, a microprocessor, and a memory including at least one of an awards rules database, an awards database, and entertainment programs. 16. The system of claim 14, wherein the input device comprises at least one of a biometric device, a voice recognition unit, a license plate scanner, a handwriting recognition unit, a fingerprint scanner, a retinal scanner, a barcode scanner, a touchscreen, a keyboard, and a computer mouse. 17. The system of claim 14, wherein the microprocessor is operable to calculate a reward, allocate the reward among the primary account holder and the sub-account holders, and to update an account of at least one of the primary account holder and at least one sub-account holder. 18. The system of claim 14, wherein the input device comprises a card reader, and an account holder provides data by using at least one of a frequent shopper card, bank card, credit card, debit card, and an affinity card. | 3,600 |
12,523 | 12,523 | 13,285,386 | 3,691 | Techniques for visually conducting transactions are provided. According to an embodiment, a consumer conducts a transaction on an enterprise terminal device. A visual identifier encoded with the transaction is presented on a display of the terminal device. The consumer uses a mobile device to scan and acquire the visual identifier. A mobile app on the mobile device generates a visual transaction envelope having payment details for the consumer. The visual transaction envelope is scanned from the display of the mobile device into the terminal device, via a scanner of the terminal device. The transaction is completed. | 1. A non-transitory processor-readable medium having instructions programmed into a mobile device to perform the method, comprising:
obtaining, on the mobile device, a visual identifier for a transaction, the visual identifier acquired from a terminal device of an enterprise; decoding, on the mobile device, the visual identifier in order to obtain details for completing the transaction; confirming, on the mobile device the details and also augmenting, on the mobile device, the details; generating, on the mobile device, a visual transaction envelope for completing the transaction on the terminal device, the visual transaction envelope including a transaction identifier for the transaction, payment information for payment of the transaction, and a loyalty card for a customer of the transaction; and providing, from the mobile device, the visual transaction envelope to the terminal device to conclude the transaction. 2. The medium of claim 1, wherein obtaining further includes scanning, via a camera of the mobile device the visual identifier from a display of the terminal device. 3. The medium of claim 2, wherein scanning further includes scanning the visual identifier as encrypted information represented as one of: a barcode, a Quick Response code, machine text that is unreadable by a human, human readable text, an animation, a pattern of images, a pattern of flashes, and a pattern of text characters. 4. The medium of claim 1, wherein decoding further includes decrypting the visual identifier using digital certificates and/or digital signatures. 5. The medium of claim 4, wherein decrypting further includes acquiring the digital certificates and/or digital signatures remotely over a network connection from a mobile transaction service. 6. The medium of claim 1, wherein decoding further includes decrypting the visual identifier to obtain details for the transaction as one or more of: a unique transaction identifier, a time, a date, a specific cashier lane, a specific cashier, transaction totals, unique service identifier for a service provider associated with the terminal device, a geographic location for the transaction, and a transaction type. 7. The medium of claim 1, wherein confirming further includes confirming by the customer, via the mobile device, a cash withdrawal amount for a pre-staged Automated Teller Machine transaction, the terminal device is the Automated Teller Machine. 8. The medium of claim 1, wherein augmenting further includes adding by the customer, via the mobile device, payment details for completing the transaction, the payment details included in the visual transaction envelope. 9. The medium of claim 1, wherein generating further includes encrypting and/or signing the visual transaction envelope using digital certificates and/or digital signatures. 10. The medium of claim 9, wherein encrypting and/or signing further include remotely obtaining the digital certificates and/or digital signatures from a mobile transaction service over a network connection. 11. The medium of claim 1, wherein providing further includes scanning the visual transaction envelope into a camera associated with the terminal device. 12. The medium of claim 1, wherein providing further includes transmitting over a network connection the visual transaction envelope to a remote mobile transaction service that also communicates the visual transaction envelope to the terminal device to complete the transaction. 13. A processor-implemented method programmed in a non-transitory processor-readable medium and to execute on one or more processors of a terminal device configured to execute the method, comprising:
presenting, at the terminal device, a visual identifier for a transaction, the visual identifier presented on a display of the terminal device; receiving, at the terminal device, a visual transaction envelope generated on a mobile device of a customer associated with the transaction; decoding, on the terminal device, the visual transaction envelope to obtain details for completing the transaction with the customer; and completing, on the terminal device, the transaction with the customer in accordance with the details. 14. The method of claim 13 further comprising, transmitting, from the terminal device, a transaction receipt, the transaction receipt sent from the terminal device to the mobile device of the customer. 15. The method of claim 13 further comprising, transmitting, from the terminal device, a transaction receipt, the transaction receipt sent from the terminal device to a remote mobile transaction service that then delivers the transaction receipt to the mobile device of the customer. 16. The method of claim 13 further comprising, presenting, via the terminal device and on the display an interactive video presentation of the completed transaction to the customer for instant feedback from the customer on completion of the transaction. 17. The method of claim 13, wherein presenting further includes displaying the visual identifier as encoded image data on the display that is scanned into the mobile device via a camera of the mobile device. 18. The method of claim 13, wherein receiving further includes identifying at least a portion or the entire visual transaction envelope as being provided to the mobile device from a mobile transaction service, where the transaction is a previously staged cash withdrawal from an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) and the terminal device is the ATM. 19. A processor-implemented method programmed in a non-transitory processor-readable medium and to execute on one or more processors of a server configured to execute the method, comprising:
receiving, via the server, a request for certificates and/or signatures for using in an automated visual transaction between a mobile device of a customer and a terminal device of an enterprise; authenticating, at the server, the request; and delivering, from the server, the certificates and/or signatures to the mobile device and/or terminal device for the mobile device and terminal device to complete a transaction. 20. The method of claim 19 further comprising one or more of:
receiving, at the server, a transaction receipt for the transaction;
delivering, from the server, the transaction receipt to the mobile device; and
generating, at the server, a visual transaction envelope for a customer of the mobile device when the transaction is related to a cash withdrawal and when the terminal device is an Automated Teller Machine (ATM). | Techniques for visually conducting transactions are provided. According to an embodiment, a consumer conducts a transaction on an enterprise terminal device. A visual identifier encoded with the transaction is presented on a display of the terminal device. The consumer uses a mobile device to scan and acquire the visual identifier. A mobile app on the mobile device generates a visual transaction envelope having payment details for the consumer. The visual transaction envelope is scanned from the display of the mobile device into the terminal device, via a scanner of the terminal device. The transaction is completed.1. A non-transitory processor-readable medium having instructions programmed into a mobile device to perform the method, comprising:
obtaining, on the mobile device, a visual identifier for a transaction, the visual identifier acquired from a terminal device of an enterprise; decoding, on the mobile device, the visual identifier in order to obtain details for completing the transaction; confirming, on the mobile device the details and also augmenting, on the mobile device, the details; generating, on the mobile device, a visual transaction envelope for completing the transaction on the terminal device, the visual transaction envelope including a transaction identifier for the transaction, payment information for payment of the transaction, and a loyalty card for a customer of the transaction; and providing, from the mobile device, the visual transaction envelope to the terminal device to conclude the transaction. 2. The medium of claim 1, wherein obtaining further includes scanning, via a camera of the mobile device the visual identifier from a display of the terminal device. 3. The medium of claim 2, wherein scanning further includes scanning the visual identifier as encrypted information represented as one of: a barcode, a Quick Response code, machine text that is unreadable by a human, human readable text, an animation, a pattern of images, a pattern of flashes, and a pattern of text characters. 4. The medium of claim 1, wherein decoding further includes decrypting the visual identifier using digital certificates and/or digital signatures. 5. The medium of claim 4, wherein decrypting further includes acquiring the digital certificates and/or digital signatures remotely over a network connection from a mobile transaction service. 6. The medium of claim 1, wherein decoding further includes decrypting the visual identifier to obtain details for the transaction as one or more of: a unique transaction identifier, a time, a date, a specific cashier lane, a specific cashier, transaction totals, unique service identifier for a service provider associated with the terminal device, a geographic location for the transaction, and a transaction type. 7. The medium of claim 1, wherein confirming further includes confirming by the customer, via the mobile device, a cash withdrawal amount for a pre-staged Automated Teller Machine transaction, the terminal device is the Automated Teller Machine. 8. The medium of claim 1, wherein augmenting further includes adding by the customer, via the mobile device, payment details for completing the transaction, the payment details included in the visual transaction envelope. 9. The medium of claim 1, wherein generating further includes encrypting and/or signing the visual transaction envelope using digital certificates and/or digital signatures. 10. The medium of claim 9, wherein encrypting and/or signing further include remotely obtaining the digital certificates and/or digital signatures from a mobile transaction service over a network connection. 11. The medium of claim 1, wherein providing further includes scanning the visual transaction envelope into a camera associated with the terminal device. 12. The medium of claim 1, wherein providing further includes transmitting over a network connection the visual transaction envelope to a remote mobile transaction service that also communicates the visual transaction envelope to the terminal device to complete the transaction. 13. A processor-implemented method programmed in a non-transitory processor-readable medium and to execute on one or more processors of a terminal device configured to execute the method, comprising:
presenting, at the terminal device, a visual identifier for a transaction, the visual identifier presented on a display of the terminal device; receiving, at the terminal device, a visual transaction envelope generated on a mobile device of a customer associated with the transaction; decoding, on the terminal device, the visual transaction envelope to obtain details for completing the transaction with the customer; and completing, on the terminal device, the transaction with the customer in accordance with the details. 14. The method of claim 13 further comprising, transmitting, from the terminal device, a transaction receipt, the transaction receipt sent from the terminal device to the mobile device of the customer. 15. The method of claim 13 further comprising, transmitting, from the terminal device, a transaction receipt, the transaction receipt sent from the terminal device to a remote mobile transaction service that then delivers the transaction receipt to the mobile device of the customer. 16. The method of claim 13 further comprising, presenting, via the terminal device and on the display an interactive video presentation of the completed transaction to the customer for instant feedback from the customer on completion of the transaction. 17. The method of claim 13, wherein presenting further includes displaying the visual identifier as encoded image data on the display that is scanned into the mobile device via a camera of the mobile device. 18. The method of claim 13, wherein receiving further includes identifying at least a portion or the entire visual transaction envelope as being provided to the mobile device from a mobile transaction service, where the transaction is a previously staged cash withdrawal from an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) and the terminal device is the ATM. 19. A processor-implemented method programmed in a non-transitory processor-readable medium and to execute on one or more processors of a server configured to execute the method, comprising:
receiving, via the server, a request for certificates and/or signatures for using in an automated visual transaction between a mobile device of a customer and a terminal device of an enterprise; authenticating, at the server, the request; and delivering, from the server, the certificates and/or signatures to the mobile device and/or terminal device for the mobile device and terminal device to complete a transaction. 20. The method of claim 19 further comprising one or more of:
receiving, at the server, a transaction receipt for the transaction;
delivering, from the server, the transaction receipt to the mobile device; and
generating, at the server, a visual transaction envelope for a customer of the mobile device when the transaction is related to a cash withdrawal and when the terminal device is an Automated Teller Machine (ATM). | 3,600 |
12,524 | 12,524 | 14,781,538 | 3,685 | Methods, systems and devices for transacting are provided. In a method conducted at a mobile device of a consumer, having a mobile-based credential stored in a secure memory thereof and having an associated alias, a request for the mobile-based credential from a remotely accessible server is received in response to a requestor device receiving the alias from the consumer. The mobile-based credential is accessed from the secure memory and transmitted to the remotely accessible server. The mobile-based credential is then usable at the remotely accessible server in combination with a server-based credential stored thereat for obtaining payment credentials usable in completing the transaction. | 1. A method of conducting a transaction, the method being conducted at a mobile device of a consumer having a mobile-based credential stored in a secure memory thereof and having an associated alias, the method comprising the steps of:
receiving a request for the mobile-based credential from a remotely accessible server, the request being received in response to a requestor device receiving the alias from the consumer; accessing the mobile-based credential from the secure memory; and transmitting the mobile-based credential to the remotely accessible server, wherein the mobile-based credential is usable at the remotely accessible server in combination with a server-based credential stored thereat for obtaining payment credentials usable in completing the transaction. 2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mobile-based credential is one of encrypted payment credentials or a decryption key corresponding to encrypted payment credentials and the server-based credential is the other of a decryption key corresponding to encrypted payment credentials or encrypted payment credentials. 3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mobile device includes a cryptographic module having a secure store element and a secure accessing element, wherein the secure memory is provided by the secure store element, and wherein accessing the mobile-based credential from the secure store element uses the secure accessing element to certifiably request and receive the mobile-based credential from the secure store element over a certified communication interface. 4. The method as claimed in claim 3, wherein a number of mobile-based credentials are stored in the secure store element, and wherein accessing a mobile-based credential from the secure store element includes the steps of:
receiving a mobile-based credential selection of the consumer at the secure accessing element; receiving a passcode for the selected mobile-based credential entered by the consumer at the secure accessing element; transmitting the received passcode from the secure accessing element to the secure store element over the certified communication interface; comparing, at the secure store element, the entered passcode to an offset thereof stored therein, and if the passcode corresponds to the offset, transmitting the selected mobile-based credential from the secure store element to the secure accessing element over the certified communication interface. 5. A method of conducting a transaction, the method being conducted at a remotely accessible server having a server-based credential stored therein and comprising the steps of:
receiving an alias from a requestor device in response to the requestor device receiving the alias from a consumer; identifying a mobile device of the consumer associated with the alias; requesting a mobile-based credential from the identified mobile device; receiving a mobile-based credential from the mobile device, the mobile-based credential having been accessed from a secure memory of the mobile device; and using the received mobile-based credential in combination with the server-based credential to obtain payment credentials usable in completing the transaction. 6. The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein the mobile-based credential is one of encrypted payment credentials or a decryption key corresponding to encrypted payment credentials and the server-based credential is the other of a decryption key corresponding to encrypted payment credentials or encrypted payment credentials, and wherein using the received mobile-based credential in combination with the server-based credential to obtain payment credentials decrypts the encrypted payment credentials using the decryption key. 7. The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein receiving an alias from a requestor device includes receiving transaction information, wherein the transaction information includes one or both of a transaction value and transaction product details, and wherein the transaction product details include stock keeping unit information. 8. The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein the method includes further steps of:
zone-translating the obtained payment credentials for processing by a financial processor of a financial institution; and transmitting the zone-translated payment credentials to the financial processor of the financial institution for use in completing the transaction. 9. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the step of zone-translating the obtained payment credentials includes:
formatting the obtained payment credentials into a format expected by the financial processor; and re-encrypting the formatted payment credentials. 10. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein the financial institution is one of the group of: a payment processing network; an acquiring financial institution; an issuing financial institution; or a merchant. 11. A system for conducting a transaction, the system comprising a mobile device of a consumer having an associated alias and including:
a secure memory having a mobile-based credential stored therein; a request receiving component for receiving a request for the mobile-based credential from a remotely accessible server, the request being received in response to a requestor device receiving the alias from the consumer; an accessing component for accessing the mobile-based credential from the secure memory; and a transmitting component for transmitting the mobile-based credential to the remotely accessible server, wherein the mobile-based credential is usable at the remotely accessible server in combination with a server-based credential stored thereat for obtaining payment credentials usable in completing the transaction. 12. The system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the mobile-based credential is one of encrypted payment credentials or a decryption key corresponding to encrypted payment credentials and the server-based credential is the other of a decryption key corresponding to encrypted payment credentials or encrypted payment credentials. 13. The system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the alias is one of the group of: a mobile subscriber integrated services digital network-number (MSISDN) of the mobile device; an email address registered by the consumer; an identity number of the consumer; a username registered by the consumer; and, a near field communication (NFC) or radio frequency identification (RFID) transmittable alias. 14. The system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the mobile device includes a cryptographic module having a secure store element and a secure accessing element, wherein the secure memory is provided by the secure store element, and wherein the secure accessing element accesses the mobile-based credential from the secure store element over a certified communication interface. 15. The system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the secure accessing element and secure store element are provided by respective security integrated circuits (ICs), wherein the secure store element and secure accessing element are logically and physically separated from each other, and wherein the certified communication interface is provided by an International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 7816 communication interface. 16. The system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the system further includes a remotely accessible server having a server-based credential stored therein, the remotely accessible server including:
an alias receiving component for receiving an alias from a requestor device in response to the requestor device receiving the alias from the consumer; an identifying component for identifying a mobile device of the consumer corresponding to the alias; a requesting component for requesting the mobile-based credential from the identified mobile device; a credential receiving component for receiving the mobile-based credential from the mobile device, the mobile-based credential having been accessed from a secure memory of the mobile device; and an obtaining component for using the received mobile-based credential in combination with the server-based credential to obtain payment credentials. 17. The system as claimed in claim 16, wherein using the received mobile-based credential and the server-based credential to obtain payment credentials decrypts the encrypted payment credentials using the decryption key. 18. The system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the system further includes a requestor device configured to:
receive an alias from the consumer; and transmit transaction information and the alias to the remotely accessible server. 19. The system as claimed in claim 18, wherein the requestor device is one or more of the group of: a point-of-sales device; a mobile device of a merchant; a mobile device of a merchant having a cryptographic module; or an electronic commerce server of a merchant; wherein the transaction information includes one or both of a transaction value and transaction product details; wherein the transaction product details include stock keeping unit information; and wherein the remotely accessible server is configured to receive the transaction information with the alias. 20. A cryptographic module for conducting a transaction comprising:
a secure store element for certifiably storing a mobile-based credential; a secure accessing element for performing certified credential access operations; and a certified communication interface configured to provide certified communication between the secure store element and the secure accessing element; wherein the secure accessing element is configured to:
receive a passcode entered by the consumer at the secure accessing element;
transmit the received passcode to the secure store element over the certified communication interface;
wherein the secure store element is configured to:
receive the entered passcode from the secure accessing element over the certified communication interface;
compare the entered passcode to an offset thereof stored therein, and
if the passcode corresponds to the offset, transmit the mobile-based credential to the secure accessing element over the certified communication interface for transmission to a remotely accessible server, and
wherein the mobile-based credential is usable at the remotely accessible server in combination with a server-based credential stored thereat for obtaining payment credentials usable in completing the transaction. | Methods, systems and devices for transacting are provided. In a method conducted at a mobile device of a consumer, having a mobile-based credential stored in a secure memory thereof and having an associated alias, a request for the mobile-based credential from a remotely accessible server is received in response to a requestor device receiving the alias from the consumer. The mobile-based credential is accessed from the secure memory and transmitted to the remotely accessible server. The mobile-based credential is then usable at the remotely accessible server in combination with a server-based credential stored thereat for obtaining payment credentials usable in completing the transaction.1. A method of conducting a transaction, the method being conducted at a mobile device of a consumer having a mobile-based credential stored in a secure memory thereof and having an associated alias, the method comprising the steps of:
receiving a request for the mobile-based credential from a remotely accessible server, the request being received in response to a requestor device receiving the alias from the consumer; accessing the mobile-based credential from the secure memory; and transmitting the mobile-based credential to the remotely accessible server, wherein the mobile-based credential is usable at the remotely accessible server in combination with a server-based credential stored thereat for obtaining payment credentials usable in completing the transaction. 2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mobile-based credential is one of encrypted payment credentials or a decryption key corresponding to encrypted payment credentials and the server-based credential is the other of a decryption key corresponding to encrypted payment credentials or encrypted payment credentials. 3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mobile device includes a cryptographic module having a secure store element and a secure accessing element, wherein the secure memory is provided by the secure store element, and wherein accessing the mobile-based credential from the secure store element uses the secure accessing element to certifiably request and receive the mobile-based credential from the secure store element over a certified communication interface. 4. The method as claimed in claim 3, wherein a number of mobile-based credentials are stored in the secure store element, and wherein accessing a mobile-based credential from the secure store element includes the steps of:
receiving a mobile-based credential selection of the consumer at the secure accessing element; receiving a passcode for the selected mobile-based credential entered by the consumer at the secure accessing element; transmitting the received passcode from the secure accessing element to the secure store element over the certified communication interface; comparing, at the secure store element, the entered passcode to an offset thereof stored therein, and if the passcode corresponds to the offset, transmitting the selected mobile-based credential from the secure store element to the secure accessing element over the certified communication interface. 5. A method of conducting a transaction, the method being conducted at a remotely accessible server having a server-based credential stored therein and comprising the steps of:
receiving an alias from a requestor device in response to the requestor device receiving the alias from a consumer; identifying a mobile device of the consumer associated with the alias; requesting a mobile-based credential from the identified mobile device; receiving a mobile-based credential from the mobile device, the mobile-based credential having been accessed from a secure memory of the mobile device; and using the received mobile-based credential in combination with the server-based credential to obtain payment credentials usable in completing the transaction. 6. The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein the mobile-based credential is one of encrypted payment credentials or a decryption key corresponding to encrypted payment credentials and the server-based credential is the other of a decryption key corresponding to encrypted payment credentials or encrypted payment credentials, and wherein using the received mobile-based credential in combination with the server-based credential to obtain payment credentials decrypts the encrypted payment credentials using the decryption key. 7. The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein receiving an alias from a requestor device includes receiving transaction information, wherein the transaction information includes one or both of a transaction value and transaction product details, and wherein the transaction product details include stock keeping unit information. 8. The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein the method includes further steps of:
zone-translating the obtained payment credentials for processing by a financial processor of a financial institution; and transmitting the zone-translated payment credentials to the financial processor of the financial institution for use in completing the transaction. 9. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the step of zone-translating the obtained payment credentials includes:
formatting the obtained payment credentials into a format expected by the financial processor; and re-encrypting the formatted payment credentials. 10. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein the financial institution is one of the group of: a payment processing network; an acquiring financial institution; an issuing financial institution; or a merchant. 11. A system for conducting a transaction, the system comprising a mobile device of a consumer having an associated alias and including:
a secure memory having a mobile-based credential stored therein; a request receiving component for receiving a request for the mobile-based credential from a remotely accessible server, the request being received in response to a requestor device receiving the alias from the consumer; an accessing component for accessing the mobile-based credential from the secure memory; and a transmitting component for transmitting the mobile-based credential to the remotely accessible server, wherein the mobile-based credential is usable at the remotely accessible server in combination with a server-based credential stored thereat for obtaining payment credentials usable in completing the transaction. 12. The system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the mobile-based credential is one of encrypted payment credentials or a decryption key corresponding to encrypted payment credentials and the server-based credential is the other of a decryption key corresponding to encrypted payment credentials or encrypted payment credentials. 13. The system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the alias is one of the group of: a mobile subscriber integrated services digital network-number (MSISDN) of the mobile device; an email address registered by the consumer; an identity number of the consumer; a username registered by the consumer; and, a near field communication (NFC) or radio frequency identification (RFID) transmittable alias. 14. The system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the mobile device includes a cryptographic module having a secure store element and a secure accessing element, wherein the secure memory is provided by the secure store element, and wherein the secure accessing element accesses the mobile-based credential from the secure store element over a certified communication interface. 15. The system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the secure accessing element and secure store element are provided by respective security integrated circuits (ICs), wherein the secure store element and secure accessing element are logically and physically separated from each other, and wherein the certified communication interface is provided by an International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 7816 communication interface. 16. The system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the system further includes a remotely accessible server having a server-based credential stored therein, the remotely accessible server including:
an alias receiving component for receiving an alias from a requestor device in response to the requestor device receiving the alias from the consumer; an identifying component for identifying a mobile device of the consumer corresponding to the alias; a requesting component for requesting the mobile-based credential from the identified mobile device; a credential receiving component for receiving the mobile-based credential from the mobile device, the mobile-based credential having been accessed from a secure memory of the mobile device; and an obtaining component for using the received mobile-based credential in combination with the server-based credential to obtain payment credentials. 17. The system as claimed in claim 16, wherein using the received mobile-based credential and the server-based credential to obtain payment credentials decrypts the encrypted payment credentials using the decryption key. 18. The system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the system further includes a requestor device configured to:
receive an alias from the consumer; and transmit transaction information and the alias to the remotely accessible server. 19. The system as claimed in claim 18, wherein the requestor device is one or more of the group of: a point-of-sales device; a mobile device of a merchant; a mobile device of a merchant having a cryptographic module; or an electronic commerce server of a merchant; wherein the transaction information includes one or both of a transaction value and transaction product details; wherein the transaction product details include stock keeping unit information; and wherein the remotely accessible server is configured to receive the transaction information with the alias. 20. A cryptographic module for conducting a transaction comprising:
a secure store element for certifiably storing a mobile-based credential; a secure accessing element for performing certified credential access operations; and a certified communication interface configured to provide certified communication between the secure store element and the secure accessing element; wherein the secure accessing element is configured to:
receive a passcode entered by the consumer at the secure accessing element;
transmit the received passcode to the secure store element over the certified communication interface;
wherein the secure store element is configured to:
receive the entered passcode from the secure accessing element over the certified communication interface;
compare the entered passcode to an offset thereof stored therein, and
if the passcode corresponds to the offset, transmit the mobile-based credential to the secure accessing element over the certified communication interface for transmission to a remotely accessible server, and
wherein the mobile-based credential is usable at the remotely accessible server in combination with a server-based credential stored thereat for obtaining payment credentials usable in completing the transaction. | 3,600 |
12,525 | 12,525 | 14,499,512 | 3,686 | Systems, methods, and computer-readable medium are provided for managing user information. For example, instructions for implementing a background process configured to manage a first set of data types may be received from a service provider. A data download that includes information about the new data type may also be received from the service provider. A request to access data corresponding to the new data type may be received from an application. Additionally, in some examples, the data corresponding to the new data type may be provided to the application based at least in part on interpreting the data download. | 1. A computer-implemented method, comprising:
maintaining, by a computer system, a plurality of data types; enabling storage, on a user device, of first health information associated with at least a subset of the plurality of data types; identifying a new data type being requested for use by a third-party application of the user device; providing data to the user device that identifies information about the new data type; publishing the information about the new data type; causing a background process of the user device to interpret the data for configuring the user device to implement the new data type; and enabling the background process of the user device to manage second health information corresponding to the new data type at least in response to a request, from the third-party application, that includes the information about the new data type. 2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the information about the new data type is published to a network resource for developers associated with the computer system. 3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising updating the plurality of maintained data types to include the new data type. 4. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the information about the new data type includes at least one of an identifier, a name, a type, or a description. 5. The computer-implemented method of claim 4, wherein the type comprises at least a cumulative type or a discrete type. 6. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the request, from the third-party application, comprises an application programming interface method call. 7. A system, comprising:
a memory configured to store computer-executable instructions; and a processor in communication with the memory configured to execute the computer-executable instructions to at least:
provide a first set of data types to a user device;
identify a new data type not included in the first set of data types;
provide data for the user device to download, the data including information about the new data type;
provide, to an application, a format for managing health data corresponding to the new data type; and
cause the user device to implement the new data type based at least in part on a request using the format from the application. 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the processor is further configured to execute the computer-executable instructions to at least publish the information about the new data type to a network resource. 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the information about the new data type is published to the network resource after the data is provided for the user device to download. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the processor is further configured to execute the computer-executable instructions to at least cause the user device to return an error message when the request using the format is received before the data is downloaded by the device. 11. The system of claim 7, wherein the first set of data types is provided to the user device as part of a new software release for the user device. 12. The system of claim 7, wherein managing the health data comprises at least one of reading the health data corresponding to the new data type from the user device or writing the health data corresponding to the new data type to the user device. 13. The system of claim 7, wherein causing the user to implement the new data type comprises at least enabling a background process of the user device to interpret the data for registering the new data type with the background process. 14. A computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a processor, configure the processor to perform operations comprising:
receiving, from a service provider, instructions for implementing a background process configured to manage a first set of data types; receiving, from the service provider, a data download that includes information about a new data type; receiving, from an application, a request to access data corresponding to the new data type; and providing, to the application, the data corresponding to the new data type based at least in part on interpreting the received data download. 15. The one or more computer-readable media of claim 14, wherein the operations further comprise registering the new data type with the background process prior to receiving the request to access the data corresponding to the new data type. 16. The one or more computer-readable media of claim 14, wherein the new data type was not included in the first set of data types provided with the instructions for implementing the background process. 17. The computer-readable medium of claim 14, wherein the operations further comprise enabling the service provider to identify the new data type from a network source updated by developers. 18. The computer-readable medium of claim 14, wherein the operations further comprise enabling the service provider to publish the information about the new data type. 19. The computer-readable medium of claim 18, wherein the information about the new data type includes at least one of an identifier, a name, a type, or a description. 20. The computer-readable medium of claim 14, wherein the request to access the data corresponding to the new data type comprises an application programming interface method call received from the application. | Systems, methods, and computer-readable medium are provided for managing user information. For example, instructions for implementing a background process configured to manage a first set of data types may be received from a service provider. A data download that includes information about the new data type may also be received from the service provider. A request to access data corresponding to the new data type may be received from an application. Additionally, in some examples, the data corresponding to the new data type may be provided to the application based at least in part on interpreting the data download.1. A computer-implemented method, comprising:
maintaining, by a computer system, a plurality of data types; enabling storage, on a user device, of first health information associated with at least a subset of the plurality of data types; identifying a new data type being requested for use by a third-party application of the user device; providing data to the user device that identifies information about the new data type; publishing the information about the new data type; causing a background process of the user device to interpret the data for configuring the user device to implement the new data type; and enabling the background process of the user device to manage second health information corresponding to the new data type at least in response to a request, from the third-party application, that includes the information about the new data type. 2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the information about the new data type is published to a network resource for developers associated with the computer system. 3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising updating the plurality of maintained data types to include the new data type. 4. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the information about the new data type includes at least one of an identifier, a name, a type, or a description. 5. The computer-implemented method of claim 4, wherein the type comprises at least a cumulative type or a discrete type. 6. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the request, from the third-party application, comprises an application programming interface method call. 7. A system, comprising:
a memory configured to store computer-executable instructions; and a processor in communication with the memory configured to execute the computer-executable instructions to at least:
provide a first set of data types to a user device;
identify a new data type not included in the first set of data types;
provide data for the user device to download, the data including information about the new data type;
provide, to an application, a format for managing health data corresponding to the new data type; and
cause the user device to implement the new data type based at least in part on a request using the format from the application. 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the processor is further configured to execute the computer-executable instructions to at least publish the information about the new data type to a network resource. 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the information about the new data type is published to the network resource after the data is provided for the user device to download. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the processor is further configured to execute the computer-executable instructions to at least cause the user device to return an error message when the request using the format is received before the data is downloaded by the device. 11. The system of claim 7, wherein the first set of data types is provided to the user device as part of a new software release for the user device. 12. The system of claim 7, wherein managing the health data comprises at least one of reading the health data corresponding to the new data type from the user device or writing the health data corresponding to the new data type to the user device. 13. The system of claim 7, wherein causing the user to implement the new data type comprises at least enabling a background process of the user device to interpret the data for registering the new data type with the background process. 14. A computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a processor, configure the processor to perform operations comprising:
receiving, from a service provider, instructions for implementing a background process configured to manage a first set of data types; receiving, from the service provider, a data download that includes information about a new data type; receiving, from an application, a request to access data corresponding to the new data type; and providing, to the application, the data corresponding to the new data type based at least in part on interpreting the received data download. 15. The one or more computer-readable media of claim 14, wherein the operations further comprise registering the new data type with the background process prior to receiving the request to access the data corresponding to the new data type. 16. The one or more computer-readable media of claim 14, wherein the new data type was not included in the first set of data types provided with the instructions for implementing the background process. 17. The computer-readable medium of claim 14, wherein the operations further comprise enabling the service provider to identify the new data type from a network source updated by developers. 18. The computer-readable medium of claim 14, wherein the operations further comprise enabling the service provider to publish the information about the new data type. 19. The computer-readable medium of claim 18, wherein the information about the new data type includes at least one of an identifier, a name, a type, or a description. 20. The computer-readable medium of claim 14, wherein the request to access the data corresponding to the new data type comprises an application programming interface method call received from the application. | 3,600 |
12,526 | 12,526 | 13,040,455 | 3,651 | Generally, the present disclosure relates to a carton for dispensing compressed tissue sheets comprising a carton having an oversized carton opening and a compressed stack of tissues, such as facial tissues. The compressed carton can significantly reduce costs associated with shipping such low density products. The oversized carton opening permits the compressed stack of tissues to expand, releasing the compression of the tissue stack and allowing the tissues to be dispensed normally. | 1. A carton comprising:
a. a top panel; b. a first and a second sidewall; c. a carton opening located in the top panel; and d. a dispensing window covering at least a portion of the carton opening; wherein the area of the carton opening is from about 50 percent to about 85 percent of the area of the top panel. 2. The carton of claim 1 wherein the dispensing window covers at least a portion of the first or second sidewall. 3. The carton of claim 1 wherein the dispensing window extends the entire height of the first or second sidewall. 4. The carton of claim 1 wherein the dispensing window covers the entire carton opening. 5. The carton of claim 1 further comprising a stack of tissues disposed in the carton. 6. The carton of claim 5 wherein the stack of tissues comprises a compressed stack of tissues, the compressed stack of tissues having a compressed height (h3) that is from about 30 percent to about 60 percent less than the height of an identical uncompressed stack of tissues (h1). 7. The carton of claim 6 wherein the height of the carton (H) is from about 0 to about 15 percent greater than the height of the compressed stack of tissues (h3). 8. The carton of claim 1 further comprising a dispensing opening disposed on the dispensing window. 9. The carton of claim 8 wherein the dispensing opening has a width from about 10 to about 20 mm. 10. The carton of claim 8 wherein the dispensing opening has a length that is from about 60 to about 75 percent of the length of the carton opening. 11. The carton of claim 9 wherein the dispensing opening has first and second ends, the first and second ends being substantially curved. 12. The carton of claim 1 further comprising a removable surfboard covering at least a portion of the carton opening. 13. The carton of claim 1 wherein the area of the carton opening is from about 55 percent to about 80 percent of the area of the top panel. 14. A carton for dispensing a compressed stack of tissues comprising:
a. a top panel; b. a carton opening disposed on the top panel, the carton opening having an area that is from about 50 percent to about 85 percent of the area of the top panel; c. a pair of side panels; d. a dispensing window covering at least a portion of the carton opening and a portion of at least one side panel; e. a dispensing opening disposed on the dispensing window; f. a removable surfboard overlaying at least a portion of the dispensing window; g. a compressed stack of tissues; and h. a bottom panel. 15. The carton of claim 14 wherein the compressed stack of tissues has a compressed height (h3) that is from about 30 percent to about 60 percent less than the height of an identical uncompressed stack of tissues (h1). 16. The carton of claim 14 wherein the dispensing window is attached to at least one side panel. 17. A carton for dispensing compressed interfolded disposable sheets comprising a dispensing carton configured to house a stack of compressed interfolded disposable sheets and having a plurality of sides defining an interior space, the carton having a carton opening disposed on at least one side, wherein the area of the carton opening is from about 50 percent to 85 percent of the area of the side on which it is disposed. 18. The dispenser of claim 17 wherein the container further comprises a dispensing window covering the carton opening and at least two sides of the container. 19. The dispenser of claim 17 further comprising a stack of compressed interfolded disposable sheets, wherein the stack has a compressed height (h3) that is from about 30 percent to about 60 percent less than the height of an identical uncompressed stack of interfolded disposable sheets (h1). 20. The dispenser of claim 17 further comprising a dispensing opening disposed on the dispensing window, the dispensing opening having a width from about 10 to about 15 mm and a length from about 60 percent to about 80 percent of the length of the carton opening. | Generally, the present disclosure relates to a carton for dispensing compressed tissue sheets comprising a carton having an oversized carton opening and a compressed stack of tissues, such as facial tissues. The compressed carton can significantly reduce costs associated with shipping such low density products. The oversized carton opening permits the compressed stack of tissues to expand, releasing the compression of the tissue stack and allowing the tissues to be dispensed normally.1. A carton comprising:
a. a top panel; b. a first and a second sidewall; c. a carton opening located in the top panel; and d. a dispensing window covering at least a portion of the carton opening; wherein the area of the carton opening is from about 50 percent to about 85 percent of the area of the top panel. 2. The carton of claim 1 wherein the dispensing window covers at least a portion of the first or second sidewall. 3. The carton of claim 1 wherein the dispensing window extends the entire height of the first or second sidewall. 4. The carton of claim 1 wherein the dispensing window covers the entire carton opening. 5. The carton of claim 1 further comprising a stack of tissues disposed in the carton. 6. The carton of claim 5 wherein the stack of tissues comprises a compressed stack of tissues, the compressed stack of tissues having a compressed height (h3) that is from about 30 percent to about 60 percent less than the height of an identical uncompressed stack of tissues (h1). 7. The carton of claim 6 wherein the height of the carton (H) is from about 0 to about 15 percent greater than the height of the compressed stack of tissues (h3). 8. The carton of claim 1 further comprising a dispensing opening disposed on the dispensing window. 9. The carton of claim 8 wherein the dispensing opening has a width from about 10 to about 20 mm. 10. The carton of claim 8 wherein the dispensing opening has a length that is from about 60 to about 75 percent of the length of the carton opening. 11. The carton of claim 9 wherein the dispensing opening has first and second ends, the first and second ends being substantially curved. 12. The carton of claim 1 further comprising a removable surfboard covering at least a portion of the carton opening. 13. The carton of claim 1 wherein the area of the carton opening is from about 55 percent to about 80 percent of the area of the top panel. 14. A carton for dispensing a compressed stack of tissues comprising:
a. a top panel; b. a carton opening disposed on the top panel, the carton opening having an area that is from about 50 percent to about 85 percent of the area of the top panel; c. a pair of side panels; d. a dispensing window covering at least a portion of the carton opening and a portion of at least one side panel; e. a dispensing opening disposed on the dispensing window; f. a removable surfboard overlaying at least a portion of the dispensing window; g. a compressed stack of tissues; and h. a bottom panel. 15. The carton of claim 14 wherein the compressed stack of tissues has a compressed height (h3) that is from about 30 percent to about 60 percent less than the height of an identical uncompressed stack of tissues (h1). 16. The carton of claim 14 wherein the dispensing window is attached to at least one side panel. 17. A carton for dispensing compressed interfolded disposable sheets comprising a dispensing carton configured to house a stack of compressed interfolded disposable sheets and having a plurality of sides defining an interior space, the carton having a carton opening disposed on at least one side, wherein the area of the carton opening is from about 50 percent to 85 percent of the area of the side on which it is disposed. 18. The dispenser of claim 17 wherein the container further comprises a dispensing window covering the carton opening and at least two sides of the container. 19. The dispenser of claim 17 further comprising a stack of compressed interfolded disposable sheets, wherein the stack has a compressed height (h3) that is from about 30 percent to about 60 percent less than the height of an identical uncompressed stack of interfolded disposable sheets (h1). 20. The dispenser of claim 17 further comprising a dispensing opening disposed on the dispensing window, the dispensing opening having a width from about 10 to about 15 mm and a length from about 60 percent to about 80 percent of the length of the carton opening. | 3,600 |
12,527 | 12,527 | 13,926,264 | 3,697 | A method and system for clearing payment card transactions using a computer device coupled to a database are provided. The method includes receiving from one or more local clearing users, financial transaction data relating to purchases made at one or more merchants by a plurality of payment card cardholder, the local clearing users located within a single clearing region, checking the received financial transaction data for errors, and performing a batch clearing process within the single clearing region on financial transaction data received in a predetermined period from the local clearing users within the single clearing region. | 1. A computer-based method for clearing payment card transactions, the method implemented using a computer device coupled to a memory device, the method comprising:
receiving from one or more local clearing users, financial transaction data relating to purchases made at one or more merchants by a plurality of payment card cardholder, the local clearing users located within a single clearing region; checking the received financial transaction data for errors; and performing a batch clearing process within the single clearing region on financial transaction data received in a predetermined period from the local clearing users within the single clearing region. 2. The computer-based method of claim 1, wherein performing a batch clearing process within the single clearing region comprises performing a batch clearing process within the single clearing region that comprises political boundaries of a country, commonwealth, or economic cooperation authority. 3. The computer-based method of claim 1, wherein checking the received financial transaction data for errors comprises returning the financial transaction data to the local clearing users if errors are found. 4. The computer-based method of claim 1, wherein checking the received financial transaction data for errors comprises checking the received financial transaction data for errors that include data inconsistent with other data within each record of the financial transaction data, wherein each record relates to a single purchase. 5. The computer-based method of claim 1, wherein checking the received financial transaction data for errors comprises checking the received financial transaction data for errors that include data inconsistent within a record with respect to data in other records. 6. The computer-based method of claim 1, wherein checking the received financial transaction data for errors comprises checking the received financial transaction data for errors that include data inconsistent with data within a record with respect to data in other data sources. 7. The computer-based method of claim 1, wherein receiving from one or more local clearing users comprises receiving from one or more local clearing users, financial transaction data relating to purchases made at one or more merchants by a plurality of payment card cardholder in a cloud environment restricted to the single clearing region. 8. The computer-based method of claim 1, wherein preparing the received financial transaction data for submission to a batch clearing process comprises preparing the received financial transaction data for submission to a batch clearing process using one or more web-enabled servers. 9. A computer system for clearing payment card transactions, the computer system comprising:
a memory device; a processor communicatively coupled to the memory device, the computer system further comprising: a web-enabled server component configured to receive from one or more local clearing users, financial transaction data relating to purchases made at one or more merchants by a plurality of payment card cardholders, the local clearing users located within a single clearing region; a pre-edit component configured to determine if the received financial transaction data includes errors; and a batch clearing component within the single clearing region on financial transaction data received in a predetermined period from the local clearing users within the single clearing region. 10. The computer system of claim 9, wherein the batch clearing component is configured to perform a batch clearing within the political boundaries of a country, commonwealth, or economic cooperation authority on financial transaction data received from within that same country, commonwealth, or economic cooperation authority. 11. The computer system of claim 9, wherein the pre-edit component is configured to determine if the received financial transaction data includes errors. 12. The computer system of claim 9, wherein the pre-edit component is configured to return the financial transaction data to the local clearing users if errors are found in the received financial transaction data. 13. The computer system of claim 9, wherein the pre-edit component is configured to determine if the received financial transaction data includes errors that include data inconsistent with other data within each record of the financial transaction data, wherein each record relates to a single purchase. 14. The computer system of claim 9, wherein the pre-edit component is configured to determine if the received financial transaction data includes errors that include data inconsistent within a record with respect to data in other records. 15. The computer system of claim 9, wherein the web-enabled server component is configured to receive from one or more local clearing users, financial transaction data relating to purchases made at one or more merchants by a plurality of payment card cardholder in a cloud environment restricted to the single clearing region. 16. The computer system of claim 9, wherein the web-enabled server component is configured to prepare the received financial transaction data for submission to a batch clearing component using one or more web-enabled servers. 17. One or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media having computer-executable instructions embodied thereon, wherein when executed by at least one processor, the computer-executable instructions cause the processor to:
receive from one or more local clearing users, financial transaction data relating to purchases made at one or more merchants by a plurality of payment card cardholders in a cloud environment restricted to the local clearing users located within the political boundaries of a single country, commonwealth, or economic cooperation authority; determine if the received financial transaction data includes errors return the financial transaction data to the local clearing users if errors are found; prepare the received financial transaction data for submission to a batch clearing process using one or more web-enabled servers; and perform a batch clearing process within the single clearing region on financial transaction data received in a predetermined period from the local clearing users within the single clearing region. 18. The computer-readable storage media of claim 17, wherein the computer-executable instructions further cause the processor to check the received financial transaction data for errors that include data inconsistent with other data within each record of the financial transaction data, wherein each record relates to a single purchase. 19. The computer-readable storage media of claim 17, wherein the computer-executable instructions further cause the processor to check the received financial transaction data for errors that include data inconsistent within a record with respect to data in other records. 20. The computer-readable storage media of claim 17, wherein the computer-executable instructions further cause the processor to check the received financial transaction data for errors that include data inconsistent with data within a record with respect to data in other data sources. | A method and system for clearing payment card transactions using a computer device coupled to a database are provided. The method includes receiving from one or more local clearing users, financial transaction data relating to purchases made at one or more merchants by a plurality of payment card cardholder, the local clearing users located within a single clearing region, checking the received financial transaction data for errors, and performing a batch clearing process within the single clearing region on financial transaction data received in a predetermined period from the local clearing users within the single clearing region.1. A computer-based method for clearing payment card transactions, the method implemented using a computer device coupled to a memory device, the method comprising:
receiving from one or more local clearing users, financial transaction data relating to purchases made at one or more merchants by a plurality of payment card cardholder, the local clearing users located within a single clearing region; checking the received financial transaction data for errors; and performing a batch clearing process within the single clearing region on financial transaction data received in a predetermined period from the local clearing users within the single clearing region. 2. The computer-based method of claim 1, wherein performing a batch clearing process within the single clearing region comprises performing a batch clearing process within the single clearing region that comprises political boundaries of a country, commonwealth, or economic cooperation authority. 3. The computer-based method of claim 1, wherein checking the received financial transaction data for errors comprises returning the financial transaction data to the local clearing users if errors are found. 4. The computer-based method of claim 1, wherein checking the received financial transaction data for errors comprises checking the received financial transaction data for errors that include data inconsistent with other data within each record of the financial transaction data, wherein each record relates to a single purchase. 5. The computer-based method of claim 1, wherein checking the received financial transaction data for errors comprises checking the received financial transaction data for errors that include data inconsistent within a record with respect to data in other records. 6. The computer-based method of claim 1, wherein checking the received financial transaction data for errors comprises checking the received financial transaction data for errors that include data inconsistent with data within a record with respect to data in other data sources. 7. The computer-based method of claim 1, wherein receiving from one or more local clearing users comprises receiving from one or more local clearing users, financial transaction data relating to purchases made at one or more merchants by a plurality of payment card cardholder in a cloud environment restricted to the single clearing region. 8. The computer-based method of claim 1, wherein preparing the received financial transaction data for submission to a batch clearing process comprises preparing the received financial transaction data for submission to a batch clearing process using one or more web-enabled servers. 9. A computer system for clearing payment card transactions, the computer system comprising:
a memory device; a processor communicatively coupled to the memory device, the computer system further comprising: a web-enabled server component configured to receive from one or more local clearing users, financial transaction data relating to purchases made at one or more merchants by a plurality of payment card cardholders, the local clearing users located within a single clearing region; a pre-edit component configured to determine if the received financial transaction data includes errors; and a batch clearing component within the single clearing region on financial transaction data received in a predetermined period from the local clearing users within the single clearing region. 10. The computer system of claim 9, wherein the batch clearing component is configured to perform a batch clearing within the political boundaries of a country, commonwealth, or economic cooperation authority on financial transaction data received from within that same country, commonwealth, or economic cooperation authority. 11. The computer system of claim 9, wherein the pre-edit component is configured to determine if the received financial transaction data includes errors. 12. The computer system of claim 9, wherein the pre-edit component is configured to return the financial transaction data to the local clearing users if errors are found in the received financial transaction data. 13. The computer system of claim 9, wherein the pre-edit component is configured to determine if the received financial transaction data includes errors that include data inconsistent with other data within each record of the financial transaction data, wherein each record relates to a single purchase. 14. The computer system of claim 9, wherein the pre-edit component is configured to determine if the received financial transaction data includes errors that include data inconsistent within a record with respect to data in other records. 15. The computer system of claim 9, wherein the web-enabled server component is configured to receive from one or more local clearing users, financial transaction data relating to purchases made at one or more merchants by a plurality of payment card cardholder in a cloud environment restricted to the single clearing region. 16. The computer system of claim 9, wherein the web-enabled server component is configured to prepare the received financial transaction data for submission to a batch clearing component using one or more web-enabled servers. 17. One or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media having computer-executable instructions embodied thereon, wherein when executed by at least one processor, the computer-executable instructions cause the processor to:
receive from one or more local clearing users, financial transaction data relating to purchases made at one or more merchants by a plurality of payment card cardholders in a cloud environment restricted to the local clearing users located within the political boundaries of a single country, commonwealth, or economic cooperation authority; determine if the received financial transaction data includes errors return the financial transaction data to the local clearing users if errors are found; prepare the received financial transaction data for submission to a batch clearing process using one or more web-enabled servers; and perform a batch clearing process within the single clearing region on financial transaction data received in a predetermined period from the local clearing users within the single clearing region. 18. The computer-readable storage media of claim 17, wherein the computer-executable instructions further cause the processor to check the received financial transaction data for errors that include data inconsistent with other data within each record of the financial transaction data, wherein each record relates to a single purchase. 19. The computer-readable storage media of claim 17, wherein the computer-executable instructions further cause the processor to check the received financial transaction data for errors that include data inconsistent within a record with respect to data in other records. 20. The computer-readable storage media of claim 17, wherein the computer-executable instructions further cause the processor to check the received financial transaction data for errors that include data inconsistent with data within a record with respect to data in other data sources. | 3,600 |
12,528 | 12,528 | 12,144,262 | 3,685 | The disclosed system enables a sender to ship an item in an envelope using a mobile shipping application running on a computing device or carrier computer. This system includes an electronic envelope having an updateable flexible electronic visual display that displays shipping information transmitted by a carrier computer via a wireless network, a cellular chip for receiving updated shipping information from the carrier computer, and a microcomputer chip for transmitting the information to the electronic display. The computing device, carrier computer, or both, execute the mobile shipping application that is accessible with a computing device and through which a sender places a shipping order. The system further comprises a carrier computer configured to execute the mobile shipping application running on the carrier computer, a data storage device to store the shipping orders, and a transceiver for communicating with the cellular chip on the envelope across a wireless communications network. | 1. A method for shipping an electronic envelope comprising:
via a carrier computer,
remotely prompting a sender of said electronic envelope to enter a unique identifier of said electronic envelope for shipping an item, said electronic envelope having a long-range communications chip and an electronic display;
receiving from said sender of said electronic envelope said unique identifier of said electronic envelope,
remotely prompting said sender of said electronic envelope to enter shipping information, including a shipping address, to be associated with said unique identifier of said electronic envelope,
receiving from said sender of said electronic envelope said shipping information to be associated with said unique identifier of said electronic envelope,
storing said shipping information in said carrier computer in association with said unique identifier, and
transmitting said shipping information from said carrier computer to said long-range communications chip on said electronic envelope; and
transmitting said shipping information from said communication chip to said electronic display so that said shipping information may be displayed on said electronic display. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein prior to remotely prompting a sender of said electronic envelope to enter a unique identifier, said method further comprises distributing said electronic envelope to the sender. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises a sender reusing said electronic envelope if said sender received a delivery of said electronic envelope prior to being remotely prompted to enter a unique identifier of said electronic envelope for shipping an item. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises a receiver of an electronic envelope reusing said electronic envelope for shipping an item if said receiver received a delivery of said electronic envelope. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein said shipping information is transmitted from said carrier computer to said long-range communications chip on said electronic envelope in periodic intervals, beginning with the placement of a shipping order. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein said carrier computer transmits the updated shipping information to said electronic envelope if a sender updates said shipping information after placing a shipping order. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein said carrier computer transmits the updated shipping information to said electronic envelope if the receiver updates said shipping information after a sender has placed a shipping order. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the long-range communications chip has the capability to determine the location of said electronic envelope so that the electronic display can display information based on the location of said electronic envelope. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the long-range communications chip utilizes a global positioning system (GPS) chip included in said long-range communications chip to determine the location of said electronic envelope so that the electronic display can display information based on the location of said electronic envelope. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the long-range communications chip utilizes a global positioning system (GPS) chip included on said electronic envelope to determine the location of said electronic envelope so that the electronic display can display information based on the location of said electronic envelope. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein a transceiver at a carrier location provides said electronic envelope with the location of said electronic envelope if said electronic envelope is detected by said transceiver so that said electronic display on said electronic envelope can display information based on the location of said electronic envelope. 12. The method of claim 1 further comprising handling said electronic envelope based on information displayed on said electronic display. 13. The method of claim 1 further comprising handling said electronic envelope based on information selectively displayed on said electronic display. 14. The method of claim 1 further comprising handling said electronic envelope based on information selectively displayed on said electronic display according to instructions provided by said carrier computer. 15. The method of claim 1 further comprising sorting said electronic envelope at a carrier location based on information displayed on said electronic display. 16. The method of claim 1 further comprising sorting said electronic envelope at a carrier location based on information selectively displayed on said electronic display. 17. The method of claim 1 further comprising sorting said electronic envelope at a carrier location based on information selectively displayed on said electronic display according to instructions provided by said carrier computer. 18. The method of claim 1 further comprising delivering said electronic envelope to a destination based on information displayed on said electronic display. 19. The method of claim 1 further comprising delivering said electronic envelope to a destination based on information selectively displayed on said electronic display. 20. The method of claim 1 further comprising delivering said electronic envelope to a destination based on information selectively displayed on said electronic display according to instructions provided by said carrier computer. | The disclosed system enables a sender to ship an item in an envelope using a mobile shipping application running on a computing device or carrier computer. This system includes an electronic envelope having an updateable flexible electronic visual display that displays shipping information transmitted by a carrier computer via a wireless network, a cellular chip for receiving updated shipping information from the carrier computer, and a microcomputer chip for transmitting the information to the electronic display. The computing device, carrier computer, or both, execute the mobile shipping application that is accessible with a computing device and through which a sender places a shipping order. The system further comprises a carrier computer configured to execute the mobile shipping application running on the carrier computer, a data storage device to store the shipping orders, and a transceiver for communicating with the cellular chip on the envelope across a wireless communications network.1. A method for shipping an electronic envelope comprising:
via a carrier computer,
remotely prompting a sender of said electronic envelope to enter a unique identifier of said electronic envelope for shipping an item, said electronic envelope having a long-range communications chip and an electronic display;
receiving from said sender of said electronic envelope said unique identifier of said electronic envelope,
remotely prompting said sender of said electronic envelope to enter shipping information, including a shipping address, to be associated with said unique identifier of said electronic envelope,
receiving from said sender of said electronic envelope said shipping information to be associated with said unique identifier of said electronic envelope,
storing said shipping information in said carrier computer in association with said unique identifier, and
transmitting said shipping information from said carrier computer to said long-range communications chip on said electronic envelope; and
transmitting said shipping information from said communication chip to said electronic display so that said shipping information may be displayed on said electronic display. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein prior to remotely prompting a sender of said electronic envelope to enter a unique identifier, said method further comprises distributing said electronic envelope to the sender. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises a sender reusing said electronic envelope if said sender received a delivery of said electronic envelope prior to being remotely prompted to enter a unique identifier of said electronic envelope for shipping an item. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises a receiver of an electronic envelope reusing said electronic envelope for shipping an item if said receiver received a delivery of said electronic envelope. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein said shipping information is transmitted from said carrier computer to said long-range communications chip on said electronic envelope in periodic intervals, beginning with the placement of a shipping order. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein said carrier computer transmits the updated shipping information to said electronic envelope if a sender updates said shipping information after placing a shipping order. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein said carrier computer transmits the updated shipping information to said electronic envelope if the receiver updates said shipping information after a sender has placed a shipping order. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the long-range communications chip has the capability to determine the location of said electronic envelope so that the electronic display can display information based on the location of said electronic envelope. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the long-range communications chip utilizes a global positioning system (GPS) chip included in said long-range communications chip to determine the location of said electronic envelope so that the electronic display can display information based on the location of said electronic envelope. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the long-range communications chip utilizes a global positioning system (GPS) chip included on said electronic envelope to determine the location of said electronic envelope so that the electronic display can display information based on the location of said electronic envelope. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein a transceiver at a carrier location provides said electronic envelope with the location of said electronic envelope if said electronic envelope is detected by said transceiver so that said electronic display on said electronic envelope can display information based on the location of said electronic envelope. 12. The method of claim 1 further comprising handling said electronic envelope based on information displayed on said electronic display. 13. The method of claim 1 further comprising handling said electronic envelope based on information selectively displayed on said electronic display. 14. The method of claim 1 further comprising handling said electronic envelope based on information selectively displayed on said electronic display according to instructions provided by said carrier computer. 15. The method of claim 1 further comprising sorting said electronic envelope at a carrier location based on information displayed on said electronic display. 16. The method of claim 1 further comprising sorting said electronic envelope at a carrier location based on information selectively displayed on said electronic display. 17. The method of claim 1 further comprising sorting said electronic envelope at a carrier location based on information selectively displayed on said electronic display according to instructions provided by said carrier computer. 18. The method of claim 1 further comprising delivering said electronic envelope to a destination based on information displayed on said electronic display. 19. The method of claim 1 further comprising delivering said electronic envelope to a destination based on information selectively displayed on said electronic display. 20. The method of claim 1 further comprising delivering said electronic envelope to a destination based on information selectively displayed on said electronic display according to instructions provided by said carrier computer. | 3,600 |
12,529 | 12,529 | 11,182,982 | 3,693 | A buy order is received with a limit price that is above a published best offer, and represented in the auction market. If the buy order is not immediately executed, it is quoted at a minimum variation better than a published best bid, and the price of the quoted buy order becomes the published best bid. Alternatively, a sell order is received with a limit price that is below a published best bid, and represented in the auction market. If the sell order is not immediately executed, it is quoted at a minimum variation better than a published best offer, and the price of the quoted sell order becomes the published best offer. | 1. A method for handling securities orders in an auction market comprising:
receiving a first buy order with a limit price that is above a published best offer; representing the first buy order in the auction market; determining whether the first buy order is immediately executed; and if the first buy order is not immediately executed, quoting the first buy order at a minimum variation better than a published best bid, whereby the price of the quoted first buy order becomes the published best bid. 2. A method according to claim 1, further comprising:
receiving a second buy order with a price that is better than the price of the quoted first buy order; and re-quoting the first buy order at a minimum variation better than the second buy order up to the limit price of the first buy order, whereby the price of the re-quoted first buy order becomes the published best bid. 3. A method according to claim 1, wherein the best bid and best offer is the national best bid and offer. 4. A method according to claim 1, wherein the best bid and best offer is at the auction market. 5. A method according to claim 1, wherein the first buy order is designated as an auction limit order. 6. A method for handling securities orders in an auction market comprising:
receiving a first sell order with a limit price that is below a published best bid; representing the first sell order in the auction market; determining whether the first sell order is immediately executed; and if the first sell order is not immediately executed, quoting the first sell order at a minimum variation better than a published best offer, whereby the price of the quoted first sell order becomes the published best offer. 7. A method according to claim 6, further comprising:
receiving a second sell order with a price that is better than the price of the quoted first sell order; and re-quoting the first sell order at a minimum variation better than the second sell order up to the limit price of the first sell order, whereby the price of the re-quoted first sell order becomes the published best offer. 8. A method according to claim 6, wherein the best bid and best offer is the national best bid and offer. 9. A method according to claim 6, wherein the best bid and best offer is at the auction market. 10. A method according to claim 6, wherein the first buy order is designated as an auction limit order. 11. A method for trading a security in an auction market comprising:
receiving a buy order with a limit price that is above a published best offer; receiving a sell order with a limit price that is below a published best bid; determining a midpoint price of the best bid and best offer; and executing the buy order and the sell order at the midpoint price, whereby the buy order and the sell order both receive price improvement. 12. A method according to claim 11, further comprising:
determining that the midpoint price is not an even penny; and adjusting the midpoint price to give more price improvement to the order with time priority. 13. A method according to claim 12, wherein the adjustment to the midpoint price is a minimum price variation. 14. A method according to claim 12, wherein the adjustment to the midpoint price is to the next penny. 15. A system for handling securities orders in an auction market comprising:
means for receiving a first buy order with a limit price that is above a published best offer; means for representing the first buy order in the auction market; means for determining whether the first buy order is immediately executed; and if the first buy order is not immediately executed, means for quoting the first buy order at a minimum variation better than a published best bid, whereby the price of the quoted first buy order becomes the published best bid. 16. A computer-readable medium having computer executable software code stored thereon, the code for handling securities orders in an auction market the code comprising:
code to receive a first buy order with a limit price that is above a published best offer; code to represent the first buy order in the auction market; code to determine whether the first buy order is immediately executed; and if the first buy order is not immediately executed, code to quote the first buy order at a minimum variation better than a published best bid, whereby the price of the quoted first buy order becomes the published best bid. 17. A programmed computer for handling securities orders in an auction market comprising:
a memory having at least one region for storing computer executable program code; and a processor for executing the program code stored in the memory; wherein the program code comprises: code to receive a first buy order with a limit price that is above a published best offer; code to represent the first buy order in the auction market; code to determine whether the first buy order is immediately executed; and if the first buy order is not immediately executed, code to quote the first buy order at a minimum variation better than a published best bid, whereby the price of the quoted first buy order becomes the published best bid. | A buy order is received with a limit price that is above a published best offer, and represented in the auction market. If the buy order is not immediately executed, it is quoted at a minimum variation better than a published best bid, and the price of the quoted buy order becomes the published best bid. Alternatively, a sell order is received with a limit price that is below a published best bid, and represented in the auction market. If the sell order is not immediately executed, it is quoted at a minimum variation better than a published best offer, and the price of the quoted sell order becomes the published best offer.1. A method for handling securities orders in an auction market comprising:
receiving a first buy order with a limit price that is above a published best offer; representing the first buy order in the auction market; determining whether the first buy order is immediately executed; and if the first buy order is not immediately executed, quoting the first buy order at a minimum variation better than a published best bid, whereby the price of the quoted first buy order becomes the published best bid. 2. A method according to claim 1, further comprising:
receiving a second buy order with a price that is better than the price of the quoted first buy order; and re-quoting the first buy order at a minimum variation better than the second buy order up to the limit price of the first buy order, whereby the price of the re-quoted first buy order becomes the published best bid. 3. A method according to claim 1, wherein the best bid and best offer is the national best bid and offer. 4. A method according to claim 1, wherein the best bid and best offer is at the auction market. 5. A method according to claim 1, wherein the first buy order is designated as an auction limit order. 6. A method for handling securities orders in an auction market comprising:
receiving a first sell order with a limit price that is below a published best bid; representing the first sell order in the auction market; determining whether the first sell order is immediately executed; and if the first sell order is not immediately executed, quoting the first sell order at a minimum variation better than a published best offer, whereby the price of the quoted first sell order becomes the published best offer. 7. A method according to claim 6, further comprising:
receiving a second sell order with a price that is better than the price of the quoted first sell order; and re-quoting the first sell order at a minimum variation better than the second sell order up to the limit price of the first sell order, whereby the price of the re-quoted first sell order becomes the published best offer. 8. A method according to claim 6, wherein the best bid and best offer is the national best bid and offer. 9. A method according to claim 6, wherein the best bid and best offer is at the auction market. 10. A method according to claim 6, wherein the first buy order is designated as an auction limit order. 11. A method for trading a security in an auction market comprising:
receiving a buy order with a limit price that is above a published best offer; receiving a sell order with a limit price that is below a published best bid; determining a midpoint price of the best bid and best offer; and executing the buy order and the sell order at the midpoint price, whereby the buy order and the sell order both receive price improvement. 12. A method according to claim 11, further comprising:
determining that the midpoint price is not an even penny; and adjusting the midpoint price to give more price improvement to the order with time priority. 13. A method according to claim 12, wherein the adjustment to the midpoint price is a minimum price variation. 14. A method according to claim 12, wherein the adjustment to the midpoint price is to the next penny. 15. A system for handling securities orders in an auction market comprising:
means for receiving a first buy order with a limit price that is above a published best offer; means for representing the first buy order in the auction market; means for determining whether the first buy order is immediately executed; and if the first buy order is not immediately executed, means for quoting the first buy order at a minimum variation better than a published best bid, whereby the price of the quoted first buy order becomes the published best bid. 16. A computer-readable medium having computer executable software code stored thereon, the code for handling securities orders in an auction market the code comprising:
code to receive a first buy order with a limit price that is above a published best offer; code to represent the first buy order in the auction market; code to determine whether the first buy order is immediately executed; and if the first buy order is not immediately executed, code to quote the first buy order at a minimum variation better than a published best bid, whereby the price of the quoted first buy order becomes the published best bid. 17. A programmed computer for handling securities orders in an auction market comprising:
a memory having at least one region for storing computer executable program code; and a processor for executing the program code stored in the memory; wherein the program code comprises: code to receive a first buy order with a limit price that is above a published best offer; code to represent the first buy order in the auction market; code to determine whether the first buy order is immediately executed; and if the first buy order is not immediately executed, code to quote the first buy order at a minimum variation better than a published best bid, whereby the price of the quoted first buy order becomes the published best bid. | 3,600 |
12,530 | 12,530 | 14,763,401 | 3,633 | The invention relates to a method for using an industrial site, an associated system, and the use of the system to carry out the method. The method facilitates the use of the available area of the industrial site in an effective way so that conversion times and costs are reduced and a great freedom of choice regarding subsequent possibilities for use of existing buildings is achieved. The method subdivides the individual functions of a fully equipped building integrated into the infrastructure of the industrial site regarding the duration of use of the technical devices and, with a decreasing time in use, provides increasing modularization of these functions. The permanent functions of the fully equipped building are permanently installed, while the devices which are subject to use for a shorter time based on their purpose are embodied in a correspondingly modular and interchangeable manner. | 1. A method for exploiting an industrial site, the method comprising:
a) erecting a permanent building on the site, wherein the building comprises a multiplicity of bays for receiving interchangeable functional units, a building shell to protect the functional units received from effects of weather, technical building equipment and an infrastructure grid for energy and/or materials and/or data; b) providing a multiplicity of pallets, which are neutral as regards a utilization thereof, are standardized as regards dimensions thereof and are designed to be received by the bays of the building; c) equipping the pallets with production and/or operating devices at one or more locations remote from the site to give a first generation of functional units for a specific purpose; d) transporting the functional units to the site; e) installing the first generation of functional units in the building by inserting the functional units in the bays; connecting the functional units to at least some of the infrastructure grid; g) utilizing the first generation of functional units within the building in accordance with the purpose of the respective first generation functional unit; h) equipping the pallets with production and/or operating devices at one or more locations remote from the site to give a second generation of functional units for a specific purpose, which differ at least partially from the purpose of the functional units of the first generation; i) replacing the first generation of functional units with the second generation of functional units; j) utilizing the second generation of functional units within the building in accordance with the purpose of the respective second generation functional unit. 2. The method of claim 1,
wherein at least some of the functional units of the first generation are transported, after being replaced, to a second building remote from the site, and are inserted and utilized in the second building. 3. The method of claim 2,
wherein the operating and/or production devices are removed from at least some of the replaced functional units at one or more locations remote from the site, and the pallets thereby obtained, which are neutral as regards the utilization thereof, are reequipped or stored. 4. The method of claim 3,
wherein the operating and/or production devices are
a first functional group comprising: chemical, biological, physical or nutritional production, laboratory or pilot plants and offices,
and/or
a second functional group comprising: technical building equipment, heating systems, air-conditioning systems, ventilation systems, fire extinguishing systems, storage rooms, product handling facilities, electronic control systems, process management equipment, compressed air supply systems, water supply systems, power supply systems, sewage systems, systems for providing starting materials, systems for providing process energy, such as especially heat or cold, exhaust treatment systems, such as especially thermal afterburners, activated carbon adsorption, exhaust gas scrubbing, sanitary systems and staff rooms. 5. The method of claim 4,
wherein the functional units from both the first and the second functional groups are installed in the building, and at least some of the functional units of the second functional group remain in the building when the functional units of the first generation are replaced. 6. The method of claim 5,
wherein the operating and/or production devices are the chemical production and/or laboratory facilities, which are optionally replaced by the offices, or the operating and/or production devices are the offices, which are optionally replaced by the chemical production and/or laboratory facilities. 7. A system for exploiting industrial sites, the system comprising
a permanent building, which comprises a multiplicity of bays for receiving interchangeable functional units, a building shell to protect the functional units received from effects of weather, technical building equipment and an infrastructure grid for energy and/or materials and/or data; and a multiplicity of functional units, wherein each functional unit comprises a pallet, which is neutral as regards a utilization thereof and is equipped with production and/or operating devices in order to define a purpose of the functional unit. 8. The system of claim 7,
wherein the bays of the building and the pallets of the functional units are designed so as to correspond to one another in such a way that the bays and the pallets form a standardized interface within the system. 9. The system of claim 8,
wherein the interface is formed by a linear guide assigned to the bay and by a carriage arranged on the pallet, which is optionally inserted into the linear guide. 10. The system of claim 9,
wherein the pallets and/or the functional units constructed thereon correspond to a standardized container format. 11. The system of claim 10,
comprising at least two buildings which are provided with bays and are situated at a distance from one another. 12. The system of claim 10,
wherein the building is subdivided into at least three sections, a first section comprising the multiplicity of bays, a second section comprising a number of bays corresponding to the number of bays in the first section, and a third section without bays, one bay in the first section is assigned to one bay in the second section, and the respectively assigned bays in the first and second sections are arranged in alignment with one another on each side of the third section. 13. The system of claim 12,
wherein each bay is individually accessible from outside for insertion of the functional units, and the third section comprises a floor region, from which all the bays are optionally accessed from inside. 14. The system of claim 13,
wherein at least one bay comprises a path which extends along the linear guide and from which an installed functional unit is optionally accessed from side without barriers. 15. (canceled) 16. A process for carrying out the method of claim 5, the process comprising:
employing a system in the process, wherein the system comprises a building comprising
the multiplicity of bays for receiving interchangeable functional units, the building shell to protect the functional units received from effects of weather, the technical building equipment and the infrastructure grid for energy and/or materials and/or data, and
a multiplicity of functional units, each of which comprising a pallet, which is neutral as regards a utilization thereof and is equipped with production and/or operating devices in order to define a purpose of the functional unit;
the bays of the building and the pallets of the functional units are designed so as to correspond to one another in such a way that a linear guide assigned to the bay and a carriage arranged on the pallet, which is optionally inserted into the linear guide, form a standardized interface within the system; the pallets and/or the functional units constructed thereon correspond to a standardized container format; the building is subdivided into at least three sections, a first section comprising the multiplicity of bays, a second section comprising a number of bays corresponding to the number of bays in the first section, and a third section without bays; one bay in the first section is assigned to one bay in the second section; and the respectively assigned bays in the first and second sections are arranged in alignment with one another on each side of the third section; and wherein the operating and/or production devices are from the first functional group and the second functional group, the functional units of the first functional group are installed in the first section of the building, the functional units of the second functional group are installed in the second section of the building, at least some of the technical building equipment is embodied as the functional units of the second functional group, which remain in the building when the functional units of the first functional group are replaced. | The invention relates to a method for using an industrial site, an associated system, and the use of the system to carry out the method. The method facilitates the use of the available area of the industrial site in an effective way so that conversion times and costs are reduced and a great freedom of choice regarding subsequent possibilities for use of existing buildings is achieved. The method subdivides the individual functions of a fully equipped building integrated into the infrastructure of the industrial site regarding the duration of use of the technical devices and, with a decreasing time in use, provides increasing modularization of these functions. The permanent functions of the fully equipped building are permanently installed, while the devices which are subject to use for a shorter time based on their purpose are embodied in a correspondingly modular and interchangeable manner.1. A method for exploiting an industrial site, the method comprising:
a) erecting a permanent building on the site, wherein the building comprises a multiplicity of bays for receiving interchangeable functional units, a building shell to protect the functional units received from effects of weather, technical building equipment and an infrastructure grid for energy and/or materials and/or data; b) providing a multiplicity of pallets, which are neutral as regards a utilization thereof, are standardized as regards dimensions thereof and are designed to be received by the bays of the building; c) equipping the pallets with production and/or operating devices at one or more locations remote from the site to give a first generation of functional units for a specific purpose; d) transporting the functional units to the site; e) installing the first generation of functional units in the building by inserting the functional units in the bays; connecting the functional units to at least some of the infrastructure grid; g) utilizing the first generation of functional units within the building in accordance with the purpose of the respective first generation functional unit; h) equipping the pallets with production and/or operating devices at one or more locations remote from the site to give a second generation of functional units for a specific purpose, which differ at least partially from the purpose of the functional units of the first generation; i) replacing the first generation of functional units with the second generation of functional units; j) utilizing the second generation of functional units within the building in accordance with the purpose of the respective second generation functional unit. 2. The method of claim 1,
wherein at least some of the functional units of the first generation are transported, after being replaced, to a second building remote from the site, and are inserted and utilized in the second building. 3. The method of claim 2,
wherein the operating and/or production devices are removed from at least some of the replaced functional units at one or more locations remote from the site, and the pallets thereby obtained, which are neutral as regards the utilization thereof, are reequipped or stored. 4. The method of claim 3,
wherein the operating and/or production devices are
a first functional group comprising: chemical, biological, physical or nutritional production, laboratory or pilot plants and offices,
and/or
a second functional group comprising: technical building equipment, heating systems, air-conditioning systems, ventilation systems, fire extinguishing systems, storage rooms, product handling facilities, electronic control systems, process management equipment, compressed air supply systems, water supply systems, power supply systems, sewage systems, systems for providing starting materials, systems for providing process energy, such as especially heat or cold, exhaust treatment systems, such as especially thermal afterburners, activated carbon adsorption, exhaust gas scrubbing, sanitary systems and staff rooms. 5. The method of claim 4,
wherein the functional units from both the first and the second functional groups are installed in the building, and at least some of the functional units of the second functional group remain in the building when the functional units of the first generation are replaced. 6. The method of claim 5,
wherein the operating and/or production devices are the chemical production and/or laboratory facilities, which are optionally replaced by the offices, or the operating and/or production devices are the offices, which are optionally replaced by the chemical production and/or laboratory facilities. 7. A system for exploiting industrial sites, the system comprising
a permanent building, which comprises a multiplicity of bays for receiving interchangeable functional units, a building shell to protect the functional units received from effects of weather, technical building equipment and an infrastructure grid for energy and/or materials and/or data; and a multiplicity of functional units, wherein each functional unit comprises a pallet, which is neutral as regards a utilization thereof and is equipped with production and/or operating devices in order to define a purpose of the functional unit. 8. The system of claim 7,
wherein the bays of the building and the pallets of the functional units are designed so as to correspond to one another in such a way that the bays and the pallets form a standardized interface within the system. 9. The system of claim 8,
wherein the interface is formed by a linear guide assigned to the bay and by a carriage arranged on the pallet, which is optionally inserted into the linear guide. 10. The system of claim 9,
wherein the pallets and/or the functional units constructed thereon correspond to a standardized container format. 11. The system of claim 10,
comprising at least two buildings which are provided with bays and are situated at a distance from one another. 12. The system of claim 10,
wherein the building is subdivided into at least three sections, a first section comprising the multiplicity of bays, a second section comprising a number of bays corresponding to the number of bays in the first section, and a third section without bays, one bay in the first section is assigned to one bay in the second section, and the respectively assigned bays in the first and second sections are arranged in alignment with one another on each side of the third section. 13. The system of claim 12,
wherein each bay is individually accessible from outside for insertion of the functional units, and the third section comprises a floor region, from which all the bays are optionally accessed from inside. 14. The system of claim 13,
wherein at least one bay comprises a path which extends along the linear guide and from which an installed functional unit is optionally accessed from side without barriers. 15. (canceled) 16. A process for carrying out the method of claim 5, the process comprising:
employing a system in the process, wherein the system comprises a building comprising
the multiplicity of bays for receiving interchangeable functional units, the building shell to protect the functional units received from effects of weather, the technical building equipment and the infrastructure grid for energy and/or materials and/or data, and
a multiplicity of functional units, each of which comprising a pallet, which is neutral as regards a utilization thereof and is equipped with production and/or operating devices in order to define a purpose of the functional unit;
the bays of the building and the pallets of the functional units are designed so as to correspond to one another in such a way that a linear guide assigned to the bay and a carriage arranged on the pallet, which is optionally inserted into the linear guide, form a standardized interface within the system; the pallets and/or the functional units constructed thereon correspond to a standardized container format; the building is subdivided into at least three sections, a first section comprising the multiplicity of bays, a second section comprising a number of bays corresponding to the number of bays in the first section, and a third section without bays; one bay in the first section is assigned to one bay in the second section; and the respectively assigned bays in the first and second sections are arranged in alignment with one another on each side of the third section; and wherein the operating and/or production devices are from the first functional group and the second functional group, the functional units of the first functional group are installed in the first section of the building, the functional units of the second functional group are installed in the second section of the building, at least some of the technical building equipment is embodied as the functional units of the second functional group, which remain in the building when the functional units of the first functional group are replaced. | 3,600 |
12,531 | 12,531 | 13,942,651 | 3,685 | Apparatus and method for a payment processing system are described. The payment processing system provides security of and secures storage of bankcard data during storage in the payment processing system by encrypting the bankcard data. | 1. A method of securing storage of bankcard data in a payment processing computer system, comprising the steps of:
a. transforming by a central processing unit of the computer system hosting a system program an original bankcard data, received into a temporary memory of the system using a forward transform logic, into an encrypted bankcard data; b. creating a sequence number as a unique reference number by the system program using the central processing unit of the computer system for this original bankcard data; b. storing in a storage by the system program using the central processing unit of the computer system only the encrypted bankcard data referenced by the sequence number. 2. The method as in claim 1, comprising the steps of:
using the sequence number by the system program for retrieval of the encrypted bankcard data from the storage. 3. The method as in claim 2, comprising the steps of:
transforming using a reverse transform function, the encrypted bankcard data into the original bankcard data. 4. The method as in claim 3, comprising the steps of:
using by the system program the original bankcard data for transaction processing. 5. The method as in claim 4, comprising the steps of:
not storing by the system program from the memory the original bankcard data after completion of the transaction processing. 6. The method as in claim 1, comprising the steps of:
storing by the system program the encrypted bankcard data in a storage system that is separate from a computer system that stores merchant data. 7. A system for securing storage of bankcard data in a payment processing computer system, comprising:
a. a central processing unit of a computer system hosting a system program transforms an original bankcard data, received into a temporary memory of the system using a forward transform logic, into an encrypted bankcard data; b. the central processing unit of the computer system using the system program creates a sequence number as a unique reference number for this original bankcard data; c. the central processing unit of the computer system using the system program stores in a storage only the encrypted bankcard data referenced by the sequence number. 8. The system as in claim 7, comprising:
the system program uses the sequence number for retrieval of the encrypted bankcard data from the storage. 9. The system as in claim 8, comprising:
the system program transforms using a reverse transform logic, the encrypted bankcard data into the original bankcard data. 10. The system as in claim 9, comprising:
the system program uses the original bankcard data for transaction processing. 11. The system as in claim 10, comprising the steps of:
the system program does not store from a memory the original bankcard data after completion of the transaction processing. 12. The system as in claim 7, comprising:
the system program stores encrypted bankcard data in a storage system that is separate from a computer system that stores merchant data. | Apparatus and method for a payment processing system are described. The payment processing system provides security of and secures storage of bankcard data during storage in the payment processing system by encrypting the bankcard data.1. A method of securing storage of bankcard data in a payment processing computer system, comprising the steps of:
a. transforming by a central processing unit of the computer system hosting a system program an original bankcard data, received into a temporary memory of the system using a forward transform logic, into an encrypted bankcard data; b. creating a sequence number as a unique reference number by the system program using the central processing unit of the computer system for this original bankcard data; b. storing in a storage by the system program using the central processing unit of the computer system only the encrypted bankcard data referenced by the sequence number. 2. The method as in claim 1, comprising the steps of:
using the sequence number by the system program for retrieval of the encrypted bankcard data from the storage. 3. The method as in claim 2, comprising the steps of:
transforming using a reverse transform function, the encrypted bankcard data into the original bankcard data. 4. The method as in claim 3, comprising the steps of:
using by the system program the original bankcard data for transaction processing. 5. The method as in claim 4, comprising the steps of:
not storing by the system program from the memory the original bankcard data after completion of the transaction processing. 6. The method as in claim 1, comprising the steps of:
storing by the system program the encrypted bankcard data in a storage system that is separate from a computer system that stores merchant data. 7. A system for securing storage of bankcard data in a payment processing computer system, comprising:
a. a central processing unit of a computer system hosting a system program transforms an original bankcard data, received into a temporary memory of the system using a forward transform logic, into an encrypted bankcard data; b. the central processing unit of the computer system using the system program creates a sequence number as a unique reference number for this original bankcard data; c. the central processing unit of the computer system using the system program stores in a storage only the encrypted bankcard data referenced by the sequence number. 8. The system as in claim 7, comprising:
the system program uses the sequence number for retrieval of the encrypted bankcard data from the storage. 9. The system as in claim 8, comprising:
the system program transforms using a reverse transform logic, the encrypted bankcard data into the original bankcard data. 10. The system as in claim 9, comprising:
the system program uses the original bankcard data for transaction processing. 11. The system as in claim 10, comprising the steps of:
the system program does not store from a memory the original bankcard data after completion of the transaction processing. 12. The system as in claim 7, comprising:
the system program stores encrypted bankcard data in a storage system that is separate from a computer system that stores merchant data. | 3,600 |
12,532 | 12,532 | 15,207,326 | 3,676 | A packoff and a locking assembly installed in a bore of a wellhead component are provided. In one embodiment, a packoff includes inner and outer annular seals and an energizing ring shaped to be wedged between the inner and outer annular seals so as to apply a radially inward biasing force on the inner annular seal and a radially outward biasing force on the outer annular seal. In another embodiment, a locking assembly includes a lock ring that extends into a recess in a wall of the bore of the wellhead component and an actuator radially disposed between an inner component within the bore and the lock ring to retain the lock ring within the recess. The actuator can have an interference fit with the inner component to inhibit movement of the actuator between the lock ring and the inner component. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed. | 1. A system comprising:
a wellhead component having a bore; an inner component disposed within the bore of the wellhead component; a locking assembly disposed within the bore between the inner component and the wellhead component to secure the inner component within the bore of the wellhead component, the locking assembly including:
a lock ring that extends into a recess in a wall of the bore of the wellhead component; and
an actuator radially disposed between the inner component and the lock ring to retain the lock ring within the recess;
wherein the actuator has an interference fit with the inner component to inhibit movement of the actuator between the lock ring and the inner component; and
a packoff disposed in the bore of the wellhead component, the packoff including:
an inner annular seal; and
an outer annular seal. 2. (canceled) 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the inner annular seal has a pair of arms that extend radially inward and the outer annular seal has a pair of arms that extend radially outward to facilitate sealing of an annular space by the packoff. 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the inner annular seal is concentric with the outer annular seal. 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the inner annular seal is axially aligned with the outer annular seal. 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the packoff includes a landing ring. 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the landing ring is positioned within the bore on the actuator of the locking assembly. 8. The system of claim 6, wherein the packoff includes a retaining ring between the landing ring and the inner annular seal. 9. (canceled) 10. (canceled) 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the inner component is a hanger. 12. The system of claim 1, wherein the locking assembly includes a load ring between the lock ring and a shoulder of the inner component. 13. The system of claim 1, wherein the lock ring cooperates with the recess in the wall of the bore to preload the inner component. 14. The system of claim 1, wherein both the locking assembly and the packoff are configured to be axially set in the bore without rotation. 15-20. (canceled) 21. A system comprising:
a wellhead component having a bore; an inner component disposed within the bore of the wellhead component; and a locking assembly disposed within the bore between the inner component and the wellhead component to secure the inner component within the bore of the wellhead component, the locking assembly including:
a lock ring that extends into a recess in a wall of the bore of the wellhead component; and
an actuator radially disposed between the inner component and the lock ring to retain the lock ring within the recess;
wherein the actuator has an interference fit with the inner component to inhibit movement of the actuator between the lock ring and the inner component. 22. The system of claim 21, wherein the inner component is a hanger. 23. The system of claim 21, wherein the locking assembly includes a load ring between the lock ring and a shoulder of the inner component. 24. The system of claim 21, wherein the lock ring cooperates with the recess in the wall of the bore to preload the inner component. 25. The system of claim 21, wherein the locking assembly is configured to be axially set in the bore without rotation. 26. A method comprising:
inserting a locking assembly into a bore of a wellhead component, the locking assembly including a lock ring and an actuator for controlling the radial position of the lock ring; positioning the locking assembly so as to be radially between the wellhead component and an inner component also present within the bore of the wellhead component; and axially setting the locking assembly, wherein axially setting the locking assembly includes applying an axial force to the actuator to move the actuator to a locked position in which the actuator is wedged behind the lock ring, moving the actuator to the locked position causes the lock ring to move radially to extend into a mating recess, and the actuator is retained in the locked position with an interference fit. 27. The method of claim 26, wherein applying the axial force to the actuator to move the actuator to the locked position includes applying the axial force to the actuator so as to wedge the actuator between the lock ring and the inner component, the wellhead component includes the mating recess, and moving the actuator to the locked position causes the lock ring to move radially to extend into the mating recess in the wellhead component. 28. The method of claim 26, wherein applying the axial force to the actuator includes applying the axial force to the actuator from a running tool. 29. The method of claim 26, comprising unlocking the locking assembly, wherein unlocking the locking assembly includes axially pulling the actuator from behind the lock ring to allow the lock ring to relax and exit the mating recess. | A packoff and a locking assembly installed in a bore of a wellhead component are provided. In one embodiment, a packoff includes inner and outer annular seals and an energizing ring shaped to be wedged between the inner and outer annular seals so as to apply a radially inward biasing force on the inner annular seal and a radially outward biasing force on the outer annular seal. In another embodiment, a locking assembly includes a lock ring that extends into a recess in a wall of the bore of the wellhead component and an actuator radially disposed between an inner component within the bore and the lock ring to retain the lock ring within the recess. The actuator can have an interference fit with the inner component to inhibit movement of the actuator between the lock ring and the inner component. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.1. A system comprising:
a wellhead component having a bore; an inner component disposed within the bore of the wellhead component; a locking assembly disposed within the bore between the inner component and the wellhead component to secure the inner component within the bore of the wellhead component, the locking assembly including:
a lock ring that extends into a recess in a wall of the bore of the wellhead component; and
an actuator radially disposed between the inner component and the lock ring to retain the lock ring within the recess;
wherein the actuator has an interference fit with the inner component to inhibit movement of the actuator between the lock ring and the inner component; and
a packoff disposed in the bore of the wellhead component, the packoff including:
an inner annular seal; and
an outer annular seal. 2. (canceled) 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the inner annular seal has a pair of arms that extend radially inward and the outer annular seal has a pair of arms that extend radially outward to facilitate sealing of an annular space by the packoff. 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the inner annular seal is concentric with the outer annular seal. 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the inner annular seal is axially aligned with the outer annular seal. 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the packoff includes a landing ring. 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the landing ring is positioned within the bore on the actuator of the locking assembly. 8. The system of claim 6, wherein the packoff includes a retaining ring between the landing ring and the inner annular seal. 9. (canceled) 10. (canceled) 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the inner component is a hanger. 12. The system of claim 1, wherein the locking assembly includes a load ring between the lock ring and a shoulder of the inner component. 13. The system of claim 1, wherein the lock ring cooperates with the recess in the wall of the bore to preload the inner component. 14. The system of claim 1, wherein both the locking assembly and the packoff are configured to be axially set in the bore without rotation. 15-20. (canceled) 21. A system comprising:
a wellhead component having a bore; an inner component disposed within the bore of the wellhead component; and a locking assembly disposed within the bore between the inner component and the wellhead component to secure the inner component within the bore of the wellhead component, the locking assembly including:
a lock ring that extends into a recess in a wall of the bore of the wellhead component; and
an actuator radially disposed between the inner component and the lock ring to retain the lock ring within the recess;
wherein the actuator has an interference fit with the inner component to inhibit movement of the actuator between the lock ring and the inner component. 22. The system of claim 21, wherein the inner component is a hanger. 23. The system of claim 21, wherein the locking assembly includes a load ring between the lock ring and a shoulder of the inner component. 24. The system of claim 21, wherein the lock ring cooperates with the recess in the wall of the bore to preload the inner component. 25. The system of claim 21, wherein the locking assembly is configured to be axially set in the bore without rotation. 26. A method comprising:
inserting a locking assembly into a bore of a wellhead component, the locking assembly including a lock ring and an actuator for controlling the radial position of the lock ring; positioning the locking assembly so as to be radially between the wellhead component and an inner component also present within the bore of the wellhead component; and axially setting the locking assembly, wherein axially setting the locking assembly includes applying an axial force to the actuator to move the actuator to a locked position in which the actuator is wedged behind the lock ring, moving the actuator to the locked position causes the lock ring to move radially to extend into a mating recess, and the actuator is retained in the locked position with an interference fit. 27. The method of claim 26, wherein applying the axial force to the actuator to move the actuator to the locked position includes applying the axial force to the actuator so as to wedge the actuator between the lock ring and the inner component, the wellhead component includes the mating recess, and moving the actuator to the locked position causes the lock ring to move radially to extend into the mating recess in the wellhead component. 28. The method of claim 26, wherein applying the axial force to the actuator includes applying the axial force to the actuator from a running tool. 29. The method of claim 26, comprising unlocking the locking assembly, wherein unlocking the locking assembly includes axially pulling the actuator from behind the lock ring to allow the lock ring to relax and exit the mating recess. | 3,600 |
12,533 | 12,533 | 14,622,151 | 3,695 | Various embodiments of trading in financial instruments are given. In some embodiments, a trading venue may allow trading in futures contacts that relate to the outcome of competitions, such as sporting events, television competitions, and so on. | 1. A method comprising:
receiving, by a computing device, information defining a winning parameter of a contest from a contest expert; listing, by the computing device, a financial instrument that gives a holder of the financial instrument a right to a payment based on an outcome the contest and the winning parameter; receiving, by the computing device, an offer to sell the financial instrument at a first price; receiving, by the computing device, a bid to buy the financial instrument at the first price; matching, by the computing device and in response to receiving the bid for the first price and receiving the offer for the first price, the offer and the bid; and facilitating, by the computing device and in response to matching the bid and the offer, a trade that fulfills at last a part of each of the bid and the offer. 2. The method of claim 1, in which the contest includes a fantasy sports game. 3. The method of claim 1, in which the computing device includes an electronic marketplace. 4. The method of claim 1, in which facilitating the trade includes controlling a clearinghouse to make the trade. 5. The method of claim 1, in which the method comprises:
determining, by a second computing device, the matching bid and offer for the financial instrument; facilitating, by the second computing device and in response to determining the matching bid and offer, a transfer of money from the second user's account into the first user's account; forming, by the second computing device and in response to determining the matching bid and offer, a first obligation to make a payment of an amount of money to the second user if the outcome of the contest meets the winning parameter; forming, by the second computing device and in response to determining the matching bid and offer, a second obligation to receive a payment of the amount of money from the first user if the outcome meets the winning parameter; determining, by the second computing device, that the outcome meets the winning parameter; facilitating, by the second computing device and in response to the determining that the outcome meets the winning parameter, a payment of the amount of money to the second user; and facilitating, by the second computing device and in response to the determining that the outcome meets the winning parameter, a payment of the amount of money from the first user. 6. The method of claim 1, in which the winning parameter includes a line. 7. A method comprising:
determining, by a computing device, a matching bid and offer for a financial instrument; facilitating, by the computing device and in response to determining the matching bid and offer, a transfer of money from a second user's account into a first user's account; forming, by the computing device and in response to determining the matching bid and offer, a first obligation to make a payment of an amount of money to the second user if the outcome of a contest meets a winning parameter set by an expert; forming, by the computing device and in response to determining the matching bid and offer, a second obligation to receive a payment of the amount of money from the first user if the outcome meets the winning parameter; determining, by the computing device, that the outcome meets the winning parameter; facilitating, by the computing device and in response to the determining that the outcome meets the winning parameter, a payment of the amount of money to the second user; and facilitating, by the computing device and in response to the determining that the outcome meets the winning parameter, a payment of the amount of money from the first user. 8. The method of claim 7, in which the computing device includes an electronic clearing house. 9. The method of claim 7, in which the contest includes a fantasy sports game. 10. The method of claim 7, in which the winning parameter includes a line. 11. The method of claim 7, in which determining the matching bid and offer includes receiving the matching bid and offer from an electronic marketplace. 12. The method of claim 7, in which the method comprises:
receiving, by a second computing device, information defining the winning parameter of the contest from the contest expert; listing, by the second computing device, the financial instrument, in which the financial instrument gives a holder of the financial instrument a right to a payment based on an outcome the contest and the winning parameter; receiving, by the second computing device, an offer to sell the financial instrument at a first price; receiving, by the second computing device, a bid to buy the financial instrument at the first price; matching, by the second computing device and in response to receiving the bid for the first price and receiving the offer for the first price, the offer and the bid; and facilitating, by the computing device and in response to matching the bid and the offer, a trade that fulfills at last a part of each of the bid and the offer. 13. An apparatus comprising: a computing device and a non-transitory medium having stored thereon a plurality of instructions that when executed by the computing device cause the apparatus to:
receive information defining a winning parameter of a contest from a contest expert; list a financial instrument that gives a holder of the financial instrument a right to a payment based on an outcome the contest and the winning parameter; receive an offer to sell the financial instrument at a first price; receive a bid to buy the financial instrument at the first price; match, in response to receiving the bid for the first price and receiving the offer for the first price, the offer and the bid; and facilitate, in response to matching the bid and the offer, a trade that fulfills at last a part of each of the bid and the offer. 14. An apparatus comprising: a computing device and a non-transitory medium having stored thereon a plurality of instructions that when executed by the computing device cause the apparatus to:
determine a matching bid and offer for a financial instrument; facilitate, in response to determining the matching bid and offer, a transfer of money from a second user's account into a first user's account; form, in response to determining the matching bid and offer, a first obligation to make a payment of an amount of money to the second user if the outcome of a contest meets a winning parameter set by an expert; form, in response to determining the matching bid and offer, a second obligation to receive a payment of the amount of money from the first user if the outcome meets the winning parameter; determine that the outcome meets the winning parameter; facilitate, in response to the determining that the outcome meets the winning parameter, a payment of the amount of money to the second user; and facilitating, by the computing device and in response to the determining that the outcome meets the winning parameter, a payment of the amount of money from the first user. | Various embodiments of trading in financial instruments are given. In some embodiments, a trading venue may allow trading in futures contacts that relate to the outcome of competitions, such as sporting events, television competitions, and so on.1. A method comprising:
receiving, by a computing device, information defining a winning parameter of a contest from a contest expert; listing, by the computing device, a financial instrument that gives a holder of the financial instrument a right to a payment based on an outcome the contest and the winning parameter; receiving, by the computing device, an offer to sell the financial instrument at a first price; receiving, by the computing device, a bid to buy the financial instrument at the first price; matching, by the computing device and in response to receiving the bid for the first price and receiving the offer for the first price, the offer and the bid; and facilitating, by the computing device and in response to matching the bid and the offer, a trade that fulfills at last a part of each of the bid and the offer. 2. The method of claim 1, in which the contest includes a fantasy sports game. 3. The method of claim 1, in which the computing device includes an electronic marketplace. 4. The method of claim 1, in which facilitating the trade includes controlling a clearinghouse to make the trade. 5. The method of claim 1, in which the method comprises:
determining, by a second computing device, the matching bid and offer for the financial instrument; facilitating, by the second computing device and in response to determining the matching bid and offer, a transfer of money from the second user's account into the first user's account; forming, by the second computing device and in response to determining the matching bid and offer, a first obligation to make a payment of an amount of money to the second user if the outcome of the contest meets the winning parameter; forming, by the second computing device and in response to determining the matching bid and offer, a second obligation to receive a payment of the amount of money from the first user if the outcome meets the winning parameter; determining, by the second computing device, that the outcome meets the winning parameter; facilitating, by the second computing device and in response to the determining that the outcome meets the winning parameter, a payment of the amount of money to the second user; and facilitating, by the second computing device and in response to the determining that the outcome meets the winning parameter, a payment of the amount of money from the first user. 6. The method of claim 1, in which the winning parameter includes a line. 7. A method comprising:
determining, by a computing device, a matching bid and offer for a financial instrument; facilitating, by the computing device and in response to determining the matching bid and offer, a transfer of money from a second user's account into a first user's account; forming, by the computing device and in response to determining the matching bid and offer, a first obligation to make a payment of an amount of money to the second user if the outcome of a contest meets a winning parameter set by an expert; forming, by the computing device and in response to determining the matching bid and offer, a second obligation to receive a payment of the amount of money from the first user if the outcome meets the winning parameter; determining, by the computing device, that the outcome meets the winning parameter; facilitating, by the computing device and in response to the determining that the outcome meets the winning parameter, a payment of the amount of money to the second user; and facilitating, by the computing device and in response to the determining that the outcome meets the winning parameter, a payment of the amount of money from the first user. 8. The method of claim 7, in which the computing device includes an electronic clearing house. 9. The method of claim 7, in which the contest includes a fantasy sports game. 10. The method of claim 7, in which the winning parameter includes a line. 11. The method of claim 7, in which determining the matching bid and offer includes receiving the matching bid and offer from an electronic marketplace. 12. The method of claim 7, in which the method comprises:
receiving, by a second computing device, information defining the winning parameter of the contest from the contest expert; listing, by the second computing device, the financial instrument, in which the financial instrument gives a holder of the financial instrument a right to a payment based on an outcome the contest and the winning parameter; receiving, by the second computing device, an offer to sell the financial instrument at a first price; receiving, by the second computing device, a bid to buy the financial instrument at the first price; matching, by the second computing device and in response to receiving the bid for the first price and receiving the offer for the first price, the offer and the bid; and facilitating, by the computing device and in response to matching the bid and the offer, a trade that fulfills at last a part of each of the bid and the offer. 13. An apparatus comprising: a computing device and a non-transitory medium having stored thereon a plurality of instructions that when executed by the computing device cause the apparatus to:
receive information defining a winning parameter of a contest from a contest expert; list a financial instrument that gives a holder of the financial instrument a right to a payment based on an outcome the contest and the winning parameter; receive an offer to sell the financial instrument at a first price; receive a bid to buy the financial instrument at the first price; match, in response to receiving the bid for the first price and receiving the offer for the first price, the offer and the bid; and facilitate, in response to matching the bid and the offer, a trade that fulfills at last a part of each of the bid and the offer. 14. An apparatus comprising: a computing device and a non-transitory medium having stored thereon a plurality of instructions that when executed by the computing device cause the apparatus to:
determine a matching bid and offer for a financial instrument; facilitate, in response to determining the matching bid and offer, a transfer of money from a second user's account into a first user's account; form, in response to determining the matching bid and offer, a first obligation to make a payment of an amount of money to the second user if the outcome of a contest meets a winning parameter set by an expert; form, in response to determining the matching bid and offer, a second obligation to receive a payment of the amount of money from the first user if the outcome meets the winning parameter; determine that the outcome meets the winning parameter; facilitate, in response to the determining that the outcome meets the winning parameter, a payment of the amount of money to the second user; and facilitating, by the computing device and in response to the determining that the outcome meets the winning parameter, a payment of the amount of money from the first user. | 3,600 |
12,534 | 12,534 | 14,257,855 | 3,626 | A unique health score computation method is disclosed which masks underlying health statistics, yet provides a benchmark for a variety of applications. A system and method for collecting health related information, processing the information into a composite numerical value, and publishing the value is provided. The system includes a computer having a processor, memory, and code modules executing in the processor for implementation of the method. Information concerning a plurality of intrinsic and extrinsic parameters of a user is collected. Weighting factors are applied to the parameter in order control the relative affect each parameter has on the user's calculated numerical. The health score is computed using the processor by combining the weighted parameters in accordance with an algorithm. The numerical value is published to a designated group via a portal, while the underlying parameters remain private. In one implementation, the portal is an internet based information sharing forum. | 1. A computer implemented method for processing private health related data into a masked numerical score suitable for publishing, comprising the steps of:
receiving data into a memory, wherein the received data represents at least one intrinsic medical parameter and at least one extrinsic physical activity parameter of a user; storing the received data in the memory; storing weighting factors in the memory; processing the received data by executing code in a processor that configures the processor to:
apply respective ones of the weighting factors to the at least one intrinsic medical parameter and the at least one extrinsic physical activity parameter, and
apply a decay component to the processed at least one extrinsic physical activity parameter to reduce the relative weight of the processed at least one extrinsic physical activity parameter for a physical activity in dependence on at least one factor associated with the user;
transform the processed received data by executing additional code in the processor, wherein the processed received data are transformed into a masked composite numerical value by combining the weighted parameters in accordance with an algorithm; and automatically publish the masked composite numerical value to a designated group via a portal, using code executing in the processor and free of human intervention, while maintaining the received data representing the at least one intrinsic medical parameter and the at least one extrinsic physical activity parameter private. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one factor associated with the user is an age or an age range of the user such that the decay component reduces the relative weight of the processed at least one extrinsic physical activity parameter for a first user of a first age or age range differently than for a second user of a second age or age range. 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of averaging the published masked composite numerical value of a group of users to determine a group composite numerical value using further code executing in the processor. 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of:
receiving data into the memory representing at least one extrinsic lifestyle parameter of the user, wherein the step of processing the received data further includes executing additional code in the processor that configures the processor to:
apply respective ones of the weighting factors to the at least one extrinsic lifestyle parameter, and
apply a decay component to reduce the relative weight of the at least one extrinsic lifestyle parameter in dependence on the at least one factor or at least one other factor associated with the user,
wherein the step of transforming the processed received data further includes executing code in the processor that configures the processor to combine the at least one processed intrinsic medical parameter, the at least one processed extrinsic physical activity parameter and the at least one processed extrinsic lifestyle parameter in accordance with the algorithm. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the steps of processing, transforming and publishing are performed substantially automatically upon receipt of any of the received data, and further comprising:
communicating either the processed received data or the masked composite numerical value to an exercise machine and automatically establishing an exercise program on that basis, and communicating activity information from the exercise machine to the memory for inclusion among the at least one extrinsic physical activity parameter. 6. (canceled) 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising monitoring the composite numerical value and causing triggering of a feedback communication by executing code in the processor and without human intervention, wherein the feedback communication is operative to provide an alert to the user to initiate a physical activity or change a scheduled physical activity, or the feedback communication comprises an alert sent to a predetermined person. 8. (canceled) 9. (canceled) 10. The method of claim 7, wherein the step of monitoring comprises monitoring value over time and triggering alert in dependence on change over time. 11. The method of claim 7, wherein the step of triggering a feedback communication comprises sending an electronic communication directed to the user including directions on changes to the user's physical activity and/or lifestyle for improving the masked composite numerical value. 12. The method of claim 7, further comprising calculating, by executing additional code in the processor, a predicative masked composite numerical value, which is indicative of a predicted future state based on past data, using the received data of the user in accordance with a predicative algorithm and causing triggering of a predictive feedback communication. 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of processing the received at least one extrinsic physical activity parameter includes:
obtaining a measure of calories expended in the physical activity into the memory; and executing further code in the processor that configures the processor to:
transform the measured calories into a metabolic equivalent, MET, value by dividing by the user's body weight;
divide the MET value between a health pool and a bonus pool, wherein the bonus pool has a predetermined size and any divided MET value exceeding the bonus pool size is allocated to the health pool; and
apply a daily decay component to the bonus pool;
wherein the step of transforming the processed data comprises combining the processed at least one intrinsic medical parameter and a weighted health pool value in accordance with the algorithm. 14. A health monitoring system comprising:
a communication unit operable to receive data on at least one intrinsic medical parameter and at least one extrinsic physical activity parameter of a user; a memory arranged to store the received data and to store weighting factors; a processor arranged to process the received data by executing code that configures the processor to: apply respective ones of the weighting factors to the at least one intrinsic medical parameter and the at least one extrinsic physical activity parameter, apply a decay component arranged to reduce the relative weight of the processed at least one physical activity parameter for a physical activity in dependence on at least one factor associated with the user; the processor being further arranged to execute code to transform the processed received data into a masked composite numerical value using the processor by combining the weighted parameters in accordance with an algorithm; and a portal arranged to publish the masked composite numerical value to a designated group while maintaining the received data representing the at least one intrinsic medical parameter and the at least one extrinsic physical activity parameter private. 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the at least one factor associated with the user is an age or an age range of the user such that the decay component reduces the relative weight of the processed at least one extrinsic physical activity parameter for a first user of a first age or age range differently than for a second user of a second age or age range. 16. The system of claim 14, wherein the communication unit is further arranged to receive data on at least one extrinsic lifestyle parameter of a user, wherein the processor is further arranged to execute code to:
apply respective ones of the weighting factors to the at least one extrinsic lifestyle parameter, apply a decay component to reduce the relative weight of the at least one extrinsic lifestyle parameter in dependence on the at least one factor or at least one other factor associated with the user, and transform the processed data by combining the at least one processed intrinsic medical parameter, the at least one extrinsic physical activity parameter and the at least one extrinsic lifestyle parameter in accordance with an algorithm. 17. (canceled) 18. The system of claim 14, further comprising a remote user device, the system being arranged to communicate with the remote user device during physical activity to receive at least selected ones of the at least one extrinsic physical activity parameter. 19. The system of claim 14, further comprising a monitoring unit arranged to monitor the composite numerical values and being arranged to cause triggering of a feedback communication upon detecting a predetermined event associated with the monitored composite numerical values. 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the feedback communication is operative to re-configure a program to define or that is defining a scheduled physical activity for the user. 21. The system of claim 19, wherein the monitoring unit is arranged to cause transmission of an electronic communication directed to the user including directions on changes to the user's physical activity and/or lifestyle for improving the masked composite numerical value. 22. The system of claim 19, wherein the processor is further arranged to execute code that configures the processor to calculate a predicative masked composite numerical value that is indicative of a predicted future state based on past data, using the received data of the user in accordance with a predicative algorithm and wherein the monitor is arranged to cause triggering of a predictive feedback communication. 23. The system of claim 14, wherein the processor is arranged to process the received at least one extrinsic physical activity parameter by executing code that configures the processor to perform steps including:
obtaining a measure of calories expended in physical activity; transforming the measured calories into a metabolic equivalent, MET, value by dividing by the user's body weight; dividing the MET value between a health pool and a bonus pool, wherein the bonus pool has a predetermined size and any divided MET value exceeding the bonus pool size is allocated to the health pool; applying a daily decay component to the bonus pool; and transforming the processed data by combining the processed at least one intrinsic medical parameter and a weighted health pool value in accordance with the algorithm. 24. The system of claim 14, further comprising a bi-directional communication link to an exercise machine that is configured to:
communicate either the processed data or the masked composite numerical value to the exercise machine; automatically establishing the exercise program on the basis of the communicated data or the masked composite numerical value, and receive from the exercise machine into the memory activity information for inclusion among the at least one extrinsic physical activity parameter. | A unique health score computation method is disclosed which masks underlying health statistics, yet provides a benchmark for a variety of applications. A system and method for collecting health related information, processing the information into a composite numerical value, and publishing the value is provided. The system includes a computer having a processor, memory, and code modules executing in the processor for implementation of the method. Information concerning a plurality of intrinsic and extrinsic parameters of a user is collected. Weighting factors are applied to the parameter in order control the relative affect each parameter has on the user's calculated numerical. The health score is computed using the processor by combining the weighted parameters in accordance with an algorithm. The numerical value is published to a designated group via a portal, while the underlying parameters remain private. In one implementation, the portal is an internet based information sharing forum.1. A computer implemented method for processing private health related data into a masked numerical score suitable for publishing, comprising the steps of:
receiving data into a memory, wherein the received data represents at least one intrinsic medical parameter and at least one extrinsic physical activity parameter of a user; storing the received data in the memory; storing weighting factors in the memory; processing the received data by executing code in a processor that configures the processor to:
apply respective ones of the weighting factors to the at least one intrinsic medical parameter and the at least one extrinsic physical activity parameter, and
apply a decay component to the processed at least one extrinsic physical activity parameter to reduce the relative weight of the processed at least one extrinsic physical activity parameter for a physical activity in dependence on at least one factor associated with the user;
transform the processed received data by executing additional code in the processor, wherein the processed received data are transformed into a masked composite numerical value by combining the weighted parameters in accordance with an algorithm; and automatically publish the masked composite numerical value to a designated group via a portal, using code executing in the processor and free of human intervention, while maintaining the received data representing the at least one intrinsic medical parameter and the at least one extrinsic physical activity parameter private. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one factor associated with the user is an age or an age range of the user such that the decay component reduces the relative weight of the processed at least one extrinsic physical activity parameter for a first user of a first age or age range differently than for a second user of a second age or age range. 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of averaging the published masked composite numerical value of a group of users to determine a group composite numerical value using further code executing in the processor. 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of:
receiving data into the memory representing at least one extrinsic lifestyle parameter of the user, wherein the step of processing the received data further includes executing additional code in the processor that configures the processor to:
apply respective ones of the weighting factors to the at least one extrinsic lifestyle parameter, and
apply a decay component to reduce the relative weight of the at least one extrinsic lifestyle parameter in dependence on the at least one factor or at least one other factor associated with the user,
wherein the step of transforming the processed received data further includes executing code in the processor that configures the processor to combine the at least one processed intrinsic medical parameter, the at least one processed extrinsic physical activity parameter and the at least one processed extrinsic lifestyle parameter in accordance with the algorithm. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the steps of processing, transforming and publishing are performed substantially automatically upon receipt of any of the received data, and further comprising:
communicating either the processed received data or the masked composite numerical value to an exercise machine and automatically establishing an exercise program on that basis, and communicating activity information from the exercise machine to the memory for inclusion among the at least one extrinsic physical activity parameter. 6. (canceled) 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising monitoring the composite numerical value and causing triggering of a feedback communication by executing code in the processor and without human intervention, wherein the feedback communication is operative to provide an alert to the user to initiate a physical activity or change a scheduled physical activity, or the feedback communication comprises an alert sent to a predetermined person. 8. (canceled) 9. (canceled) 10. The method of claim 7, wherein the step of monitoring comprises monitoring value over time and triggering alert in dependence on change over time. 11. The method of claim 7, wherein the step of triggering a feedback communication comprises sending an electronic communication directed to the user including directions on changes to the user's physical activity and/or lifestyle for improving the masked composite numerical value. 12. The method of claim 7, further comprising calculating, by executing additional code in the processor, a predicative masked composite numerical value, which is indicative of a predicted future state based on past data, using the received data of the user in accordance with a predicative algorithm and causing triggering of a predictive feedback communication. 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of processing the received at least one extrinsic physical activity parameter includes:
obtaining a measure of calories expended in the physical activity into the memory; and executing further code in the processor that configures the processor to:
transform the measured calories into a metabolic equivalent, MET, value by dividing by the user's body weight;
divide the MET value between a health pool and a bonus pool, wherein the bonus pool has a predetermined size and any divided MET value exceeding the bonus pool size is allocated to the health pool; and
apply a daily decay component to the bonus pool;
wherein the step of transforming the processed data comprises combining the processed at least one intrinsic medical parameter and a weighted health pool value in accordance with the algorithm. 14. A health monitoring system comprising:
a communication unit operable to receive data on at least one intrinsic medical parameter and at least one extrinsic physical activity parameter of a user; a memory arranged to store the received data and to store weighting factors; a processor arranged to process the received data by executing code that configures the processor to: apply respective ones of the weighting factors to the at least one intrinsic medical parameter and the at least one extrinsic physical activity parameter, apply a decay component arranged to reduce the relative weight of the processed at least one physical activity parameter for a physical activity in dependence on at least one factor associated with the user; the processor being further arranged to execute code to transform the processed received data into a masked composite numerical value using the processor by combining the weighted parameters in accordance with an algorithm; and a portal arranged to publish the masked composite numerical value to a designated group while maintaining the received data representing the at least one intrinsic medical parameter and the at least one extrinsic physical activity parameter private. 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the at least one factor associated with the user is an age or an age range of the user such that the decay component reduces the relative weight of the processed at least one extrinsic physical activity parameter for a first user of a first age or age range differently than for a second user of a second age or age range. 16. The system of claim 14, wherein the communication unit is further arranged to receive data on at least one extrinsic lifestyle parameter of a user, wherein the processor is further arranged to execute code to:
apply respective ones of the weighting factors to the at least one extrinsic lifestyle parameter, apply a decay component to reduce the relative weight of the at least one extrinsic lifestyle parameter in dependence on the at least one factor or at least one other factor associated with the user, and transform the processed data by combining the at least one processed intrinsic medical parameter, the at least one extrinsic physical activity parameter and the at least one extrinsic lifestyle parameter in accordance with an algorithm. 17. (canceled) 18. The system of claim 14, further comprising a remote user device, the system being arranged to communicate with the remote user device during physical activity to receive at least selected ones of the at least one extrinsic physical activity parameter. 19. The system of claim 14, further comprising a monitoring unit arranged to monitor the composite numerical values and being arranged to cause triggering of a feedback communication upon detecting a predetermined event associated with the monitored composite numerical values. 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the feedback communication is operative to re-configure a program to define or that is defining a scheduled physical activity for the user. 21. The system of claim 19, wherein the monitoring unit is arranged to cause transmission of an electronic communication directed to the user including directions on changes to the user's physical activity and/or lifestyle for improving the masked composite numerical value. 22. The system of claim 19, wherein the processor is further arranged to execute code that configures the processor to calculate a predicative masked composite numerical value that is indicative of a predicted future state based on past data, using the received data of the user in accordance with a predicative algorithm and wherein the monitor is arranged to cause triggering of a predictive feedback communication. 23. The system of claim 14, wherein the processor is arranged to process the received at least one extrinsic physical activity parameter by executing code that configures the processor to perform steps including:
obtaining a measure of calories expended in physical activity; transforming the measured calories into a metabolic equivalent, MET, value by dividing by the user's body weight; dividing the MET value between a health pool and a bonus pool, wherein the bonus pool has a predetermined size and any divided MET value exceeding the bonus pool size is allocated to the health pool; applying a daily decay component to the bonus pool; and transforming the processed data by combining the processed at least one intrinsic medical parameter and a weighted health pool value in accordance with the algorithm. 24. The system of claim 14, further comprising a bi-directional communication link to an exercise machine that is configured to:
communicate either the processed data or the masked composite numerical value to the exercise machine; automatically establishing the exercise program on the basis of the communicated data or the masked composite numerical value, and receive from the exercise machine into the memory activity information for inclusion among the at least one extrinsic physical activity parameter. | 3,600 |
12,535 | 12,535 | 14,515,160 | 3,665 | A collision avoidance system is provided which includes a sensory system to determine a driver's intended forward or reverse travel direction by determination of a driver's head and eye position. A controller is provided that is cognizant of a driver's recent transmission gear shift to a forward or rearward direction. The controller prevents movement of the vehicle upon a conflict with the driver's intended travel direction and recent driver's gear shift. | 1. A collision avoidance system for an automotive vehicle, the collision avoidance system comprising:
a visual sensory system the visual sensory system being located inside and coupled to the automotive vehicle, the visual sensory system comprising:
a first camera located in front of a driver of the automotive vehicle and which is directed toward a driver of the automotive vehicle;
a second camera located behind the driver and which is also directed toward the driver; and
a controller coupled to both the first and second cameras;
wherein the first and second cameras and the controller are configured to determine the driver's intended forward or reverse travel direction by determining the driver's head position and the driver's eye position, the driver's head and eye positions being determined by one of the first camera and the second cameras detecting edges of the driver's lips and detecting the driver's eyes; and
the controller being additionally configured to detect whether a transmission gear shift is positioned in either a forward or rearward direction, said controller preventing movement of said vehicle upon a conflict with a determined intended travel direction and the position of said driver gear shift. 2. The collision avoidance system of claim 1 wherein the first and second cameras are also directed toward each other and wherein the controller is additionally configured to determine that said driver's intended travel direction is rearward by determining that the driver is viewing at least one of a group of items including an interior rearview mirror, an exterior driver's side rearview mirror, an exterior passenger side rearview mirror, a rearview camera display, or an area rearward of said vehicle. 3. The collision avoidance system of claim 1 wherein said visional sensory system is additionally configured to determine a driver's intended forward travel direction by determining said driver's head and eyes are facing a windshield in a region other than an interior rearview mirror. 4. The collision avoidance system of claim 1 wherein said controller is additionally configured to prevent movement of said vehicle if said driver head position is in an indeterminate position that does not indicate either a forward or rearward direction. 5. The collision avoidance system of claim 1 wherein said system is configured to provide a signal taken from a group of audio signal or display signals, when said controller has determined a conflict with driver intended travel direction and a position of said gear shift. 6. The collision avoidance system of claim 1 wherein said controller is configured to not prevent movement of said vehicle until said driver disengages a brake for said vehicle. 7. The collision avoidance system of claim 1 wherein said controller is additionally configured to determine a driver's head position by a relationship between the driver's eyes' pupils and sclera and to determine the driver's intended forward or reverse travel direction. 8. A collision avoidance system for an automotive vehicle, the collision avoidance system comprising:
a visual sensory system located inside the automotive vehicle and being operatively coupled to the automotive vehicle, the visual sensory system comprising:
a first camera located in front of a driver of the automotive vehicle and directed toward the driver of the automotive vehicle;
a second camera located behind the driver and which is also directed toward the driver, both cameras being directed generally toward each other; and
a controller coupled to both the first and second cameras;
wherein the cameras and controller are configured to determine a driver's intended forward or reverse travel direction by determining the driver's head position and the driver's eye position and additionally configured to determine said driver's eye focus by determining a position of said driver's eye pupil with respect to the driver's eye's sclera, wherein the driver's eye focus into a driver side exterior rearview mirror, interior rearview mirror, passenger side exterior rearview mirror, rearview camera display, or a turn of driver's head to look backwards, is determined by the controller to be indicative of the driver's intent to move in the reverse travel direction, and wherein the driver's focus into the windshield other than in a region about the interior rearview mirror is determined by the controller to be indicative of the driver's intention to travel in a forward direction; the controller being additionally configured to determine whether a transmission gear shift is positioned to make the vehicle go in either a forward or rearward direction, said controller being configured to prevent movement of said vehicle upon the detection of a conflict with said driver intended travel direction and a position of said gear shift. upon the driver's release of a brake for the automotive vehicle. 9. The collision avoidance system of claim 8 wherein said collision avoidance system provides a signal taken from a group of audio or display signals when said controller has determined a conflict with driver intended travel direction and said gear shift position. 10. A method of avoiding collisions in automotive vehicles, the method comprising:
determining a driver's head position and the driver's eye position by detecting edges of the driver's lips and detecting the driver's eyes, the detection of the driver's lips and eyes being made by either a first camera that is located in front of the driver or by a second camera that is located behind the driver, both cameras being directed toward the driver and toward each other; determining a driver's intention to travel in either a forward or reverse direction by the determined head and eye positions; and providing the determination of the driver's head and eye positions to a controller that is coupled to a transmission gear shift having forward and rearward travel direction positions, said controller configured to prevent movement of said vehicle upon a conflict with said driver's intended travel direction and the travel direction position of said gear shift. 11. The method of avoiding collisions of claim 10 further including determining driver's intended travel direction is rearward by determining that the driver is viewing at least one of a group of visual zones including an interior rearview mirror, an exterior driver's side rearview mirror, an exterior passenger side rearview mirror, a rearview camera display, or an area rearward of said vehicle. 12. The method of avoiding collisions of claim 10 further including determining driver's intended forward travel direction by determining said driver's head and eyes are facing a windshield of said vehicle in a visual zone other than said interior rearview mirror. 13. (canceled) 14. The method of avoiding collisions of claim 10 wherein the driver's head position is determined by identifying the driver's lips by one of the first and second cameras. 15. (canceled) 16. (canceled) 17. The method of avoiding collisions of claim 15 further including identifying said driver's eye focus by a position of the said driver's pupils relative to the sclera of said driver's eyes. 18. (canceled) | A collision avoidance system is provided which includes a sensory system to determine a driver's intended forward or reverse travel direction by determination of a driver's head and eye position. A controller is provided that is cognizant of a driver's recent transmission gear shift to a forward or rearward direction. The controller prevents movement of the vehicle upon a conflict with the driver's intended travel direction and recent driver's gear shift.1. A collision avoidance system for an automotive vehicle, the collision avoidance system comprising:
a visual sensory system the visual sensory system being located inside and coupled to the automotive vehicle, the visual sensory system comprising:
a first camera located in front of a driver of the automotive vehicle and which is directed toward a driver of the automotive vehicle;
a second camera located behind the driver and which is also directed toward the driver; and
a controller coupled to both the first and second cameras;
wherein the first and second cameras and the controller are configured to determine the driver's intended forward or reverse travel direction by determining the driver's head position and the driver's eye position, the driver's head and eye positions being determined by one of the first camera and the second cameras detecting edges of the driver's lips and detecting the driver's eyes; and
the controller being additionally configured to detect whether a transmission gear shift is positioned in either a forward or rearward direction, said controller preventing movement of said vehicle upon a conflict with a determined intended travel direction and the position of said driver gear shift. 2. The collision avoidance system of claim 1 wherein the first and second cameras are also directed toward each other and wherein the controller is additionally configured to determine that said driver's intended travel direction is rearward by determining that the driver is viewing at least one of a group of items including an interior rearview mirror, an exterior driver's side rearview mirror, an exterior passenger side rearview mirror, a rearview camera display, or an area rearward of said vehicle. 3. The collision avoidance system of claim 1 wherein said visional sensory system is additionally configured to determine a driver's intended forward travel direction by determining said driver's head and eyes are facing a windshield in a region other than an interior rearview mirror. 4. The collision avoidance system of claim 1 wherein said controller is additionally configured to prevent movement of said vehicle if said driver head position is in an indeterminate position that does not indicate either a forward or rearward direction. 5. The collision avoidance system of claim 1 wherein said system is configured to provide a signal taken from a group of audio signal or display signals, when said controller has determined a conflict with driver intended travel direction and a position of said gear shift. 6. The collision avoidance system of claim 1 wherein said controller is configured to not prevent movement of said vehicle until said driver disengages a brake for said vehicle. 7. The collision avoidance system of claim 1 wherein said controller is additionally configured to determine a driver's head position by a relationship between the driver's eyes' pupils and sclera and to determine the driver's intended forward or reverse travel direction. 8. A collision avoidance system for an automotive vehicle, the collision avoidance system comprising:
a visual sensory system located inside the automotive vehicle and being operatively coupled to the automotive vehicle, the visual sensory system comprising:
a first camera located in front of a driver of the automotive vehicle and directed toward the driver of the automotive vehicle;
a second camera located behind the driver and which is also directed toward the driver, both cameras being directed generally toward each other; and
a controller coupled to both the first and second cameras;
wherein the cameras and controller are configured to determine a driver's intended forward or reverse travel direction by determining the driver's head position and the driver's eye position and additionally configured to determine said driver's eye focus by determining a position of said driver's eye pupil with respect to the driver's eye's sclera, wherein the driver's eye focus into a driver side exterior rearview mirror, interior rearview mirror, passenger side exterior rearview mirror, rearview camera display, or a turn of driver's head to look backwards, is determined by the controller to be indicative of the driver's intent to move in the reverse travel direction, and wherein the driver's focus into the windshield other than in a region about the interior rearview mirror is determined by the controller to be indicative of the driver's intention to travel in a forward direction; the controller being additionally configured to determine whether a transmission gear shift is positioned to make the vehicle go in either a forward or rearward direction, said controller being configured to prevent movement of said vehicle upon the detection of a conflict with said driver intended travel direction and a position of said gear shift. upon the driver's release of a brake for the automotive vehicle. 9. The collision avoidance system of claim 8 wherein said collision avoidance system provides a signal taken from a group of audio or display signals when said controller has determined a conflict with driver intended travel direction and said gear shift position. 10. A method of avoiding collisions in automotive vehicles, the method comprising:
determining a driver's head position and the driver's eye position by detecting edges of the driver's lips and detecting the driver's eyes, the detection of the driver's lips and eyes being made by either a first camera that is located in front of the driver or by a second camera that is located behind the driver, both cameras being directed toward the driver and toward each other; determining a driver's intention to travel in either a forward or reverse direction by the determined head and eye positions; and providing the determination of the driver's head and eye positions to a controller that is coupled to a transmission gear shift having forward and rearward travel direction positions, said controller configured to prevent movement of said vehicle upon a conflict with said driver's intended travel direction and the travel direction position of said gear shift. 11. The method of avoiding collisions of claim 10 further including determining driver's intended travel direction is rearward by determining that the driver is viewing at least one of a group of visual zones including an interior rearview mirror, an exterior driver's side rearview mirror, an exterior passenger side rearview mirror, a rearview camera display, or an area rearward of said vehicle. 12. The method of avoiding collisions of claim 10 further including determining driver's intended forward travel direction by determining said driver's head and eyes are facing a windshield of said vehicle in a visual zone other than said interior rearview mirror. 13. (canceled) 14. The method of avoiding collisions of claim 10 wherein the driver's head position is determined by identifying the driver's lips by one of the first and second cameras. 15. (canceled) 16. (canceled) 17. The method of avoiding collisions of claim 15 further including identifying said driver's eye focus by a position of the said driver's pupils relative to the sclera of said driver's eyes. 18. (canceled) | 3,600 |
12,536 | 12,536 | 14,410,808 | 3,691 | A suspension control system allows a state variable of a vehicle used for the damper damping force control to be computed at a high precision without regards to the caster angle given to the suspension geometry. A suspension control system for a vehicle provided with a variable damper that can adjust a damping force according to an input signal comprises a wheel rotational speed sensor for detecting a wheel rotational speed, a gain circuit for computing the unsprung load of each wheel according to the wheel rotational speed variation detected by the wheel speed sensor, a single wheel model computing unit for computing the sprung velocity and the stroke speed by inputting the unsprung load to a single wheel model representing the behavior of the vehicle, and a damper control unit for controlling a damping force of the variable damper according to the computed sprung velocity and stroke speed. | 1. A suspension control system for a vehicle provided with a variable damper that can adjust a damping force according to an input signal, comprising:
a wheel rotational speed sensor for detecting a wheel rotational speed; a base input value computing means for computing a base input value of the vehicle according to a wheel rotational speed variation detected by the wheel speed sensor; a state variable computing means for computing a state variable of the vehicle from a vehicle model representing a behavior of the vehicle and receiving an input of the base input value; and a damper control means for controlling a damping force of the variable damper according to the computed state variable. 2. The suspension control system according to claim 1, wherein the base input value includes an unsprung load. 3. The suspension control system according to claim 1, wherein the state variable includes a sprung velocity. 4. The suspension control system according to claim 3, wherein the state variable further includes a suspension stroke speed. 5. The suspension control system according to claim 1, further comprising a first filter for the wheel rotational speed sensor for a first frequency region corresponding to a vibration of a sprung mass, and a second filter for the wheel speed sensor for a second frequency range higher than the first frequency range,
wherein the damper control means includes a sprung damping control means for controlling the damping force of the variable damper according to the wheel speed variation filtered by the first filter, and an unsprung damping control means for controlling the damping force of the variable damper according to the wheel speed variation filtered by the second filter. 6. The suspension control system according to claim 1, further comprising a vehicle body speed estimating means for estimating a vehicle body speed according to a vehicle body acceleration of the vehicle, and a wheel rotational speed correcting means for computing a corrected wheel rotational speed by subtracting an estimated wheel rotational speed estimated from the vehicle body speed from a detected value of the wheel rotational speed sensor,
wherein the base input value computing means is configured to compute the base input value of the vehicle according to a wheel speed variation of the corrected wheel rotational speed. 7. The suspension control system according to claim 6, wherein the vehicle body speed estimating means estimates the vehicle body acceleration of the vehicle according to a drive/brake force of the vehicle and an inclination of a road surface (or a deceleration Fs due to a road inclination). 8. The suspension control system according to claim 7, wherein the vehicle body speed estimating means estimates a traveling resistance of the vehicle according to the detected wheel rotational speed, and estimates the vehicle body acceleration of the vehicle by taking into account the estimated traveling resistance. 9. The suspension control system according to claim 6, further comprising a filter for a frequency range corresponding to a vibration of the sprung mass, the filter filtering the detected value of the wheel rotational speed sensor so as to remove variation in the vehicle body acceleration in the frequency range corresponding to a vibration of the sprung mass. 10. The suspension control system according to claim 1, further comprising a cornering state variable computing means for computing a cornering state variable and a wheel rotational speed correcting means for correcting a detected value of the wheel rotational speed sensor according to the computed cornering state variable,
wherein the base input value computing means computes the base input value of the vehicle according to the wheel speed variation of the corrected wheel rotational speed. 11. The suspension control system according to claim 1, further comprising
a wheel speed variation extracting means for extracting a wheel speed variation of a frequency range corresponding to a sprung vibration of the vehicle according to the detected wheel rotational speed, a sprung velocity computing means for computing the sprung velocity by using a vehicle model according to the wheel speed variation extracted by the wheel speed variation extracting means, a stroke speed computing means for computing a suspension stroke speed by using a vehicle model according to the wheel speed variation extracted by the wheel speed variation extracting means, and a skyhook control means for controlling the damping force of the variable damper according to the computed sprung velocity and the computed stroke speed. 12. The suspension control system according to claim 1, wherein
the wheel rotational speed sensor is provided on a front wheel, and the base input value computing means computes the base input value with respect to the front wheel, the state variable computing means including a front wheel state variable computing means for computing a state variable of the vehicle associated with the front wheel, and a rear wheel state variable computing means for computing a state variable of the vehicle associated with a rear wheel according to the state variable computed by the front wheel state variable computing means. 13. The suspension control system according to claim 12, wherein the base input value computing means computes a base input value including an unsprung load associated with the front wheel, and the front wheel state variable computing means computes a state variable including an unsprung position associated with the front wheel,
the rear wheel state variable computing means being configured to compute a road surface vertical position associated with the front wheel according to the unsprung load associated with the front wheel and the unsprung position associated with the front wheel, and compute the state variable of the vehicle associated with a rear wheel according to the computed road surface vertical position associated with the front wheel. 14. The suspension control system according to claim 13, wherein the rear wheel state variable computing means is configured to compute a road surface vertical position associated with the rear wheel by applying a time delay corresponding to a vehicle speed to the road surface vertical position associated with the front wheel, and compute the state variable of the vehicle associated with the rear wheel according to the road surface vertical position of the vehicle associated with the rear wheel. 15. The suspension control system according to claim 14, wherein the rear wheel state variable computing means is configured to compute state variables including the sprung velocity and the suspension stroke speed associated with the rear wheel. | A suspension control system allows a state variable of a vehicle used for the damper damping force control to be computed at a high precision without regards to the caster angle given to the suspension geometry. A suspension control system for a vehicle provided with a variable damper that can adjust a damping force according to an input signal comprises a wheel rotational speed sensor for detecting a wheel rotational speed, a gain circuit for computing the unsprung load of each wheel according to the wheel rotational speed variation detected by the wheel speed sensor, a single wheel model computing unit for computing the sprung velocity and the stroke speed by inputting the unsprung load to a single wheel model representing the behavior of the vehicle, and a damper control unit for controlling a damping force of the variable damper according to the computed sprung velocity and stroke speed.1. A suspension control system for a vehicle provided with a variable damper that can adjust a damping force according to an input signal, comprising:
a wheel rotational speed sensor for detecting a wheel rotational speed; a base input value computing means for computing a base input value of the vehicle according to a wheel rotational speed variation detected by the wheel speed sensor; a state variable computing means for computing a state variable of the vehicle from a vehicle model representing a behavior of the vehicle and receiving an input of the base input value; and a damper control means for controlling a damping force of the variable damper according to the computed state variable. 2. The suspension control system according to claim 1, wherein the base input value includes an unsprung load. 3. The suspension control system according to claim 1, wherein the state variable includes a sprung velocity. 4. The suspension control system according to claim 3, wherein the state variable further includes a suspension stroke speed. 5. The suspension control system according to claim 1, further comprising a first filter for the wheel rotational speed sensor for a first frequency region corresponding to a vibration of a sprung mass, and a second filter for the wheel speed sensor for a second frequency range higher than the first frequency range,
wherein the damper control means includes a sprung damping control means for controlling the damping force of the variable damper according to the wheel speed variation filtered by the first filter, and an unsprung damping control means for controlling the damping force of the variable damper according to the wheel speed variation filtered by the second filter. 6. The suspension control system according to claim 1, further comprising a vehicle body speed estimating means for estimating a vehicle body speed according to a vehicle body acceleration of the vehicle, and a wheel rotational speed correcting means for computing a corrected wheel rotational speed by subtracting an estimated wheel rotational speed estimated from the vehicle body speed from a detected value of the wheel rotational speed sensor,
wherein the base input value computing means is configured to compute the base input value of the vehicle according to a wheel speed variation of the corrected wheel rotational speed. 7. The suspension control system according to claim 6, wherein the vehicle body speed estimating means estimates the vehicle body acceleration of the vehicle according to a drive/brake force of the vehicle and an inclination of a road surface (or a deceleration Fs due to a road inclination). 8. The suspension control system according to claim 7, wherein the vehicle body speed estimating means estimates a traveling resistance of the vehicle according to the detected wheel rotational speed, and estimates the vehicle body acceleration of the vehicle by taking into account the estimated traveling resistance. 9. The suspension control system according to claim 6, further comprising a filter for a frequency range corresponding to a vibration of the sprung mass, the filter filtering the detected value of the wheel rotational speed sensor so as to remove variation in the vehicle body acceleration in the frequency range corresponding to a vibration of the sprung mass. 10. The suspension control system according to claim 1, further comprising a cornering state variable computing means for computing a cornering state variable and a wheel rotational speed correcting means for correcting a detected value of the wheel rotational speed sensor according to the computed cornering state variable,
wherein the base input value computing means computes the base input value of the vehicle according to the wheel speed variation of the corrected wheel rotational speed. 11. The suspension control system according to claim 1, further comprising
a wheel speed variation extracting means for extracting a wheel speed variation of a frequency range corresponding to a sprung vibration of the vehicle according to the detected wheel rotational speed, a sprung velocity computing means for computing the sprung velocity by using a vehicle model according to the wheel speed variation extracted by the wheel speed variation extracting means, a stroke speed computing means for computing a suspension stroke speed by using a vehicle model according to the wheel speed variation extracted by the wheel speed variation extracting means, and a skyhook control means for controlling the damping force of the variable damper according to the computed sprung velocity and the computed stroke speed. 12. The suspension control system according to claim 1, wherein
the wheel rotational speed sensor is provided on a front wheel, and the base input value computing means computes the base input value with respect to the front wheel, the state variable computing means including a front wheel state variable computing means for computing a state variable of the vehicle associated with the front wheel, and a rear wheel state variable computing means for computing a state variable of the vehicle associated with a rear wheel according to the state variable computed by the front wheel state variable computing means. 13. The suspension control system according to claim 12, wherein the base input value computing means computes a base input value including an unsprung load associated with the front wheel, and the front wheel state variable computing means computes a state variable including an unsprung position associated with the front wheel,
the rear wheel state variable computing means being configured to compute a road surface vertical position associated with the front wheel according to the unsprung load associated with the front wheel and the unsprung position associated with the front wheel, and compute the state variable of the vehicle associated with a rear wheel according to the computed road surface vertical position associated with the front wheel. 14. The suspension control system according to claim 13, wherein the rear wheel state variable computing means is configured to compute a road surface vertical position associated with the rear wheel by applying a time delay corresponding to a vehicle speed to the road surface vertical position associated with the front wheel, and compute the state variable of the vehicle associated with the rear wheel according to the road surface vertical position of the vehicle associated with the rear wheel. 15. The suspension control system according to claim 14, wherein the rear wheel state variable computing means is configured to compute state variables including the sprung velocity and the suspension stroke speed associated with the rear wheel. | 3,600 |
12,537 | 12,537 | 13,872,925 | 3,629 | Methods and systems are disclosed for determining gaps in a user's resume regarding skills or titles for a job, and recommending educational courses to the user based on those gaps. The user's resume is received and analyzed for the user's current set of skills. Various searching methods are used to identify a set of job requisitions based on a user's input query for a job. The user's skills are compared with a set of required skills associated with the set of job requisitions. Educational courses are identified for the skills that are required for the set of job requisitions but are not present in the user's set of skills. The educational courses presented to the user via the search engine. The user's resume can also be ranked relative to other resumes for the skills or titles required for a job. | 1. A computer-implemented method for identifying gaps in a resume, the method comprising:
storing in a computer system a skill knowledge base comprising a collection of skills; storing in the computer system a requisition knowledge base comprising a collection of job requisitions, each job requisition associated with one or more skills in the skill knowledge base; storing in the computer system a resume knowledge base comprising a collection of resumes, each resume associated with one or more skills in the skill knowledge base; storing in the resume knowledge base a resume of a user received into the computer system, the resume associated with one or more skills in the skill knowledge base that match resume skills in the resume; receiving an input query from the user; identifying by a search of the requisition knowledge base, a set of job requisitions matching the input query; assigning a first weight to each of the skills in the matching set of job requisitions based on a frequency of occurrence of the skill across the collection of job requisitions in the requisition knowledge base; selecting, based on the first weight, skills in the matching set of job requisitions as required skills for the input query; identifying by a search of the resume knowledge base using the required skills as an input, a set of implied required skills that are subsumed by the required skills and that are associated with resumes identified by the search of the resume knowledge base; assigning a second weight to each of the implied required skills based on a frequency of occurrence of the implied required skills in the collection of resumes in the resume knowledge base; computing a score for each of the implied required skills based on the first weights and the second weights; selecting, based on the scores, a subset of the implied required skills; comparing the resume skills of the user with the subset of implied required skills; and identifying gap skills of the user that are skills present in the subset of implied required skills and absent from the resume skills of the user. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing for display to the user the identified gap skills. 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
storing in the computer system a course knowledge base comprising a collection of educational courses, each educational course associated with one or more skills in the skill knowledge base; searching the course knowledge base based on the gap skills to retrieve a set of educational courses matching the gap skills; and providing for display to the user the set of educational courses retrieved. 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising conducting a reverse search of the course knowledge base using the resume of the user to evaluate each of the educational courses retrieved against the resume. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein assigning a first weight comprises multiplying a number of job requisitions in the matching set of job requisitions having a given skill by a log inverse frequency of the given skill in the collection of job requisitions in the requisition knowledge base. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the log inverse frequency is calculated as a Term Frequency Inverse Document Frequency (TFIDF) calculation. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein selecting, based on the first weight, a plurality of the skills in the matching set of job requisitions as required skills comprises sorting the skills of the matching set of job requisition based on the first weights and selecting a specified number of the sorted skills as required skills. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein assigning a first weight comprises assigning a Jaccard score to determine which skills are most relevant to the matching set of job requisitions. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein assigning second weights to the implied required skills comprises determining a weight for each of the implied required skills based on a log frequency of the implied required skill in the resumes of the fourth knowledge base. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein computing a score for each of the implied required skills based on the first weights and the second weights comprises determining a weighted average for each of the second weights using the first weights. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein selecting, based on the scores, a subset of the implied required skills comprises sorting the implied required skills based on the weighted averages of the second weights and selecting a specified number of the sorted implied required skills as the subset of implied required skills. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the matching set of job requisitions comprises a single job requisition. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein assigning first weights to the skills in the matching set of job requisitions comprises assigning a same weight to each of the skills of the single job requisition. 14. The method of claim 12, wherein assigning first weights to the skills in the matching set of job requisitions comprises assigning first weights by weighting each of the skills in the single job requisition based on a log inverse frequency of the skill in the collection of job requisitions of the requisition knowledge base. 15. A computer-implemented method for identifying gaps in a resume, the method comprising:
storing in a computer system a title knowledge base comprising a collection of titles; storing in the computer system a requisition knowledge base comprising a collection of job requisitions, each job requisition associated with one or more titles in the title knowledge base; storing in the computer system a resume knowledge base comprising a collection of resumes, each resume associated with one or more titles in the title knowledge base; storing in the resume knowledge base a resume of a user received into the computer system, the resume associated with one or more titles in the title knowledge base that match resume titles in the resume; receiving an input query from the user; identifying by a search of the requisition knowledge base, a set of job requisitions matching the input query; assigning a first weight to each of the titles in the matching set of job requisitions based on a frequency of occurrence of the title across the collection of job requisitions in the requisition knowledge base; selecting, based on the first weight, titles in the matching set of job requisitions as required titles for the input query; identifying by a search of the resume knowledge base using the required titles as an input, a set of implied required titles that are subsumed by the required titles and that are associated with resumes identified by the search of the resume knowledge base; assigning a second weight to each of the implied required titles based on a frequency of occurrence of the implied required titles in the collection of resumes in the resume knowledge base; computing a score for each of the implied required titles based on the first weights and the second weights; selecting, based on the scores, a subset of the implied required titles; comparing the resume titles of the user with the subset of implied required titles; and identifying gap titles of the user that are titles present in the subset of implied required titles and absent from the resume titles of the user. 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising providing for display to the user the identified gap titles. 17. The method of claim 15, further comprising:
storing in the computer system a course knowledge base comprising a collection of educational courses, each educational course associated with one or more titles in the title knowledge base; searching the course knowledge base based on the gap titles to retrieve a set of educational courses matching the gap titles; and providing for display to the user the set of educational courses retrieved 18. The method of claim 15, further comprising conducting a reverse search of the course knowledge base using the resume of the user to evaluate each of the educational courses retrieved against the resume. 19. The method of claim 15, wherein assigning a first weight comprises multiplying a number of job requisitions in the matching set of job requisitions having a given title by a log inverse frequency of the given title in the collection of job requisitions in the requisition knowledge base. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the log inverse frequency is calculated as a Term Frequency Inverse Document Frequency (TFIDF) calculation. 21. The method of claim 15, wherein selecting, based on the first weight, a plurality of the titles in the matching set of job requisitions as required titles comprises sorting the titles of the matching set of job requisition based on the first weights and selecting a specified number of the sorted titles as required titles. 22. The method of claim 15, wherein assigning a first weight comprises assigning a Jaccard score to determine which titles are most relevant to the matching set of job requisitions. 23. The method of claim 15, wherein assigning second weights to the implied required titles comprises determining a weight for each of the implied required titles based on a log frequency of the implied required title in the resumes of the fourth knowledge base. 24. The method of claim 15, wherein computing a score for each of the implied required titles based on the first weights and the second weights comprises determining a weighted average for each of the second weights using the first weights. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein selecting, based on the scores, a subset of the implied required titles comprises sorting the implied required titles based on the weighted averages of the second weights and selecting a specified number of the sorted implied required titles as the subset of implied required titles. 26. The method of claim 15, wherein the matching set of job requisitions comprises a single job requisition. 27. The method of claim 26, wherein assigning first weights to the titles in the matching set of job requisitions comprises assigning a same weight to each of the titles of the single job requisition. 28. The method of claim 26, wherein assigning first weights to the titles in the matching set of job requisitions comprises assigning first weights by weighting each of the titles in the single job requisition based on a log inverse frequency of the title in the collection of job requisitions of the requisition knowledge base. 29. A computer-implemented method for ranking a resume, the method comprising:
storing in a computer system a skill knowledge base comprising a collection of skills; storing in the computer system a requisition knowledge base comprising a collection of job requisitions, each job requisition associated with one or more skills in the skill knowledge base; storing in the computer system a resume knowledge base comprising a collection of resumes, each resume associated with one or more skills in the skill knowledge base; storing in the resume knowledge base a resume of a user received into the computer system, the resume associated with one or more skills in the skill knowledge base that match resume skills in the resume; receiving an input query from the user; identifying by a search of the requisition knowledge base a set of job requisitions matching the input query; assigning a first weight to each of the skills in the matching set of job requisitions based on a frequency of occurrence of the skill across the collection of job requisitions in the requisition knowledge base; selecting, based on the first weight, skills in the matching set of job requisitions as required skills for the input query; identifying by a search of the resume knowledge base using the required skills as an input a set of implied required skills that are subsumed by the required skills and that are associated with resumes identified by the search of the resume knowledge base; assigning a second weight to each of the implied required skills based on a frequency of occurrence of the implied required skills in the collection of resumes in the resume knowledge base; computing a score for each of the implied required skills based on the first weights and the second weights; selecting, based on the scores, a subset of the implied required skills; scoring the resume of the user based on each of the implied required skills in the subset; scoring the collection of resumes in the resume knowledge bases based on each of the implied required skills in the subset; determining, based on the score of the user's resume and the scores of the collection of resumes, a ranking for the resume of the user relative to a plurality of resumes in the resume knowledge base with regard to each of the implied required skills in the subset; and providing for display to the user the ranking of the resume of the user. 30. The method of claim 29, wherein the ranking is a percentile rating of the resume of the user relative to the collection of resumes in the resume knowledge base. 31. The method of claim 29, further comprising determining a ranking of the resume of the user relative to the collection of resumes in the resume knowledge base for a type of job search conducted by the user. 32. A computer-implemented method for ranking a resume, the method comprising:
storing in a computer system a title knowledge base comprising a collection of titles; storing in the computer system a requisition knowledge base comprising a collection of job requisitions, each job requisition associated with one or more titles in the title knowledge base; storing in the computer system a resume knowledge base comprising a collection of resumes, each resume associated with one or more titles in the title knowledge base; storing in the resume knowledge base a resume of a user received into the computer system, the resume associated with one or more titles in the title knowledge base that match resume titles in the resume; receiving an input query from the user; identifying by a search of the requisition knowledge base a set of job requisitions matching the input query; assigning a first weight to each of the titles in the matching set of job requisitions based on a frequency of occurrence of the title across the collection of job requisitions in the requisition knowledge base; selecting, based on the first weight, titles in the matching set of job requisitions as required titles for the input query; identifying by a search of the resume knowledge base using the required titles as an input a set of implied required titles that are subsumed by the required titles and that are associated with resumes identified by the search of the resume knowledge base; assigning a second weight to each of the implied required titles based on a frequency of occurrence of the implied required titles in the collection of resumes in the resume knowledge base; computing a score for each of the implied required titles based on the first weights and the second weights; selecting, based on the scores, a subset of the implied required titles; scoring the resume of the user based on each of the implied required titles in the subset; scoring the collection of resumes in the resume knowledge bases based on each of the implied required titles in the subset; determining, based on the score of the user's resume and the scores of the collection of resumes, a ranking for the resume of the user relative to a plurality of resumes in the resume knowledge base with regard to each of the implied required titles in the subset; and providing for display to the user the ranking of the resume of the user. 33. The method of claim 32, wherein the ranking is a percentile rating of the resume of the user relative to the collection of resumes in the resume knowledge base. 34. The method of claim 32, further comprising determining a ranking of the resume of the user relative to the collection of resumes in the resume knowledge base for a type of job search conducted by the user. | Methods and systems are disclosed for determining gaps in a user's resume regarding skills or titles for a job, and recommending educational courses to the user based on those gaps. The user's resume is received and analyzed for the user's current set of skills. Various searching methods are used to identify a set of job requisitions based on a user's input query for a job. The user's skills are compared with a set of required skills associated with the set of job requisitions. Educational courses are identified for the skills that are required for the set of job requisitions but are not present in the user's set of skills. The educational courses presented to the user via the search engine. The user's resume can also be ranked relative to other resumes for the skills or titles required for a job.1. A computer-implemented method for identifying gaps in a resume, the method comprising:
storing in a computer system a skill knowledge base comprising a collection of skills; storing in the computer system a requisition knowledge base comprising a collection of job requisitions, each job requisition associated with one or more skills in the skill knowledge base; storing in the computer system a resume knowledge base comprising a collection of resumes, each resume associated with one or more skills in the skill knowledge base; storing in the resume knowledge base a resume of a user received into the computer system, the resume associated with one or more skills in the skill knowledge base that match resume skills in the resume; receiving an input query from the user; identifying by a search of the requisition knowledge base, a set of job requisitions matching the input query; assigning a first weight to each of the skills in the matching set of job requisitions based on a frequency of occurrence of the skill across the collection of job requisitions in the requisition knowledge base; selecting, based on the first weight, skills in the matching set of job requisitions as required skills for the input query; identifying by a search of the resume knowledge base using the required skills as an input, a set of implied required skills that are subsumed by the required skills and that are associated with resumes identified by the search of the resume knowledge base; assigning a second weight to each of the implied required skills based on a frequency of occurrence of the implied required skills in the collection of resumes in the resume knowledge base; computing a score for each of the implied required skills based on the first weights and the second weights; selecting, based on the scores, a subset of the implied required skills; comparing the resume skills of the user with the subset of implied required skills; and identifying gap skills of the user that are skills present in the subset of implied required skills and absent from the resume skills of the user. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing for display to the user the identified gap skills. 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
storing in the computer system a course knowledge base comprising a collection of educational courses, each educational course associated with one or more skills in the skill knowledge base; searching the course knowledge base based on the gap skills to retrieve a set of educational courses matching the gap skills; and providing for display to the user the set of educational courses retrieved. 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising conducting a reverse search of the course knowledge base using the resume of the user to evaluate each of the educational courses retrieved against the resume. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein assigning a first weight comprises multiplying a number of job requisitions in the matching set of job requisitions having a given skill by a log inverse frequency of the given skill in the collection of job requisitions in the requisition knowledge base. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the log inverse frequency is calculated as a Term Frequency Inverse Document Frequency (TFIDF) calculation. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein selecting, based on the first weight, a plurality of the skills in the matching set of job requisitions as required skills comprises sorting the skills of the matching set of job requisition based on the first weights and selecting a specified number of the sorted skills as required skills. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein assigning a first weight comprises assigning a Jaccard score to determine which skills are most relevant to the matching set of job requisitions. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein assigning second weights to the implied required skills comprises determining a weight for each of the implied required skills based on a log frequency of the implied required skill in the resumes of the fourth knowledge base. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein computing a score for each of the implied required skills based on the first weights and the second weights comprises determining a weighted average for each of the second weights using the first weights. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein selecting, based on the scores, a subset of the implied required skills comprises sorting the implied required skills based on the weighted averages of the second weights and selecting a specified number of the sorted implied required skills as the subset of implied required skills. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the matching set of job requisitions comprises a single job requisition. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein assigning first weights to the skills in the matching set of job requisitions comprises assigning a same weight to each of the skills of the single job requisition. 14. The method of claim 12, wherein assigning first weights to the skills in the matching set of job requisitions comprises assigning first weights by weighting each of the skills in the single job requisition based on a log inverse frequency of the skill in the collection of job requisitions of the requisition knowledge base. 15. A computer-implemented method for identifying gaps in a resume, the method comprising:
storing in a computer system a title knowledge base comprising a collection of titles; storing in the computer system a requisition knowledge base comprising a collection of job requisitions, each job requisition associated with one or more titles in the title knowledge base; storing in the computer system a resume knowledge base comprising a collection of resumes, each resume associated with one or more titles in the title knowledge base; storing in the resume knowledge base a resume of a user received into the computer system, the resume associated with one or more titles in the title knowledge base that match resume titles in the resume; receiving an input query from the user; identifying by a search of the requisition knowledge base, a set of job requisitions matching the input query; assigning a first weight to each of the titles in the matching set of job requisitions based on a frequency of occurrence of the title across the collection of job requisitions in the requisition knowledge base; selecting, based on the first weight, titles in the matching set of job requisitions as required titles for the input query; identifying by a search of the resume knowledge base using the required titles as an input, a set of implied required titles that are subsumed by the required titles and that are associated with resumes identified by the search of the resume knowledge base; assigning a second weight to each of the implied required titles based on a frequency of occurrence of the implied required titles in the collection of resumes in the resume knowledge base; computing a score for each of the implied required titles based on the first weights and the second weights; selecting, based on the scores, a subset of the implied required titles; comparing the resume titles of the user with the subset of implied required titles; and identifying gap titles of the user that are titles present in the subset of implied required titles and absent from the resume titles of the user. 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising providing for display to the user the identified gap titles. 17. The method of claim 15, further comprising:
storing in the computer system a course knowledge base comprising a collection of educational courses, each educational course associated with one or more titles in the title knowledge base; searching the course knowledge base based on the gap titles to retrieve a set of educational courses matching the gap titles; and providing for display to the user the set of educational courses retrieved 18. The method of claim 15, further comprising conducting a reverse search of the course knowledge base using the resume of the user to evaluate each of the educational courses retrieved against the resume. 19. The method of claim 15, wherein assigning a first weight comprises multiplying a number of job requisitions in the matching set of job requisitions having a given title by a log inverse frequency of the given title in the collection of job requisitions in the requisition knowledge base. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the log inverse frequency is calculated as a Term Frequency Inverse Document Frequency (TFIDF) calculation. 21. The method of claim 15, wherein selecting, based on the first weight, a plurality of the titles in the matching set of job requisitions as required titles comprises sorting the titles of the matching set of job requisition based on the first weights and selecting a specified number of the sorted titles as required titles. 22. The method of claim 15, wherein assigning a first weight comprises assigning a Jaccard score to determine which titles are most relevant to the matching set of job requisitions. 23. The method of claim 15, wherein assigning second weights to the implied required titles comprises determining a weight for each of the implied required titles based on a log frequency of the implied required title in the resumes of the fourth knowledge base. 24. The method of claim 15, wherein computing a score for each of the implied required titles based on the first weights and the second weights comprises determining a weighted average for each of the second weights using the first weights. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein selecting, based on the scores, a subset of the implied required titles comprises sorting the implied required titles based on the weighted averages of the second weights and selecting a specified number of the sorted implied required titles as the subset of implied required titles. 26. The method of claim 15, wherein the matching set of job requisitions comprises a single job requisition. 27. The method of claim 26, wherein assigning first weights to the titles in the matching set of job requisitions comprises assigning a same weight to each of the titles of the single job requisition. 28. The method of claim 26, wherein assigning first weights to the titles in the matching set of job requisitions comprises assigning first weights by weighting each of the titles in the single job requisition based on a log inverse frequency of the title in the collection of job requisitions of the requisition knowledge base. 29. A computer-implemented method for ranking a resume, the method comprising:
storing in a computer system a skill knowledge base comprising a collection of skills; storing in the computer system a requisition knowledge base comprising a collection of job requisitions, each job requisition associated with one or more skills in the skill knowledge base; storing in the computer system a resume knowledge base comprising a collection of resumes, each resume associated with one or more skills in the skill knowledge base; storing in the resume knowledge base a resume of a user received into the computer system, the resume associated with one or more skills in the skill knowledge base that match resume skills in the resume; receiving an input query from the user; identifying by a search of the requisition knowledge base a set of job requisitions matching the input query; assigning a first weight to each of the skills in the matching set of job requisitions based on a frequency of occurrence of the skill across the collection of job requisitions in the requisition knowledge base; selecting, based on the first weight, skills in the matching set of job requisitions as required skills for the input query; identifying by a search of the resume knowledge base using the required skills as an input a set of implied required skills that are subsumed by the required skills and that are associated with resumes identified by the search of the resume knowledge base; assigning a second weight to each of the implied required skills based on a frequency of occurrence of the implied required skills in the collection of resumes in the resume knowledge base; computing a score for each of the implied required skills based on the first weights and the second weights; selecting, based on the scores, a subset of the implied required skills; scoring the resume of the user based on each of the implied required skills in the subset; scoring the collection of resumes in the resume knowledge bases based on each of the implied required skills in the subset; determining, based on the score of the user's resume and the scores of the collection of resumes, a ranking for the resume of the user relative to a plurality of resumes in the resume knowledge base with regard to each of the implied required skills in the subset; and providing for display to the user the ranking of the resume of the user. 30. The method of claim 29, wherein the ranking is a percentile rating of the resume of the user relative to the collection of resumes in the resume knowledge base. 31. The method of claim 29, further comprising determining a ranking of the resume of the user relative to the collection of resumes in the resume knowledge base for a type of job search conducted by the user. 32. A computer-implemented method for ranking a resume, the method comprising:
storing in a computer system a title knowledge base comprising a collection of titles; storing in the computer system a requisition knowledge base comprising a collection of job requisitions, each job requisition associated with one or more titles in the title knowledge base; storing in the computer system a resume knowledge base comprising a collection of resumes, each resume associated with one or more titles in the title knowledge base; storing in the resume knowledge base a resume of a user received into the computer system, the resume associated with one or more titles in the title knowledge base that match resume titles in the resume; receiving an input query from the user; identifying by a search of the requisition knowledge base a set of job requisitions matching the input query; assigning a first weight to each of the titles in the matching set of job requisitions based on a frequency of occurrence of the title across the collection of job requisitions in the requisition knowledge base; selecting, based on the first weight, titles in the matching set of job requisitions as required titles for the input query; identifying by a search of the resume knowledge base using the required titles as an input a set of implied required titles that are subsumed by the required titles and that are associated with resumes identified by the search of the resume knowledge base; assigning a second weight to each of the implied required titles based on a frequency of occurrence of the implied required titles in the collection of resumes in the resume knowledge base; computing a score for each of the implied required titles based on the first weights and the second weights; selecting, based on the scores, a subset of the implied required titles; scoring the resume of the user based on each of the implied required titles in the subset; scoring the collection of resumes in the resume knowledge bases based on each of the implied required titles in the subset; determining, based on the score of the user's resume and the scores of the collection of resumes, a ranking for the resume of the user relative to a plurality of resumes in the resume knowledge base with regard to each of the implied required titles in the subset; and providing for display to the user the ranking of the resume of the user. 33. The method of claim 32, wherein the ranking is a percentile rating of the resume of the user relative to the collection of resumes in the resume knowledge base. 34. The method of claim 32, further comprising determining a ranking of the resume of the user relative to the collection of resumes in the resume knowledge base for a type of job search conducted by the user. | 3,600 |
12,538 | 12,538 | 11,247,006 | 3,626 | A method for creating, storing and transferring electronic patient records and for more effectively managing patient accounts receivable and billing includes storing one or more medical forms; converting each of the forms to a sequence of simplified screen displays; downloading said sequence of screen displays to a computer; and entering information into each of the screen displays as a sequence of selections from one or more display menus comprising a portion of each screen display. A system for managing medical records and billing data includes a server for storing one or more medical forms, for converting each of the forms to a sequence of simplified screen displays and for downloading this sequence of simplified screen displays to a user's computer. A user's computer enters information into each of the displays as selections from one or more display menus comprising a part of each screen display and uploads information entered via the screens to the server. A selectively usable data transfer facility between the server and the user's computer facilitates the downloading and uploading. | 1. A system for managing medical records and billing data comprising:
means for storing one or more medical forms; means for converting each of said forms to a sequence of simplified screen displays; means for downloading said sequence of simplified screen displays in a form legibly displayable on a handheld device; means for entering information into each of said displays as selections from one or more display menus comprising a part of said screen displays. 2. A system according to claim 1, wherein at least some of said menus comprise drop-down displays on a computer screen. 3. A system according to claim 1 wherein said means for converting comprises means for converting said forms to a sequence of simplified screen displays which are sequentially displayable on a handheld device screen. 4. A system according to claim 1 wherein at least some of said screen displays include space for entering user-generated information. 5. A system according to claim 1 and further including means for uploading information entered via said screens to another computer. 6. A system according to claim 1 and further including means for converting data from said screen displays to standard ADT HL-7 record segments used for storing patient records. 7. A system according to claim 1 and further including means for saving said information prior to uploading information entered via said screens to another computer. 8. A system according to claim 1 and further including means for saving said information and means for modifying said information prior to uploading information entered via said screens to another computer. 9. A system according to claim 6 wherein said means for saving includes means for adding to said information entered via said screens prior to uploading information entered via said screens to another computer. 10. A system according to claim 1 and further including means for delivering information entered via said screens to a printer. 11. A system according to claim 1 wherein said means for storing, and said means for converting comprise a software application hosted on a server. 12. A system according to claim 1 wherein said means for entering comprises a handheld device. 13. A method for managing medical records and billing data comprising:
storing one or more medical forms; converting each of said forms to a sequence of simplified screen displays in a form legibly displayable on a handheld device; downloading said sequence of screen displays to a computer; entering information into each of said screen displays as a sequence of selections from one or more display menus comprising a portion of said screen displays. 14. A method according to claim 13, wherein at least some of said menus comprise drop-down displays on a computer screen. 15. A method according to claim 13 wherein said converting comprises converting said forms to a sequence of simplified screen displays which are displayable on a handheld device screen. 16. A method according to claim 13 wherein at least some of said screen displays include space for their entering user-generated information. 17. A method according to claim 13 and further including uploading information entered via said screens to another computer. 18. A method according to claim 13 and further including converting data from said screen displays to standard ADT HL-7 record segments used for storing patient records. 19. A method according to claim 13 and further including delivering information entered via said screens to a printer. 20. A method according to claim 13 wherein said storing, and said converting include providing a software application hosted on a server. 21. A method according to claim 13 wherein said entering comprises entering on a handheld device. 22. A method according to claim 17 wherein said uploading comprises uploading selected portions of said entered information. 23. A method according to claim 21 wherein said selected portions comprise portions of said entered information utilized for billing purposes. 24. A system for managing medical records and billing data comprising:
a server for storing one or more medical forms, for converting each of said forms to a sequence of simplified screen displays in a form legibly displayable on a handheld device and for downloading said sequence of simplified screen displays to a user's computer; a user's computer for entering information into each of said displays as selections from one or more display menus comprising a part of said screen displays and for uploading information entered via said screens to the server, and a selectively usable data transfer facility between said server and said user's computer for facilitating said downloading and said uploading. 25. A system according to claim 24, wherein at least some of said menus comprise drop-down displays on a computer screen. 26. A system according to claim 24 wherein said server hosts a software application for converting said forms to a sequence of simplified screen displays which are displayable on a handheld device screen. 27. A system according to claim 24 wherein at least some of said screen displays include space for their entering user-generated information. 28. A system according to claim 24 said user's computer further delivering information entered via said screens to a printer. 29. A system according to claim 24 wherein said hosts a software application for storing one or more medical forms, for converting each of said forms to a sequence of simplified screen displays and for downloading said sequence of simplified screen displays to a user's computer 30. A system according to claim 24 wherein said user's computer comprises a handheld device. | A method for creating, storing and transferring electronic patient records and for more effectively managing patient accounts receivable and billing includes storing one or more medical forms; converting each of the forms to a sequence of simplified screen displays; downloading said sequence of screen displays to a computer; and entering information into each of the screen displays as a sequence of selections from one or more display menus comprising a portion of each screen display. A system for managing medical records and billing data includes a server for storing one or more medical forms, for converting each of the forms to a sequence of simplified screen displays and for downloading this sequence of simplified screen displays to a user's computer. A user's computer enters information into each of the displays as selections from one or more display menus comprising a part of each screen display and uploads information entered via the screens to the server. A selectively usable data transfer facility between the server and the user's computer facilitates the downloading and uploading.1. A system for managing medical records and billing data comprising:
means for storing one or more medical forms; means for converting each of said forms to a sequence of simplified screen displays; means for downloading said sequence of simplified screen displays in a form legibly displayable on a handheld device; means for entering information into each of said displays as selections from one or more display menus comprising a part of said screen displays. 2. A system according to claim 1, wherein at least some of said menus comprise drop-down displays on a computer screen. 3. A system according to claim 1 wherein said means for converting comprises means for converting said forms to a sequence of simplified screen displays which are sequentially displayable on a handheld device screen. 4. A system according to claim 1 wherein at least some of said screen displays include space for entering user-generated information. 5. A system according to claim 1 and further including means for uploading information entered via said screens to another computer. 6. A system according to claim 1 and further including means for converting data from said screen displays to standard ADT HL-7 record segments used for storing patient records. 7. A system according to claim 1 and further including means for saving said information prior to uploading information entered via said screens to another computer. 8. A system according to claim 1 and further including means for saving said information and means for modifying said information prior to uploading information entered via said screens to another computer. 9. A system according to claim 6 wherein said means for saving includes means for adding to said information entered via said screens prior to uploading information entered via said screens to another computer. 10. A system according to claim 1 and further including means for delivering information entered via said screens to a printer. 11. A system according to claim 1 wherein said means for storing, and said means for converting comprise a software application hosted on a server. 12. A system according to claim 1 wherein said means for entering comprises a handheld device. 13. A method for managing medical records and billing data comprising:
storing one or more medical forms; converting each of said forms to a sequence of simplified screen displays in a form legibly displayable on a handheld device; downloading said sequence of screen displays to a computer; entering information into each of said screen displays as a sequence of selections from one or more display menus comprising a portion of said screen displays. 14. A method according to claim 13, wherein at least some of said menus comprise drop-down displays on a computer screen. 15. A method according to claim 13 wherein said converting comprises converting said forms to a sequence of simplified screen displays which are displayable on a handheld device screen. 16. A method according to claim 13 wherein at least some of said screen displays include space for their entering user-generated information. 17. A method according to claim 13 and further including uploading information entered via said screens to another computer. 18. A method according to claim 13 and further including converting data from said screen displays to standard ADT HL-7 record segments used for storing patient records. 19. A method according to claim 13 and further including delivering information entered via said screens to a printer. 20. A method according to claim 13 wherein said storing, and said converting include providing a software application hosted on a server. 21. A method according to claim 13 wherein said entering comprises entering on a handheld device. 22. A method according to claim 17 wherein said uploading comprises uploading selected portions of said entered information. 23. A method according to claim 21 wherein said selected portions comprise portions of said entered information utilized for billing purposes. 24. A system for managing medical records and billing data comprising:
a server for storing one or more medical forms, for converting each of said forms to a sequence of simplified screen displays in a form legibly displayable on a handheld device and for downloading said sequence of simplified screen displays to a user's computer; a user's computer for entering information into each of said displays as selections from one or more display menus comprising a part of said screen displays and for uploading information entered via said screens to the server, and a selectively usable data transfer facility between said server and said user's computer for facilitating said downloading and said uploading. 25. A system according to claim 24, wherein at least some of said menus comprise drop-down displays on a computer screen. 26. A system according to claim 24 wherein said server hosts a software application for converting said forms to a sequence of simplified screen displays which are displayable on a handheld device screen. 27. A system according to claim 24 wherein at least some of said screen displays include space for their entering user-generated information. 28. A system according to claim 24 said user's computer further delivering information entered via said screens to a printer. 29. A system according to claim 24 wherein said hosts a software application for storing one or more medical forms, for converting each of said forms to a sequence of simplified screen displays and for downloading said sequence of simplified screen displays to a user's computer 30. A system according to claim 24 wherein said user's computer comprises a handheld device. | 3,600 |
12,539 | 12,539 | 12,544,009 | 3,693 | Geographical location information provided by a mobile device is used as a control on the use of a payment card as described. Mobile device identification is linked to a payment card account such that when a payment card authorization request is received, information about the geographic location of the origination of the request is checked against the geographic location provided by the mobile device, and if there is a match, the transaction can further processed for authorization or directly authorized. | 1. A financial transaction system comprising:
a managing computer system comprising a memory device capable of storing data associating identification information of at least one mobile device with at least one individual payment card account, and a computer processor configured to:
(i) receive a request from a merchant for authorization of a payment card transaction against a payment card account of a customer, wherein said authorization request from the merchant indicates the geographic origin of the request for authorization;
(ii) receive information communicated by said at least one mobile device regarding a current geographic location and identity of the mobile device as determined by the mobile device, wherein the mobile device has electronics capable of determining a geographic location of the mobile device;
(iii) identify at least one mobile device associated with the payment card account against which the request for authorization has been received by accessing data stored in the memory device;
(iv) determine whether said geographic origin of the request for authorization matches the geographic location determined by the at least one mobile device; and
(v) one of: (1) permit the payment card transaction to be processed for authorization when said geographic origin of said authorization request matches the geographic location determined by said mobile device, and (2) take action to permit denying the authorization request for the transaction to be processed for authorization when said geographic origin of the authorization request does not match the geographic location of the mobile device. 2. A financial transaction system in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a payment card transaction processor configured to:
receive information from the managing computer system indicating that the payment card transaction is to be processed for authorization, process the payment card transaction for authorization by reviewing transaction details of the request for authorization against conditions associated with the payment card account of the customer identified in the request for authorization, and authorize or deny the request for authorization based on said review. 3. A financial transaction system in accordance with claim 2, wherein the managing computer system is part of the payment card transaction processor. 4. A financial transaction system in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a payment card transaction acquirer that receives requests from merchants for authorization of payment card transactions and forwards said authorization requests to the managing computer system. 5. A financial transaction system in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a financial transaction acquirer that receives requests from merchants for authorization of payment card transactions, wherein said managing computer system is part thereof. 6. A financial transaction system according to claim 1, wherein said authorization request includes information that indicates the geographic origin of the request for authorization based on the geographic location of the merchant terminal for card-present transactions. 7. A financial transaction system according to claim 1, wherein said authorization request includes information that indicates the geographic origin of an interface which receives payment card account information from a user for card-not-present transactions. 8. A financial transaction system according to claim 1, wherein the mobile device determines the geographic location of the mobile device using the Global Positioning System (GPS). 9. A financial transaction system according to claim 1, wherein the mobile device determines the geographic location of the mobile device through at last one wireless local area network transmitter the location of which is known. 10. A financial transaction system according to claim 1, wherein the mobile device determines the geographic location of the mobile device based on transmissions from cellular phone communication providers. 11. A financial transaction system according to claim 1, wherein the determination of whether said geographic origin of the authorization request matches the geographic location determined by the mobile device is based on at least one of: (1) the geographic origin of the transaction authorization request being within a given distance of the geographic location of the mobile device, (2) the geographic origin of the transaction authorization request being within the same local community as the geographic location of the mobile device, and (3) the geographic origin of the transaction authorization request being within the same country as the geographic location of the mobile device. 12. A financial transaction system according to claim 1, further comprising an interface through which a customer can associate in the memory device information identifying one or more mobile devices with one or more individual payment card accounts. 13. A financial transaction system according to claim 12, wherein said interface permits a customer to set one or more limits or profiles of limits on the use of the payment card account based on matching at least one mobile device with at least one of the individual payment card accounts with which the individual mobile device is associated. 14. A financial transaction system according to claim 1, further comprising an interface that permits a payment account issuer to set one or more limits or profiles of limits on the use of the payment card account based on matching the at least one mobile device with at least one of the individual payment card accounts with which the individual mobile device is associated. 15. A financial transaction system according to claim 1, wherein said information communicated by the mobile device is from an application that a customer can selectively activate or install on the mobile device. 16. A financial transaction system according to claim 1, wherein information communicated by the mobile device regarding a current geographic location of the mobile device is received through a data communication service and channel including at least one of: TCP/IP over the Internet, a SMS messaging service, an e-mail messaging service, and point-to-point communications. 17. A financial transaction system according to claim 1, wherein the managing computer system takes action to permit denying of the transaction by sending a message to the merchant that the transaction authorization has been denied. 18. A financial transaction system according to claim 1, wherein the managing computer system takes action to permit denying of the transaction by communicating a denial message to a card payment processor, which in turn can deny or authorize a transaction regardless of the action taken by the managing computer system, based on pre-established criteria. 19. A financial transaction system according to claim 1, wherein the managing computer system takes action to permit denying of the transaction by:
communicating a denial message to the merchant requesting authorization, and sending an alert to at least one of the customer and the payment card account issuer. 20. A financial transaction system according to claim 1, wherein the managing computer system takes action to permit denying the transaction by sending an alert to the customer such that the customer may indicate that the transaction is to be either authorized or denied, or not respond, and either denies the transaction unless the customer authorizes the transaction within a given period of time, or authorizes the transaction unless the customer indicates that the transaction is to be denied within a given period of time. 21. A financial transaction method comprising:
(i) receiving, in a managing computer system comprising a memory device capable of storing data associating identification information of individual mobile devices with individual payment card accounts, and a computer processor, a request from a merchant for authorization of a payment card transaction against a payment card account of a customer, the authorization request from the merchant indicating the geographic origin of the request for authorization; (ii) receiving, in the managing computer system, information communicated by a mobile device regarding a current geographic location as determined by the mobile device and identity of the mobile device as determined by the mobile device, wherein the mobile device has electronics capable of determining a geographic location of the mobile device; (iii) identifying, in the managing computer system, at least one mobile device associated with the payment card account against which a request for authorization has been received by accessing data stored in the memory device; (iv) determining, in the managing computer system, whether said geographic origin of the authorization request matches the geographic location determined by the mobile device; and (v) one of: (1) permitting the payment card transaction to be processed for authorization when said geographic origin of said authorization request matches the geographic location determined by said mobile device, and (2) taking action to permit denying the authorization request for the transaction to be processed for authorization when said geographic origin of the request does not match the geographic location of the mobile device. 22. A financial transaction method in accordance with claim 21, further comprising:
forwarding to a payment card transaction processor information from the managing computer system indicating that the payment card transaction is to be processed for authorization; processing the payment card transaction for authorization by reviewing transaction details of the transaction authorization request against conditions associated with the payment card account of the customer identified in the transaction authorization request, and authorizing or denying a transaction authorization request based on said review. 23. A financial transaction method in accordance with claim 22, wherein the managing computer system is part of the payment card transaction processor. 24. A financial transaction method in accordance with claim 21, further comprising:
receiving in a payment card transaction acquirer transaction authorization requests from merchants for authorization of payment card transactions; and forwarding from the payment card transaction acquirer said authorization requests to the managing computer system. 25. A financial transaction method in accordance with claim 21, further comprising receiving, in a financial transaction acquirer, transaction authorization requests from merchants for authorization of payment card transactions, wherein said managing computer system is part of the financial transaction acquirer. 26. A financial transaction method according to claim 21, wherein said authorization request includes information that indicates the geographic origin of the request for authorization based on the geographic location of the merchant terminal for card-present transactions. 27. A financial transaction method according to claim 21, wherein said authorization request includes information that indicates the geographic origin of an interface which receives payment card account information from a user for card-not-present transactions. 28. A financial transaction method according to claim 21, wherein the mobile device determines the geographic location of the mobile device using the Global Positioning System (GPS). 29. A financial transaction method according to claim 21, wherein the mobile device determines the geographic location of the mobile device through at least one of wireless local area network transmitter the position of which is known. 30. A financial transaction method according to claim 21, wherein the mobile device determines the geographic location of the mobile device based on transmissions from cellular phone communication providers. 31. A financial transaction method according to claim 21, wherein the determination of whether said geographic origin of the authorization request matches the geographic location determined by the mobile device is based on at least one of: (1) the geographic origin of the transaction authorization request being within a given distance of the geographic location of the mobile device, (2) the geographic origin of the transaction authorization request being within the same local community as the geographic location of the mobile device, and (3) the geographic origin of the transaction authorization request being within the same country as the geographic location of the mobile device. 32. A financial transaction method according to claim 21, further comprising associating, through a user interface through which a customer can associate in the memory device, information identifying one or more mobile devices with one or more individual payment card accounts. 33. A financial transaction method according to claim 32, further comprising permitting, through said user interface, a customer to set one or more limits or profiles of limits on the use of the payment card account based on matching at least one mobile device with at least one of the individual payment card accounts with which the individual mobile device is associated. 34. A financial transaction method according to claim 32, further comprising permitting, through said user interface, a payment account issuer to set one or more limits or profiles of limits on the use of the payment card account based on matching the at least one mobile device with at least one of the individual payment card accounts with which the individual mobile device is associated. 35. A financial transaction method according to claim 21, further comprising permitting a customer to selectively activate or install an application on a mobile device to provide the information and communicate from the mobile device regarding a current geographic location and identity of the mobile device. 36. A financial transaction method according to claim 21, further comprising communicating information from a mobile device regarding a current geographic location of the mobile device is received through a data communication service and channel including at least one of: TCP/IP over the Internet, a SMS messaging service, an e-mail messaging service, and point-to-point communications. 37. A financial transaction method according to claim 21, wherein taking action by the managing computer system to permit denying of the transaction is in the form of sending a message to the merchant that the transaction authorization has been denied. 38. A financial transaction method according to claim 21, wherein taking action by the managing computer system to permit denying of the transaction is in the form of communicating a denial message to a card payment processor, which in turn can deny or authorize a transaction regardless of the action taken by the managing computer system, based on pre-established criteria. 39. A financial transaction system according to claim 21, wherein taking action in the managing computer system is in the form of denying of the transaction by:
communicating a denial message to the merchant requesting authorization, and sending an alert to at least one of the customer and the card account issuer. 40. A financial transaction method according to claim 21, wherein taking action by the managing computer system to permit denying the transaction is in the form of sending an alert to the customer such that the customer may indicate that the transaction is to be either authorized or denied, or not respond, and either denying the transaction unless the customer authorizes the transaction within a given period of time, or authorizing the transaction unless the customer indicates that the transaction is to be denied within a given period of time. | Geographical location information provided by a mobile device is used as a control on the use of a payment card as described. Mobile device identification is linked to a payment card account such that when a payment card authorization request is received, information about the geographic location of the origination of the request is checked against the geographic location provided by the mobile device, and if there is a match, the transaction can further processed for authorization or directly authorized.1. A financial transaction system comprising:
a managing computer system comprising a memory device capable of storing data associating identification information of at least one mobile device with at least one individual payment card account, and a computer processor configured to:
(i) receive a request from a merchant for authorization of a payment card transaction against a payment card account of a customer, wherein said authorization request from the merchant indicates the geographic origin of the request for authorization;
(ii) receive information communicated by said at least one mobile device regarding a current geographic location and identity of the mobile device as determined by the mobile device, wherein the mobile device has electronics capable of determining a geographic location of the mobile device;
(iii) identify at least one mobile device associated with the payment card account against which the request for authorization has been received by accessing data stored in the memory device;
(iv) determine whether said geographic origin of the request for authorization matches the geographic location determined by the at least one mobile device; and
(v) one of: (1) permit the payment card transaction to be processed for authorization when said geographic origin of said authorization request matches the geographic location determined by said mobile device, and (2) take action to permit denying the authorization request for the transaction to be processed for authorization when said geographic origin of the authorization request does not match the geographic location of the mobile device. 2. A financial transaction system in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a payment card transaction processor configured to:
receive information from the managing computer system indicating that the payment card transaction is to be processed for authorization, process the payment card transaction for authorization by reviewing transaction details of the request for authorization against conditions associated with the payment card account of the customer identified in the request for authorization, and authorize or deny the request for authorization based on said review. 3. A financial transaction system in accordance with claim 2, wherein the managing computer system is part of the payment card transaction processor. 4. A financial transaction system in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a payment card transaction acquirer that receives requests from merchants for authorization of payment card transactions and forwards said authorization requests to the managing computer system. 5. A financial transaction system in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a financial transaction acquirer that receives requests from merchants for authorization of payment card transactions, wherein said managing computer system is part thereof. 6. A financial transaction system according to claim 1, wherein said authorization request includes information that indicates the geographic origin of the request for authorization based on the geographic location of the merchant terminal for card-present transactions. 7. A financial transaction system according to claim 1, wherein said authorization request includes information that indicates the geographic origin of an interface which receives payment card account information from a user for card-not-present transactions. 8. A financial transaction system according to claim 1, wherein the mobile device determines the geographic location of the mobile device using the Global Positioning System (GPS). 9. A financial transaction system according to claim 1, wherein the mobile device determines the geographic location of the mobile device through at last one wireless local area network transmitter the location of which is known. 10. A financial transaction system according to claim 1, wherein the mobile device determines the geographic location of the mobile device based on transmissions from cellular phone communication providers. 11. A financial transaction system according to claim 1, wherein the determination of whether said geographic origin of the authorization request matches the geographic location determined by the mobile device is based on at least one of: (1) the geographic origin of the transaction authorization request being within a given distance of the geographic location of the mobile device, (2) the geographic origin of the transaction authorization request being within the same local community as the geographic location of the mobile device, and (3) the geographic origin of the transaction authorization request being within the same country as the geographic location of the mobile device. 12. A financial transaction system according to claim 1, further comprising an interface through which a customer can associate in the memory device information identifying one or more mobile devices with one or more individual payment card accounts. 13. A financial transaction system according to claim 12, wherein said interface permits a customer to set one or more limits or profiles of limits on the use of the payment card account based on matching at least one mobile device with at least one of the individual payment card accounts with which the individual mobile device is associated. 14. A financial transaction system according to claim 1, further comprising an interface that permits a payment account issuer to set one or more limits or profiles of limits on the use of the payment card account based on matching the at least one mobile device with at least one of the individual payment card accounts with which the individual mobile device is associated. 15. A financial transaction system according to claim 1, wherein said information communicated by the mobile device is from an application that a customer can selectively activate or install on the mobile device. 16. A financial transaction system according to claim 1, wherein information communicated by the mobile device regarding a current geographic location of the mobile device is received through a data communication service and channel including at least one of: TCP/IP over the Internet, a SMS messaging service, an e-mail messaging service, and point-to-point communications. 17. A financial transaction system according to claim 1, wherein the managing computer system takes action to permit denying of the transaction by sending a message to the merchant that the transaction authorization has been denied. 18. A financial transaction system according to claim 1, wherein the managing computer system takes action to permit denying of the transaction by communicating a denial message to a card payment processor, which in turn can deny or authorize a transaction regardless of the action taken by the managing computer system, based on pre-established criteria. 19. A financial transaction system according to claim 1, wherein the managing computer system takes action to permit denying of the transaction by:
communicating a denial message to the merchant requesting authorization, and sending an alert to at least one of the customer and the payment card account issuer. 20. A financial transaction system according to claim 1, wherein the managing computer system takes action to permit denying the transaction by sending an alert to the customer such that the customer may indicate that the transaction is to be either authorized or denied, or not respond, and either denies the transaction unless the customer authorizes the transaction within a given period of time, or authorizes the transaction unless the customer indicates that the transaction is to be denied within a given period of time. 21. A financial transaction method comprising:
(i) receiving, in a managing computer system comprising a memory device capable of storing data associating identification information of individual mobile devices with individual payment card accounts, and a computer processor, a request from a merchant for authorization of a payment card transaction against a payment card account of a customer, the authorization request from the merchant indicating the geographic origin of the request for authorization; (ii) receiving, in the managing computer system, information communicated by a mobile device regarding a current geographic location as determined by the mobile device and identity of the mobile device as determined by the mobile device, wherein the mobile device has electronics capable of determining a geographic location of the mobile device; (iii) identifying, in the managing computer system, at least one mobile device associated with the payment card account against which a request for authorization has been received by accessing data stored in the memory device; (iv) determining, in the managing computer system, whether said geographic origin of the authorization request matches the geographic location determined by the mobile device; and (v) one of: (1) permitting the payment card transaction to be processed for authorization when said geographic origin of said authorization request matches the geographic location determined by said mobile device, and (2) taking action to permit denying the authorization request for the transaction to be processed for authorization when said geographic origin of the request does not match the geographic location of the mobile device. 22. A financial transaction method in accordance with claim 21, further comprising:
forwarding to a payment card transaction processor information from the managing computer system indicating that the payment card transaction is to be processed for authorization; processing the payment card transaction for authorization by reviewing transaction details of the transaction authorization request against conditions associated with the payment card account of the customer identified in the transaction authorization request, and authorizing or denying a transaction authorization request based on said review. 23. A financial transaction method in accordance with claim 22, wherein the managing computer system is part of the payment card transaction processor. 24. A financial transaction method in accordance with claim 21, further comprising:
receiving in a payment card transaction acquirer transaction authorization requests from merchants for authorization of payment card transactions; and forwarding from the payment card transaction acquirer said authorization requests to the managing computer system. 25. A financial transaction method in accordance with claim 21, further comprising receiving, in a financial transaction acquirer, transaction authorization requests from merchants for authorization of payment card transactions, wherein said managing computer system is part of the financial transaction acquirer. 26. A financial transaction method according to claim 21, wherein said authorization request includes information that indicates the geographic origin of the request for authorization based on the geographic location of the merchant terminal for card-present transactions. 27. A financial transaction method according to claim 21, wherein said authorization request includes information that indicates the geographic origin of an interface which receives payment card account information from a user for card-not-present transactions. 28. A financial transaction method according to claim 21, wherein the mobile device determines the geographic location of the mobile device using the Global Positioning System (GPS). 29. A financial transaction method according to claim 21, wherein the mobile device determines the geographic location of the mobile device through at least one of wireless local area network transmitter the position of which is known. 30. A financial transaction method according to claim 21, wherein the mobile device determines the geographic location of the mobile device based on transmissions from cellular phone communication providers. 31. A financial transaction method according to claim 21, wherein the determination of whether said geographic origin of the authorization request matches the geographic location determined by the mobile device is based on at least one of: (1) the geographic origin of the transaction authorization request being within a given distance of the geographic location of the mobile device, (2) the geographic origin of the transaction authorization request being within the same local community as the geographic location of the mobile device, and (3) the geographic origin of the transaction authorization request being within the same country as the geographic location of the mobile device. 32. A financial transaction method according to claim 21, further comprising associating, through a user interface through which a customer can associate in the memory device, information identifying one or more mobile devices with one or more individual payment card accounts. 33. A financial transaction method according to claim 32, further comprising permitting, through said user interface, a customer to set one or more limits or profiles of limits on the use of the payment card account based on matching at least one mobile device with at least one of the individual payment card accounts with which the individual mobile device is associated. 34. A financial transaction method according to claim 32, further comprising permitting, through said user interface, a payment account issuer to set one or more limits or profiles of limits on the use of the payment card account based on matching the at least one mobile device with at least one of the individual payment card accounts with which the individual mobile device is associated. 35. A financial transaction method according to claim 21, further comprising permitting a customer to selectively activate or install an application on a mobile device to provide the information and communicate from the mobile device regarding a current geographic location and identity of the mobile device. 36. A financial transaction method according to claim 21, further comprising communicating information from a mobile device regarding a current geographic location of the mobile device is received through a data communication service and channel including at least one of: TCP/IP over the Internet, a SMS messaging service, an e-mail messaging service, and point-to-point communications. 37. A financial transaction method according to claim 21, wherein taking action by the managing computer system to permit denying of the transaction is in the form of sending a message to the merchant that the transaction authorization has been denied. 38. A financial transaction method according to claim 21, wherein taking action by the managing computer system to permit denying of the transaction is in the form of communicating a denial message to a card payment processor, which in turn can deny or authorize a transaction regardless of the action taken by the managing computer system, based on pre-established criteria. 39. A financial transaction system according to claim 21, wherein taking action in the managing computer system is in the form of denying of the transaction by:
communicating a denial message to the merchant requesting authorization, and sending an alert to at least one of the customer and the card account issuer. 40. A financial transaction method according to claim 21, wherein taking action by the managing computer system to permit denying the transaction is in the form of sending an alert to the customer such that the customer may indicate that the transaction is to be either authorized or denied, or not respond, and either denying the transaction unless the customer authorizes the transaction within a given period of time, or authorizing the transaction unless the customer indicates that the transaction is to be denied within a given period of time. | 3,600 |
12,540 | 12,540 | 14,820,541 | 3,689 | A data management system, method, and non-transitory storage device for tracking an agriculture product from origin to shipment to market, and for optimizing productivity of the agriculture product by analyzing the compiled data and modifying future activities accordingly. A single source data repository maintains records of agricultural, administrative, environmental, and process data related to the agriculture product in one-to-many and one-to-one relationships and utilizes at least one special purpose computer server that serves as a storage server for the compiled data and at least one special purpose computer server that serves as a Web server for handling, processing, and completing data requests and retrieval from a plurality of users. | 1. A computer-based system for improved processing of information related to origin, production and distribution of an agriculture product during the entire term of an agricultural production cycle from land preparation to a final destination for sale to consumers, comprising:
one or more special purpose computer servers designed to serve as a storage server for storing data records in accordance with a logical data model and connected electronic storage that stores computer-executable instructions and data that is used by the computer-executable instructions, wherein the one or more special purpose computer servers, computer-executable instructions and data, together, configure the system to collect information by way of network connections, and process the information to provide processed tracking information of agriculture product origin, production and distribution; with the one or more special purpose computer servers configured for conducting the following steps: collecting various, diverse agricultural, administrative and environmental data from personal computers, mobile phones, farm machines and third party computer servers, wherein the collecting of data includes:
assigning a single unique identifier in the form of a Farm Plot Number to the agriculture product first planted or managed at an origin site;
compiling daily farming activities for the agriculture product, and associating the compiled activities to the agriculture product via the Farm Plot Number;
compiling harvest activities related to the harvesting of the agriculture product at the origin site, and associating the compiled activities to the agriculture product via the Farm Plot Number;
compiling post-harvest activities for the agriculture product, and associating the compiled activities to the agriculture product via the Farm Plot Number;
compiling additional records and modified existing records as to daily farming activities, harvest activities and post-harvest activities for the agriculture product, and associating the compiled records to the agriculture product via the Farm Plot Number;
maintaining all data association with the Farm Plot Number without changing or modifying the Farm Plot Number during the entire term of the agricultural production cycle;
storing and maintaining all compiled data in association with the Farm Plot Number in a single database for the entire term of the agricultural production cycle;
compiling the data in a single database to establish how the agriculture product originated and was produced from its farm source origin to a final destination for sale, wherein the data is compiled via using a single user input of the Farm Plot Number by which all data associated with that Farm Plot Number is included for compilation; and generating a report summarizing the compiled data to authenticate all activities related to the agriculture product's origin, production and distribution, wherein the server generated report is produced upon receiving a single user input of the Farm Plot Number by which all data associated with that Farm Plot Number is included for compilation and is then presented on a graphical user interface or outputted in a printed form; wherein the compiled data improves the functioning and performance of the computer servers by reducing to a minimum the number of times necessary to access and retrieve all of the compiled data by querying the computer servers with the Farm Plot Number. 2.-6. (canceled) 7. The computer-based system of claim 1, wherein the one or more special purpose computer servers are further configured for conducting:
processing the agriculture product for shipment; compiling packing activities related to the packing of the agriculture product, and associating the compiled activities to the agriculture product via the Farm Plot Number; compiling shipment information of the agriculture product, and associating the shipment information to the agriculture product via the Farm Plot Number; and providing a listing of the compiled information on the shipped agriculture product to confirm for consumers the creation, processing and tracking of the agriculture product from its origin site to final point of sale, wherein the server generated listing is produced upon receiving a single user input of the Farm Plot Number by which all data associated with that user input is included for compilation. 8. The computer-based system of claim 1, wherein the one or more special purpose computer servers include a database server for organizing and managing all the collected data in a single, relational database as defined in a logical data model; and a Web server for handling, processing and completing requests from the personal computers, mobile phones, farm machines or third party computer servers. 9. The computer-based system of claim 8 further comprising:
a Web application computer program product for human users to send and retrieve data records manually through a graphical user interface between the computer system and a personal computer;
a Mobile application computer program product for human users to send and retrieve data records manually through a graphical user interface between the computer system and a mobile phone;
a Web service application computer program product for farm machines to transmit and process data records automatically through an automated scripted procedure between the computer system and a farm machine equipped with a computer; and
a Web service application computer program product for business partners to transmit and process data records automatically through an automated scripted procedure between the computer system and an external, third party computer server,
wherein the combined computer programs together improve the functioning and performance of the computer servers by providing alternative interfaces and procedures tailored to collect data both manually and automatically from the various users. 10. A computer-based method for processing information related to origin, production and distribution of an agriculture product, wherein each step is conducted by one or more special purpose computer servers designed to serve as a storage server for storing data records in accordance with a logical data model, which method comprises:
collecting various, diverse agricultural, administrative and environmental data from personal computers, mobile phones, farm machines and third party computer servers, wherein the collecting of data includes:
assigning the Farm Plot Number to the agriculture product first planted or managed at an origin site;
compiling daily farming activities for the agriculture product, and associating the compiled activities to the agriculture product via the Farm Plot Number;
compiling harvest activities related to the harvesting of the agriculture product at the origin site, and associating the compiled activities to the agriculture product via the Farm Plot Number;
compiling post-harvest activities for the agriculture product, and associating the compiled activities to the agriculture product via the Farm Plot Number;
compiling additional records and modified existing records as to daily farming activities, harvest activities and post-harvest activities for the agriculture product, and associating the compiled records to the agriculture product via the Farm Plot Number;
maintaining all data association with the Farm Plot No. without changing or modifying the Farm Plot Number during the entire term of the agricultural production cycle;
providing processed tracking information in a generated report summarizing the compiled data to authenticate all activities related to the agriculture product's origin, production and distribution, wherein the server generated report is produced upon receiving a single user input of the Farm Plot Number by which all data associated with that user input is included for compilation and is then presented on a graphical user interface or outputted in a printed form; wherein the compiled data improves the functioning and performance of the computer servers by reducing to a minimum the number of times necessary to access and retrieve all of the compiled data use by querying the computer servers with the Farm Plot Number. 11. The computer-based method of claim 10, wherein:
(a) the compiled agricultural data comprises combinations of the following related to the agriculture product: data records that document farming activities relating to preparing the land or livestock for the agriculture product's growth; data records that document farming activities related to attending to the agriculture product through the agriculture product's growth from its origin up to harvesting; data records that document crop, animal, or fish product varieties differentiated by type, family and bioengineering, which are variations selected and used for production; data records that document water consumption by the agriculture product; and data records that document the quality of the agriculture product from monitoring the agriculture product throughout growth; (b) the compiled administrative data comprises combinations of the following related to the agriculture product: equipment asset data records that document usage; vendor data records differentiated by vendor contributions during production; accounting data records that document purchase and sales orders; employee data records; and geographical location data records; and (c) the compiled environmental data comprises combinations of the following related to the agriculture product: water sampling data records that evaluate water quality; soil sampling data records that evaluate soil quality; plant monitoring data records that document status, growth and health of cultivated plants; pest data records that document risks to plant cultivation; and weather monitoring data records that document temperature, barometric pressure, precipitation and related weather data. 12. The computer-based method of claim 10, which further comprises compiling process data in the database to authenticate all activities related to processing, packaging, and shipping the agriculture product; wherein the compiled process data comprises combinations of the following related to the agriculture product:
data records that document preparing the agriculture product for packaging once it arrives at a packing facility and packaging the agriculture product for shipment to market, or alternatively, data records that document converting the agriculture product into a new product and then packaging the converted agriculture product for shipment to market; and data records that document shipping information including the agriculture product's point of origin, final destination for sale, estimated time of departure and arrival, and transportation identification including shipping container or shipping pallet identification. 13. The computer-based method of claim 10, which further comprises:
assigning the Farm Plot Number to the agriculture product; compiling daily farming activities for the agriculture product, and associating the compiled activities to the agriculture product via the Farm Plot Number; processing the agriculture product for shipment; compiling processing activities related to the processing of the agriculture product, and associating the compiled activities to the agriculture product via the Farm Plot Number; shipping the agriculture product; compiling shipping information of the agriculture product, and associating the shipping information to the agriculture product via the Farm Plot Number; and providing a listing of the compiled information on the shipped agriculture product to confirm for consumers the creation, processing and tracking of the agriculture product from its origin to final point of sale, wherein the server generated listing is produced upon receiving a single user input of the Farm Plot Number by which all data associated with that user input is included for compilation. 14. (canceled) 15. A non-transitory processor readable medium for carrying out the computer-based method of claim 10 comprising processor readable instructions that when executed by the computer processor cause the computer processor to perform the method. 16.-20. (canceled) 21. The computer-based method of claim 10, which further comprises assigning the Farm Plot Number to the agriculture product at an origin site to assist in compiling the data regarding the agriculture product as it is produced from the origin site, and then is subsequently processed, packaged and made available for distribution at a final destination for sale to consumers. 22. A non-transitory processor readable medium for carrying out the computer-based method of claim 21 comprising processor readable instructions that when executed by the computer processor cause the computer processor to perform the method. 23. The computer-based method of claim 10, wherein the logical data model divides the data associated with the agriculture product's origin, production and distribution into a plurality of data tables and organizes the data tables with one or more data relationships between the data tables in a single database, the logical data model further comprising the following data relationships:
farm or supplier data table identifying agricultural producers differentiated by type, and associating one farm or supplier record with one or more farm plot records; farm or supplier data table further identifying processing factories differentiated by type, and associating one farm or supplier record with one or more processing batch records; farm plot data table identifying divided farm plot records associated with agriculture product variety records first planted or managed on the farm plots, and associating one farm plot record with one agriculture product variety record; crop variety data table identifying agriculture product varieties differentiated by type, family, species and bioengineering, and associating one agriculture product variety record with one or more farm plot records; crop protection data table identifying farming activities related to chemical applications differentiated by chemical stock supply type, and associating one farm plot record with one or more chemical application records; protective equipment data table identifying employee work safety compliance related to chemical applications, and associating one chemical application record with one or more protective equipment records; water usage data table identifying farming activities related to irrigation and watering differentiated by equipment type that is used to draw water from a water source, and associating one farm plot record with one or more water usage records; crop harvest data table identifying farming activities related to harvesting differentiated by equipment type that is used to haul the raw agriculture product from the field, and associating one farm plot record with one or more crop harvest records; food processing data table identifying processing batch records associated with agriculture product variety records that are prepared for conversion into a new product; received food data table identifying post-harvest activities related to receiving crop harvests differentiated by equipment type that is used to haul the harvest from the field, and associating one farm plot record with one or more received for packing records; received food data table further identifying post-harvest activities related to receiving crop harvests for conversion into a new product and differentiated by equipment type that is used to haul the harvest from the field, and associating one processing batch record with one or more received for packing records; received food data table further identifying crop harvests first planted or managed on an associated farm plot and second processed in an associated processing batch; sampled item data table identifying post-harvest activities related to capturing characteristics of the crop harvests for quality control, and associating one received for packing record with one or more sampled agriculture product records; packing boxed food data table identifying post-harvest activities related to packing unprocessed crop harvests into individual packages, and associating one farm plot record with one or more package records; packing boxed food data table further identifying post-harvest activities related to packing processed crop harvests that had been converted into a new product into individual packages, and associating one processing batch record with one or more package records; packing boxed food data table further identifying packaged records first planted or managed on an associated farm plot and second processed in an associated processing batch; shipping pallet data table identifying shipment activities related to bundling packaged agriculture products in preparation for transportation, and associating one shipping pallet record with one or more packaged records; and shipping container data table identifying shipment activities related to transportation of bundled packages on pallets, and associating one shipping container record with one or more pallet records; and wherein the shipping container, shipping pallet and packing boxed food data tables, together identify agriculture products originating from farm plots, and associate one farm plot record with one or more shipping container records. 24. The computer-based method of claim 10, wherein the logical data model divides the data associated with the agriculture product's precise location as it moves from origin through distribution in a plurality of data tables and organizes the data tables with one or more data relationships between the data tables in a single database, the logical data model further comprising the following data relationships:
a GPS coordinates data table identifying the fixed perimeter of farm or supplier facilities, and associating one farm or supplier facility record with one or more GPS coordinate records all of which provide an increasingly accurate shape of the facility's perimeter; a GPS coordinates data table identifying the fixed perimeter of farm plots associated with agriculture product varieties, and associating one farm plot record with one or more GPS coordinate records all of which provide an increasingly accurate shape of the farm plot's perimeter; a GPS coordinates data table identifying the tracked movement of packaged agriculture products being transported from one facility to the next facility, and associating one packaged product record with one or more GPS coordinate records any coordinate point of which indicates a recorded location along the product's travel path; and a GPS coordinates data table identifying the tracked movement of freight shipments across road, rail or sea from terminal or port origin to terminal or port destination, and associating one freight shipment record with one or more GPS coordinate records any coordinate point of which indicates a recorded location along the shipment's travel path. 25. The computer-based method of claim 10, wherein the logical data model dividing the data associated with the agriculture product's administrative management and environment monitoring in a plurality of data tables and organizing the data tables with one or more data relationships between the data tables in a single database, the logical data model further comprising the following data relationships:
one or more data tables related to inventory management identifying purchased and used equipment and supplies and wherein one equipment or supply record is associated with one or more activity records related to origin, production or distribution; one or more data tables related to vendor management identifying organizations differentiated by type that provide or receive goods or services and wherein one vendor record is associated with one or more activity records related to origin, production or distribution; one or more data tables related to financial management identifying purchase and sales orders and wherein one purchase order record is associated with one or more purchased equipment or supply records and one sales order record is associated with one or more sold agriculture product records; one or more data tables related to human resources identifying persons employed or contracted to perform work and wherein one person record is associated with one or more activity records related to origin, production or distribution; one or more data tables related to geographical location identifying jurisdictions and wherein one jurisdiction record is associated with one or more activity records related to origin, production or distribution; one or more data tables related to water sampling identifying the quality of local water sources and wherein one or more water sampling records are associated with one water source record; one or more data tables related to soil sampling identifying the quality of local soil conditions and wherein one or more soil sampling records are associated with one farm plot record; one or more data tables related to plant monitoring identifying the quality of cultivated plants and wherein one or more plant monitoring records are associated with one farm plot record; one or more data tables related to pest management identifying the local occurrences of pests and wherein one or more pest occurrence records are associated with one farm plot record; and one or more data tables related to weather monitoring identifying local weather conditions and wherein one or more weather monitoring records are associated with one farm plot record. | A data management system, method, and non-transitory storage device for tracking an agriculture product from origin to shipment to market, and for optimizing productivity of the agriculture product by analyzing the compiled data and modifying future activities accordingly. A single source data repository maintains records of agricultural, administrative, environmental, and process data related to the agriculture product in one-to-many and one-to-one relationships and utilizes at least one special purpose computer server that serves as a storage server for the compiled data and at least one special purpose computer server that serves as a Web server for handling, processing, and completing data requests and retrieval from a plurality of users.1. A computer-based system for improved processing of information related to origin, production and distribution of an agriculture product during the entire term of an agricultural production cycle from land preparation to a final destination for sale to consumers, comprising:
one or more special purpose computer servers designed to serve as a storage server for storing data records in accordance with a logical data model and connected electronic storage that stores computer-executable instructions and data that is used by the computer-executable instructions, wherein the one or more special purpose computer servers, computer-executable instructions and data, together, configure the system to collect information by way of network connections, and process the information to provide processed tracking information of agriculture product origin, production and distribution; with the one or more special purpose computer servers configured for conducting the following steps: collecting various, diverse agricultural, administrative and environmental data from personal computers, mobile phones, farm machines and third party computer servers, wherein the collecting of data includes:
assigning a single unique identifier in the form of a Farm Plot Number to the agriculture product first planted or managed at an origin site;
compiling daily farming activities for the agriculture product, and associating the compiled activities to the agriculture product via the Farm Plot Number;
compiling harvest activities related to the harvesting of the agriculture product at the origin site, and associating the compiled activities to the agriculture product via the Farm Plot Number;
compiling post-harvest activities for the agriculture product, and associating the compiled activities to the agriculture product via the Farm Plot Number;
compiling additional records and modified existing records as to daily farming activities, harvest activities and post-harvest activities for the agriculture product, and associating the compiled records to the agriculture product via the Farm Plot Number;
maintaining all data association with the Farm Plot Number without changing or modifying the Farm Plot Number during the entire term of the agricultural production cycle;
storing and maintaining all compiled data in association with the Farm Plot Number in a single database for the entire term of the agricultural production cycle;
compiling the data in a single database to establish how the agriculture product originated and was produced from its farm source origin to a final destination for sale, wherein the data is compiled via using a single user input of the Farm Plot Number by which all data associated with that Farm Plot Number is included for compilation; and generating a report summarizing the compiled data to authenticate all activities related to the agriculture product's origin, production and distribution, wherein the server generated report is produced upon receiving a single user input of the Farm Plot Number by which all data associated with that Farm Plot Number is included for compilation and is then presented on a graphical user interface or outputted in a printed form; wherein the compiled data improves the functioning and performance of the computer servers by reducing to a minimum the number of times necessary to access and retrieve all of the compiled data by querying the computer servers with the Farm Plot Number. 2.-6. (canceled) 7. The computer-based system of claim 1, wherein the one or more special purpose computer servers are further configured for conducting:
processing the agriculture product for shipment; compiling packing activities related to the packing of the agriculture product, and associating the compiled activities to the agriculture product via the Farm Plot Number; compiling shipment information of the agriculture product, and associating the shipment information to the agriculture product via the Farm Plot Number; and providing a listing of the compiled information on the shipped agriculture product to confirm for consumers the creation, processing and tracking of the agriculture product from its origin site to final point of sale, wherein the server generated listing is produced upon receiving a single user input of the Farm Plot Number by which all data associated with that user input is included for compilation. 8. The computer-based system of claim 1, wherein the one or more special purpose computer servers include a database server for organizing and managing all the collected data in a single, relational database as defined in a logical data model; and a Web server for handling, processing and completing requests from the personal computers, mobile phones, farm machines or third party computer servers. 9. The computer-based system of claim 8 further comprising:
a Web application computer program product for human users to send and retrieve data records manually through a graphical user interface between the computer system and a personal computer;
a Mobile application computer program product for human users to send and retrieve data records manually through a graphical user interface between the computer system and a mobile phone;
a Web service application computer program product for farm machines to transmit and process data records automatically through an automated scripted procedure between the computer system and a farm machine equipped with a computer; and
a Web service application computer program product for business partners to transmit and process data records automatically through an automated scripted procedure between the computer system and an external, third party computer server,
wherein the combined computer programs together improve the functioning and performance of the computer servers by providing alternative interfaces and procedures tailored to collect data both manually and automatically from the various users. 10. A computer-based method for processing information related to origin, production and distribution of an agriculture product, wherein each step is conducted by one or more special purpose computer servers designed to serve as a storage server for storing data records in accordance with a logical data model, which method comprises:
collecting various, diverse agricultural, administrative and environmental data from personal computers, mobile phones, farm machines and third party computer servers, wherein the collecting of data includes:
assigning the Farm Plot Number to the agriculture product first planted or managed at an origin site;
compiling daily farming activities for the agriculture product, and associating the compiled activities to the agriculture product via the Farm Plot Number;
compiling harvest activities related to the harvesting of the agriculture product at the origin site, and associating the compiled activities to the agriculture product via the Farm Plot Number;
compiling post-harvest activities for the agriculture product, and associating the compiled activities to the agriculture product via the Farm Plot Number;
compiling additional records and modified existing records as to daily farming activities, harvest activities and post-harvest activities for the agriculture product, and associating the compiled records to the agriculture product via the Farm Plot Number;
maintaining all data association with the Farm Plot No. without changing or modifying the Farm Plot Number during the entire term of the agricultural production cycle;
providing processed tracking information in a generated report summarizing the compiled data to authenticate all activities related to the agriculture product's origin, production and distribution, wherein the server generated report is produced upon receiving a single user input of the Farm Plot Number by which all data associated with that user input is included for compilation and is then presented on a graphical user interface or outputted in a printed form; wherein the compiled data improves the functioning and performance of the computer servers by reducing to a minimum the number of times necessary to access and retrieve all of the compiled data use by querying the computer servers with the Farm Plot Number. 11. The computer-based method of claim 10, wherein:
(a) the compiled agricultural data comprises combinations of the following related to the agriculture product: data records that document farming activities relating to preparing the land or livestock for the agriculture product's growth; data records that document farming activities related to attending to the agriculture product through the agriculture product's growth from its origin up to harvesting; data records that document crop, animal, or fish product varieties differentiated by type, family and bioengineering, which are variations selected and used for production; data records that document water consumption by the agriculture product; and data records that document the quality of the agriculture product from monitoring the agriculture product throughout growth; (b) the compiled administrative data comprises combinations of the following related to the agriculture product: equipment asset data records that document usage; vendor data records differentiated by vendor contributions during production; accounting data records that document purchase and sales orders; employee data records; and geographical location data records; and (c) the compiled environmental data comprises combinations of the following related to the agriculture product: water sampling data records that evaluate water quality; soil sampling data records that evaluate soil quality; plant monitoring data records that document status, growth and health of cultivated plants; pest data records that document risks to plant cultivation; and weather monitoring data records that document temperature, barometric pressure, precipitation and related weather data. 12. The computer-based method of claim 10, which further comprises compiling process data in the database to authenticate all activities related to processing, packaging, and shipping the agriculture product; wherein the compiled process data comprises combinations of the following related to the agriculture product:
data records that document preparing the agriculture product for packaging once it arrives at a packing facility and packaging the agriculture product for shipment to market, or alternatively, data records that document converting the agriculture product into a new product and then packaging the converted agriculture product for shipment to market; and data records that document shipping information including the agriculture product's point of origin, final destination for sale, estimated time of departure and arrival, and transportation identification including shipping container or shipping pallet identification. 13. The computer-based method of claim 10, which further comprises:
assigning the Farm Plot Number to the agriculture product; compiling daily farming activities for the agriculture product, and associating the compiled activities to the agriculture product via the Farm Plot Number; processing the agriculture product for shipment; compiling processing activities related to the processing of the agriculture product, and associating the compiled activities to the agriculture product via the Farm Plot Number; shipping the agriculture product; compiling shipping information of the agriculture product, and associating the shipping information to the agriculture product via the Farm Plot Number; and providing a listing of the compiled information on the shipped agriculture product to confirm for consumers the creation, processing and tracking of the agriculture product from its origin to final point of sale, wherein the server generated listing is produced upon receiving a single user input of the Farm Plot Number by which all data associated with that user input is included for compilation. 14. (canceled) 15. A non-transitory processor readable medium for carrying out the computer-based method of claim 10 comprising processor readable instructions that when executed by the computer processor cause the computer processor to perform the method. 16.-20. (canceled) 21. The computer-based method of claim 10, which further comprises assigning the Farm Plot Number to the agriculture product at an origin site to assist in compiling the data regarding the agriculture product as it is produced from the origin site, and then is subsequently processed, packaged and made available for distribution at a final destination for sale to consumers. 22. A non-transitory processor readable medium for carrying out the computer-based method of claim 21 comprising processor readable instructions that when executed by the computer processor cause the computer processor to perform the method. 23. The computer-based method of claim 10, wherein the logical data model divides the data associated with the agriculture product's origin, production and distribution into a plurality of data tables and organizes the data tables with one or more data relationships between the data tables in a single database, the logical data model further comprising the following data relationships:
farm or supplier data table identifying agricultural producers differentiated by type, and associating one farm or supplier record with one or more farm plot records; farm or supplier data table further identifying processing factories differentiated by type, and associating one farm or supplier record with one or more processing batch records; farm plot data table identifying divided farm plot records associated with agriculture product variety records first planted or managed on the farm plots, and associating one farm plot record with one agriculture product variety record; crop variety data table identifying agriculture product varieties differentiated by type, family, species and bioengineering, and associating one agriculture product variety record with one or more farm plot records; crop protection data table identifying farming activities related to chemical applications differentiated by chemical stock supply type, and associating one farm plot record with one or more chemical application records; protective equipment data table identifying employee work safety compliance related to chemical applications, and associating one chemical application record with one or more protective equipment records; water usage data table identifying farming activities related to irrigation and watering differentiated by equipment type that is used to draw water from a water source, and associating one farm plot record with one or more water usage records; crop harvest data table identifying farming activities related to harvesting differentiated by equipment type that is used to haul the raw agriculture product from the field, and associating one farm plot record with one or more crop harvest records; food processing data table identifying processing batch records associated with agriculture product variety records that are prepared for conversion into a new product; received food data table identifying post-harvest activities related to receiving crop harvests differentiated by equipment type that is used to haul the harvest from the field, and associating one farm plot record with one or more received for packing records; received food data table further identifying post-harvest activities related to receiving crop harvests for conversion into a new product and differentiated by equipment type that is used to haul the harvest from the field, and associating one processing batch record with one or more received for packing records; received food data table further identifying crop harvests first planted or managed on an associated farm plot and second processed in an associated processing batch; sampled item data table identifying post-harvest activities related to capturing characteristics of the crop harvests for quality control, and associating one received for packing record with one or more sampled agriculture product records; packing boxed food data table identifying post-harvest activities related to packing unprocessed crop harvests into individual packages, and associating one farm plot record with one or more package records; packing boxed food data table further identifying post-harvest activities related to packing processed crop harvests that had been converted into a new product into individual packages, and associating one processing batch record with one or more package records; packing boxed food data table further identifying packaged records first planted or managed on an associated farm plot and second processed in an associated processing batch; shipping pallet data table identifying shipment activities related to bundling packaged agriculture products in preparation for transportation, and associating one shipping pallet record with one or more packaged records; and shipping container data table identifying shipment activities related to transportation of bundled packages on pallets, and associating one shipping container record with one or more pallet records; and wherein the shipping container, shipping pallet and packing boxed food data tables, together identify agriculture products originating from farm plots, and associate one farm plot record with one or more shipping container records. 24. The computer-based method of claim 10, wherein the logical data model divides the data associated with the agriculture product's precise location as it moves from origin through distribution in a plurality of data tables and organizes the data tables with one or more data relationships between the data tables in a single database, the logical data model further comprising the following data relationships:
a GPS coordinates data table identifying the fixed perimeter of farm or supplier facilities, and associating one farm or supplier facility record with one or more GPS coordinate records all of which provide an increasingly accurate shape of the facility's perimeter; a GPS coordinates data table identifying the fixed perimeter of farm plots associated with agriculture product varieties, and associating one farm plot record with one or more GPS coordinate records all of which provide an increasingly accurate shape of the farm plot's perimeter; a GPS coordinates data table identifying the tracked movement of packaged agriculture products being transported from one facility to the next facility, and associating one packaged product record with one or more GPS coordinate records any coordinate point of which indicates a recorded location along the product's travel path; and a GPS coordinates data table identifying the tracked movement of freight shipments across road, rail or sea from terminal or port origin to terminal or port destination, and associating one freight shipment record with one or more GPS coordinate records any coordinate point of which indicates a recorded location along the shipment's travel path. 25. The computer-based method of claim 10, wherein the logical data model dividing the data associated with the agriculture product's administrative management and environment monitoring in a plurality of data tables and organizing the data tables with one or more data relationships between the data tables in a single database, the logical data model further comprising the following data relationships:
one or more data tables related to inventory management identifying purchased and used equipment and supplies and wherein one equipment or supply record is associated with one or more activity records related to origin, production or distribution; one or more data tables related to vendor management identifying organizations differentiated by type that provide or receive goods or services and wherein one vendor record is associated with one or more activity records related to origin, production or distribution; one or more data tables related to financial management identifying purchase and sales orders and wherein one purchase order record is associated with one or more purchased equipment or supply records and one sales order record is associated with one or more sold agriculture product records; one or more data tables related to human resources identifying persons employed or contracted to perform work and wherein one person record is associated with one or more activity records related to origin, production or distribution; one or more data tables related to geographical location identifying jurisdictions and wherein one jurisdiction record is associated with one or more activity records related to origin, production or distribution; one or more data tables related to water sampling identifying the quality of local water sources and wherein one or more water sampling records are associated with one water source record; one or more data tables related to soil sampling identifying the quality of local soil conditions and wherein one or more soil sampling records are associated with one farm plot record; one or more data tables related to plant monitoring identifying the quality of cultivated plants and wherein one or more plant monitoring records are associated with one farm plot record; one or more data tables related to pest management identifying the local occurrences of pests and wherein one or more pest occurrence records are associated with one farm plot record; and one or more data tables related to weather monitoring identifying local weather conditions and wherein one or more weather monitoring records are associated with one farm plot record. | 3,600 |
12,541 | 12,541 | 13,834,229 | 3,683 | A computer system for recommending potential competitor merchants to a subscriber merchant and/or a market analyst is provided. The computer system includes a memory device in communication with a processor. The processor is programmed to receive transaction information for a plurality of cardholders from a payment network. The transaction information includes data relating to purchases made by the cardholders at a plurality of merchants. The processor may receive subscriber merchant preference information for at least one of the merchants input by the cardholder. The computer system determines a merchant rank for each merchant based on the received transaction information and/or the subscriber merchant preference information, and determines a neutral merchant rank and a merchant score for each merchant. After ranking, a ranked list of potential competitor merchants is generated for presentation to a subscriber merchant and/or a market analyst for further analysis. | 1. A competitor identifier computer system for developing a set of merchants that are competitors to a subscriber merchant for presentation to a market analyst, said system comprising:
a memory device for storing data; and a processor in communication with the memory device, said processor programmed to:
receive payment card transaction information for payment cardholders from the payment network, the payment card transaction information including data relating to a plurality of purchases made by the plurality of cardholders at a plurality of different merchants, the purchases satisfying a first criterion;
receive merchant rating information;
receive merchant descriptive information;
determine location information of each of the plurality of different merchants relative to at least one of a predetermined selectable location and a location of a subscriber merchant;
determine a set of competitor merchants from the plurality of different merchants using the received payment card transaction information, the received merchant rating information, the received merchant descriptive information, and the determined location information; and
display the set of competitor merchants to at least one of the subscriber merchant and a market analyst. 2. A computer system in accordance with claim 1, wherein said processor is programmed to receive subscriber merchant preference information for at least one merchant of the plurality of merchants. 3. A computer system in accordance with claim 2, wherein said processor is programmed to determine a merchant rank for each merchant of the plurality of merchants based on the received transaction information and the subscriber merchant preference information. 4. A computer system in accordance with claim 3, wherein said processor is programmed to determine a neutral merchant rank for each merchant of the plurality of merchants based on the received transaction information and neutral merchant preferences associated with the plurality of merchants. 5. A computer system in accordance with claim 4, wherein said processor is programmed to determine a merchant score for each merchant of the plurality of merchants by comparing the merchant rank to the neutral merchant rank. 6. A computer system in accordance with claim 5, wherein said processor is further programmed to create a matrix of merchant associations for the plurality of merchants indicating a number of transactions between each merchant combination and the cardholders, wherein each merchant combination includes as one of the merchants said subscriber merchant. 7. A computer system in accordance with claim 6, wherein said processor is further programmed to create the matrix for cardholders that transact at two or more merchants of the plurality of merchants during a predetermined time period. 8. A computer system in accordance with claim 7, wherein said processor is further programmed to:
determine the merchant rank for each merchant; create a preference vector representing a level of a preference of the subscriber merchant for one merchant relative to at least one other merchant; and apply the preference vector to the matrix of merchant associations to determine a merchant ranking vector, wherein the merchant ranking vector is associated with the subscriber merchant preference information and includes the merchant rank associated with each merchant of the plurality of merchants. 9. A computer system in accordance with claim 8, wherein said processor is further programmed to determine a neutral merchant rank by applying a neutral preference vector to the matrix of merchant associations to determine a neutral merchant ranking vector, wherein the neutral preference vector includes generic preference information that is equal for each merchant of the plurality of merchants, and wherein the neutral merchant ranking vector includes the neutral merchant rank associated with each merchant of the plurality of merchants. 10. A computer system in accordance with claim 9, wherein said processor is further programmed to determine the merchant score by comparing the neutral merchant ranking vector to the merchant ranking vector to determine a merchant score vector for the subscriber merchant, wherein the merchant score vector includes the merchant score associated with each merchant of the plurality of merchants. 11. A computer system in accordance with claim 10, wherein said processor is further programmed to:
sort the plurality of merchants in descending order based on the determined merchant scores; and provide a list of potential competitor merchants to the subscriber merchant, wherein the list is based on the sorted merchant scores. 12. A computer system in accordance with claim 1, wherein to satisfy the first criterion, the purchases occur during a predetermined time period and within a predetermined geographical region. 13. A computer system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the plurality of merchants are associated with the same market segment. 14. A computer-implemented method for developing a set of merchants that are competitors to a subscriber merchant, for presentation to a market analyst, said method using a merchant analytic (MA) computer system, wherein the MA computer system is in communication with a memory device, said method comprising:
receiving, at the MA computer system, payment card transaction information for payment cardholders from the payment network, the payment card transaction information including data relating to a plurality of purchases made by the plurality of cardholders at a plurality of different merchants, the purchases satisfying a first criterion; receiving, at the MA computer system, merchant rating information; receiving, at the MA computer system, merchant descriptive information; determining location information of each of the plurality of different merchants relative to at least one of a predetermined selectable location and a location of a subscriber merchant; determining a set of competitor merchants from the plurality of different merchants using the received payment card transaction information, the received merchant rating information, the received merchant descriptive information, and the determined location information; and displaying the set of competitor merchants to at least one of the subscriber merchant and a market analyst. 15. A method in accordance with claim 14, said method further comprising receiving, at the MA computer system, subscriber merchant preference information for at least one merchant of the plurality of merchants. 16. A method in accordance with claim 15, said method further comprising determining, at the MA computer system, a merchant rank for each merchant of the plurality of merchants based on the received transaction information and the subscriber merchant preference information. 17. A method in accordance with claim 16, said method further comprising determining, at the MA computer system, a neutral merchant rank for each merchant of the plurality of merchants based on the received transaction information and neutral merchant preferences associated with the plurality of merchants. 18. A method in accordance with claim 17, said method further comprising determining, at the MA computer system, a merchant score for each merchant of the plurality of merchants by comparing the merchant rank to the neutral merchant rank. 19. A method in accordance with claim 18, said method further comprising creating, at the MA computer system, a matrix of merchant associations for the plurality of merchants indicating a number of transactions between each merchant combination and the cardholders, wherein each merchant combination includes as one of the merchants said subscriber merchant. 20. A method in accordance with claim 19, wherein creating the matrix further comprising creating the matrix for cardholders that transact at two or more merchants of the plurality of merchants during a predetermined time period. 21. A method in accordance with claim 20, said method further comprising:
determining the merchant rank for each merchant; creating a preference vector representing a level of a preference of the subscriber merchant for one merchant relative to at least one other merchant; and applying the preference vector to the matrix of merchant associations to determine a merchant ranking vector, wherein the merchant ranking vector is associated with the subscriber merchant preference information and includes the merchant rank associated with each merchant of the plurality of merchants. 22. A method in accordance with claim 21, said method further comprising applying a neutral preference vector to the matrix of merchant associations to determine a neutral merchant ranking vector, wherein the neutral preference vector includes generic preference information that is equal for each merchant of the plurality of merchants, and wherein the neutral merchant ranking vector includes the neutral merchant rank associated with each merchant of the plurality of merchants. 23. A method in accordance with claim 22, said method further comprising comparing the neutral merchant ranking vector to the merchant ranking vector to determine a merchant score vector for the cardholder, wherein the merchant score vector includes the merchant score associated with each merchant of the plurality of merchants. 24. A method in accordance with claim 23, said method further comprising:
sorting the plurality of merchants in descending order based on the determined merchant scores; and providing a list of potential competitor merchants to the subscriber merchant, wherein the list is based on the sorted merchant scores. 25. A method in accordance with claim 14, wherein to satisfy the first criterion, the purchases occur during a predetermined time period and within a predetermined geographical region. 26. A method in accordance with claim 14, wherein the plurality of merchants are associated with the same market segment. 27. One or more computer-readable storage media having computer-executable instructions embodied thereon for developing a set of merchants that are competitors to a subscriber merchant for presentation to a market analyst, wherein when executed by at least one processor, said computer-executable instructions cause the processor to:
receive payment card transaction information for payment cardholders from the payment network, the payment card transaction information including data relating to a plurality of purchases made by the plurality of cardholders at a plurality of different merchants, the purchases satisfying a first criterion; receive merchant rating information; receive merchant descriptive information; determine location information of each of the plurality of different merchants relative to at least one of a predetermined selectable location and a location of a subscriber merchant; determine a set of competitor merchants from the plurality of different merchants using the received payment card transaction information, the received merchant rating information, the received merchant descriptive information, and the determined location information; and display the set of competitor merchants to at least one of the subscriber merchant and a market analyst. 28. The computer-readable storage media in accordance with claim 27, wherein said computer-executable instructions cause said processor to receive subscriber merchant preference information for at least one merchant of the plurality of merchants. 29. The computer-readable storage media in accordance with claim 28, wherein said computer-executable instructions cause said processor to determine a merchant rank for each merchant of the plurality of merchants based on the received transaction information and the subscriber merchant preference information. 30. The computer-readable storage media in accordance with claim 29, wherein said computer-executable instructions cause said processor to determine a neutral merchant rank for each merchant of the plurality of merchants based on the received transaction information and neutral merchant preferences associated with the plurality of merchants. 31. The computer-readable storage media in accordance with claim 30, wherein said computer-executable instructions cause said processor to determine a merchant score for each merchant of the plurality of merchants by comparing the merchant rank to the neutral merchant rank. 32. The computer-readable storage media in accordance with claim 31, wherein said computer-executable instructions cause said processor to create a matrix of merchant associations for the plurality of merchants indicating a number of transactions between each merchant combination and the cardholders, wherein each merchant combination includes as one of the merchants said subscriber merchant. 33. The computer-readable storage media in accordance with claim 32, wherein the computer-executable instructions cause said processor to create the matrix for cardholders that transact at two or more merchants of the plurality of merchants during a predetermined time period. 34. The computer-readable storage media in accordance with claim 33, wherein the computer-executable instructions cause said processor to:
determine the merchant rank for each merchant; create a preference vector representing a level of a preference of the subscriber merchant for one merchant relative to at least one other merchant; and apply the preference vector to the matrix of merchant associations to determine a merchant ranking vector, wherein the merchant ranking vector is associated with the subscriber merchant preference information and includes the merchant rank associated with each merchant of the plurality of merchants. 35. The computer-readable storage media in accordance with claim 34, wherein said computer-executable instructions cause said processor to determine a neutral merchant rank by applying a neutral preference vector to the matrix of merchant associations to determine a neutral merchant ranking vector, wherein the neutral preference vector includes generic preference information that is equal for each merchant of the plurality of merchants, and wherein the neutral merchant ranking vector includes the neutral merchant rank associated with each merchant of the plurality of merchants. 36. The computer-readable storage media in accordance with claim 35, wherein said computer-executable instructions cause said processor to determine the merchant score by comparing the neutral merchant ranking vector to the merchant ranking vector to determine a merchant score vector for the subscriber merchant, wherein the merchant score vector includes the merchant score associated with each merchant of the plurality of merchants. 37. The computer-readable storage media in accordance with claim 36, wherein said computer-executable instructions cause said processor to:
sort the plurality of merchants in descending order based on the determined merchant scores; and provide a list of potential competitor merchants to the subscriber merchant, wherein the list is based on the sorted merchant scores. 38. The computer-readable storage media in accordance with claim 27, wherein to satisfy the first criterion, the purchases occur during a predetermined time period and within a predetermined geographical region. 39. The computer-readable storage media in accordance with claim 27, wherein the plurality of merchants are associated with the same market segment. | A computer system for recommending potential competitor merchants to a subscriber merchant and/or a market analyst is provided. The computer system includes a memory device in communication with a processor. The processor is programmed to receive transaction information for a plurality of cardholders from a payment network. The transaction information includes data relating to purchases made by the cardholders at a plurality of merchants. The processor may receive subscriber merchant preference information for at least one of the merchants input by the cardholder. The computer system determines a merchant rank for each merchant based on the received transaction information and/or the subscriber merchant preference information, and determines a neutral merchant rank and a merchant score for each merchant. After ranking, a ranked list of potential competitor merchants is generated for presentation to a subscriber merchant and/or a market analyst for further analysis.1. A competitor identifier computer system for developing a set of merchants that are competitors to a subscriber merchant for presentation to a market analyst, said system comprising:
a memory device for storing data; and a processor in communication with the memory device, said processor programmed to:
receive payment card transaction information for payment cardholders from the payment network, the payment card transaction information including data relating to a plurality of purchases made by the plurality of cardholders at a plurality of different merchants, the purchases satisfying a first criterion;
receive merchant rating information;
receive merchant descriptive information;
determine location information of each of the plurality of different merchants relative to at least one of a predetermined selectable location and a location of a subscriber merchant;
determine a set of competitor merchants from the plurality of different merchants using the received payment card transaction information, the received merchant rating information, the received merchant descriptive information, and the determined location information; and
display the set of competitor merchants to at least one of the subscriber merchant and a market analyst. 2. A computer system in accordance with claim 1, wherein said processor is programmed to receive subscriber merchant preference information for at least one merchant of the plurality of merchants. 3. A computer system in accordance with claim 2, wherein said processor is programmed to determine a merchant rank for each merchant of the plurality of merchants based on the received transaction information and the subscriber merchant preference information. 4. A computer system in accordance with claim 3, wherein said processor is programmed to determine a neutral merchant rank for each merchant of the plurality of merchants based on the received transaction information and neutral merchant preferences associated with the plurality of merchants. 5. A computer system in accordance with claim 4, wherein said processor is programmed to determine a merchant score for each merchant of the plurality of merchants by comparing the merchant rank to the neutral merchant rank. 6. A computer system in accordance with claim 5, wherein said processor is further programmed to create a matrix of merchant associations for the plurality of merchants indicating a number of transactions between each merchant combination and the cardholders, wherein each merchant combination includes as one of the merchants said subscriber merchant. 7. A computer system in accordance with claim 6, wherein said processor is further programmed to create the matrix for cardholders that transact at two or more merchants of the plurality of merchants during a predetermined time period. 8. A computer system in accordance with claim 7, wherein said processor is further programmed to:
determine the merchant rank for each merchant; create a preference vector representing a level of a preference of the subscriber merchant for one merchant relative to at least one other merchant; and apply the preference vector to the matrix of merchant associations to determine a merchant ranking vector, wherein the merchant ranking vector is associated with the subscriber merchant preference information and includes the merchant rank associated with each merchant of the plurality of merchants. 9. A computer system in accordance with claim 8, wherein said processor is further programmed to determine a neutral merchant rank by applying a neutral preference vector to the matrix of merchant associations to determine a neutral merchant ranking vector, wherein the neutral preference vector includes generic preference information that is equal for each merchant of the plurality of merchants, and wherein the neutral merchant ranking vector includes the neutral merchant rank associated with each merchant of the plurality of merchants. 10. A computer system in accordance with claim 9, wherein said processor is further programmed to determine the merchant score by comparing the neutral merchant ranking vector to the merchant ranking vector to determine a merchant score vector for the subscriber merchant, wherein the merchant score vector includes the merchant score associated with each merchant of the plurality of merchants. 11. A computer system in accordance with claim 10, wherein said processor is further programmed to:
sort the plurality of merchants in descending order based on the determined merchant scores; and provide a list of potential competitor merchants to the subscriber merchant, wherein the list is based on the sorted merchant scores. 12. A computer system in accordance with claim 1, wherein to satisfy the first criterion, the purchases occur during a predetermined time period and within a predetermined geographical region. 13. A computer system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the plurality of merchants are associated with the same market segment. 14. A computer-implemented method for developing a set of merchants that are competitors to a subscriber merchant, for presentation to a market analyst, said method using a merchant analytic (MA) computer system, wherein the MA computer system is in communication with a memory device, said method comprising:
receiving, at the MA computer system, payment card transaction information for payment cardholders from the payment network, the payment card transaction information including data relating to a plurality of purchases made by the plurality of cardholders at a plurality of different merchants, the purchases satisfying a first criterion; receiving, at the MA computer system, merchant rating information; receiving, at the MA computer system, merchant descriptive information; determining location information of each of the plurality of different merchants relative to at least one of a predetermined selectable location and a location of a subscriber merchant; determining a set of competitor merchants from the plurality of different merchants using the received payment card transaction information, the received merchant rating information, the received merchant descriptive information, and the determined location information; and displaying the set of competitor merchants to at least one of the subscriber merchant and a market analyst. 15. A method in accordance with claim 14, said method further comprising receiving, at the MA computer system, subscriber merchant preference information for at least one merchant of the plurality of merchants. 16. A method in accordance with claim 15, said method further comprising determining, at the MA computer system, a merchant rank for each merchant of the plurality of merchants based on the received transaction information and the subscriber merchant preference information. 17. A method in accordance with claim 16, said method further comprising determining, at the MA computer system, a neutral merchant rank for each merchant of the plurality of merchants based on the received transaction information and neutral merchant preferences associated with the plurality of merchants. 18. A method in accordance with claim 17, said method further comprising determining, at the MA computer system, a merchant score for each merchant of the plurality of merchants by comparing the merchant rank to the neutral merchant rank. 19. A method in accordance with claim 18, said method further comprising creating, at the MA computer system, a matrix of merchant associations for the plurality of merchants indicating a number of transactions between each merchant combination and the cardholders, wherein each merchant combination includes as one of the merchants said subscriber merchant. 20. A method in accordance with claim 19, wherein creating the matrix further comprising creating the matrix for cardholders that transact at two or more merchants of the plurality of merchants during a predetermined time period. 21. A method in accordance with claim 20, said method further comprising:
determining the merchant rank for each merchant; creating a preference vector representing a level of a preference of the subscriber merchant for one merchant relative to at least one other merchant; and applying the preference vector to the matrix of merchant associations to determine a merchant ranking vector, wherein the merchant ranking vector is associated with the subscriber merchant preference information and includes the merchant rank associated with each merchant of the plurality of merchants. 22. A method in accordance with claim 21, said method further comprising applying a neutral preference vector to the matrix of merchant associations to determine a neutral merchant ranking vector, wherein the neutral preference vector includes generic preference information that is equal for each merchant of the plurality of merchants, and wherein the neutral merchant ranking vector includes the neutral merchant rank associated with each merchant of the plurality of merchants. 23. A method in accordance with claim 22, said method further comprising comparing the neutral merchant ranking vector to the merchant ranking vector to determine a merchant score vector for the cardholder, wherein the merchant score vector includes the merchant score associated with each merchant of the plurality of merchants. 24. A method in accordance with claim 23, said method further comprising:
sorting the plurality of merchants in descending order based on the determined merchant scores; and providing a list of potential competitor merchants to the subscriber merchant, wherein the list is based on the sorted merchant scores. 25. A method in accordance with claim 14, wherein to satisfy the first criterion, the purchases occur during a predetermined time period and within a predetermined geographical region. 26. A method in accordance with claim 14, wherein the plurality of merchants are associated with the same market segment. 27. One or more computer-readable storage media having computer-executable instructions embodied thereon for developing a set of merchants that are competitors to a subscriber merchant for presentation to a market analyst, wherein when executed by at least one processor, said computer-executable instructions cause the processor to:
receive payment card transaction information for payment cardholders from the payment network, the payment card transaction information including data relating to a plurality of purchases made by the plurality of cardholders at a plurality of different merchants, the purchases satisfying a first criterion; receive merchant rating information; receive merchant descriptive information; determine location information of each of the plurality of different merchants relative to at least one of a predetermined selectable location and a location of a subscriber merchant; determine a set of competitor merchants from the plurality of different merchants using the received payment card transaction information, the received merchant rating information, the received merchant descriptive information, and the determined location information; and display the set of competitor merchants to at least one of the subscriber merchant and a market analyst. 28. The computer-readable storage media in accordance with claim 27, wherein said computer-executable instructions cause said processor to receive subscriber merchant preference information for at least one merchant of the plurality of merchants. 29. The computer-readable storage media in accordance with claim 28, wherein said computer-executable instructions cause said processor to determine a merchant rank for each merchant of the plurality of merchants based on the received transaction information and the subscriber merchant preference information. 30. The computer-readable storage media in accordance with claim 29, wherein said computer-executable instructions cause said processor to determine a neutral merchant rank for each merchant of the plurality of merchants based on the received transaction information and neutral merchant preferences associated with the plurality of merchants. 31. The computer-readable storage media in accordance with claim 30, wherein said computer-executable instructions cause said processor to determine a merchant score for each merchant of the plurality of merchants by comparing the merchant rank to the neutral merchant rank. 32. The computer-readable storage media in accordance with claim 31, wherein said computer-executable instructions cause said processor to create a matrix of merchant associations for the plurality of merchants indicating a number of transactions between each merchant combination and the cardholders, wherein each merchant combination includes as one of the merchants said subscriber merchant. 33. The computer-readable storage media in accordance with claim 32, wherein the computer-executable instructions cause said processor to create the matrix for cardholders that transact at two or more merchants of the plurality of merchants during a predetermined time period. 34. The computer-readable storage media in accordance with claim 33, wherein the computer-executable instructions cause said processor to:
determine the merchant rank for each merchant; create a preference vector representing a level of a preference of the subscriber merchant for one merchant relative to at least one other merchant; and apply the preference vector to the matrix of merchant associations to determine a merchant ranking vector, wherein the merchant ranking vector is associated with the subscriber merchant preference information and includes the merchant rank associated with each merchant of the plurality of merchants. 35. The computer-readable storage media in accordance with claim 34, wherein said computer-executable instructions cause said processor to determine a neutral merchant rank by applying a neutral preference vector to the matrix of merchant associations to determine a neutral merchant ranking vector, wherein the neutral preference vector includes generic preference information that is equal for each merchant of the plurality of merchants, and wherein the neutral merchant ranking vector includes the neutral merchant rank associated with each merchant of the plurality of merchants. 36. The computer-readable storage media in accordance with claim 35, wherein said computer-executable instructions cause said processor to determine the merchant score by comparing the neutral merchant ranking vector to the merchant ranking vector to determine a merchant score vector for the subscriber merchant, wherein the merchant score vector includes the merchant score associated with each merchant of the plurality of merchants. 37. The computer-readable storage media in accordance with claim 36, wherein said computer-executable instructions cause said processor to:
sort the plurality of merchants in descending order based on the determined merchant scores; and provide a list of potential competitor merchants to the subscriber merchant, wherein the list is based on the sorted merchant scores. 38. The computer-readable storage media in accordance with claim 27, wherein to satisfy the first criterion, the purchases occur during a predetermined time period and within a predetermined geographical region. 39. The computer-readable storage media in accordance with claim 27, wherein the plurality of merchants are associated with the same market segment. | 3,600 |
12,542 | 12,542 | 15,215,957 | 3,669 | A method includes controlling an electrified vehicle by modifying a power output of an engine to power an electric heating device for selectively heating a battery pack of the electrified vehicle. | 1. A method, comprising:
controlling an electrified vehicle by modifying a power output of an engine to power an electric heating device for selectively heating a battery pack of the electrified vehicle. 2. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein modifying the power output of the engine includes modifying at least one of a speed output and a torque output of a crankshaft of the engine. 3. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the power output of the engine is modified to power the electric heating device if a temperature of the battery pack is less than a target temperature and a power limit of the battery pack is less than a target power limit. 4. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the power output of the engine is modified to power the electric heating device if an engine coolant temperature is less than a target engine coolant temperature. 5. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the power output of the engine is modified to power the electric heating device if a brake specific fuel consumption of the engine is different from a target brake specific fuel consumption. 6. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the power output of the engine is modified to power the electric heating device if:
an engine coolant temperature is less than a target engine coolant temperature; an engine operating point is different from an engine operating point target; a temperature of the battery pack is less than a target temperature; or a power limit of the battery pack is less than a target power limit. 7. The method as recited in claim 1, comprising continuing to power the electric heating device until a power limit of the battery pack is equal to or within range of a target power limit. 8. The method as recited in claim 7, comprising lowering the power output of the engine and deactivating the electric heating device if the power limit of the battery pack is equal to or within range of the target power limit. 9. The method as recited in claim 8, comprising shutting down the engine if an engine coolant temperature exceeds a target engine coolant temperature. 10. The method as recited in claim 8, comprising controlling the engine using normal engine logic if an engine coolant temperature is less than a target engine coolant temperature. 11. The method as recited in claim 1, comprising shutting down the engine if an engine coolant temperature exceeds a target engine coolant temperature. 12. The method as recited in claim 1, comprising:
heating a medium with the electric heating device; and using the medium to heat battery cells of the battery pack. 13. The method as recited in claim 1, comprising utilizing excess regen power to selectively augment powering the electric heating device. 14. An electrified vehicle, comprising:
an engine; a battery pack; an electric heating device configured to heat said battery pack; and a control system configured with instructions for selectively modifying a power output of said engine to meet a load of said electric heating device. 15. The electrified vehicle as recited in claim 14, wherein said electric heating device includes a resistive heating device. 16. The electrified vehicle as recited in claim 14, wherein said electric heating device includes a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heater. 17. The electrified vehicle as recited in claim 14, wherein said electric heating device includes an infrared heating device. 18. The electrified vehicle as recited in claim 14, wherein said electric heating device is part of a liquid or air thermal management circuit. 19. The electrified vehicle as recited in claim 14, wherein said control system is configured to communicate a power output request signal to said engine, said power output request signal including instructions for increasing a revolutions per minute (RPM) output or torque output of a crankshaft of said engine. 20. The electrified vehicle as recited in claim 14, comprising a step-down converter configured to reduce an input voltage received from said engine to a lower voltage sufficient for powering said electric heating device. | A method includes controlling an electrified vehicle by modifying a power output of an engine to power an electric heating device for selectively heating a battery pack of the electrified vehicle.1. A method, comprising:
controlling an electrified vehicle by modifying a power output of an engine to power an electric heating device for selectively heating a battery pack of the electrified vehicle. 2. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein modifying the power output of the engine includes modifying at least one of a speed output and a torque output of a crankshaft of the engine. 3. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the power output of the engine is modified to power the electric heating device if a temperature of the battery pack is less than a target temperature and a power limit of the battery pack is less than a target power limit. 4. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the power output of the engine is modified to power the electric heating device if an engine coolant temperature is less than a target engine coolant temperature. 5. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the power output of the engine is modified to power the electric heating device if a brake specific fuel consumption of the engine is different from a target brake specific fuel consumption. 6. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the power output of the engine is modified to power the electric heating device if:
an engine coolant temperature is less than a target engine coolant temperature; an engine operating point is different from an engine operating point target; a temperature of the battery pack is less than a target temperature; or a power limit of the battery pack is less than a target power limit. 7. The method as recited in claim 1, comprising continuing to power the electric heating device until a power limit of the battery pack is equal to or within range of a target power limit. 8. The method as recited in claim 7, comprising lowering the power output of the engine and deactivating the electric heating device if the power limit of the battery pack is equal to or within range of the target power limit. 9. The method as recited in claim 8, comprising shutting down the engine if an engine coolant temperature exceeds a target engine coolant temperature. 10. The method as recited in claim 8, comprising controlling the engine using normal engine logic if an engine coolant temperature is less than a target engine coolant temperature. 11. The method as recited in claim 1, comprising shutting down the engine if an engine coolant temperature exceeds a target engine coolant temperature. 12. The method as recited in claim 1, comprising:
heating a medium with the electric heating device; and using the medium to heat battery cells of the battery pack. 13. The method as recited in claim 1, comprising utilizing excess regen power to selectively augment powering the electric heating device. 14. An electrified vehicle, comprising:
an engine; a battery pack; an electric heating device configured to heat said battery pack; and a control system configured with instructions for selectively modifying a power output of said engine to meet a load of said electric heating device. 15. The electrified vehicle as recited in claim 14, wherein said electric heating device includes a resistive heating device. 16. The electrified vehicle as recited in claim 14, wherein said electric heating device includes a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heater. 17. The electrified vehicle as recited in claim 14, wherein said electric heating device includes an infrared heating device. 18. The electrified vehicle as recited in claim 14, wherein said electric heating device is part of a liquid or air thermal management circuit. 19. The electrified vehicle as recited in claim 14, wherein said control system is configured to communicate a power output request signal to said engine, said power output request signal including instructions for increasing a revolutions per minute (RPM) output or torque output of a crankshaft of said engine. 20. The electrified vehicle as recited in claim 14, comprising a step-down converter configured to reduce an input voltage received from said engine to a lower voltage sufficient for powering said electric heating device. | 3,600 |
12,543 | 12,543 | 13,875,956 | 3,693 | According to one embodiment, a system includes one or more processors operable to, for each of the plurality of participants of a pension plan, determine data indicative of a first premium amount associated with a benefit of the pension plan that the participant is not eligible to elect to receive as a liability payout, and determine data indicative of a second premium amount associated with a benefit of the pension plan that the participant is eligible to elect to receive as the liability payout. The processors are further operable to determine a first total premium amount associated with a generation of an annuity based on the pension plan, and communicate the first total premium amount for display. The processors are further operable to determine a second total premium amount associated with the generation of the annuity, and communicate the second total premium amount for display. | 1. A system, comprising:
a memory; one or more processors communicatively coupled to the memory and operable to:
receive data indicative of a plurality of participants in a pension plan;
prior to any of the plurality of participant electing to receive a liability payout associated with the pension plan:
for each of the plurality of participants:
determine data indicative of a first premium amount associated with a benefit of the pension plan that the participant is not eligible to elect to receive as the liability payout; and
determine data indicative of a second premium amount associated with a benefit of the pension plan that the participant is eligible to elect to receive as the liability payout;
determine a first total premium amount associated with a generation of an annuity based on the pension plan, the first total premium amount being based, at least in part, on the first premium amount for each of the plurality of participants and the second premium amount for each of the plurality of participants; and
communicate the first total premium amount for display;
receive data indicative of a determination that a subset of the plurality of participants elected to not receive the liability payout;
determine a second total premium amount associated with the generation of the annuity based on the pension plan, the second total premium amount being based, at least in part, on the first premium amount for each of the plurality of participants and the second premium amount for each of the subset of the plurality of participants; and
communicate the second total premium amount for display. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein
the second total premium amount is further based, at least in part, on a risk factor; and the risk factor is based, at least in part, on a subset of the plurality of participants that elected to receive the liability payout. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the risk factor is further based, at least in part, on a second subset of the plurality of participants that elected to change a benefit associated with the pension plan. 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors are further operable to:
organize the plurality of participants into a plurality of groups of participants; determine, for each of the groups of participants, a group premium amount based, at least in part, on:
the second premium amount for each of the plurality of participants that are both in the group and are also in the subset of the plurality of participants; and
a risk factor associated with the group, the risk factor being based, at least in part, on a number of the plurality of participants that are both in the group and also elected to receive the liability payout; and
determine the second total premium amount based, at least in part, on:
the first premium amount for each of the plurality of participants; and
each of the group premium amounts. 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the plurality of groups of participants comprise one of:
age groups of the plurality of participants; and gender of the plurality of participants. 6. The system of claim 4, wherein the one or more processors are further operable to communicate each of the group premium amounts for display. 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the one or more processors are further operable to communicate for display:
for each of the groups of participants:
the second premium amount for each of the plurality of participants that are both in the group and are also in the subset of the plurality of participants; and
the risk factor associated with the group. 8. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising logic, the logic, when executed by a processor, operable to:
receive data indicative of a plurality of participants in a pension plan; prior to any of the plurality of participant electing to receive a liability payout associated with the pension plan:
for each of the plurality of participants:
determine data indicative of a first premium amount associated with a benefit of the pension plan that the participant is not eligible to elect to receive as the liability payout; and
determine data indicative of a second premium amount associated with a benefit of the pension plan that the participant is eligible to elect to receive as the liability payout;
determine a first total premium amount associated with a generation of an annuity based on the pension plan, the first total premium amount being based, at least in part, on the first premium amount for each of the plurality of participants and the second premium amount for each of the plurality of participants; and
communicate the first total premium amount for display;
receive data indicative of a determination that a subset of the plurality of participants elected to not receive the liability payout; determine a second total premium amount associated with the generation of the annuity based on the pension plan, the second total premium amount being based, at least in part, on the first premium amount for each of the plurality of participants and the second premium amount for each of the subset of the plurality of participants; and communicate the second total premium amount for display. 9. The computer readable medium of claim 8, wherein
the second total premium amount is further based, at least in part, on a risk factor; and the risk factor is based, at least in part, on a subset of the plurality of participants that elected to receive the liability payout. 10. The computer readable medium of claim 9, wherein the risk factor is further based, at least in part, on a second subset of the plurality of participants that elected to change a benefit associated with the pension plan. 11. The computer readable medium of claim 8, wherein the logic, when executed by the processor, is further operable to:
organize the plurality of participants into a plurality of groups of participants; determine, for each of the groups of participants, a group premium amount based, at least in part, on:
the second premium amount for each of the plurality of participants that are both in the group and are also in the subset of the plurality of participants; and
a risk factor associated with the group, the risk factor being based, at least in part, on a number of the plurality of participants that are both in the group and also elected to receive the liability payout; and
determine the second total premium amount based, at least in part, on:
the first premium amount for each of the plurality of participants; and
each of the group premium amounts. 12. The computer readable medium of claim 11, wherein the plurality of groups of participants comprise one of:
age groups of the plurality of participants; and gender of the plurality of participants. 13. The computer readable medium of claim 11, wherein the logic, when executed by the processor, is further operable to communicate each of the group premium amounts for display. 14. A method, comprising:
receiving, by one or more processors, data indicative of a plurality of participants in a pension plan; prior to any of the plurality of participant electing to receive a liability payout associated with the pension plan:
for each of the plurality of participants:
determining, by the one or more processors, data indicative of a first premium amount associated with a benefit of the pension plan that the participant is not eligible to elect to receive as the liability payout; and
determining, by the one or more processors, data indicative of a second premium amount associated with a benefit of the pension plan that the participant is eligible to elect to receive as the liability payout;
determining, by the one or more processors, a first total premium amount associated with a generation of an annuity based on the pension plan, the first total premium amount being based, at least in part, on the first premium amount for each of the plurality of participants and the second premium amount for each of the plurality of participants; and
communicating, by the one or more processors, the first total premium amount for display;
receiving, by the one or more processors, data indicative of a determination that a subset of the plurality of participants elected to not receive the liability payout; determining, by the one or more processors, a second total premium amount associated with the generation of the annuity based on the pension plan, the second total premium amount being based, at least in part, on the first premium amount for each of the plurality of participants and the second premium amount for each of the subset of the plurality of participants; and communicating, by the one or more processors, the second total premium amount for display. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein
the second total premium amount is further based, at least in part, on a risk factor; and the risk factor is based, at least in part, on a subset of the plurality of participants that elected to receive the liability payout. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the risk factor is further based, at least in part, on a second subset of the plurality of participants that elected to change a benefit associated with the pension plan. 17. The method of claim 14, further comprising organizing the plurality of participants into a plurality of groups of participants; and
wherein determining, by the one or more processors, the second total premium amount comprises:
determining, for each of the groups of participants, a group premium amount based, at least in part, on:
the second premium amount for each of the plurality of participants that are both in the group and are also in the subset of the plurality of participants; and
a risk factor associated with the group, the risk factor being based, at least in part, on a number of the plurality of participants that are both in the group and also elected to receive the liability payout; and
determining the second total premium amount based, at least in part, on:
the first premium amount for each of the plurality of participants; and
each of the group premium amounts. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the plurality of groups of participants comprise one of:
age groups of the plurality of participants; and gender of the plurality of participants. 19. The method of claim 17, further comprising communicating, by the one or more processors, each of the group premium amounts for display. 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising communicating, by the one or more processors, for display:
for each of the groups of participants:
the second premium amount for each of the plurality of participants that are both in the group and are also in the subset of the plurality of participants; and
the risk factor associated with the group. | According to one embodiment, a system includes one or more processors operable to, for each of the plurality of participants of a pension plan, determine data indicative of a first premium amount associated with a benefit of the pension plan that the participant is not eligible to elect to receive as a liability payout, and determine data indicative of a second premium amount associated with a benefit of the pension plan that the participant is eligible to elect to receive as the liability payout. The processors are further operable to determine a first total premium amount associated with a generation of an annuity based on the pension plan, and communicate the first total premium amount for display. The processors are further operable to determine a second total premium amount associated with the generation of the annuity, and communicate the second total premium amount for display.1. A system, comprising:
a memory; one or more processors communicatively coupled to the memory and operable to:
receive data indicative of a plurality of participants in a pension plan;
prior to any of the plurality of participant electing to receive a liability payout associated with the pension plan:
for each of the plurality of participants:
determine data indicative of a first premium amount associated with a benefit of the pension plan that the participant is not eligible to elect to receive as the liability payout; and
determine data indicative of a second premium amount associated with a benefit of the pension plan that the participant is eligible to elect to receive as the liability payout;
determine a first total premium amount associated with a generation of an annuity based on the pension plan, the first total premium amount being based, at least in part, on the first premium amount for each of the plurality of participants and the second premium amount for each of the plurality of participants; and
communicate the first total premium amount for display;
receive data indicative of a determination that a subset of the plurality of participants elected to not receive the liability payout;
determine a second total premium amount associated with the generation of the annuity based on the pension plan, the second total premium amount being based, at least in part, on the first premium amount for each of the plurality of participants and the second premium amount for each of the subset of the plurality of participants; and
communicate the second total premium amount for display. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein
the second total premium amount is further based, at least in part, on a risk factor; and the risk factor is based, at least in part, on a subset of the plurality of participants that elected to receive the liability payout. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the risk factor is further based, at least in part, on a second subset of the plurality of participants that elected to change a benefit associated with the pension plan. 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors are further operable to:
organize the plurality of participants into a plurality of groups of participants; determine, for each of the groups of participants, a group premium amount based, at least in part, on:
the second premium amount for each of the plurality of participants that are both in the group and are also in the subset of the plurality of participants; and
a risk factor associated with the group, the risk factor being based, at least in part, on a number of the plurality of participants that are both in the group and also elected to receive the liability payout; and
determine the second total premium amount based, at least in part, on:
the first premium amount for each of the plurality of participants; and
each of the group premium amounts. 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the plurality of groups of participants comprise one of:
age groups of the plurality of participants; and gender of the plurality of participants. 6. The system of claim 4, wherein the one or more processors are further operable to communicate each of the group premium amounts for display. 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the one or more processors are further operable to communicate for display:
for each of the groups of participants:
the second premium amount for each of the plurality of participants that are both in the group and are also in the subset of the plurality of participants; and
the risk factor associated with the group. 8. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising logic, the logic, when executed by a processor, operable to:
receive data indicative of a plurality of participants in a pension plan; prior to any of the plurality of participant electing to receive a liability payout associated with the pension plan:
for each of the plurality of participants:
determine data indicative of a first premium amount associated with a benefit of the pension plan that the participant is not eligible to elect to receive as the liability payout; and
determine data indicative of a second premium amount associated with a benefit of the pension plan that the participant is eligible to elect to receive as the liability payout;
determine a first total premium amount associated with a generation of an annuity based on the pension plan, the first total premium amount being based, at least in part, on the first premium amount for each of the plurality of participants and the second premium amount for each of the plurality of participants; and
communicate the first total premium amount for display;
receive data indicative of a determination that a subset of the plurality of participants elected to not receive the liability payout; determine a second total premium amount associated with the generation of the annuity based on the pension plan, the second total premium amount being based, at least in part, on the first premium amount for each of the plurality of participants and the second premium amount for each of the subset of the plurality of participants; and communicate the second total premium amount for display. 9. The computer readable medium of claim 8, wherein
the second total premium amount is further based, at least in part, on a risk factor; and the risk factor is based, at least in part, on a subset of the plurality of participants that elected to receive the liability payout. 10. The computer readable medium of claim 9, wherein the risk factor is further based, at least in part, on a second subset of the plurality of participants that elected to change a benefit associated with the pension plan. 11. The computer readable medium of claim 8, wherein the logic, when executed by the processor, is further operable to:
organize the plurality of participants into a plurality of groups of participants; determine, for each of the groups of participants, a group premium amount based, at least in part, on:
the second premium amount for each of the plurality of participants that are both in the group and are also in the subset of the plurality of participants; and
a risk factor associated with the group, the risk factor being based, at least in part, on a number of the plurality of participants that are both in the group and also elected to receive the liability payout; and
determine the second total premium amount based, at least in part, on:
the first premium amount for each of the plurality of participants; and
each of the group premium amounts. 12. The computer readable medium of claim 11, wherein the plurality of groups of participants comprise one of:
age groups of the plurality of participants; and gender of the plurality of participants. 13. The computer readable medium of claim 11, wherein the logic, when executed by the processor, is further operable to communicate each of the group premium amounts for display. 14. A method, comprising:
receiving, by one or more processors, data indicative of a plurality of participants in a pension plan; prior to any of the plurality of participant electing to receive a liability payout associated with the pension plan:
for each of the plurality of participants:
determining, by the one or more processors, data indicative of a first premium amount associated with a benefit of the pension plan that the participant is not eligible to elect to receive as the liability payout; and
determining, by the one or more processors, data indicative of a second premium amount associated with a benefit of the pension plan that the participant is eligible to elect to receive as the liability payout;
determining, by the one or more processors, a first total premium amount associated with a generation of an annuity based on the pension plan, the first total premium amount being based, at least in part, on the first premium amount for each of the plurality of participants and the second premium amount for each of the plurality of participants; and
communicating, by the one or more processors, the first total premium amount for display;
receiving, by the one or more processors, data indicative of a determination that a subset of the plurality of participants elected to not receive the liability payout; determining, by the one or more processors, a second total premium amount associated with the generation of the annuity based on the pension plan, the second total premium amount being based, at least in part, on the first premium amount for each of the plurality of participants and the second premium amount for each of the subset of the plurality of participants; and communicating, by the one or more processors, the second total premium amount for display. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein
the second total premium amount is further based, at least in part, on a risk factor; and the risk factor is based, at least in part, on a subset of the plurality of participants that elected to receive the liability payout. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the risk factor is further based, at least in part, on a second subset of the plurality of participants that elected to change a benefit associated with the pension plan. 17. The method of claim 14, further comprising organizing the plurality of participants into a plurality of groups of participants; and
wherein determining, by the one or more processors, the second total premium amount comprises:
determining, for each of the groups of participants, a group premium amount based, at least in part, on:
the second premium amount for each of the plurality of participants that are both in the group and are also in the subset of the plurality of participants; and
a risk factor associated with the group, the risk factor being based, at least in part, on a number of the plurality of participants that are both in the group and also elected to receive the liability payout; and
determining the second total premium amount based, at least in part, on:
the first premium amount for each of the plurality of participants; and
each of the group premium amounts. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the plurality of groups of participants comprise one of:
age groups of the plurality of participants; and gender of the plurality of participants. 19. The method of claim 17, further comprising communicating, by the one or more processors, each of the group premium amounts for display. 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising communicating, by the one or more processors, for display:
for each of the groups of participants:
the second premium amount for each of the plurality of participants that are both in the group and are also in the subset of the plurality of participants; and
the risk factor associated with the group. | 3,600 |
12,544 | 12,544 | 13,598,544 | 3,625 | A system and method for acquisition, characterization, and application of Manufacturing patterns to the automated production of the digital representation of these patterns as interactive media that gathers a customer's input, and subsequently produces physical product is described. | 1. A system for acquisition, characterization, and application of one or more manufacturing patterns to the automated production of the digital representation of these patterns for a product, comprising:
a computer having a processor that has a manufacturing unit, the manufacturing unit that automatically transmits a set of design area markups to a manufacturer that returns a reference product with mark-ups to the manufacturing unit; wherein the manufacturing unit automatically generates, based on the one or more manufacturing patterns, one or more interactive assets for the product; wherein the manufacturing unit uses the one or more interactive assets to allow a user to interactively customize the product; and wherein the manufacturing unit transmits one of the one or more interactive assets to the manufacturer to produce the customized product. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more interactive assets is one of a design view that is a view of each design area with visible regions and a print view that is a view of the one or more patterns with a user design placed onto the one or more patterns. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the manufacturing unit transmits the print view to the manufacturer to produce the customized product. 4. The system of claim 1 further comprising a reflection unit that uses the reference product to validate the set of design area mark-ups. 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the manufacturing unit gathers a set of product information based on an analysis of the product and generates the one or more manufacturing patterns and generates manufacturing output files. 6. A method for acquisition, characterization, and application of one or more manufacturing patterns to the automated production of the digital representation of these patterns for a product, the method comprising:
automatically transmitting, using a computer having a processor that has a manufacturing unit, a set of design area markups to a manufacturer that returns a reference product with mark-ups to the manufacturing unit; generating, by the manufacturing unit, based on the one or more manufacturing patterns, one or more interactive assets for the product; using, by the manufacturing unit, the one or more interactive assets to allow a user to interactively customize the product; and transmitting, by the manufacturing unit, one of the one or more interactive assets to the manufacturer to produce the customized product. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the one or more interactive assets is one of a design view that is a view of each design area with visible regions and a print view that is a view of the one or more patterns with a user design placed onto the one or more patterns. 8. The method of claim 7 further comprising transmitting, by the manufacturing unit, the print view to the manufacturer to produce the customized product. 9. The method of claim 6 further comprising using, by a reflection unit of the computer, the reference product to validate the set of design area mark-ups. 10. The method of claim 6 further comprising gathering, by the manufacturing unit, a set of product information based on an analysis of the product and generates the one or more manufacturing patterns and generates manufacturing output files. | A system and method for acquisition, characterization, and application of Manufacturing patterns to the automated production of the digital representation of these patterns as interactive media that gathers a customer's input, and subsequently produces physical product is described.1. A system for acquisition, characterization, and application of one or more manufacturing patterns to the automated production of the digital representation of these patterns for a product, comprising:
a computer having a processor that has a manufacturing unit, the manufacturing unit that automatically transmits a set of design area markups to a manufacturer that returns a reference product with mark-ups to the manufacturing unit; wherein the manufacturing unit automatically generates, based on the one or more manufacturing patterns, one or more interactive assets for the product; wherein the manufacturing unit uses the one or more interactive assets to allow a user to interactively customize the product; and wherein the manufacturing unit transmits one of the one or more interactive assets to the manufacturer to produce the customized product. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more interactive assets is one of a design view that is a view of each design area with visible regions and a print view that is a view of the one or more patterns with a user design placed onto the one or more patterns. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the manufacturing unit transmits the print view to the manufacturer to produce the customized product. 4. The system of claim 1 further comprising a reflection unit that uses the reference product to validate the set of design area mark-ups. 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the manufacturing unit gathers a set of product information based on an analysis of the product and generates the one or more manufacturing patterns and generates manufacturing output files. 6. A method for acquisition, characterization, and application of one or more manufacturing patterns to the automated production of the digital representation of these patterns for a product, the method comprising:
automatically transmitting, using a computer having a processor that has a manufacturing unit, a set of design area markups to a manufacturer that returns a reference product with mark-ups to the manufacturing unit; generating, by the manufacturing unit, based on the one or more manufacturing patterns, one or more interactive assets for the product; using, by the manufacturing unit, the one or more interactive assets to allow a user to interactively customize the product; and transmitting, by the manufacturing unit, one of the one or more interactive assets to the manufacturer to produce the customized product. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the one or more interactive assets is one of a design view that is a view of each design area with visible regions and a print view that is a view of the one or more patterns with a user design placed onto the one or more patterns. 8. The method of claim 7 further comprising transmitting, by the manufacturing unit, the print view to the manufacturer to produce the customized product. 9. The method of claim 6 further comprising using, by a reflection unit of the computer, the reference product to validate the set of design area mark-ups. 10. The method of claim 6 further comprising gathering, by the manufacturing unit, a set of product information based on an analysis of the product and generates the one or more manufacturing patterns and generates manufacturing output files. | 3,600 |
12,545 | 12,545 | 11,347,136 | 3,624 | A system and method for managing churn among the customers of a business is provided. The system and method provide for an analysis of the causes of customer churn and identifies customers who are most likely to churn in the future. Identifying likely churners allows appropriate steps to be taken to prevent customers who are likely to chum from actually churning. The system included a dedicated data mart, a population architecture, a data manipulation module, a data mining tool and an end user access module for accessing results and preparing preconfigured reports. The method includes adopting an appropriate definition of churn, analyzing historical customer to identify significant trends and variables, preparing data for data mining, training a prediction model, verifying the results, deploying the model, defining retention targets, and identifying the most responsive targets. | 1. A data mining system comprising;
a data mart for receiving and storing customer data from a plurality of data sources; a data manipulation module for calculating derived variable values from the data stored in the data mart and for preparing an input data set including the derived variable values; and a data mining tool adapted to discover groups of customer having one or more like characteristics based on data in the prepared data set. 2. The data mining system of claim 1 wherein the data mart stores a plurality of raw customer data values for individual customers and wherein the data manipulation module calculates the derived variable values from the raw customer data values. 3. The data mining system of claim 2 wherein the data mart receives multiple raw customer data sets over time, and wherein the data manipulation module is adapted to calculate a trend line for individual customers based on multiple customer data values associated with a particular customer variable received over time, and to calculate the slope of the trend line. 4. The data mining system of claim 2 wherein the data mart receives multiple raw customer data value sets over time, and wherein the data manipulation module is adapted to calculate a customer average for individual customers based on a plurality of raw customer data values associated with a particular customer variable received over time. 5. The data mining system of claim 4 wherein the data manipulation module is further adapted to calculate a customer distribution based on the calculated customer averages for individual customers; define customer classes based on the distribution; classify individual customers according to the defined classes based on where the average values calculated for individual customers fall within the distribution; and store individual customers' classifications as derived variables. 6. The data mining system of claim 2 wherein the data manipulation module is adapted to create an input data file to be analyzed by the data mining tool, the input data file comprising a plurality of customer records, each customer record associated with a particular customer and including a plurality of customer variable values including raw customer variable values and derived customer variable values. 7. The data mining system of claim 1 wherein the data mining tool comprises a KXEN data mining tool. 8. The data mining system of claim 1 wherein the data mining tool comprises an SAS Data Miner. 9. A method of identifying groups of customers from within a large customer population having one or more customer, the method comprising:
defining a plurality of customer attribute variables wherein a customer attribute variable value quantifies a characteristic of a customer; receiving customer data; determining customer attribute variable values for individual customers in the customer population for the plurality of customer attribute variables; creating a data mining input data set including the determined customer attribute variable values; providing a data mining tool adapted to discover customer groups based on common attribute variable values; and analyzing the input data set using the data mining tool. 10. The method of claim 9 wherein defining a plurality of customer attribute variables includes defining derived attribute variables whose values are derived from customer data values. 11. The method of claim 10 wherein defining a derived attribute variable comprises defining a plurality of customer classes, each class corresponding to one of a customer attribute variable value or a range of customer attribute variable values such that individual customers may be classified according to a customer attribute variable value associated with the customer. 12. The method of claim 11 wherein determining customer attribute variable values comprises classifying a customer based on the customer attribute variable value associated with the customer and the corresponding defined class, and storing the customer classification as a derived variable value. 13. The method of claim 10 wherein defining a derived attribute value comprises defining an algorithm for calculating derived attribute values from customer data values. 14. The method of claim 13 wherein the algorithm for calculating derived attribute values from customer data values comprises calculating an average from a plurality of customer data variable values associated with a customer and received over time. 15. The method of claim 13 wherein the algorithm for calculating derived attribute values from customer data values comprises calculating a best fitting trend line from a plurality of customer data variable values associated with a customer, wherein the plurality of customer data variable values are related with the same customer data variable and received over time, and calculating the slope of the best fitting trend line. 16. The method of claim 9 wherein defining a plurality of customer attribute values includes defining a derived attribute variable wherein individual customer values of the derived attribute variable are derived from the customer data by calculating an average data value from a plurality of data values associated with a customer and which are received over time, calculating the distribution of multiple customers based on the individual customer average data values and defining a plurality of customer classes based on the calculated distribution, assigning a customer to a customer class based on the average data value associated with the customer, the assigned class comprising the value of the derived variable associated with the customer. 17. The method of claim 9 wherein providing a data mining tool comprises providing an SAS Data Miner data mining tool. 18. The method of claim 9 wherein providing a data mining tool comprises providing a KXEN data mining tool 19. A method of preparing customer data for data mining comprising:
defining a variable which provides a quantifiable measure of a customer characteristic; obtaining a plurality of individual variable values, each value associated with an individual customer among a plurality of customers in a customer population; generating a customer distribution based on the individual variable values for the plurality of customers in the customer population; defining a plurality of customer classes based on the customer distribution; assigning a customer classification to a customer based on the defined class to which the variable value associated with the customer belongs; and storing the customer classification as a prepared variable value associated with the customer. 20. The method of preparing customer data for data mining of claim 19 wherein defining a variable which provides a quantifiable measure of a customer characteristic comprises identifying a customer data variable for which a customer data variable value is received for individual customers on a regular basis. 21. The method of preparing customer data for data mining of claim 20 wherein defining a variable which provides a quantifiable measure of a customer characteristic further comprises defining an algorithm for calculating an average of a plurality of customer data variable values associated with a customer and received over time. 22. The method of preparing customer data for data mining of claim 20 wherein defining a variable which provides a quantifiable measure of a customer characteristic further comprises defining an algorithm for calculating a best fit trend line from a plurality of customer data variable values associated with a customer and received over time, and calculating the slope of the trend line. 23. A method of improving the performance of a data mining tool, comprising:
receiving raw data from at least one data source; calculating derived variable values from the raw data; and including the derived variable values in a data set provided as input to the data mining tool. 24. The method of improving the performance of a data mining tool of claim 23 wherein receiving raw data comprises receiving a plurality of customer data variable values for a plurality of customer data variables, the customer data associated with individual customers received at regular intervals over time. 25. The method of improving the performance of a data mining tool of claim 24 wherein calculating derived variable values comprises calculating, for individual customers, an average of a plurality of customer data variable values received over time, each customer data variable value relating to the same customer data variable. 26. The method of improving the performance of a data mining tool of claim 24 wherein calculating derived variable values comprises calculating a best fit trend line for individual customers from a plurality of customer data variable values related to the same customer data variable and received over time, and calculating the slope of the trend line. 27. The method of improving the performance of a data mining tool of claim 24 wherein calculating derived variable values comprises identifying a customer data variable; generating a customer distribution based on customer data variable values associated with individual customers; and classifying individual customers based on their position within the customer distribution as defined by the customer data variable values associated with the individual customers, the customer classifications comprising derived variable values. 28. A method of maximizing a data mining tool's discovery power comprising:
receiving raw customer data from a plurality of data sources; defining a plurality of derived variables wherein derived variable values may be calculated from the raw customer data; calculating derived variable values for individual customers; and including the derived variable values in an input data set provided to the data mining tool for analysis. 29. The method of maximizing a data mining tool's discovery power of claim 28 wherein calculating derived variable values comprises calculating a slope of a best fit trend line fitted to multiple observation values of a customer data variable included in the raw customer data. 30. The method of maximizing a data mining tool's discovery power of claim 28 wherein calculating derived variable values comprises calculating an average of multiple observation values of a customer data variable included in the raw customer data. 31. The method of maximizing a data mining tool's discovery power of claim 28 wherein calculating derived variable values comprises classifying individual customers according to a value of a customer data variable associated with the individual customers relative to values of the customer data variable associated with other customers; the customer classification comprising the calculated derived variable value. 32. The method of maximizing a data mining tool's discovery power of claim 31 wherein the customer data variable comprises customer revenue. 33. The method of maximizing a data mining tool's discovery power of claim 31 wherein the customer data variable comprises average customer revenue. 34. The method of maximizing a data mining tool's discovery power of claim 31 wherein the customer data variable comprises monthly average traffic volumes. 35. The method of maximizing a data mining tool's discovery power of claim 34 wherein the monthly average traffic volumes comprise at least one of monthly average international traffic volume, local traffic volume, long distance traffic volume, and to mobile traffic volume. 36. The method of maximizing a data mining tool's discovery power of claim 31 wherein the customer data variable comprises the monthly average number of event occurrences of a specified event type. 37. The method of maximizing a data mining tool's discovery power of claim 36 wherein the specified event typed is selected from the comprising: voice, SMS, MMS, content download, and chat. 38. The method of maximizing a data mining tool's discovery power of claim 31 wherein the customer data variable comprises monthly average discount amount. 39. The method of maximizing a data mining tool's discovery power of claim 31 wherein the customer data variable comprises monthly average due credit amount. 40. The method of maximizing a data mining tool's discovery power of claim 31 wherein the customer data variable comprises monthly average recharge amount. 41. The method of maximizing a data mining tool's discovery power of claim 31 wherein the customer data variable comprises average customer revenue monthly average number of recharges. | A system and method for managing churn among the customers of a business is provided. The system and method provide for an analysis of the causes of customer churn and identifies customers who are most likely to churn in the future. Identifying likely churners allows appropriate steps to be taken to prevent customers who are likely to chum from actually churning. The system included a dedicated data mart, a population architecture, a data manipulation module, a data mining tool and an end user access module for accessing results and preparing preconfigured reports. The method includes adopting an appropriate definition of churn, analyzing historical customer to identify significant trends and variables, preparing data for data mining, training a prediction model, verifying the results, deploying the model, defining retention targets, and identifying the most responsive targets.1. A data mining system comprising;
a data mart for receiving and storing customer data from a plurality of data sources; a data manipulation module for calculating derived variable values from the data stored in the data mart and for preparing an input data set including the derived variable values; and a data mining tool adapted to discover groups of customer having one or more like characteristics based on data in the prepared data set. 2. The data mining system of claim 1 wherein the data mart stores a plurality of raw customer data values for individual customers and wherein the data manipulation module calculates the derived variable values from the raw customer data values. 3. The data mining system of claim 2 wherein the data mart receives multiple raw customer data sets over time, and wherein the data manipulation module is adapted to calculate a trend line for individual customers based on multiple customer data values associated with a particular customer variable received over time, and to calculate the slope of the trend line. 4. The data mining system of claim 2 wherein the data mart receives multiple raw customer data value sets over time, and wherein the data manipulation module is adapted to calculate a customer average for individual customers based on a plurality of raw customer data values associated with a particular customer variable received over time. 5. The data mining system of claim 4 wherein the data manipulation module is further adapted to calculate a customer distribution based on the calculated customer averages for individual customers; define customer classes based on the distribution; classify individual customers according to the defined classes based on where the average values calculated for individual customers fall within the distribution; and store individual customers' classifications as derived variables. 6. The data mining system of claim 2 wherein the data manipulation module is adapted to create an input data file to be analyzed by the data mining tool, the input data file comprising a plurality of customer records, each customer record associated with a particular customer and including a plurality of customer variable values including raw customer variable values and derived customer variable values. 7. The data mining system of claim 1 wherein the data mining tool comprises a KXEN data mining tool. 8. The data mining system of claim 1 wherein the data mining tool comprises an SAS Data Miner. 9. A method of identifying groups of customers from within a large customer population having one or more customer, the method comprising:
defining a plurality of customer attribute variables wherein a customer attribute variable value quantifies a characteristic of a customer; receiving customer data; determining customer attribute variable values for individual customers in the customer population for the plurality of customer attribute variables; creating a data mining input data set including the determined customer attribute variable values; providing a data mining tool adapted to discover customer groups based on common attribute variable values; and analyzing the input data set using the data mining tool. 10. The method of claim 9 wherein defining a plurality of customer attribute variables includes defining derived attribute variables whose values are derived from customer data values. 11. The method of claim 10 wherein defining a derived attribute variable comprises defining a plurality of customer classes, each class corresponding to one of a customer attribute variable value or a range of customer attribute variable values such that individual customers may be classified according to a customer attribute variable value associated with the customer. 12. The method of claim 11 wherein determining customer attribute variable values comprises classifying a customer based on the customer attribute variable value associated with the customer and the corresponding defined class, and storing the customer classification as a derived variable value. 13. The method of claim 10 wherein defining a derived attribute value comprises defining an algorithm for calculating derived attribute values from customer data values. 14. The method of claim 13 wherein the algorithm for calculating derived attribute values from customer data values comprises calculating an average from a plurality of customer data variable values associated with a customer and received over time. 15. The method of claim 13 wherein the algorithm for calculating derived attribute values from customer data values comprises calculating a best fitting trend line from a plurality of customer data variable values associated with a customer, wherein the plurality of customer data variable values are related with the same customer data variable and received over time, and calculating the slope of the best fitting trend line. 16. The method of claim 9 wherein defining a plurality of customer attribute values includes defining a derived attribute variable wherein individual customer values of the derived attribute variable are derived from the customer data by calculating an average data value from a plurality of data values associated with a customer and which are received over time, calculating the distribution of multiple customers based on the individual customer average data values and defining a plurality of customer classes based on the calculated distribution, assigning a customer to a customer class based on the average data value associated with the customer, the assigned class comprising the value of the derived variable associated with the customer. 17. The method of claim 9 wherein providing a data mining tool comprises providing an SAS Data Miner data mining tool. 18. The method of claim 9 wherein providing a data mining tool comprises providing a KXEN data mining tool 19. A method of preparing customer data for data mining comprising:
defining a variable which provides a quantifiable measure of a customer characteristic; obtaining a plurality of individual variable values, each value associated with an individual customer among a plurality of customers in a customer population; generating a customer distribution based on the individual variable values for the plurality of customers in the customer population; defining a plurality of customer classes based on the customer distribution; assigning a customer classification to a customer based on the defined class to which the variable value associated with the customer belongs; and storing the customer classification as a prepared variable value associated with the customer. 20. The method of preparing customer data for data mining of claim 19 wherein defining a variable which provides a quantifiable measure of a customer characteristic comprises identifying a customer data variable for which a customer data variable value is received for individual customers on a regular basis. 21. The method of preparing customer data for data mining of claim 20 wherein defining a variable which provides a quantifiable measure of a customer characteristic further comprises defining an algorithm for calculating an average of a plurality of customer data variable values associated with a customer and received over time. 22. The method of preparing customer data for data mining of claim 20 wherein defining a variable which provides a quantifiable measure of a customer characteristic further comprises defining an algorithm for calculating a best fit trend line from a plurality of customer data variable values associated with a customer and received over time, and calculating the slope of the trend line. 23. A method of improving the performance of a data mining tool, comprising:
receiving raw data from at least one data source; calculating derived variable values from the raw data; and including the derived variable values in a data set provided as input to the data mining tool. 24. The method of improving the performance of a data mining tool of claim 23 wherein receiving raw data comprises receiving a plurality of customer data variable values for a plurality of customer data variables, the customer data associated with individual customers received at regular intervals over time. 25. The method of improving the performance of a data mining tool of claim 24 wherein calculating derived variable values comprises calculating, for individual customers, an average of a plurality of customer data variable values received over time, each customer data variable value relating to the same customer data variable. 26. The method of improving the performance of a data mining tool of claim 24 wherein calculating derived variable values comprises calculating a best fit trend line for individual customers from a plurality of customer data variable values related to the same customer data variable and received over time, and calculating the slope of the trend line. 27. The method of improving the performance of a data mining tool of claim 24 wherein calculating derived variable values comprises identifying a customer data variable; generating a customer distribution based on customer data variable values associated with individual customers; and classifying individual customers based on their position within the customer distribution as defined by the customer data variable values associated with the individual customers, the customer classifications comprising derived variable values. 28. A method of maximizing a data mining tool's discovery power comprising:
receiving raw customer data from a plurality of data sources; defining a plurality of derived variables wherein derived variable values may be calculated from the raw customer data; calculating derived variable values for individual customers; and including the derived variable values in an input data set provided to the data mining tool for analysis. 29. The method of maximizing a data mining tool's discovery power of claim 28 wherein calculating derived variable values comprises calculating a slope of a best fit trend line fitted to multiple observation values of a customer data variable included in the raw customer data. 30. The method of maximizing a data mining tool's discovery power of claim 28 wherein calculating derived variable values comprises calculating an average of multiple observation values of a customer data variable included in the raw customer data. 31. The method of maximizing a data mining tool's discovery power of claim 28 wherein calculating derived variable values comprises classifying individual customers according to a value of a customer data variable associated with the individual customers relative to values of the customer data variable associated with other customers; the customer classification comprising the calculated derived variable value. 32. The method of maximizing a data mining tool's discovery power of claim 31 wherein the customer data variable comprises customer revenue. 33. The method of maximizing a data mining tool's discovery power of claim 31 wherein the customer data variable comprises average customer revenue. 34. The method of maximizing a data mining tool's discovery power of claim 31 wherein the customer data variable comprises monthly average traffic volumes. 35. The method of maximizing a data mining tool's discovery power of claim 34 wherein the monthly average traffic volumes comprise at least one of monthly average international traffic volume, local traffic volume, long distance traffic volume, and to mobile traffic volume. 36. The method of maximizing a data mining tool's discovery power of claim 31 wherein the customer data variable comprises the monthly average number of event occurrences of a specified event type. 37. The method of maximizing a data mining tool's discovery power of claim 36 wherein the specified event typed is selected from the comprising: voice, SMS, MMS, content download, and chat. 38. The method of maximizing a data mining tool's discovery power of claim 31 wherein the customer data variable comprises monthly average discount amount. 39. The method of maximizing a data mining tool's discovery power of claim 31 wherein the customer data variable comprises monthly average due credit amount. 40. The method of maximizing a data mining tool's discovery power of claim 31 wherein the customer data variable comprises monthly average recharge amount. 41. The method of maximizing a data mining tool's discovery power of claim 31 wherein the customer data variable comprises average customer revenue monthly average number of recharges. | 3,600 |
12,546 | 12,546 | 14,706,055 | 3,682 | A method for structuring the content of an advertisement for a product or service includes: providing a first message element associated with a primary product or service, providing a second message element associated with a different product or service. The first message element includes message-copy and a message-copy-timeline. The second message element is inserted into the first message element message-copy-timeline contemporaneously with the expression of a portion of the first message element message-copy relevant to the second message element. The combination of elements is presented. | 1. A method for structuring the content of an advertisement for a product or service, the method comprising steps of:
providing a first advertisement associated with a primary product or service, and comprising message copy and a message copy timeline; providing a second advertisement comprising a message track; inserting the secondary advertisement into the first advertisement; presenting the combined first and second advertisement; wherein the second advertisement is inserted into the first advertisement message copy timeline as or after the expression of a portion of the first advertisement message copy relevant to the second advertisement message track. 2. The method according to claim 1 wherein the visual elements of the secondary advertisement are disposed within the visual framing of the primary advertisement according to an association between the placement location, the visual elements of the primary advertisement and the portion of the message copy of the first advertisement. 3. The method according to claim 1 wherein the message track comprises an offer associated with the primary product or service. 4. The method according to claim wherein the message track comprises a product or service use regimen associated with the primary product or service and a secondary product or service. 5. The method according to claim 1 wherein the message track comprises a portfolio regimen associated with a benefit of the primary product or service and a secondary product or service selected from a portfolio of products or services associated with the benefit. 6. The method according to claim 1 wherein the message track comprises a performance claim associated with the primary product or service. 7. The method according to claim 1 wherein the message track comprises information relating to an event or activity associated with, or sponsored by the primary product or service. 8. A video advertisement, the advertisement comprising:
a) a first advertisement associated with a primary product or service, and comprising a message copy and a message copy timeline; b) a second advertisement comprising a message track, the secondary advertisement disposed within the first advertisement; wherein the second advertisement is disposed within the first advertisement message copy timeline as or after the expression of a portion of the first advertisement message copy relevant to the second advertisement message track. 9. The advertisement according to claim 8 wherein the visual elements of the secondary advertisement are disposed within the visual framing of the primary advertisement according to an association between the placement location, the visual elements of the primary advertisement and the portion of the message copy of the first advertisement. 10. The advertisement according to claim 8 wherein the message track comprises an offer associated with the primary product or service. 11. The advertisement according to claim 8 wherein the message track comprises a product or service use regimen associated with the primary product or service and a secondary product or service. 12. The advertisement according to claim 8 wherein the message track comprises a portfolio regimen associated with a benefit of the primary product or service and a secondary product or service selected from a portfolio of products or services associated with the benefit. 13. The advertisement according to claim 8 wherein the message track comprises a performance claim associated with the primary product or service. 14. The advertisement according to claim 8 wherein the message track comprises information relating to an event or activity associated with, or sponsored by the primary product or service. | A method for structuring the content of an advertisement for a product or service includes: providing a first message element associated with a primary product or service, providing a second message element associated with a different product or service. The first message element includes message-copy and a message-copy-timeline. The second message element is inserted into the first message element message-copy-timeline contemporaneously with the expression of a portion of the first message element message-copy relevant to the second message element. The combination of elements is presented.1. A method for structuring the content of an advertisement for a product or service, the method comprising steps of:
providing a first advertisement associated with a primary product or service, and comprising message copy and a message copy timeline; providing a second advertisement comprising a message track; inserting the secondary advertisement into the first advertisement; presenting the combined first and second advertisement; wherein the second advertisement is inserted into the first advertisement message copy timeline as or after the expression of a portion of the first advertisement message copy relevant to the second advertisement message track. 2. The method according to claim 1 wherein the visual elements of the secondary advertisement are disposed within the visual framing of the primary advertisement according to an association between the placement location, the visual elements of the primary advertisement and the portion of the message copy of the first advertisement. 3. The method according to claim 1 wherein the message track comprises an offer associated with the primary product or service. 4. The method according to claim wherein the message track comprises a product or service use regimen associated with the primary product or service and a secondary product or service. 5. The method according to claim 1 wherein the message track comprises a portfolio regimen associated with a benefit of the primary product or service and a secondary product or service selected from a portfolio of products or services associated with the benefit. 6. The method according to claim 1 wherein the message track comprises a performance claim associated with the primary product or service. 7. The method according to claim 1 wherein the message track comprises information relating to an event or activity associated with, or sponsored by the primary product or service. 8. A video advertisement, the advertisement comprising:
a) a first advertisement associated with a primary product or service, and comprising a message copy and a message copy timeline; b) a second advertisement comprising a message track, the secondary advertisement disposed within the first advertisement; wherein the second advertisement is disposed within the first advertisement message copy timeline as or after the expression of a portion of the first advertisement message copy relevant to the second advertisement message track. 9. The advertisement according to claim 8 wherein the visual elements of the secondary advertisement are disposed within the visual framing of the primary advertisement according to an association between the placement location, the visual elements of the primary advertisement and the portion of the message copy of the first advertisement. 10. The advertisement according to claim 8 wherein the message track comprises an offer associated with the primary product or service. 11. The advertisement according to claim 8 wherein the message track comprises a product or service use regimen associated with the primary product or service and a secondary product or service. 12. The advertisement according to claim 8 wherein the message track comprises a portfolio regimen associated with a benefit of the primary product or service and a secondary product or service selected from a portfolio of products or services associated with the benefit. 13. The advertisement according to claim 8 wherein the message track comprises a performance claim associated with the primary product or service. 14. The advertisement according to claim 8 wherein the message track comprises information relating to an event or activity associated with, or sponsored by the primary product or service. | 3,600 |
12,547 | 12,547 | 15,432,041 | 3,619 | A system for use with a well can include a perforating assembly with at least one perforator, the perforating assembly conveyed through a wellbore with fluid flow through the wellbore, and plugging devices spaced apart from the perforating assembly in the wellbore, the plugging devices conveyed through the wellbore with the fluid flow. A method of deploying plugging devices in a wellbore can include conveying a perforating assembly including a dispensing tool through the wellbore, the dispensing tool including a container, and then releasing the plugging devices from the container into the wellbore at a downhole location. Another method of deploying plugging devices in a wellbore can include conveying the plugging devices through the wellbore with fluid flow through the wellbore, and conveying a perforating assembly through the wellbore while the plugging devices are being conveyed through the wellbore. | 1. A system for use with a subterranean well, the system comprising:
a perforating assembly including at least one perforator, the perforating assembly conveyed through a wellbore with fluid flow through the wellbore; and plugging devices spaced apart from the perforating assembly in the wellbore, the plugging devices conveyed through the wellbore with the fluid flow. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the plugging devices are released from a container of the perforating assembly. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the perforating assembly further includes an actuator configured to release the plugging devices from the container. 4. The system of claim 3, wherein each of the plugging devices comprises a body and, extending outwardly from the body, at least one of the group consisting of lines and fibers. 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the at least one of the group consisting of lines and fibers has a lateral dimension substantially less than a size of the body. 6. The system of claim 4, wherein the body of each of the plugging devices comprises a knot. 7. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the plugging devices comprises a degradable material. 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the degradable material is selected from the group consisting of poly-vinyl alcohol, poly-vinyl acetate, poly-methacrylic acid, poly-lactic acid and poly-glycolic acid. 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the plugging devices are deployed into the wellbore separate from the perforating assembly. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the plugging devices are conveyed by the fluid flow into sealing engagement with perforations. 11. A method of deploying plugging devices in a wellbore, the method comprising:
conveying a perforating assembly including a dispensing tool through the wellbore, the dispensing tool including a container; and then releasing the plugging devices from the container into the wellbore at a downhole location. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the releasing comprises operating an actuator of the dispensing tool. 13. The method of claim 11, further comprising connecting a perforator of the perforating assembly between a conveyance and the dispensing tool. 14. The method of claim 11, wherein each of the plugging devices comprises a body and, extending outwardly from the body, at least one of the group consisting of lines and fibers. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the at least one of the group consisting of lines and fibers has a lateral dimension substantially less than a size of the body. 16. The method of claim 14, wherein the body of each of the plugging devices comprises a knot. 17. The method of claim 11, further comprising degrading a degradable material of the plugging devices in the wellbore. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the degradable material is selected from the group consisting of poly-vinyl alcohol, poly-vinyl acetate, poly-methacrylic acid, poly-lactic acid and poly-glycolic acid. 19. The method of claim 11, further comprising dislodging the plugging devices from openings, after the plugging devices have sealingly engaged the openings. 20. The method of claim 11, further comprising cutting the plugging devices, after the plugging devices have sealingly engaged openings. 21. A method of deploying plugging devices in a wellbore, the method comprising:
conveying the plugging devices through the wellbore with fluid flow through the wellbore; and conveying a perforating assembly through the wellbore while the plugging devices are being conveyed through the wellbore. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the perforating assembly conveying comprises conveying the perforating assembly with the fluid flow through the wellbore. 23. The method of claim 21, further comprising forming perforations with the perforating assembly, after the plugging devices sealingly engage openings downhole. 24. The method of claim 21, wherein each of the plugging devices comprises a body and, extending outwardly from the body, at least one of the group consisting of lines and fibers. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the at least one of the group consisting of lines and fibers has a lateral dimension substantially less than a size of the body. 26. The method of claim 24, wherein the body of each of the plugging devices comprises a knot. 27. The method of claim 21, further comprising degrading a degradable material of the plugging devices in the wellbore. 28. The method of claim 27, wherein the degradable material is selected from the group consisting of poly-vinyl alcohol, poly-vinyl acetate, poly-methacrylic acid, poly-lactic acid and poly-glycolic acid. 29. The method of claim 21, further comprising dislodging the plugging devices from openings, after the plugging devices have sealingly engaged the openings. 30. The method of claim 21, further comprising cutting the plugging devices, after the plugging devices have sealingly engaged openings. | A system for use with a well can include a perforating assembly with at least one perforator, the perforating assembly conveyed through a wellbore with fluid flow through the wellbore, and plugging devices spaced apart from the perforating assembly in the wellbore, the plugging devices conveyed through the wellbore with the fluid flow. A method of deploying plugging devices in a wellbore can include conveying a perforating assembly including a dispensing tool through the wellbore, the dispensing tool including a container, and then releasing the plugging devices from the container into the wellbore at a downhole location. Another method of deploying plugging devices in a wellbore can include conveying the plugging devices through the wellbore with fluid flow through the wellbore, and conveying a perforating assembly through the wellbore while the plugging devices are being conveyed through the wellbore.1. A system for use with a subterranean well, the system comprising:
a perforating assembly including at least one perforator, the perforating assembly conveyed through a wellbore with fluid flow through the wellbore; and plugging devices spaced apart from the perforating assembly in the wellbore, the plugging devices conveyed through the wellbore with the fluid flow. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the plugging devices are released from a container of the perforating assembly. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the perforating assembly further includes an actuator configured to release the plugging devices from the container. 4. The system of claim 3, wherein each of the plugging devices comprises a body and, extending outwardly from the body, at least one of the group consisting of lines and fibers. 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the at least one of the group consisting of lines and fibers has a lateral dimension substantially less than a size of the body. 6. The system of claim 4, wherein the body of each of the plugging devices comprises a knot. 7. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the plugging devices comprises a degradable material. 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the degradable material is selected from the group consisting of poly-vinyl alcohol, poly-vinyl acetate, poly-methacrylic acid, poly-lactic acid and poly-glycolic acid. 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the plugging devices are deployed into the wellbore separate from the perforating assembly. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the plugging devices are conveyed by the fluid flow into sealing engagement with perforations. 11. A method of deploying plugging devices in a wellbore, the method comprising:
conveying a perforating assembly including a dispensing tool through the wellbore, the dispensing tool including a container; and then releasing the plugging devices from the container into the wellbore at a downhole location. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the releasing comprises operating an actuator of the dispensing tool. 13. The method of claim 11, further comprising connecting a perforator of the perforating assembly between a conveyance and the dispensing tool. 14. The method of claim 11, wherein each of the plugging devices comprises a body and, extending outwardly from the body, at least one of the group consisting of lines and fibers. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the at least one of the group consisting of lines and fibers has a lateral dimension substantially less than a size of the body. 16. The method of claim 14, wherein the body of each of the plugging devices comprises a knot. 17. The method of claim 11, further comprising degrading a degradable material of the plugging devices in the wellbore. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the degradable material is selected from the group consisting of poly-vinyl alcohol, poly-vinyl acetate, poly-methacrylic acid, poly-lactic acid and poly-glycolic acid. 19. The method of claim 11, further comprising dislodging the plugging devices from openings, after the plugging devices have sealingly engaged the openings. 20. The method of claim 11, further comprising cutting the plugging devices, after the plugging devices have sealingly engaged openings. 21. A method of deploying plugging devices in a wellbore, the method comprising:
conveying the plugging devices through the wellbore with fluid flow through the wellbore; and conveying a perforating assembly through the wellbore while the plugging devices are being conveyed through the wellbore. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the perforating assembly conveying comprises conveying the perforating assembly with the fluid flow through the wellbore. 23. The method of claim 21, further comprising forming perforations with the perforating assembly, after the plugging devices sealingly engage openings downhole. 24. The method of claim 21, wherein each of the plugging devices comprises a body and, extending outwardly from the body, at least one of the group consisting of lines and fibers. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the at least one of the group consisting of lines and fibers has a lateral dimension substantially less than a size of the body. 26. The method of claim 24, wherein the body of each of the plugging devices comprises a knot. 27. The method of claim 21, further comprising degrading a degradable material of the plugging devices in the wellbore. 28. The method of claim 27, wherein the degradable material is selected from the group consisting of poly-vinyl alcohol, poly-vinyl acetate, poly-methacrylic acid, poly-lactic acid and poly-glycolic acid. 29. The method of claim 21, further comprising dislodging the plugging devices from openings, after the plugging devices have sealingly engaged the openings. 30. The method of claim 21, further comprising cutting the plugging devices, after the plugging devices have sealingly engaged openings. | 3,600 |
12,548 | 12,548 | 15,134,983 | 3,694 | A data structure in a tangible computer-readable medium having two or more prospective customer profile records; two or more comparable segment records; and an association between each of the two or more prospective customer profile records and one of the two or more comparable segment records. | 1. A non-transitory tangible computer readable medium encoded with processor readable instructions to perform a method for providing quantitative product information based on a subset of prospective customer profile records, the method comprising:
providing an interactive website interface from a server to a remote user interface device, comprising a display which allows a remote user to input a subset of prospective customer profile records; reading the input subset of prospective customer profile records from the interactive website interface; segmenting existing customer profile records by developing a segmentation model based at least in part on the input subset of prospective customer profile records, said segmenting comprising:
building a dataset of existing customer profile records;
building a segmentation model based at least in part on the input subset of prospective customer profile records;
testing the segmentation model against at least a subset of existing customer profile records;
measuring the accuracy of the segmentation model; and
validating the segmentation model;
running the segmentation model to identify a segment of existing customer profile records similar to the input subset of prospective customer profile records; providing to the interactive website interface a product menu display of product offerings and price information for products purchased by the identified segment of existing customer profile records; and providing to the interactive website interface a display which allows a remote user to input a complete set of prospective customer profile records. 2. The non-transitory tangible computer readable medium encoded with processor readable instructions as claimed in claim 1, wherein the method performed by the instructions further comprises:
providing to the interactive website interface a comparative quotation display of competitor product and pricing information derived from publicly available competitor information sold to customers similar to the identified segment of existing customer profile records. 3. The non-transitory tangible computer readable medium encoded with processor readable instructions as claimed in claim 1, wherein the subset of prospective customer profile records comprises non-identifying demographic information about the prospective customer. 4. The non-transitory tangible computer readable medium encoded with processor readable instructions as claimed in claim 1, wherein the subset of prospective customer profile records comprises non-identifying location information about the prospective customer. 5. The non-transitory tangible computer readable medium encoded with processor readable instructions as claimed in claim 1, wherein the subset of prospective customer profile records comprises non-identifying information about a property of the prospective customer. 6. The non-transitory tangible computer readable medium encoded with processor readable instructions as claimed in claim 1, wherein the segmentation model generates two or more segments of the existing customer profile records based on profile records selected from: an age of the existing customer, a type of property owned by the existing customer, a number of claims filed by the existing customer within a specified timeframe, and an identification of discounts. 7. The non-transitory tangible computer readable medium encoded with processor readable instructions as claimed in claim 1, wherein the product menu display of product offerings and price information for products purchased by the identified segment of existing customer profile records comprises: the dollar value of insurance premiums paid by customers in the identified segment, coverages elected by customers in the identified segment, limits elected by customers in the identified segment, deductibles elected by customers in the identified segment, and other products owned by customers in the identified segment. 8. The non-transitory tangible computer readable medium encoded with processor readable instructions as claimed in claim 1, wherein the validating the segmentation model comprises applying business criteria. 9. The non-transitory tangible computer readable medium encoded with processor readable instructions as claimed in claim 1, wherein the testing the segmentation model comprises testing against existing data held in reserve during the building a dataset of existing customer profile records. 10. The non-transitory tangible computer readable medium encoded with processor readable instructions as claimed in claim 1, wherein the measuring the accuracy of the segmentation model comprises comparing a test value against a predicted value. 11. A non-transitory tangible computer readable medium encoded with processor readable instructions to perform a method for providing quantitative product information based on a subset of prospective customer profile records, the method comprising:
reading the input subset of prospective customer profile records from the interactive website interface; segmenting existing customer profile records by developing a segmentation model based at least in part on the input subset of prospective customer profile records, said segmenting comprising:
building a dataset of existing customer profile records;
building a segmentation model based at least in part on the input subset of prospective customer profile records;
testing the segmentation model against at least a subset of existing customer profile records;
measuring the accuracy of the segmentation model; and
validating the segmentation model;
running the segmentation model to identify a segment of existing customer profile records similar to the input subset of prospective customer profile records; and providing a menu of product offerings and price information for products purchased by the identified segment of existing customer profile records. 12. The non-transitory tangible computer readable medium encoded with processor readable instructions as claimed in claim 11, wherein the method performed by the instructions further comprises:
providing a comparative quotation display of competitor product and pricing information derived from publicly available competitor information sold to customers similar to the identified segment of existing customer profile records. 13. The non-transitory tangible computer readable medium encoded with processor readable instructions as claimed in claim 11, wherein the subset of prospective customer profile records comprises non-identifying demographic information about the prospective customer. 14. The non-transitory tangible computer readable medium encoded with processor readable instructions as claimed in claim 11, wherein the subset of prospective customer profile records comprises non-identifying location information about the prospective customer. 15. The non-transitory tangible computer readable medium encoded with processor readable instructions as claimed in claim 11, wherein the subset of prospective customer profile records comprises non-identifying information about a property of the prospective customer. 16. The non-transitory tangible computer readable medium encoded with processor readable instructions as claimed in claim 11, wherein the segmentation model generates two or more segments of the existing customer profile records based on profile records selected from: an age of the existing customer, a type of property owned by the existing customer, a number of claims filed by the existing customer within a specified timeframe, and an identification of discounts. 17. The non-transitory tangible computer readable medium encoded with processor readable instructions as claimed in claim 11, wherein the product menu display of product offerings and price information for products purchased by the identified segment of existing customer profile records comprises: the dollar value of insurance premiums paid by customers in the identified segment, coverages elected by customers in the identified segment, limits elected by customers in the identified segment, deductibles elected by customers in the identified segment, and other products owned by customers in the identified segment. 18. The non-transitory tangible computer readable medium encoded with processor readable instructions as claimed in claim 11, wherein the validating the segmentation model comprises applying business criteria. 19. The non-transitory tangible computer readable medium encoded with processor readable instructions as claimed in claim 11, wherein the testing the segmentation model comprises testing against existing data held in reserve during the building a dataset of existing customer profile records. 20. The non-transitory tangible computer readable medium encoded with processor readable instructions as claimed in claim 11, wherein the measuring the accuracy of the segmentation model comprises comparing a test value against a predicted value. | A data structure in a tangible computer-readable medium having two or more prospective customer profile records; two or more comparable segment records; and an association between each of the two or more prospective customer profile records and one of the two or more comparable segment records.1. A non-transitory tangible computer readable medium encoded with processor readable instructions to perform a method for providing quantitative product information based on a subset of prospective customer profile records, the method comprising:
providing an interactive website interface from a server to a remote user interface device, comprising a display which allows a remote user to input a subset of prospective customer profile records; reading the input subset of prospective customer profile records from the interactive website interface; segmenting existing customer profile records by developing a segmentation model based at least in part on the input subset of prospective customer profile records, said segmenting comprising:
building a dataset of existing customer profile records;
building a segmentation model based at least in part on the input subset of prospective customer profile records;
testing the segmentation model against at least a subset of existing customer profile records;
measuring the accuracy of the segmentation model; and
validating the segmentation model;
running the segmentation model to identify a segment of existing customer profile records similar to the input subset of prospective customer profile records; providing to the interactive website interface a product menu display of product offerings and price information for products purchased by the identified segment of existing customer profile records; and providing to the interactive website interface a display which allows a remote user to input a complete set of prospective customer profile records. 2. The non-transitory tangible computer readable medium encoded with processor readable instructions as claimed in claim 1, wherein the method performed by the instructions further comprises:
providing to the interactive website interface a comparative quotation display of competitor product and pricing information derived from publicly available competitor information sold to customers similar to the identified segment of existing customer profile records. 3. The non-transitory tangible computer readable medium encoded with processor readable instructions as claimed in claim 1, wherein the subset of prospective customer profile records comprises non-identifying demographic information about the prospective customer. 4. The non-transitory tangible computer readable medium encoded with processor readable instructions as claimed in claim 1, wherein the subset of prospective customer profile records comprises non-identifying location information about the prospective customer. 5. The non-transitory tangible computer readable medium encoded with processor readable instructions as claimed in claim 1, wherein the subset of prospective customer profile records comprises non-identifying information about a property of the prospective customer. 6. The non-transitory tangible computer readable medium encoded with processor readable instructions as claimed in claim 1, wherein the segmentation model generates two or more segments of the existing customer profile records based on profile records selected from: an age of the existing customer, a type of property owned by the existing customer, a number of claims filed by the existing customer within a specified timeframe, and an identification of discounts. 7. The non-transitory tangible computer readable medium encoded with processor readable instructions as claimed in claim 1, wherein the product menu display of product offerings and price information for products purchased by the identified segment of existing customer profile records comprises: the dollar value of insurance premiums paid by customers in the identified segment, coverages elected by customers in the identified segment, limits elected by customers in the identified segment, deductibles elected by customers in the identified segment, and other products owned by customers in the identified segment. 8. The non-transitory tangible computer readable medium encoded with processor readable instructions as claimed in claim 1, wherein the validating the segmentation model comprises applying business criteria. 9. The non-transitory tangible computer readable medium encoded with processor readable instructions as claimed in claim 1, wherein the testing the segmentation model comprises testing against existing data held in reserve during the building a dataset of existing customer profile records. 10. The non-transitory tangible computer readable medium encoded with processor readable instructions as claimed in claim 1, wherein the measuring the accuracy of the segmentation model comprises comparing a test value against a predicted value. 11. A non-transitory tangible computer readable medium encoded with processor readable instructions to perform a method for providing quantitative product information based on a subset of prospective customer profile records, the method comprising:
reading the input subset of prospective customer profile records from the interactive website interface; segmenting existing customer profile records by developing a segmentation model based at least in part on the input subset of prospective customer profile records, said segmenting comprising:
building a dataset of existing customer profile records;
building a segmentation model based at least in part on the input subset of prospective customer profile records;
testing the segmentation model against at least a subset of existing customer profile records;
measuring the accuracy of the segmentation model; and
validating the segmentation model;
running the segmentation model to identify a segment of existing customer profile records similar to the input subset of prospective customer profile records; and providing a menu of product offerings and price information for products purchased by the identified segment of existing customer profile records. 12. The non-transitory tangible computer readable medium encoded with processor readable instructions as claimed in claim 11, wherein the method performed by the instructions further comprises:
providing a comparative quotation display of competitor product and pricing information derived from publicly available competitor information sold to customers similar to the identified segment of existing customer profile records. 13. The non-transitory tangible computer readable medium encoded with processor readable instructions as claimed in claim 11, wherein the subset of prospective customer profile records comprises non-identifying demographic information about the prospective customer. 14. The non-transitory tangible computer readable medium encoded with processor readable instructions as claimed in claim 11, wherein the subset of prospective customer profile records comprises non-identifying location information about the prospective customer. 15. The non-transitory tangible computer readable medium encoded with processor readable instructions as claimed in claim 11, wherein the subset of prospective customer profile records comprises non-identifying information about a property of the prospective customer. 16. The non-transitory tangible computer readable medium encoded with processor readable instructions as claimed in claim 11, wherein the segmentation model generates two or more segments of the existing customer profile records based on profile records selected from: an age of the existing customer, a type of property owned by the existing customer, a number of claims filed by the existing customer within a specified timeframe, and an identification of discounts. 17. The non-transitory tangible computer readable medium encoded with processor readable instructions as claimed in claim 11, wherein the product menu display of product offerings and price information for products purchased by the identified segment of existing customer profile records comprises: the dollar value of insurance premiums paid by customers in the identified segment, coverages elected by customers in the identified segment, limits elected by customers in the identified segment, deductibles elected by customers in the identified segment, and other products owned by customers in the identified segment. 18. The non-transitory tangible computer readable medium encoded with processor readable instructions as claimed in claim 11, wherein the validating the segmentation model comprises applying business criteria. 19. The non-transitory tangible computer readable medium encoded with processor readable instructions as claimed in claim 11, wherein the testing the segmentation model comprises testing against existing data held in reserve during the building a dataset of existing customer profile records. 20. The non-transitory tangible computer readable medium encoded with processor readable instructions as claimed in claim 11, wherein the measuring the accuracy of the segmentation model comprises comparing a test value against a predicted value. | 3,600 |
12,549 | 12,549 | 14,807,969 | 3,612 | A deployable armrest system for a vehicle is provided. The system having: a pair of side walls configured to be located in a facing spaced relationship with respect to each other to define an operator area therebetween; and a pair of deployable armrests movably secured to the pair of side walls and configured for movement between a stowed position and a deployed position, wherein each of the pair of deployable armrests have a support member that can be flush with a surface of the pair of side walls when the pair of deployable armrests are in the stowed position and wherein the support member of each of the pair of deployable armrests extends outwardly from the surface of the pair of side walls when the pair of deployable armrests are in the deployed position. | 1. A deployable armrest system for a vehicle, comprising:
a pair of side walls configured to be located in a facing spaced relationship with respect to each other to define an operator area therebetween; and a pair of deployable armrests movably secured to the pair of side walls and configured for movement between a stowed position and a deployed position, wherein each of the pair of deployable armrests have a support member that is flush with a surface of the pair of side walls when the pair of deployable armrests are in the stowed position and wherein the support member of each of the pair of deployable armrests extends outwardly from the surface of the pair of side walls when the pair of deployable armrests are in the deployed position, wherein each support member is received within a cavity located in each one of the pair of sidewalls when the pair of armrests are in the stowed position and wherein each one of the pair of armrests is located behind an elastic material that completely covers each support member and the cavity, wherein the elastic material expands from a first configuration when the pair of armrests are in the deployed position and contracts back to the first configuration when the pair of armrests are in the stowed position. 2. The deployable armrest system as in claim 1, wherein each of the pair of deployable armrests are secured to a member movably secured to one of the pair of side walls and wherein each one of the pair of deployable armrests are positioned such that when they are in the deployed position they are located to allow the vehicle operator's arms to be positioned thereon, while also grasping a steering wheel of the vehicle. 3. The deployable armrest system as in claim 2, wherein each member is rotated by a motor coupled thereto. 4. The deployable armrest system as in claim 3, wherein the motor is operated by a controller interface. 5. The deployable armrest system as in claim 1, wherein one of the sidewalls is secured to a vehicle door and the other one of the sidewalls extends from an instrument panel. 6. The deployable armrest system as in claim 1, wherein the armrests are moved between the stowed position and the deployed position by an electric motor. 7. The deployable armrest system as in claim 6, wherein the electric motor is coupled to the armrest by a gear train. 8. The deployable armrest system as in claim 7, wherein the electric motor is controlled by a controller having an activation button located on the surface of at least one of the pair of side walls. 9. The deployable armrest system as in claim 1, wherein the system further comprises actuation buttons located on the surface of at least one of the pair of side walls. 10. A cockpit for a vehicle, comprising:
a pair of side walls configured to be located in a facing spaced relationship with respect to each other to define an operator area therebetween; a steering mechanism located between distal ends of the pair of side walls, wherein the pair of side walls extend away from the steering mechanism; a pair of deployable armrests movably secured to the pair of side walls and configured for movement between a stowed position and a deployed position, wherein each one of the pair of deployable armrests have a support member that is positioned to have a portion of an operator's arm located thereon when the operator is grasping the steering mechanism, wherein each support member is received within a cavity located in each one of the pair of sidewalls when the pair of armrests are in the stowed position and wherein each one of the pair of armrests is located behind an elastic material that completely covers each support member and the cavity, wherein the elastic material expands from a first configuration when the pair of armrests are in the deployed position and contracts back to the first configuration when the pair of armrests are in the stowed position. 11. The cockpit as in claim 10, wherein the armrests are moved between the stowed position and the deployed position by an electric motor and wherein the electric motor is controlled by a controller having an activation button located on a surface of at least one of the pair of side walls. 12. A method of providing a deployable armrest system for a vehicle, comprising:
pivotally securing a pair of deployable armrests to a pair of side wall configured to be located in a facing spaced relationship with respect to each other to define an operator area therebetween, the pair of deployable armrests capable of movement between a stowed position and a deployed position, wherein each one of the pair of deployable armrests have a support member that is flush with a surface of the pair of side walls when the pair of deployable armrests are in the stowed position and wherein the support member of each one of the pair of deployable armrests extends outwardly from the surface of the pair of side walls when the pair of deployable armrests are in the deployed position, wherein each support member is received within a cavity located in each one of the pair of sidewalls when the pair of armrests are in the stowed position and wherein each one of the pair of armrests is located behind an elastic material that completely covers each support member and the cavity, wherein the elastic material expands from a first configuration when the pair of armrests are in the deployed position and contracts back to the first configuration when the pair of armrests are in the stowed position. 13. The method as in claim 12, wherein the pair of armrests are moved between the stowed position and the deployed position by an electric motor and wherein the electric motor is controlled by a controller having an activation button located on the surface of at least one of the pair of side walls. | A deployable armrest system for a vehicle is provided. The system having: a pair of side walls configured to be located in a facing spaced relationship with respect to each other to define an operator area therebetween; and a pair of deployable armrests movably secured to the pair of side walls and configured for movement between a stowed position and a deployed position, wherein each of the pair of deployable armrests have a support member that can be flush with a surface of the pair of side walls when the pair of deployable armrests are in the stowed position and wherein the support member of each of the pair of deployable armrests extends outwardly from the surface of the pair of side walls when the pair of deployable armrests are in the deployed position.1. A deployable armrest system for a vehicle, comprising:
a pair of side walls configured to be located in a facing spaced relationship with respect to each other to define an operator area therebetween; and a pair of deployable armrests movably secured to the pair of side walls and configured for movement between a stowed position and a deployed position, wherein each of the pair of deployable armrests have a support member that is flush with a surface of the pair of side walls when the pair of deployable armrests are in the stowed position and wherein the support member of each of the pair of deployable armrests extends outwardly from the surface of the pair of side walls when the pair of deployable armrests are in the deployed position, wherein each support member is received within a cavity located in each one of the pair of sidewalls when the pair of armrests are in the stowed position and wherein each one of the pair of armrests is located behind an elastic material that completely covers each support member and the cavity, wherein the elastic material expands from a first configuration when the pair of armrests are in the deployed position and contracts back to the first configuration when the pair of armrests are in the stowed position. 2. The deployable armrest system as in claim 1, wherein each of the pair of deployable armrests are secured to a member movably secured to one of the pair of side walls and wherein each one of the pair of deployable armrests are positioned such that when they are in the deployed position they are located to allow the vehicle operator's arms to be positioned thereon, while also grasping a steering wheel of the vehicle. 3. The deployable armrest system as in claim 2, wherein each member is rotated by a motor coupled thereto. 4. The deployable armrest system as in claim 3, wherein the motor is operated by a controller interface. 5. The deployable armrest system as in claim 1, wherein one of the sidewalls is secured to a vehicle door and the other one of the sidewalls extends from an instrument panel. 6. The deployable armrest system as in claim 1, wherein the armrests are moved between the stowed position and the deployed position by an electric motor. 7. The deployable armrest system as in claim 6, wherein the electric motor is coupled to the armrest by a gear train. 8. The deployable armrest system as in claim 7, wherein the electric motor is controlled by a controller having an activation button located on the surface of at least one of the pair of side walls. 9. The deployable armrest system as in claim 1, wherein the system further comprises actuation buttons located on the surface of at least one of the pair of side walls. 10. A cockpit for a vehicle, comprising:
a pair of side walls configured to be located in a facing spaced relationship with respect to each other to define an operator area therebetween; a steering mechanism located between distal ends of the pair of side walls, wherein the pair of side walls extend away from the steering mechanism; a pair of deployable armrests movably secured to the pair of side walls and configured for movement between a stowed position and a deployed position, wherein each one of the pair of deployable armrests have a support member that is positioned to have a portion of an operator's arm located thereon when the operator is grasping the steering mechanism, wherein each support member is received within a cavity located in each one of the pair of sidewalls when the pair of armrests are in the stowed position and wherein each one of the pair of armrests is located behind an elastic material that completely covers each support member and the cavity, wherein the elastic material expands from a first configuration when the pair of armrests are in the deployed position and contracts back to the first configuration when the pair of armrests are in the stowed position. 11. The cockpit as in claim 10, wherein the armrests are moved between the stowed position and the deployed position by an electric motor and wherein the electric motor is controlled by a controller having an activation button located on a surface of at least one of the pair of side walls. 12. A method of providing a deployable armrest system for a vehicle, comprising:
pivotally securing a pair of deployable armrests to a pair of side wall configured to be located in a facing spaced relationship with respect to each other to define an operator area therebetween, the pair of deployable armrests capable of movement between a stowed position and a deployed position, wherein each one of the pair of deployable armrests have a support member that is flush with a surface of the pair of side walls when the pair of deployable armrests are in the stowed position and wherein the support member of each one of the pair of deployable armrests extends outwardly from the surface of the pair of side walls when the pair of deployable armrests are in the deployed position, wherein each support member is received within a cavity located in each one of the pair of sidewalls when the pair of armrests are in the stowed position and wherein each one of the pair of armrests is located behind an elastic material that completely covers each support member and the cavity, wherein the elastic material expands from a first configuration when the pair of armrests are in the deployed position and contracts back to the first configuration when the pair of armrests are in the stowed position. 13. The method as in claim 12, wherein the pair of armrests are moved between the stowed position and the deployed position by an electric motor and wherein the electric motor is controlled by a controller having an activation button located on the surface of at least one of the pair of side walls. | 3,600 |
12,550 | 12,550 | 15,406,176 | 3,665 | The disclosure concerns a method for the remote-controlled operation of a tailgate of a motor vehicle. A sensor arrangement of the motor vehicle detects environmental data of the motor vehicle. A control apparatus of the motor vehicle triggers the opening of the tailgate on receiving a wireless opening signal from an operator and triggers the closing of the tailgate on receiving a wireless closing signal from an operator. The control apparatus checks for the presence of at least one closure condition of the tailgate that is independent of the wireless closing signal based on the environmental data detected by the sensor arrangement during opening of the tailgate, and if the closure condition is present, the control apparatus triggers the closing of the tailgate. | 1. A method for remote-controlled operation of a tailgate of a motor vehicle comprising:
detecting environmental data using a sensor arrangement of the motor vehicle; opening the tailgate in response to receiving a wireless opening signal, via a control apparatus; checking for a presence of at least one closure condition of the tailgate during the opening, the at least one closure condition being independent of the wireless closing signal and based on the environmental data detected by the sensor arrangement; and closing the tailgate in response to the at least one closure condition being present. 2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensor arrangement includes a signal receiver that receives the opening signal and the closing signal, and at least partly detects the environmental data. 3. The method as claimed in claim 1 further comprising monitoring, via the control apparatus, the closing of the tailgate using a proximity sensor of the sensor arrangement for collision avoidance during movement of the tailgate, wherein the proximity sensor at least partly detects the environmental data. 4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one closure condition is based on a timeout of a timer. 5. The method as claimed in claim 1 further comprising determining a location of the motor vehicle with a position determination device and comparing the determined location with server data for a surrounding of the motor vehicle using a telecommunications device that wirelessly accesses the server data to indicate the presence of the at least one closure condition. 6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the checking for the at least one closure condition is based on current weather data. 7. The method as claimed in claim 1 further comprising determining a distance from an operator of the control apparatus using a person distance sensor included in the sensor arrangement, wherein checking for the at least one closure condition is based on the determined distance from the operator. 8. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the at least one closure condition is based on a change of the determined distance from the operator with time. 9. The method as claimed in claim 1 further comprising determining a distance from a mobile device associated with the operator using an operating sensor included in the sensor arrangement, wherein checking for the at least one closure condition is based on the determined distance from the mobile device. 10. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein the at least one closure condition is based on a change with time of the determined distance from the mobile device. 11. The method as claimed in claim 1 further comprising determining a probability of intention to open the tailgate via the control apparatus and whether the determined probability of intention to open is below a predetermined probability limit. 12. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the at least one closure condition exists if the determined probability of intention to open is below the predetermined probability limit. 13. The method as claimed in claim 11 further comprising, in response to reception of the opening signal, checking, via the control apparatus, for an inhibition condition indicating the presence of the at least one closure condition of the tailgate based on the environmental data detected by the sensor arrangement and inhibiting, via the control apparatus, the opening of the tailgate if the inhibition condition exists. 14. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the inhibition condition corresponds to one of the other at least one closure conditions. 15. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the inhibition condition exists if the determined probability of intention to open is below the predetermined probability limit. 16. A vehicle comprising:
a tailgate; a sensor arrangement configured to detect environmental data; and a control apparatus configured to,
in response to receiving a wireless opening signal, open the tailgate, and
in response to receiving a wireless closing signal and a presence of a closure condition of the tailgate independent from the wireless closing signal and based on the environmental data detected by the sensor arrangement, close the tailgate. 17. The vehicle as claimed in claim 16, wherein the control apparatus is further configured to determine a probability of intention to open the tailgate and calculate whether the probability of intention to open is below a predetermined probability limit. 18. The vehicle as claimed in claim 17, wherein the control apparatus is further configured to identify presence of the closure condition if the probability of intention to open is below the predetermined probability limit. 19. A vehicle system comprising:
a control apparatus configured to, in response to receiving a wireless opening signal, open a tailgate and in response to receiving a wireless closing signal and a presence of a closure condition of the tailgate independent from the wireless closing signal and based on environmental data detected by a sensor arrangement, close the tailgate. 20. The vehicle system of claim 19, wherein the control apparatus is further configured to, in response to the opening signal, check for an inhibition condition indicating the presence of the closure condition of the tailgate based on the environmental data and inhibit the opening of the tailgate if the inhibition condition exists. | The disclosure concerns a method for the remote-controlled operation of a tailgate of a motor vehicle. A sensor arrangement of the motor vehicle detects environmental data of the motor vehicle. A control apparatus of the motor vehicle triggers the opening of the tailgate on receiving a wireless opening signal from an operator and triggers the closing of the tailgate on receiving a wireless closing signal from an operator. The control apparatus checks for the presence of at least one closure condition of the tailgate that is independent of the wireless closing signal based on the environmental data detected by the sensor arrangement during opening of the tailgate, and if the closure condition is present, the control apparatus triggers the closing of the tailgate.1. A method for remote-controlled operation of a tailgate of a motor vehicle comprising:
detecting environmental data using a sensor arrangement of the motor vehicle; opening the tailgate in response to receiving a wireless opening signal, via a control apparatus; checking for a presence of at least one closure condition of the tailgate during the opening, the at least one closure condition being independent of the wireless closing signal and based on the environmental data detected by the sensor arrangement; and closing the tailgate in response to the at least one closure condition being present. 2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensor arrangement includes a signal receiver that receives the opening signal and the closing signal, and at least partly detects the environmental data. 3. The method as claimed in claim 1 further comprising monitoring, via the control apparatus, the closing of the tailgate using a proximity sensor of the sensor arrangement for collision avoidance during movement of the tailgate, wherein the proximity sensor at least partly detects the environmental data. 4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one closure condition is based on a timeout of a timer. 5. The method as claimed in claim 1 further comprising determining a location of the motor vehicle with a position determination device and comparing the determined location with server data for a surrounding of the motor vehicle using a telecommunications device that wirelessly accesses the server data to indicate the presence of the at least one closure condition. 6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the checking for the at least one closure condition is based on current weather data. 7. The method as claimed in claim 1 further comprising determining a distance from an operator of the control apparatus using a person distance sensor included in the sensor arrangement, wherein checking for the at least one closure condition is based on the determined distance from the operator. 8. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the at least one closure condition is based on a change of the determined distance from the operator with time. 9. The method as claimed in claim 1 further comprising determining a distance from a mobile device associated with the operator using an operating sensor included in the sensor arrangement, wherein checking for the at least one closure condition is based on the determined distance from the mobile device. 10. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein the at least one closure condition is based on a change with time of the determined distance from the mobile device. 11. The method as claimed in claim 1 further comprising determining a probability of intention to open the tailgate via the control apparatus and whether the determined probability of intention to open is below a predetermined probability limit. 12. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the at least one closure condition exists if the determined probability of intention to open is below the predetermined probability limit. 13. The method as claimed in claim 11 further comprising, in response to reception of the opening signal, checking, via the control apparatus, for an inhibition condition indicating the presence of the at least one closure condition of the tailgate based on the environmental data detected by the sensor arrangement and inhibiting, via the control apparatus, the opening of the tailgate if the inhibition condition exists. 14. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the inhibition condition corresponds to one of the other at least one closure conditions. 15. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the inhibition condition exists if the determined probability of intention to open is below the predetermined probability limit. 16. A vehicle comprising:
a tailgate; a sensor arrangement configured to detect environmental data; and a control apparatus configured to,
in response to receiving a wireless opening signal, open the tailgate, and
in response to receiving a wireless closing signal and a presence of a closure condition of the tailgate independent from the wireless closing signal and based on the environmental data detected by the sensor arrangement, close the tailgate. 17. The vehicle as claimed in claim 16, wherein the control apparatus is further configured to determine a probability of intention to open the tailgate and calculate whether the probability of intention to open is below a predetermined probability limit. 18. The vehicle as claimed in claim 17, wherein the control apparatus is further configured to identify presence of the closure condition if the probability of intention to open is below the predetermined probability limit. 19. A vehicle system comprising:
a control apparatus configured to, in response to receiving a wireless opening signal, open a tailgate and in response to receiving a wireless closing signal and a presence of a closure condition of the tailgate independent from the wireless closing signal and based on environmental data detected by a sensor arrangement, close the tailgate. 20. The vehicle system of claim 19, wherein the control apparatus is further configured to, in response to the opening signal, check for an inhibition condition indicating the presence of the closure condition of the tailgate based on the environmental data and inhibit the opening of the tailgate if the inhibition condition exists. | 3,600 |
12,551 | 12,551 | 14,082,751 | 3,624 | A system and method for facilitating searching and recommendation for reaching a particular consumer audience with a marketing message operates across multiple media channels. Syndicated survey data for consumer behaviors is combined with consumer segmentation schema to create a subset of segments best associated with the product or service that is the subject of the marketing message. An average propensity index is calculated for that subset of best segments, and displayed for a user along with the total number of consumers in that subset of segments across multiple possible media channels. | 1. A computer-implemented method for recommending an audience for a marketing message, the method comprising the steps of:
a. receiving at a server system a consumer behavior survey comprising a plurality of consumer survey response records each comprising a set of consumer behaviors; b. assigning a consumer segment value from a set of consumer segment values to each of the plurality of consumer survey response records; c. tabulating a count for each consumer segment value across the set of consumer behaviors; d. calculating an index propensity for each consumer segment value across the set of consumer behaviors; e. identifying for each consumer behavior a subset of consumer segment values that have the highest index propensities for that consumer behavior; f. matching each of the consumer behaviors to the subset of consumer segment values; g. receiving at the server system from a client computing device connected to the server system over an electronic network a consumer behavior search request; and h. sending to the client computing device, in response to the consumer behavior search request, a plurality of matching consumer behaviors and the matched subset of consumer segment values for each of the plurality of matching consumer behaviors. 2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of calculating an average propensity index for each of the subset of consumer segment values matched to each of the set of consumer behaviors and sending to the client computing device, in response to the consumer behavior search request, the average propensity index for each of the subset of consumer segment values matched to each of the set of consumer behaviors. 3. The computer-implemented method of claim 2, further comprising the steps of matching to each consumer segment value in the set of consumer segment values a number of reachable audience members in that consumer segment value for each of a plurality of media channels and sending to the client computing device, in response to the consumer behavior search request, the number of reachable audience members for each of the plurality of media channels for each consumer segment value in the set of consumer segment values. 4. The computer-implemented method of claim 3, wherein the consumer behavior search request comprises a natural language search term. 5. The computer-implemented method of claim 4, further comprising the step of associating with each of the plurality of matching consumer behaviors sent to the client computing device in response to the consumer behavior search request a textual description of the strength of the connection between the search term and each of the consumer survey responses. 6. A computer-implemented method for recommending an audience for a marketing message, the method steps comprising:
a. constructing an index table comprising a plurality of consumer behaviors and a matched set of consumer counts for each of a set of consumer segment values across each of the plurality of consumer behaviors; b. constructing an audience recommendation table comprising the plurality of consumer behaviors, for each of the plurality of consumer behaviors a subset of the set of consumer counts that have the highest propensity index for each such consumer behavior; c. storing the index table and audience recommendation table at a digital storage medium in communication with a server comprising a processor, wherein the process is configured to send and receive communications over a network from a client computing device; d. receiving at the processor a consumer behavior search term from the remote computing device; e. searching the audience recommendation table for consumer behaviors that match the consumer behavior search term, and identifying all matched consumer behaviors together with the subset of the set of consumer counts that have the highest propensity index for each such matched consumer behavior; and f. sending from the processor to the client computing device, in response to the consumer behavior search term, a plurality of matching consumer behaviors. 7. The computer-implemented method of claim 6, further comprising the steps of:
a. constructing a media channel table comprising, for each consumer segment value in the set of consumer segment values, a consumer record count for each of a plurality of media channels, and storing the media channel table at the digital storage medium; b. searching the media channel table for each consumer segment value in the subset of the set of consumer counts for each matched consumer behavior returned by the search of the audience recommendation table, and identifying the consumer record count for each of the plurality of media channels associated with that consumer segment value; and c. sending from the processor to the client computing device, in response to the consumer behavior search term, the number of reachable audience members for each of the plurality of media channels. 8. The computer-implemented method of claim 7, wherein the audience recommendation table further comprises, for each of the plurality of consumer behaviors, an average propensity index for the subset of the set of consumer counts that have the highest propensity index for each such consumer behavior, and wherein the method further comprises the step of sending from the processor to the client computing device, in response to the consumer behavior search term, the average propensity index for the matched subset of consumer segment values for each of the matching consumer behaviors. 9. The computer-implemented method of claim 8, further comprising the step of creating for each of the plurality of matching consumer behaviors sent to the client computing device in response to the consumer behavior search term a textual description of the strength of the connection between the search term and each of the consumer survey responses, and sending the textual description of the strength of the connection between the search term and each of the consumer survey responses to the client device. 10. The computer-implemented method of claim 9, wherein the consumer behavior search term comprises a natural language search term. 11. A computer system for recommending an audience for a product marketing communication, comprising:
a. an audience recommendation table stored on a digital storage medium, wherein the audience recommendation table comprises a plurality of consumer behaviors, for each of the plurality of consumer behaviors a subset of a set of consumer counts, wherein the subset of the set of consumer counts comprise those counts that have the highest propensity index for each such consumer behavior; b. a media channel table stored on the digital storage medium that for each consumer segment value in the set of consumer segment values comprises a consumer record count for each of a plurality of media channels; c. an audience search routine stored on the digital storage medium and executable on a computer processor in communication with the digital storage medium, wherein the search routine is configured to receive as input an audience search term, search the audience recommendation table for consumer behaviors that match the audience search term, and return all matched consumer behaviors together with the subset of the set of consumer counts that have the highest propensity index for each such matched consumer behavior; d. a channel match routine stored on the digital storage medium and executable on the computer processor, wherein the channel match routine is configured to search the media channel table for each consumer segment value in the subset of the set of consumer counts for each matched consumer behavior returned by the audience search routine, and return the consumer record count for each of the plurality of media channels associated with that consumer segment value; and e. a display routine stored on the digital storage medium and executable on the computer processor, wherein the display routine is configured to receive from the audience search routine and send to a client device the matched consumer behaviors, the subset of the consumer counts that have the highest propensity index for each such matched consumer behavior, and further configured to receive from the channel match routine and send to the client device, for each of the consumer counts that have the highest propensity index for each such matched consumer behavior, the consumer record count for each of the plurality of media channels associated with the consumer segment value. 12. The computer system of claim 11, further comprising an index table stored on a digital storage medium, wherein the index table comprises the plurality of consumer behaviors and a matched set of consumer counts for each of a set of consumer segment values across each of the plurality of consumer behaviors. 13. The computer system of claim 11, wherein the audience recommendation table further comprises for each of the plurality of consumer behaviors an average propensity index for the subset of the set of consumer counts that have the highest propensity index for each such consumer behavior. 14. The computer system of claim 13, wherein the audience search routine is further configured to return the average propensity index for the subset of the set of consumer counts that have the highest propensity index for each such matched consumer behavior. 15. The computer system of claim 14, wherein the display routine is further configured to, for each of the plurality of matching consumer behaviors sent to the client computing device in response to the consumer behavior search term, send a textual description of the strength of the connection between the search term and each of the consumer survey responses. | A system and method for facilitating searching and recommendation for reaching a particular consumer audience with a marketing message operates across multiple media channels. Syndicated survey data for consumer behaviors is combined with consumer segmentation schema to create a subset of segments best associated with the product or service that is the subject of the marketing message. An average propensity index is calculated for that subset of best segments, and displayed for a user along with the total number of consumers in that subset of segments across multiple possible media channels.1. A computer-implemented method for recommending an audience for a marketing message, the method comprising the steps of:
a. receiving at a server system a consumer behavior survey comprising a plurality of consumer survey response records each comprising a set of consumer behaviors; b. assigning a consumer segment value from a set of consumer segment values to each of the plurality of consumer survey response records; c. tabulating a count for each consumer segment value across the set of consumer behaviors; d. calculating an index propensity for each consumer segment value across the set of consumer behaviors; e. identifying for each consumer behavior a subset of consumer segment values that have the highest index propensities for that consumer behavior; f. matching each of the consumer behaviors to the subset of consumer segment values; g. receiving at the server system from a client computing device connected to the server system over an electronic network a consumer behavior search request; and h. sending to the client computing device, in response to the consumer behavior search request, a plurality of matching consumer behaviors and the matched subset of consumer segment values for each of the plurality of matching consumer behaviors. 2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of calculating an average propensity index for each of the subset of consumer segment values matched to each of the set of consumer behaviors and sending to the client computing device, in response to the consumer behavior search request, the average propensity index for each of the subset of consumer segment values matched to each of the set of consumer behaviors. 3. The computer-implemented method of claim 2, further comprising the steps of matching to each consumer segment value in the set of consumer segment values a number of reachable audience members in that consumer segment value for each of a plurality of media channels and sending to the client computing device, in response to the consumer behavior search request, the number of reachable audience members for each of the plurality of media channels for each consumer segment value in the set of consumer segment values. 4. The computer-implemented method of claim 3, wherein the consumer behavior search request comprises a natural language search term. 5. The computer-implemented method of claim 4, further comprising the step of associating with each of the plurality of matching consumer behaviors sent to the client computing device in response to the consumer behavior search request a textual description of the strength of the connection between the search term and each of the consumer survey responses. 6. A computer-implemented method for recommending an audience for a marketing message, the method steps comprising:
a. constructing an index table comprising a plurality of consumer behaviors and a matched set of consumer counts for each of a set of consumer segment values across each of the plurality of consumer behaviors; b. constructing an audience recommendation table comprising the plurality of consumer behaviors, for each of the plurality of consumer behaviors a subset of the set of consumer counts that have the highest propensity index for each such consumer behavior; c. storing the index table and audience recommendation table at a digital storage medium in communication with a server comprising a processor, wherein the process is configured to send and receive communications over a network from a client computing device; d. receiving at the processor a consumer behavior search term from the remote computing device; e. searching the audience recommendation table for consumer behaviors that match the consumer behavior search term, and identifying all matched consumer behaviors together with the subset of the set of consumer counts that have the highest propensity index for each such matched consumer behavior; and f. sending from the processor to the client computing device, in response to the consumer behavior search term, a plurality of matching consumer behaviors. 7. The computer-implemented method of claim 6, further comprising the steps of:
a. constructing a media channel table comprising, for each consumer segment value in the set of consumer segment values, a consumer record count for each of a plurality of media channels, and storing the media channel table at the digital storage medium; b. searching the media channel table for each consumer segment value in the subset of the set of consumer counts for each matched consumer behavior returned by the search of the audience recommendation table, and identifying the consumer record count for each of the plurality of media channels associated with that consumer segment value; and c. sending from the processor to the client computing device, in response to the consumer behavior search term, the number of reachable audience members for each of the plurality of media channels. 8. The computer-implemented method of claim 7, wherein the audience recommendation table further comprises, for each of the plurality of consumer behaviors, an average propensity index for the subset of the set of consumer counts that have the highest propensity index for each such consumer behavior, and wherein the method further comprises the step of sending from the processor to the client computing device, in response to the consumer behavior search term, the average propensity index for the matched subset of consumer segment values for each of the matching consumer behaviors. 9. The computer-implemented method of claim 8, further comprising the step of creating for each of the plurality of matching consumer behaviors sent to the client computing device in response to the consumer behavior search term a textual description of the strength of the connection between the search term and each of the consumer survey responses, and sending the textual description of the strength of the connection between the search term and each of the consumer survey responses to the client device. 10. The computer-implemented method of claim 9, wherein the consumer behavior search term comprises a natural language search term. 11. A computer system for recommending an audience for a product marketing communication, comprising:
a. an audience recommendation table stored on a digital storage medium, wherein the audience recommendation table comprises a plurality of consumer behaviors, for each of the plurality of consumer behaviors a subset of a set of consumer counts, wherein the subset of the set of consumer counts comprise those counts that have the highest propensity index for each such consumer behavior; b. a media channel table stored on the digital storage medium that for each consumer segment value in the set of consumer segment values comprises a consumer record count for each of a plurality of media channels; c. an audience search routine stored on the digital storage medium and executable on a computer processor in communication with the digital storage medium, wherein the search routine is configured to receive as input an audience search term, search the audience recommendation table for consumer behaviors that match the audience search term, and return all matched consumer behaviors together with the subset of the set of consumer counts that have the highest propensity index for each such matched consumer behavior; d. a channel match routine stored on the digital storage medium and executable on the computer processor, wherein the channel match routine is configured to search the media channel table for each consumer segment value in the subset of the set of consumer counts for each matched consumer behavior returned by the audience search routine, and return the consumer record count for each of the plurality of media channels associated with that consumer segment value; and e. a display routine stored on the digital storage medium and executable on the computer processor, wherein the display routine is configured to receive from the audience search routine and send to a client device the matched consumer behaviors, the subset of the consumer counts that have the highest propensity index for each such matched consumer behavior, and further configured to receive from the channel match routine and send to the client device, for each of the consumer counts that have the highest propensity index for each such matched consumer behavior, the consumer record count for each of the plurality of media channels associated with the consumer segment value. 12. The computer system of claim 11, further comprising an index table stored on a digital storage medium, wherein the index table comprises the plurality of consumer behaviors and a matched set of consumer counts for each of a set of consumer segment values across each of the plurality of consumer behaviors. 13. The computer system of claim 11, wherein the audience recommendation table further comprises for each of the plurality of consumer behaviors an average propensity index for the subset of the set of consumer counts that have the highest propensity index for each such consumer behavior. 14. The computer system of claim 13, wherein the audience search routine is further configured to return the average propensity index for the subset of the set of consumer counts that have the highest propensity index for each such matched consumer behavior. 15. The computer system of claim 14, wherein the display routine is further configured to, for each of the plurality of matching consumer behaviors sent to the client computing device in response to the consumer behavior search term, send a textual description of the strength of the connection between the search term and each of the consumer survey responses. | 3,600 |
12,552 | 12,552 | 13,706,544 | 3,629 | A document workflow management system monitors progress of a document as it moves between various personnel to whom workflow actions have been assigned. When the system identifies that one of the personnel is causing a delay, or is likely to cause a delay, it will identify an alternate person who may perform the action. It may send the document to the alternate person and then return the document to the original workflow when the alternate person has completed the action. | 1. A method comprising, by one or more processors:
accessing a document workflow file, the document workflow file representing a document management workflow for a document, the document workflow file comprising information identifying a plurality of workflow action personnel, an action that is to be taken by each of the personnel, and a time period for each action; monitoring progress of the document management workflow by:
aggregating, from a plurality of sources, user status information for at least a portion of the workflow action personnel,
before the workflow is complete, determining that the document management workflow is subject to a delay based on the user status information for at least one of the workflow action personnel,
identifying the person whose status is a cause of the delay and a first action that the person is to perform in the workflow, and
analyzing the user status information for the identified person to identify a reason for the delay;
generating an alert comprising an identification of the document, the identified person, and the reason; and causing the alert to be transmitted to at least one of the personnel to whom an action has been assigned. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising, by the one or more processors:
identifying an alternate person to whom the first action may be assigned; including an identification of the alternate person in the alert; receiving, from one of the personnel to whom an action has been assigned, approval to route the document to the alternate person for the first workflow action; and in response to receiving the approval, causing the document to be transmitted to the alternate person for completion of the first workflow action. 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising, by the one or more processors:
identifying an alternate person to whom the first workflow action may be assigned; determining whether a time of the delay exceeds a threshold; and if the time exceeds the threshold, automatically causing the document to be transmitted to the alternate person for the first workflow action. 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising, by the one or more processors:
accessing a calendar or messaging application that is associated with the identified person; analyzing data from the calendar or messaging application to determine that the identified person is unavailable until a return time; determining whether the return time is past a threshold time; if the return time is before the threshold time, causing the document to be maintained in a queue for the identified person at least until the threshold time; and if the return time is after the threshold time, identifying an alternate person to whom the first workflow action may be assigned, and automatically causing the document to be transmitted to the alternate person for the first workflow action. 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising, by the one or more processors:
accessing a messaging application that is associated with the identified person; analyzing data from the messaging application to determine a time when the identified person last used the messaging application to send or read a message; assessing whether the determined time is past a threshold time; if the determined time is before the threshold time, causing the document to be maintained in a queue for the identified person at least until the threshold time; and if the determined time is after the threshold time, identifying an alternate person to whom the first workflow action may be assigned, and automatically causing the document to be transmitted to the alternate person for the first workflow action. 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising, by the one or more processors:
accessing a mobile device application that is associated with the identified person; analyzing data from the mobile device application to determine a time when the identified person last used the mobile device application; assessing whether the determined time is past a threshold time; if the determined time is before the threshold time, causing the document to be maintained in a queue for the identified person at least until the threshold time; and if the determined time is after the threshold time, identifying an alternate person to whom the first workflow action may be assigned, and automatically causing the document to be transmitted to the alternate person for the first workflow action. 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising, by the one or more processors:
identifying an alternate person to whom the first workflow action may be assigned; identifying a role that is associated with the alternate person; determining whether the document includes any information having an access restriction; determining whether the access restriction applies to the role such that the access restriction restricts access to the information by the alternate person; and if the access restriction applies to the role, modifying the document to yield a modified document that does not reveal the information, and causing the modified document to be transmitted to the alternate person for the first workflow action. 8. The method of claim 7, further comprising, by the one or more processors:
selecting, based on the workflow, one of the workflow action personnel who is to perform a next workflow action; and causing the document, in a form that reveals the information, to be transmitted to the selected person to perform the next workflow action. 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising, by the one or more processors:
identifying an alternate person to whom the first action may be assigned; causing the document to be transmitted to the alternate person for the first workflow action; receiving an indication that the alternate person has performed the first workflow action on the document; analyzing the document to determine whether the first workflow action has been properly completed; and causing the document to be sent to a next person to perform a next workflow action only if the first workflow action has been properly completed, otherwise returning the document to the alternate person for re-performance of the first workflow action. 10. A method of monitoring a document workflow, comprising, by one or more processors:
accessing a document workflow file, the document workflow file representing a document management workflow for a document, the document workflow file comprising information identifying a plurality of workflow action personnel, an action that is to be taken by each of the personnel, and a time period for each action; monitoring progress of the document management workflow by:
aggregating, from a plurality of sources, user status information for at least a portion of the workflow action personnel, wherein the plurality of sources comprise at least two of the following: a messaging application, a calendar application, a document workflow application, and a mobile device application,
before the workflow is complete, determining that the document management workflow is subject to a delay based on the user status information for at least one of the workflow action personnel,
identifying the person whose status is a cause of the delay and a first action that the person is to perform in the workflow,
analyzing the user status information for the identified person to identify a reason for the delay,
identifying an alternate person to whom the first action may be assigned,
determining whether a time of the delay exceeds a threshold, and
if the time exceeds the threshold, automatically causing the document to be transmitted to the alternate person for the first workflow action. 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising, by the one or more processors:
identifying an alternate person to whom the first workflow action may be assigned; identifying a role that is associated with the alternate person; determining whether the document includes any information having an access restriction; determining whether the access restriction applies to the role such that the access restriction restricts access to the information by the alternate person; and if the access restriction applies to the role, modifying the document to yield a modified document that does not reveal the information, and causing the modified document to be transmitted to the alternate person for the first workflow action. 12. A document workflow system comprising:
one or more processors; a data storage facility; and one or more computer readable media containing programming instructions that, when executed, are configured to instruct one or more of the processors to:
access the data storage facility to retrieve a document workflow file, the document workflow file representing a document management workflow for a document, the document workflow file comprising information identifying a plurality of workflow action personnel, an action that is to be taken by each of the personnel, and a time period for each action;
monitor progress of the document management workflow by:
aggregate, from a plurality of sources, user status information for at least a portion of the workflow action personnel,
before the workflow is complete, determine that the document management workflow is subject to a delay based on the user status information for at least one of the workflow action personnel,
identify the person whose status is a cause of the delay and a first action that the person is to perform in the workflow,
analyze the user status information for the identified person to identify a reason for the delay,
generate an alert comprising an identification of the document, the identified person, and the reason, and
cause the alert to be transmitted to at least one of the personnel to whom an action has been assigned. 13. The system of claim 12, further comprising additional programming instructions that, when executed, are configured to instruct the one or more processors to:
identify an alternate person to whom the first action may be assigned; include an identification of the alternate person in the alert; receive, from one of the personnel to whom an action has been assigned, approval to route the document to the alternate person for the first workflow action; and in response to receiving the approval, cause the document to be transmitted to the alternate person for completion of the first workflow action. 14. The system of claim 12, further comprising additional programming instructions that, when executed, are configured to instruct the one or more processors to:
identify an alternate person to whom the first workflow action may be assigned; determine whether a time of the delay exceeds a threshold; and if the time exceeds the threshold, automatically cause the document to be transmitted to the alternate person for the first workflow action. 15. The system of claim 12, further comprising additional programming instructions that, when executed, are configured to instruct the one or more processors to:
access a calendar or messaging application that is associated with the identified person; analyze data from the calendar or messaging application to determine that the identified person is unavailable until a return time; determine whether the return time is past a threshold time; if the return time is before the threshold time, cause the document to be maintained in a queue for the identified person at least until the threshold time; and if the return time is after the threshold time, identify an alternate person to whom the first workflow action may be assigned, and automatically cause the document to be transmitted to the alternate person for the first workflow action. 16. The system of claim 12, further comprising additional programming instructions that, when executed, are configured to instruct the one or more processors to:
access a messaging application that is associated with the identified person; analyze data from the messaging application to determine a time when the identified person last used the messaging application to send or read a message; assess whether the determined time is past a threshold time; if the determined time is before the threshold time, cause the document to be maintained in a queue for the identified person at least until the threshold time; and if the determined time is after the threshold time, identify an alternate person to whom the first workflow action may be assigned, and automatically cause the document to be transmitted to the alternate person for the first workflow action. 17. The system of claim 12, further comprising additional programming instructions that, when executed, are configured to instruct the one or more processors to:
access a mobile device application that is associated with the identified person; analyze data from the mobile device application to determine a time when the identified person last used the mobile device application; assess whether the determined time is past a threshold time; if the determined time is before the threshold time, cause the document to be maintained in a queue for the identified person at least until the threshold time; and if the determined time is after the threshold time, identify an alternate person to whom the first workflow action may be assigned, and automatically cause the document to be transmitted to the alternate person for the first workflow action. 18. The system of claim 12, further comprising additional programming instructions that, when executed, are configured to instruct the one or more processors to:
identify an alternate person to whom the first workflow action may be assigned; identify a role that is associated with the alternate person; determine whether the document includes any information having an access restriction; determine whether the access restriction applies to the role such that the access restriction restricts access to the information by the alternate person; and if the access restriction applies to the role, modify the document to yield a modified document that does not reveal the information, and cause the modified document to be transmitted to the alternate person for the first workflow action. 19. The system of claim 18, further comprising additional programming instructions that, when executed, are configured to instruct the one or more processors to:
select, based on the workflow, one of the workflow action personnel who is to perform a next workflow action; and cause the document, in a form that reveals the information, to be transmitted to the selected person to perform the next workflow action. 20. The system of claim 12, further comprising additional programming instructions that, when executed, are configured to instruct the one or more processors to:
identify an alternate person to whom the first action may be assigned; cause the document to be transmitted to the alternate person for the first workflow action; receive an indication that the alternate person has performed the first workflow action on the document; analyze the document to determine whether the first workflow action has been properly completed; and cause the document to be sent to a next person to perform a next workflow action only if the first workflow action has been properly completed, otherwise return the document to the alternate person for re-performance of the first workflow action. | A document workflow management system monitors progress of a document as it moves between various personnel to whom workflow actions have been assigned. When the system identifies that one of the personnel is causing a delay, or is likely to cause a delay, it will identify an alternate person who may perform the action. It may send the document to the alternate person and then return the document to the original workflow when the alternate person has completed the action.1. A method comprising, by one or more processors:
accessing a document workflow file, the document workflow file representing a document management workflow for a document, the document workflow file comprising information identifying a plurality of workflow action personnel, an action that is to be taken by each of the personnel, and a time period for each action; monitoring progress of the document management workflow by:
aggregating, from a plurality of sources, user status information for at least a portion of the workflow action personnel,
before the workflow is complete, determining that the document management workflow is subject to a delay based on the user status information for at least one of the workflow action personnel,
identifying the person whose status is a cause of the delay and a first action that the person is to perform in the workflow, and
analyzing the user status information for the identified person to identify a reason for the delay;
generating an alert comprising an identification of the document, the identified person, and the reason; and causing the alert to be transmitted to at least one of the personnel to whom an action has been assigned. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising, by the one or more processors:
identifying an alternate person to whom the first action may be assigned; including an identification of the alternate person in the alert; receiving, from one of the personnel to whom an action has been assigned, approval to route the document to the alternate person for the first workflow action; and in response to receiving the approval, causing the document to be transmitted to the alternate person for completion of the first workflow action. 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising, by the one or more processors:
identifying an alternate person to whom the first workflow action may be assigned; determining whether a time of the delay exceeds a threshold; and if the time exceeds the threshold, automatically causing the document to be transmitted to the alternate person for the first workflow action. 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising, by the one or more processors:
accessing a calendar or messaging application that is associated with the identified person; analyzing data from the calendar or messaging application to determine that the identified person is unavailable until a return time; determining whether the return time is past a threshold time; if the return time is before the threshold time, causing the document to be maintained in a queue for the identified person at least until the threshold time; and if the return time is after the threshold time, identifying an alternate person to whom the first workflow action may be assigned, and automatically causing the document to be transmitted to the alternate person for the first workflow action. 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising, by the one or more processors:
accessing a messaging application that is associated with the identified person; analyzing data from the messaging application to determine a time when the identified person last used the messaging application to send or read a message; assessing whether the determined time is past a threshold time; if the determined time is before the threshold time, causing the document to be maintained in a queue for the identified person at least until the threshold time; and if the determined time is after the threshold time, identifying an alternate person to whom the first workflow action may be assigned, and automatically causing the document to be transmitted to the alternate person for the first workflow action. 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising, by the one or more processors:
accessing a mobile device application that is associated with the identified person; analyzing data from the mobile device application to determine a time when the identified person last used the mobile device application; assessing whether the determined time is past a threshold time; if the determined time is before the threshold time, causing the document to be maintained in a queue for the identified person at least until the threshold time; and if the determined time is after the threshold time, identifying an alternate person to whom the first workflow action may be assigned, and automatically causing the document to be transmitted to the alternate person for the first workflow action. 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising, by the one or more processors:
identifying an alternate person to whom the first workflow action may be assigned; identifying a role that is associated with the alternate person; determining whether the document includes any information having an access restriction; determining whether the access restriction applies to the role such that the access restriction restricts access to the information by the alternate person; and if the access restriction applies to the role, modifying the document to yield a modified document that does not reveal the information, and causing the modified document to be transmitted to the alternate person for the first workflow action. 8. The method of claim 7, further comprising, by the one or more processors:
selecting, based on the workflow, one of the workflow action personnel who is to perform a next workflow action; and causing the document, in a form that reveals the information, to be transmitted to the selected person to perform the next workflow action. 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising, by the one or more processors:
identifying an alternate person to whom the first action may be assigned; causing the document to be transmitted to the alternate person for the first workflow action; receiving an indication that the alternate person has performed the first workflow action on the document; analyzing the document to determine whether the first workflow action has been properly completed; and causing the document to be sent to a next person to perform a next workflow action only if the first workflow action has been properly completed, otherwise returning the document to the alternate person for re-performance of the first workflow action. 10. A method of monitoring a document workflow, comprising, by one or more processors:
accessing a document workflow file, the document workflow file representing a document management workflow for a document, the document workflow file comprising information identifying a plurality of workflow action personnel, an action that is to be taken by each of the personnel, and a time period for each action; monitoring progress of the document management workflow by:
aggregating, from a plurality of sources, user status information for at least a portion of the workflow action personnel, wherein the plurality of sources comprise at least two of the following: a messaging application, a calendar application, a document workflow application, and a mobile device application,
before the workflow is complete, determining that the document management workflow is subject to a delay based on the user status information for at least one of the workflow action personnel,
identifying the person whose status is a cause of the delay and a first action that the person is to perform in the workflow,
analyzing the user status information for the identified person to identify a reason for the delay,
identifying an alternate person to whom the first action may be assigned,
determining whether a time of the delay exceeds a threshold, and
if the time exceeds the threshold, automatically causing the document to be transmitted to the alternate person for the first workflow action. 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising, by the one or more processors:
identifying an alternate person to whom the first workflow action may be assigned; identifying a role that is associated with the alternate person; determining whether the document includes any information having an access restriction; determining whether the access restriction applies to the role such that the access restriction restricts access to the information by the alternate person; and if the access restriction applies to the role, modifying the document to yield a modified document that does not reveal the information, and causing the modified document to be transmitted to the alternate person for the first workflow action. 12. A document workflow system comprising:
one or more processors; a data storage facility; and one or more computer readable media containing programming instructions that, when executed, are configured to instruct one or more of the processors to:
access the data storage facility to retrieve a document workflow file, the document workflow file representing a document management workflow for a document, the document workflow file comprising information identifying a plurality of workflow action personnel, an action that is to be taken by each of the personnel, and a time period for each action;
monitor progress of the document management workflow by:
aggregate, from a plurality of sources, user status information for at least a portion of the workflow action personnel,
before the workflow is complete, determine that the document management workflow is subject to a delay based on the user status information for at least one of the workflow action personnel,
identify the person whose status is a cause of the delay and a first action that the person is to perform in the workflow,
analyze the user status information for the identified person to identify a reason for the delay,
generate an alert comprising an identification of the document, the identified person, and the reason, and
cause the alert to be transmitted to at least one of the personnel to whom an action has been assigned. 13. The system of claim 12, further comprising additional programming instructions that, when executed, are configured to instruct the one or more processors to:
identify an alternate person to whom the first action may be assigned; include an identification of the alternate person in the alert; receive, from one of the personnel to whom an action has been assigned, approval to route the document to the alternate person for the first workflow action; and in response to receiving the approval, cause the document to be transmitted to the alternate person for completion of the first workflow action. 14. The system of claim 12, further comprising additional programming instructions that, when executed, are configured to instruct the one or more processors to:
identify an alternate person to whom the first workflow action may be assigned; determine whether a time of the delay exceeds a threshold; and if the time exceeds the threshold, automatically cause the document to be transmitted to the alternate person for the first workflow action. 15. The system of claim 12, further comprising additional programming instructions that, when executed, are configured to instruct the one or more processors to:
access a calendar or messaging application that is associated with the identified person; analyze data from the calendar or messaging application to determine that the identified person is unavailable until a return time; determine whether the return time is past a threshold time; if the return time is before the threshold time, cause the document to be maintained in a queue for the identified person at least until the threshold time; and if the return time is after the threshold time, identify an alternate person to whom the first workflow action may be assigned, and automatically cause the document to be transmitted to the alternate person for the first workflow action. 16. The system of claim 12, further comprising additional programming instructions that, when executed, are configured to instruct the one or more processors to:
access a messaging application that is associated with the identified person; analyze data from the messaging application to determine a time when the identified person last used the messaging application to send or read a message; assess whether the determined time is past a threshold time; if the determined time is before the threshold time, cause the document to be maintained in a queue for the identified person at least until the threshold time; and if the determined time is after the threshold time, identify an alternate person to whom the first workflow action may be assigned, and automatically cause the document to be transmitted to the alternate person for the first workflow action. 17. The system of claim 12, further comprising additional programming instructions that, when executed, are configured to instruct the one or more processors to:
access a mobile device application that is associated with the identified person; analyze data from the mobile device application to determine a time when the identified person last used the mobile device application; assess whether the determined time is past a threshold time; if the determined time is before the threshold time, cause the document to be maintained in a queue for the identified person at least until the threshold time; and if the determined time is after the threshold time, identify an alternate person to whom the first workflow action may be assigned, and automatically cause the document to be transmitted to the alternate person for the first workflow action. 18. The system of claim 12, further comprising additional programming instructions that, when executed, are configured to instruct the one or more processors to:
identify an alternate person to whom the first workflow action may be assigned; identify a role that is associated with the alternate person; determine whether the document includes any information having an access restriction; determine whether the access restriction applies to the role such that the access restriction restricts access to the information by the alternate person; and if the access restriction applies to the role, modify the document to yield a modified document that does not reveal the information, and cause the modified document to be transmitted to the alternate person for the first workflow action. 19. The system of claim 18, further comprising additional programming instructions that, when executed, are configured to instruct the one or more processors to:
select, based on the workflow, one of the workflow action personnel who is to perform a next workflow action; and cause the document, in a form that reveals the information, to be transmitted to the selected person to perform the next workflow action. 20. The system of claim 12, further comprising additional programming instructions that, when executed, are configured to instruct the one or more processors to:
identify an alternate person to whom the first action may be assigned; cause the document to be transmitted to the alternate person for the first workflow action; receive an indication that the alternate person has performed the first workflow action on the document; analyze the document to determine whether the first workflow action has been properly completed; and cause the document to be sent to a next person to perform a next workflow action only if the first workflow action has been properly completed, otherwise return the document to the alternate person for re-performance of the first workflow action. | 3,600 |
12,553 | 12,553 | 13,690,998 | 3,681 | The present disclosure relates to a method for receiving a rebate claim including providing an interface module for display on a display screen, receiving, via the interface module, consumer identifying information, and receiving, via the interface module, an uploaded digital copy of physical proof of purchase data, the purchase data indicating purchase of one or more rebate qualifying products or services. The present disclosure also relates to a system for rebate claim submission including an interface module for display on a display screen. The interface module may be configured for receiving consumer identifying information based on a consumer's electronic input and receiving an uploaded digital copy of physical proof of purchase data, the purchase data indicating purchase of one or more rebate qualifying products or services. | 1. A system for rebate claim submission, the system comprising an interface module for display on a display screen and configured for:
receiving consumer identifying information based on a consumer's electronic input; and receiving an uploaded digital copy of physical proof of purchase data, the purchase data indicating purchase of one or more rebate qualifying products or services. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the purchase data indicates purchase of a plurality of products or services. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the purchase data indicates purchase of a plurality of products or services in a single sales transaction. 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the consumer information comprises at least one of a consumer's name, physical address, and email address. 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the proof of purchase data comprises a point-of-sale receipt. 6. The system of claim 4, wherein the proof of purchase data comprises a Universal Product Code (UPC) for each of one or more rebate qualifying products. 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the interface module is accessible over a network via a uniform resource locator (URL). 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the interface module is further configured for providing a plurality of rebate fulfillment options available for selection by the consumer. 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the rebate fulfillment options comprise receiving a mailed rebate and receiving an electronic rebate. 10. A method for receiving a rebate claim, the method comprising:
providing an interface module for display on a display screen; receiving, via the interface module, consumer identifying information; and receiving, via the interface module, an uploaded digital copy of physical proof of purchase data, the purchase data indicating purchase of one or more rebate qualifying products or services. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the purchase data indicates purchase of a plurality of products or services in a single sales transaction. 12. The method of claim 10, wherein the consumer information comprises at least one of a consumer's name, physical address, and email address and the proof of purchase data comprises a point-of-sale receipt. 13. The method of claim 10, further comprising providing a plurality of rebate fulfillment options available for selection by the consumer. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the rebate fulfillment options comprise receiving a mailed rebate and receiving an electronic rebate. 15. The method of claim 10, further comprising validating the rebate based on at least one of the consumer identifying information and the uploaded digital copy of physical proof of purchase data. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein at least one of image processing hardware and image processing software is utilized to automatically validate the rebate based on the uploaded digital copy of physical proof of purchase. 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the rebate is validated based on at least one indicator, the indicator being a subset of data obtained from at least one of the consumer identifying information and the uploaded digital copy of physical proof of purchase data. 18. The method of claim 10, further comprising sending a rebate value to the consumer in the form of a prepaid rebate card. 19. The method of claim 10, further comprising sending an electronic rebate value to the consumer. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the electronic rebate value is a rebate value uploaded to a predetermined consumer value account. | The present disclosure relates to a method for receiving a rebate claim including providing an interface module for display on a display screen, receiving, via the interface module, consumer identifying information, and receiving, via the interface module, an uploaded digital copy of physical proof of purchase data, the purchase data indicating purchase of one or more rebate qualifying products or services. The present disclosure also relates to a system for rebate claim submission including an interface module for display on a display screen. The interface module may be configured for receiving consumer identifying information based on a consumer's electronic input and receiving an uploaded digital copy of physical proof of purchase data, the purchase data indicating purchase of one or more rebate qualifying products or services.1. A system for rebate claim submission, the system comprising an interface module for display on a display screen and configured for:
receiving consumer identifying information based on a consumer's electronic input; and receiving an uploaded digital copy of physical proof of purchase data, the purchase data indicating purchase of one or more rebate qualifying products or services. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the purchase data indicates purchase of a plurality of products or services. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the purchase data indicates purchase of a plurality of products or services in a single sales transaction. 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the consumer information comprises at least one of a consumer's name, physical address, and email address. 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the proof of purchase data comprises a point-of-sale receipt. 6. The system of claim 4, wherein the proof of purchase data comprises a Universal Product Code (UPC) for each of one or more rebate qualifying products. 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the interface module is accessible over a network via a uniform resource locator (URL). 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the interface module is further configured for providing a plurality of rebate fulfillment options available for selection by the consumer. 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the rebate fulfillment options comprise receiving a mailed rebate and receiving an electronic rebate. 10. A method for receiving a rebate claim, the method comprising:
providing an interface module for display on a display screen; receiving, via the interface module, consumer identifying information; and receiving, via the interface module, an uploaded digital copy of physical proof of purchase data, the purchase data indicating purchase of one or more rebate qualifying products or services. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the purchase data indicates purchase of a plurality of products or services in a single sales transaction. 12. The method of claim 10, wherein the consumer information comprises at least one of a consumer's name, physical address, and email address and the proof of purchase data comprises a point-of-sale receipt. 13. The method of claim 10, further comprising providing a plurality of rebate fulfillment options available for selection by the consumer. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the rebate fulfillment options comprise receiving a mailed rebate and receiving an electronic rebate. 15. The method of claim 10, further comprising validating the rebate based on at least one of the consumer identifying information and the uploaded digital copy of physical proof of purchase data. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein at least one of image processing hardware and image processing software is utilized to automatically validate the rebate based on the uploaded digital copy of physical proof of purchase. 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the rebate is validated based on at least one indicator, the indicator being a subset of data obtained from at least one of the consumer identifying information and the uploaded digital copy of physical proof of purchase data. 18. The method of claim 10, further comprising sending a rebate value to the consumer in the form of a prepaid rebate card. 19. The method of claim 10, further comprising sending an electronic rebate value to the consumer. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the electronic rebate value is a rebate value uploaded to a predetermined consumer value account. | 3,600 |
12,554 | 12,554 | 14,680,601 | 3,623 | The present invention relates to the use of free delivery to create a new system, method, and apparatus used for uploading, listening, voting, organizing, and downloading of music, and/or video, which optionally may be used in conjunction with a hybrid hard copy/soft copy advertising and marketing that also includes a coupon exchange system. The present invention also includes a novel “flush” vote system for rating music, and/or video. | 1. A method for making available media files, the method comprising:
distributing an application to a plurality of computing devices for making available the media files to users of the computing devices; making available a user interface through the application for accessing a set of media files, wherein the user interface allows for each of the media files to be voted on with a like or a dislike and wherein the user interface allows for each of the media files to be forwarded to another user of the application; assigning a number of flushes to each of the media files at a server; receiving from multiple users using the computing devices votes for or against the media files and tracking forwards from the multiple users at the server; maintaining a count of the number of flushes for each of the media files by reducing the number of flushes for each vote against each of the media files and increasing the count of the number of flushes for each occurrence of forwarding the media file to another user; and removing from the set of media files, media files once the count of the number of flushes reduces to zero. 2. The method of claim 1 wherein each of the media files comprises a song. 3. The method of claim 1 wherein each of the media files is a video file. 4. The method of claim 1 wherein the application is a web application. 5. The method of claim 1 further comprising assigning a genre tag to each of the media files. 6. The method of claim 1 wherein the count of the number of flushes is increased by two for each occurrence of forwarding the media file to another user. 7. The method of claim 6 wherein the count of the number of flushes is decreased by one for each of the votes against the media file. 8. The method of claim 1 wherein the user interface further provides for a user to pass on an opportunity to vote on one of the media files. 9. The method of claim 8 wherein the number of flushes is not affected for each pass for the media file. 10. The method of claim 1 wherein the application is accessible through a social network. 11. The method of claim 1 further comprising distributing a coupon through the application. | The present invention relates to the use of free delivery to create a new system, method, and apparatus used for uploading, listening, voting, organizing, and downloading of music, and/or video, which optionally may be used in conjunction with a hybrid hard copy/soft copy advertising and marketing that also includes a coupon exchange system. The present invention also includes a novel “flush” vote system for rating music, and/or video.1. A method for making available media files, the method comprising:
distributing an application to a plurality of computing devices for making available the media files to users of the computing devices; making available a user interface through the application for accessing a set of media files, wherein the user interface allows for each of the media files to be voted on with a like or a dislike and wherein the user interface allows for each of the media files to be forwarded to another user of the application; assigning a number of flushes to each of the media files at a server; receiving from multiple users using the computing devices votes for or against the media files and tracking forwards from the multiple users at the server; maintaining a count of the number of flushes for each of the media files by reducing the number of flushes for each vote against each of the media files and increasing the count of the number of flushes for each occurrence of forwarding the media file to another user; and removing from the set of media files, media files once the count of the number of flushes reduces to zero. 2. The method of claim 1 wherein each of the media files comprises a song. 3. The method of claim 1 wherein each of the media files is a video file. 4. The method of claim 1 wherein the application is a web application. 5. The method of claim 1 further comprising assigning a genre tag to each of the media files. 6. The method of claim 1 wherein the count of the number of flushes is increased by two for each occurrence of forwarding the media file to another user. 7. The method of claim 6 wherein the count of the number of flushes is decreased by one for each of the votes against the media file. 8. The method of claim 1 wherein the user interface further provides for a user to pass on an opportunity to vote on one of the media files. 9. The method of claim 8 wherein the number of flushes is not affected for each pass for the media file. 10. The method of claim 1 wherein the application is accessible through a social network. 11. The method of claim 1 further comprising distributing a coupon through the application. | 3,600 |
12,555 | 12,555 | 12,070,138 | 3,692 | The present invention provides a system for trading commodities and the like. A computer, a communications link between the computer and the Internet, and a database, accessible by the computer are provided. The database includes a plurality of user files. Each of the user files corresponds to a specified user of the system. Each of the user files contains exchange permissions corresponding to exchanges to which the specified user may access. At least one computerized exchange transacts specified commodities executing on the computer accessible by selected users having proper exchange permissions for each exchange. A display is provided for pooling liquidity that permits users to post and view bids and offers and negotiate and consummate transactions on common commodities from one or more groups or exchanges. By such liquidity pooling, the liquidity of transactions of commodities between various exchanges and users is improved. | 1. A system for trading commodities and the like comprising:
a computer; a communications link between the computer and the Internet; a database, accessible by the computer, containing a plurality of user files wherein each of the plurality of user files corresponds to a specified user of the system and further containing exchange permissions corresponding to exchanges to which the specified user may access; at least one computerized exchange for transacting specified commodities executing on the computer accessible by selected users having proper exchange permissions for each exchange; a database, accessible by the computer, containing a plurality of indications wherein each of the plurality of indications contains information corresponding to open bids or offers for commodities and the indications are organized according to the commodities to which they correspond; and software executing on the computer for querying the user database to retrieve exchange permissions from a user file corresponding to the user, retrieving indications from the indication database corresponding to predetermined commodities within the exchanges to which the user has been determined to have access, generating a presentation of the retrieved indications, transmitting the presentation to the user over the communications link, and displaying the presentation of the retrieved indications corresponding to the commodities within the exchanges to which the user has been determined to have access. 2. The system of claim 1 wherein the specified commodities associated with an exchange are viewed exclusively by users having exchange permissions corresponding to the exchange. 3. The system of claim 2 further comprising commodity-sharing privileges granted between at least two exchanges permitting at least one of the exchanges access to at least one commodity associated with the exchanges. 4. The system of claim 1 wherein each of the plurality of user files further contains a plurality of transaction parameters corresponding to one or more indications associated with the user file, the transaction parameters governing the presentation and acceptance of indications associated therewith and the system further comprising software executing on the computer for querying user files in the user database corresponding to each of the retrieved indications to determine transaction parameters associated with each of the retrieved indications, and generating the presentation of the retrieved indications in accordance with the determined transaction parameters. 5. The system of claim 4 wherein the transaction parameters enable a submitter of an indication to remain anonymous to specific users of the system that have been predetermined by the submitter. 6. The system of claim 1 wherein the transaction parameters enable a submitter of an indication to reveal contact information to specific users of the system that have been predetermined by the submitter. 7. A system for trading commodities and the like comprising:
a computer; a communications link between the computer and the Internet; a database, accessible by the computer, containing a plurality of user files wherein each of the plurality of user files corresponds to a specified user of the system and further containing exchange permissions corresponding to exchanges to which the specified user may access; at least one computerized exchange for transacting specified commodities executing on the computer accessible by selected users having proper exchange permissions for each exchange; and a display that permits users to post and view bids and offers and negotiate and consummate transactions on common commodities from one or more exchanges; whereby sharing of common commodities from one or more exchanges pools and thereby improves liquidity. 8. The system of claim 7 wherein the display for each group comprises designated web sites for each user. 9. The system of claim 7 further including a database, accessible by the computer, containing a plurality of indications wherein each of the plurality of indications contains information corresponding to open bids or offers for commodities and the indications are organized according to the commodities to which they correspond. 10. The system of claim 9 further including software executing on the computer for querying the user database to retrieve exchange permissions from a user file corresponding to the user; retrieving indications from the indication database corresponding to predetermined commodities within the exchanges to which the user has been determined to have access, generating a presentation of the retrieved indications, transmitting the presentation to the user over the communications link, and displaying the presentation of the retrieved indications corresponding to the commodities within the exchanges to which the user has been determined to have access. 11. The system of claim 7 wherein the specified commodities associated with an exchange are viewed exclusively by users having exchange permissions corresponding to the exchange. 12. The system of claim 7 wherein the transaction parameters enable a submitter of an indication to reveal contact information to specific users of the system that have been predetermined by the submitter. 13. A system for trading commodities and the like comprising:
a computer; a communications link between the computer and the Internet; a database, accessible by the computer, containing a plurality of user files wherein each of the plurality of user files corresponds to a specified user of the system and further containing exchange permissions corresponding to exchanges to which the specified user may access; at least two computerized exchanges for transacting specified commodities executing on the computer accessible by selected users having proper exchange permissions for each exchange; software executing on the computer for generating an aggregated presentation of a plurality of indications, transmitting the aggregated presentation to the user over the communications link, and displaying the aggregated presentation of the plurality of indications corresponding to the commodities within the exchanges to which the user has been determined to have access; whereby sharing of common commodities from one or more exchanges pools and thereby improves liquidity. 14. The system of claim 13 wherein the specified commodities associated with an exchange are viewed exclusively by users having exchange permissions corresponding to the exchange. 15. The system of claim 14 further comprising commodity-sharing privileges granted between at least two exchanges permitting at least one of the exchanges access to at least one commodity associated with the exchanges. 16. The system of claim 13 wherein each of the plurality of user files further contains a plurality of transaction parameters corresponding to one or more indications associated with the user file, the transaction parameters governing the presentation and acceptance of indications associated therewith and the system further comprising software executing on the computer for querying user files in the user database corresponding to each of the retrieved indications to determine transaction parameters associated with each of the retrieved indications, and generating the presentation of the retrieved indications in accordance with the determined transaction parameters. 17. The system of claim 16 wherein the transaction parameters enable a submitter of an indication to remain anonymous to specific users of the system that have been predetermined by the submitter. 18. The system of claim 13 wherein the transaction parameters enable a submitter of an indication to reveal contact information to specific users of the system that have been predetermined by the submitter. 19. A system for trading commodities and the like comprising:
a computer; a communications link between the computer and the Internet; a database, accessible by the computer, containing a plurality of user files wherein each of the plurality of user files corresponds to a specified user of the system and further containing exchange permissions corresponding to exchanges to which the specified user may access, the database further containing exchange permissions for at least one broker; at least one computerized exchange for transacting specified commodities executing on the computer accessible by selected users and brokers having proper exchange permissions for each exchange; software executing on the computer for permitting member traders and brokers of various groups to post and view bids and offers and negotiate and consummate transactions on commodities from one or more exchanges in an integrated presentation that pools order liquidity from the various exchanges. 20. The system of claim 19 wherein the specified commodities associated with an exchange are viewed exclusively by users having exchange permissions corresponding to the exchange. 21. The system of claim 20 further comprising commodity-sharing privileges granted between at least two exchanges permitting at least one of the exchanges access to at least one commodity associated with the exchanges. 22. The system of claim 19 wherein each of the plurality of user files further contains a plurality of transaction parameters corresponding to one or more indications associated with the user file, the transaction parameters governing the presentation and acceptance of indications associated therewith and the system further comprising software executing on the computer for querying user files in the user database corresponding to each of the retrieved indications to determine transaction parameters associated with each of the retrieved indications, and generating the presentation of the retrieved indications in accordance with the determined transaction parameters. 23. The system of claim 22 wherein the transaction parameters enable a submitter of an indication to remain anonymous to specific users of the system that have been predetermined by the submitter. 24. The system of claim 19 wherein the transaction parameters enable a submitter of an indication to reveal contact information to specific users of the system that have been predetermined by the submitter. 25. A method for trading commodities and the like comprising:
providing a plurality of users; defining exchange permissions corresponding to exchanges to which the user may access; connecting the users having proper exchange permissions to at least two exchanges for transacting specified commodities; organizing a plurality of indications containing information corresponding to open bids or offers for commodities according to the commodities to which they correspond; retrieving exchange permissions for a specified user; retrieving indications corresponding to predetermined commodities within the exchanges to which the user has been determined to have access; generating a presentation of the retrieved indications; transmitting the presentation to the user; and displaying the presentation of the retrieved indications corresponding to the commodities within the exchanges to which the user has been determined to have access. 26. The method of claim 25 further comprising viewing the specified commodities associated with an exchange exclusively by users having exchange permissions corresponding to the exchange. 27. The method of claim 26 further comprising granting commodity-sharing privileges between at least two exchanges permitting at least one of the exchanges access to at least one commodity associated with the exchanges. 28. The method of claim 25 further defining a plurality of transaction parameters corresponding to one or more indications, the transaction parameters governing the presentation and acceptance of indications associated therewith; querying the retrieved indications to determine transaction parameters associated with each of the retrieved indications; and generating the presentation of the retrieved indications in accordance with the determined transaction parameters. 29. The method of claim 28 further comprising a submitter of an indication remaining anonymous to specific users that have been predetermined by the submitter. 30. The method of claim 25 further comprising a submitter of an indication revealing contact information to specific users of the method that have been predetermined by the submitter. 31. A method for trading commodities and the like comprising:
providing a plurality of users; defining exchange permissions corresponding to exchanges to which the user may access; connecting the users having proper exchange permissions to at least two exchanges for transacting specified commodities; permitting users to post and view bids and offers and negotiate and consummate transactions on common commodities from one or more exchanges; whereby sharing of common commodities from one or more exchanges pools and thereby improves liquidity. 31. The method of claim 31 further comprising designating web sites for each user. 33. The method of claim 31 further comprising organizing a plurality of indications containing information corresponding to open bids or offers for commodities according to the commodities to which they correspond. 34. The method of claim 33 further comprising querying exchange permissions for a user; retrieving indications corresponding to predetermined commodities within the exchanges to which the user has been determined to have access; generating a presentation of the retrieved indications; transmitting the presentation to the user; and displaying the presentation of the retrieved indications corresponding to the commodities within the exchanges to which the user has been determined to have access. 35. The method of claim 31 further comprising viewing the specified commodities associated with an exchange exclusively by users having exchange permissions corresponding to the exchange. 36. The method of claim 31 further comprising a submitter of an indication revealing contact information to specific users that have been predetermined by the submitter. 37. A method for trading commodities and the like comprising:
providing a plurality of users; defining exchange permissions corresponding to exchanges to which the user may access; connecting the users having proper exchange permissions to at least two exchanges for transacting specified commodities; generating an aggregated presentation of a plurality of indications; transmitting the aggregated presentation to the user; and displaying the aggregated presentation of the plurality of indications corresponding to the commodities within the exchanges to which the user has been determined to have access; whereby sharing of common commodities from one or more exchanges pools and thereby improves liquidity. 38. The method of claim 37 further comprising viewing the specified commodities associated with an exchange exclusively by users having exchange permissions corresponding to the exchange. 39. The method of claim 38 further comprising grating commodity-sharing privileges between at least two exchanges permitting at least one of the exchanges access to at least one commodity associated with the exchanges. 40. The method of claim 37 further comprising querying exchange permissions for a user; retrieving indications corresponding to predetermined commodities within the exchanges to which the user has been determined to have access; generating a presentation of the retrieved indications; transmitting the presentation to the user; and displaying the presentation of the retrieved indications corresponding to the commodities within the exchanges to which the user has been determined to have access. 41. The method of claim 40 further comprising a submitter of an indication remaining anonymous to specific users of the method that have been predetermined by the submitter. 42. The method of claim 37 further comprising a submitter of an indication revealing contact information to specific users of the method that have been predetermined by the submitter. 43. A method for trading commodities and the like comprising:
providing a plurality of users; defining exchange permissions corresponding to exchanges to which the user may access; defining exchange permissions corresponding to exchanges to which at least one broker may access; connecting the users and brokers having proper exchange permissions to at least two exchanges for transacting specified commodities; and permitting member traders and brokers of various groups to post and view bids and offers and negotiate and consummate transactions on commodities from one or more exchanges in an integrated presentation that pools order liquidity from the various exchanges. 44. The system of claim 43 further comprising viewing the specified commodities associated with an exchange exclusively by users having exchange permissions corresponding to the exchange. 45. The system of claim 44 further comprising granting commodity-sharing privileges between at least two exchanges permitting at least one of the exchanges access to at least one commodity associated with the exchanges. 46. The method of claim 43 further comprising querying exchange permissions for a user; retrieving indications corresponding to predetermined commodities within the exchanges to which the user has been determined to have access; generating a presentation of the retrieved indications; transmitting the presentation to the user; and displaying the presentation of the retrieved indications corresponding to the commodities within the exchanges to which the user has been determined to have access. 47. The system of claim 46 further comprising a submitter of an indication remaining anonymous to specific users of the system that have been predetermined by the submitter. 48. The system of claim 43 further comprising a submitter of an indication revealing contact information to specific users of the system that have been predetermined by the submitter. | The present invention provides a system for trading commodities and the like. A computer, a communications link between the computer and the Internet, and a database, accessible by the computer are provided. The database includes a plurality of user files. Each of the user files corresponds to a specified user of the system. Each of the user files contains exchange permissions corresponding to exchanges to which the specified user may access. At least one computerized exchange transacts specified commodities executing on the computer accessible by selected users having proper exchange permissions for each exchange. A display is provided for pooling liquidity that permits users to post and view bids and offers and negotiate and consummate transactions on common commodities from one or more groups or exchanges. By such liquidity pooling, the liquidity of transactions of commodities between various exchanges and users is improved.1. A system for trading commodities and the like comprising:
a computer; a communications link between the computer and the Internet; a database, accessible by the computer, containing a plurality of user files wherein each of the plurality of user files corresponds to a specified user of the system and further containing exchange permissions corresponding to exchanges to which the specified user may access; at least one computerized exchange for transacting specified commodities executing on the computer accessible by selected users having proper exchange permissions for each exchange; a database, accessible by the computer, containing a plurality of indications wherein each of the plurality of indications contains information corresponding to open bids or offers for commodities and the indications are organized according to the commodities to which they correspond; and software executing on the computer for querying the user database to retrieve exchange permissions from a user file corresponding to the user, retrieving indications from the indication database corresponding to predetermined commodities within the exchanges to which the user has been determined to have access, generating a presentation of the retrieved indications, transmitting the presentation to the user over the communications link, and displaying the presentation of the retrieved indications corresponding to the commodities within the exchanges to which the user has been determined to have access. 2. The system of claim 1 wherein the specified commodities associated with an exchange are viewed exclusively by users having exchange permissions corresponding to the exchange. 3. The system of claim 2 further comprising commodity-sharing privileges granted between at least two exchanges permitting at least one of the exchanges access to at least one commodity associated with the exchanges. 4. The system of claim 1 wherein each of the plurality of user files further contains a plurality of transaction parameters corresponding to one or more indications associated with the user file, the transaction parameters governing the presentation and acceptance of indications associated therewith and the system further comprising software executing on the computer for querying user files in the user database corresponding to each of the retrieved indications to determine transaction parameters associated with each of the retrieved indications, and generating the presentation of the retrieved indications in accordance with the determined transaction parameters. 5. The system of claim 4 wherein the transaction parameters enable a submitter of an indication to remain anonymous to specific users of the system that have been predetermined by the submitter. 6. The system of claim 1 wherein the transaction parameters enable a submitter of an indication to reveal contact information to specific users of the system that have been predetermined by the submitter. 7. A system for trading commodities and the like comprising:
a computer; a communications link between the computer and the Internet; a database, accessible by the computer, containing a plurality of user files wherein each of the plurality of user files corresponds to a specified user of the system and further containing exchange permissions corresponding to exchanges to which the specified user may access; at least one computerized exchange for transacting specified commodities executing on the computer accessible by selected users having proper exchange permissions for each exchange; and a display that permits users to post and view bids and offers and negotiate and consummate transactions on common commodities from one or more exchanges; whereby sharing of common commodities from one or more exchanges pools and thereby improves liquidity. 8. The system of claim 7 wherein the display for each group comprises designated web sites for each user. 9. The system of claim 7 further including a database, accessible by the computer, containing a plurality of indications wherein each of the plurality of indications contains information corresponding to open bids or offers for commodities and the indications are organized according to the commodities to which they correspond. 10. The system of claim 9 further including software executing on the computer for querying the user database to retrieve exchange permissions from a user file corresponding to the user; retrieving indications from the indication database corresponding to predetermined commodities within the exchanges to which the user has been determined to have access, generating a presentation of the retrieved indications, transmitting the presentation to the user over the communications link, and displaying the presentation of the retrieved indications corresponding to the commodities within the exchanges to which the user has been determined to have access. 11. The system of claim 7 wherein the specified commodities associated with an exchange are viewed exclusively by users having exchange permissions corresponding to the exchange. 12. The system of claim 7 wherein the transaction parameters enable a submitter of an indication to reveal contact information to specific users of the system that have been predetermined by the submitter. 13. A system for trading commodities and the like comprising:
a computer; a communications link between the computer and the Internet; a database, accessible by the computer, containing a plurality of user files wherein each of the plurality of user files corresponds to a specified user of the system and further containing exchange permissions corresponding to exchanges to which the specified user may access; at least two computerized exchanges for transacting specified commodities executing on the computer accessible by selected users having proper exchange permissions for each exchange; software executing on the computer for generating an aggregated presentation of a plurality of indications, transmitting the aggregated presentation to the user over the communications link, and displaying the aggregated presentation of the plurality of indications corresponding to the commodities within the exchanges to which the user has been determined to have access; whereby sharing of common commodities from one or more exchanges pools and thereby improves liquidity. 14. The system of claim 13 wherein the specified commodities associated with an exchange are viewed exclusively by users having exchange permissions corresponding to the exchange. 15. The system of claim 14 further comprising commodity-sharing privileges granted between at least two exchanges permitting at least one of the exchanges access to at least one commodity associated with the exchanges. 16. The system of claim 13 wherein each of the plurality of user files further contains a plurality of transaction parameters corresponding to one or more indications associated with the user file, the transaction parameters governing the presentation and acceptance of indications associated therewith and the system further comprising software executing on the computer for querying user files in the user database corresponding to each of the retrieved indications to determine transaction parameters associated with each of the retrieved indications, and generating the presentation of the retrieved indications in accordance with the determined transaction parameters. 17. The system of claim 16 wherein the transaction parameters enable a submitter of an indication to remain anonymous to specific users of the system that have been predetermined by the submitter. 18. The system of claim 13 wherein the transaction parameters enable a submitter of an indication to reveal contact information to specific users of the system that have been predetermined by the submitter. 19. A system for trading commodities and the like comprising:
a computer; a communications link between the computer and the Internet; a database, accessible by the computer, containing a plurality of user files wherein each of the plurality of user files corresponds to a specified user of the system and further containing exchange permissions corresponding to exchanges to which the specified user may access, the database further containing exchange permissions for at least one broker; at least one computerized exchange for transacting specified commodities executing on the computer accessible by selected users and brokers having proper exchange permissions for each exchange; software executing on the computer for permitting member traders and brokers of various groups to post and view bids and offers and negotiate and consummate transactions on commodities from one or more exchanges in an integrated presentation that pools order liquidity from the various exchanges. 20. The system of claim 19 wherein the specified commodities associated with an exchange are viewed exclusively by users having exchange permissions corresponding to the exchange. 21. The system of claim 20 further comprising commodity-sharing privileges granted between at least two exchanges permitting at least one of the exchanges access to at least one commodity associated with the exchanges. 22. The system of claim 19 wherein each of the plurality of user files further contains a plurality of transaction parameters corresponding to one or more indications associated with the user file, the transaction parameters governing the presentation and acceptance of indications associated therewith and the system further comprising software executing on the computer for querying user files in the user database corresponding to each of the retrieved indications to determine transaction parameters associated with each of the retrieved indications, and generating the presentation of the retrieved indications in accordance with the determined transaction parameters. 23. The system of claim 22 wherein the transaction parameters enable a submitter of an indication to remain anonymous to specific users of the system that have been predetermined by the submitter. 24. The system of claim 19 wherein the transaction parameters enable a submitter of an indication to reveal contact information to specific users of the system that have been predetermined by the submitter. 25. A method for trading commodities and the like comprising:
providing a plurality of users; defining exchange permissions corresponding to exchanges to which the user may access; connecting the users having proper exchange permissions to at least two exchanges for transacting specified commodities; organizing a plurality of indications containing information corresponding to open bids or offers for commodities according to the commodities to which they correspond; retrieving exchange permissions for a specified user; retrieving indications corresponding to predetermined commodities within the exchanges to which the user has been determined to have access; generating a presentation of the retrieved indications; transmitting the presentation to the user; and displaying the presentation of the retrieved indications corresponding to the commodities within the exchanges to which the user has been determined to have access. 26. The method of claim 25 further comprising viewing the specified commodities associated with an exchange exclusively by users having exchange permissions corresponding to the exchange. 27. The method of claim 26 further comprising granting commodity-sharing privileges between at least two exchanges permitting at least one of the exchanges access to at least one commodity associated with the exchanges. 28. The method of claim 25 further defining a plurality of transaction parameters corresponding to one or more indications, the transaction parameters governing the presentation and acceptance of indications associated therewith; querying the retrieved indications to determine transaction parameters associated with each of the retrieved indications; and generating the presentation of the retrieved indications in accordance with the determined transaction parameters. 29. The method of claim 28 further comprising a submitter of an indication remaining anonymous to specific users that have been predetermined by the submitter. 30. The method of claim 25 further comprising a submitter of an indication revealing contact information to specific users of the method that have been predetermined by the submitter. 31. A method for trading commodities and the like comprising:
providing a plurality of users; defining exchange permissions corresponding to exchanges to which the user may access; connecting the users having proper exchange permissions to at least two exchanges for transacting specified commodities; permitting users to post and view bids and offers and negotiate and consummate transactions on common commodities from one or more exchanges; whereby sharing of common commodities from one or more exchanges pools and thereby improves liquidity. 31. The method of claim 31 further comprising designating web sites for each user. 33. The method of claim 31 further comprising organizing a plurality of indications containing information corresponding to open bids or offers for commodities according to the commodities to which they correspond. 34. The method of claim 33 further comprising querying exchange permissions for a user; retrieving indications corresponding to predetermined commodities within the exchanges to which the user has been determined to have access; generating a presentation of the retrieved indications; transmitting the presentation to the user; and displaying the presentation of the retrieved indications corresponding to the commodities within the exchanges to which the user has been determined to have access. 35. The method of claim 31 further comprising viewing the specified commodities associated with an exchange exclusively by users having exchange permissions corresponding to the exchange. 36. The method of claim 31 further comprising a submitter of an indication revealing contact information to specific users that have been predetermined by the submitter. 37. A method for trading commodities and the like comprising:
providing a plurality of users; defining exchange permissions corresponding to exchanges to which the user may access; connecting the users having proper exchange permissions to at least two exchanges for transacting specified commodities; generating an aggregated presentation of a plurality of indications; transmitting the aggregated presentation to the user; and displaying the aggregated presentation of the plurality of indications corresponding to the commodities within the exchanges to which the user has been determined to have access; whereby sharing of common commodities from one or more exchanges pools and thereby improves liquidity. 38. The method of claim 37 further comprising viewing the specified commodities associated with an exchange exclusively by users having exchange permissions corresponding to the exchange. 39. The method of claim 38 further comprising grating commodity-sharing privileges between at least two exchanges permitting at least one of the exchanges access to at least one commodity associated with the exchanges. 40. The method of claim 37 further comprising querying exchange permissions for a user; retrieving indications corresponding to predetermined commodities within the exchanges to which the user has been determined to have access; generating a presentation of the retrieved indications; transmitting the presentation to the user; and displaying the presentation of the retrieved indications corresponding to the commodities within the exchanges to which the user has been determined to have access. 41. The method of claim 40 further comprising a submitter of an indication remaining anonymous to specific users of the method that have been predetermined by the submitter. 42. The method of claim 37 further comprising a submitter of an indication revealing contact information to specific users of the method that have been predetermined by the submitter. 43. A method for trading commodities and the like comprising:
providing a plurality of users; defining exchange permissions corresponding to exchanges to which the user may access; defining exchange permissions corresponding to exchanges to which at least one broker may access; connecting the users and brokers having proper exchange permissions to at least two exchanges for transacting specified commodities; and permitting member traders and brokers of various groups to post and view bids and offers and negotiate and consummate transactions on commodities from one or more exchanges in an integrated presentation that pools order liquidity from the various exchanges. 44. The system of claim 43 further comprising viewing the specified commodities associated with an exchange exclusively by users having exchange permissions corresponding to the exchange. 45. The system of claim 44 further comprising granting commodity-sharing privileges between at least two exchanges permitting at least one of the exchanges access to at least one commodity associated with the exchanges. 46. The method of claim 43 further comprising querying exchange permissions for a user; retrieving indications corresponding to predetermined commodities within the exchanges to which the user has been determined to have access; generating a presentation of the retrieved indications; transmitting the presentation to the user; and displaying the presentation of the retrieved indications corresponding to the commodities within the exchanges to which the user has been determined to have access. 47. The system of claim 46 further comprising a submitter of an indication remaining anonymous to specific users of the system that have been predetermined by the submitter. 48. The system of claim 43 further comprising a submitter of an indication revealing contact information to specific users of the system that have been predetermined by the submitter. | 3,600 |
12,556 | 12,556 | 14,472,547 | 3,633 | A unitary, plastic fastener such as a cable tie well-suited for use in bundling together a plurality of parallel wires and, in turn, releasably securing the harnessed bundle to a flattened automotive panel comprises an elongated strap, a head formed onto one end of the strap, and an insert fastener formed onto the head. The insert fastener includes a planar platform that extends orthogonally away from the outer end wall of the head, a U-shaped support member formed onto the rear surface of the platform, and a pair of opposing, resilient, panel retention wings pivotally connected to the support member. Each wing includes a bar-shaped release arm at its distal end that projects through a central opening formed in the platform. In this manner, the fastener is designed for intact removal from a panel to which it is coupled even when access to the fastener is limited from one side of the panel. | 1. A fastener comprising:
(a) a pawl to include an elongated strap accepting channel, the pawl comprising a locking tang which is disposed to project into the strap accepting channel; (b) a strap having a first end and a second end, the first end being formed onto the head, the strap being dimensioned for insertion into the strap accepting channel so the cable tie forms a closed loop, the strap being adapted to be engaged by the locking tang when the tie is formed into a closed loop; and (c) an aperture head formed onto at least one of the pawl and the strap, the insert fastener comprising,
(i) a platform shaped to define a transverse opening,
(ii) a support member formed onto the platform, and
(iii) a first retention wing pivotally coupled to the support member, wherein at least a portion of the first retention wing extends through the transverse opening in the platform. 2. The fastener as claimed in claim 1 wherein the fastener is constructed as a unitary plastic member. 3. The fastener as claimed in claim 1 wherein the aperture head additionally comprises a second retention wing that is pivotally coupled to the support member. 4. The fastener as claimed in claim 3 wherein the platform includes a substantially flat front surface and a substantially flat rear surface. 5. The fastener as claimed in claim 4 wherein the support member comprises:
(a) a pair of parallel arms that are formed onto and extend orthogonally out from the rear surface of the platform; and
(b) a cross-member that extends transversely between the pair of parallel arms. 6. The fastener as claimed in claim 5 wherein the first and second retention wings are hingedly connected to the cross-member and extend outwardly therefrom in opposing directions. 7. The fastener as claimed in claim 6 wherein each of the first and second retention wings includes an elongated release arm, at least a portion of the elongated release arm extending entirely through the transverse opening in the platform. 8. The fastener as claimed in claim 7 wherein the elongated release arm is in the form of a generally rectangular bar. 9. The fastener as claimed in claim 7 wherein each of the first and second retention wings includes at least one step which is adapted to selectively engage a flat panel when the insert fastener is inserted therethrough. 10. The fastener as claimed in claim 9 wherein each of the first and second retention wings include an externally exposed, depression surface for manual deflection. 11. The fastener as claimed in claim 7 wherein the pawl includes a front wall, a rear wall, an inner end wall, an outer end wall, and a pair of sidewalls that together define the elongated channel. 12. The fastener as claimed in claim 11 wherein the platform is formed onto and extends orthogonally out from the outer end wall of the head. 13. The fastener as claimed in claim 12 wherein the strap is in the form of an elongated flexible band comprising a front surface and a bottom surface. 14. The fastener as claimed in claim 13 wherein a plurality of ratchet-shaped teeth are formed onto the bottom surface of the strap, the plurality of ratchet-shaped teeth being designed to be sequentially engaged by a locking mechanism when the strap is formed into a closed loop. 15. An aperture head comprising:
(a) a platform shaped to define a transverse opening; (b) a support member formed onto the platform; and (c) a first retention wing pivotally coupled to the support member, wherein at least a portion of the first retention wing extends through the transverse opening in the platform. 16. The aperture head as claimed in claim 15 wherein the aperture head is constructed as a unitary plastic member. 17. The aperture head as claimed in claim 15 wherein the aperture head additionally comprises a second retention wing that is pivotally coupled to the support member. 18. The aperture head as claimed in claim 17 wherein the platform includes a substantially flat front surface and a substantially flat rear surface. 19. The aperture head as claimed in claim 18 wherein the support member comprises:
(a) a pair of parallel arms that are formed onto and extend orthogonally out from the rear surface of the platform; and
(b) a cross-member that extends transversely between the pair of parallel arms. 20. The aperture head as claimed in claim 19 wherein the first and second retention wings are hingedly connected to the cross-member and extend outwardly therefrom in opposing. | A unitary, plastic fastener such as a cable tie well-suited for use in bundling together a plurality of parallel wires and, in turn, releasably securing the harnessed bundle to a flattened automotive panel comprises an elongated strap, a head formed onto one end of the strap, and an insert fastener formed onto the head. The insert fastener includes a planar platform that extends orthogonally away from the outer end wall of the head, a U-shaped support member formed onto the rear surface of the platform, and a pair of opposing, resilient, panel retention wings pivotally connected to the support member. Each wing includes a bar-shaped release arm at its distal end that projects through a central opening formed in the platform. In this manner, the fastener is designed for intact removal from a panel to which it is coupled even when access to the fastener is limited from one side of the panel.1. A fastener comprising:
(a) a pawl to include an elongated strap accepting channel, the pawl comprising a locking tang which is disposed to project into the strap accepting channel; (b) a strap having a first end and a second end, the first end being formed onto the head, the strap being dimensioned for insertion into the strap accepting channel so the cable tie forms a closed loop, the strap being adapted to be engaged by the locking tang when the tie is formed into a closed loop; and (c) an aperture head formed onto at least one of the pawl and the strap, the insert fastener comprising,
(i) a platform shaped to define a transverse opening,
(ii) a support member formed onto the platform, and
(iii) a first retention wing pivotally coupled to the support member, wherein at least a portion of the first retention wing extends through the transverse opening in the platform. 2. The fastener as claimed in claim 1 wherein the fastener is constructed as a unitary plastic member. 3. The fastener as claimed in claim 1 wherein the aperture head additionally comprises a second retention wing that is pivotally coupled to the support member. 4. The fastener as claimed in claim 3 wherein the platform includes a substantially flat front surface and a substantially flat rear surface. 5. The fastener as claimed in claim 4 wherein the support member comprises:
(a) a pair of parallel arms that are formed onto and extend orthogonally out from the rear surface of the platform; and
(b) a cross-member that extends transversely between the pair of parallel arms. 6. The fastener as claimed in claim 5 wherein the first and second retention wings are hingedly connected to the cross-member and extend outwardly therefrom in opposing directions. 7. The fastener as claimed in claim 6 wherein each of the first and second retention wings includes an elongated release arm, at least a portion of the elongated release arm extending entirely through the transverse opening in the platform. 8. The fastener as claimed in claim 7 wherein the elongated release arm is in the form of a generally rectangular bar. 9. The fastener as claimed in claim 7 wherein each of the first and second retention wings includes at least one step which is adapted to selectively engage a flat panel when the insert fastener is inserted therethrough. 10. The fastener as claimed in claim 9 wherein each of the first and second retention wings include an externally exposed, depression surface for manual deflection. 11. The fastener as claimed in claim 7 wherein the pawl includes a front wall, a rear wall, an inner end wall, an outer end wall, and a pair of sidewalls that together define the elongated channel. 12. The fastener as claimed in claim 11 wherein the platform is formed onto and extends orthogonally out from the outer end wall of the head. 13. The fastener as claimed in claim 12 wherein the strap is in the form of an elongated flexible band comprising a front surface and a bottom surface. 14. The fastener as claimed in claim 13 wherein a plurality of ratchet-shaped teeth are formed onto the bottom surface of the strap, the plurality of ratchet-shaped teeth being designed to be sequentially engaged by a locking mechanism when the strap is formed into a closed loop. 15. An aperture head comprising:
(a) a platform shaped to define a transverse opening; (b) a support member formed onto the platform; and (c) a first retention wing pivotally coupled to the support member, wherein at least a portion of the first retention wing extends through the transverse opening in the platform. 16. The aperture head as claimed in claim 15 wherein the aperture head is constructed as a unitary plastic member. 17. The aperture head as claimed in claim 15 wherein the aperture head additionally comprises a second retention wing that is pivotally coupled to the support member. 18. The aperture head as claimed in claim 17 wherein the platform includes a substantially flat front surface and a substantially flat rear surface. 19. The aperture head as claimed in claim 18 wherein the support member comprises:
(a) a pair of parallel arms that are formed onto and extend orthogonally out from the rear surface of the platform; and
(b) a cross-member that extends transversely between the pair of parallel arms. 20. The aperture head as claimed in claim 19 wherein the first and second retention wings are hingedly connected to the cross-member and extend outwardly therefrom in opposing. | 3,600 |
12,557 | 12,557 | 12,984,191 | 3,664 | A system and a method are provided for managing events in a smart grid. The method is implemented in a computer infrastructure having computer executable code tangibly embodied on a computer readable storage medium having programming instructions operable to: receive a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) notify message comprising a monitored state of at least one electrical device, from a smart meter; send a SIP publish message comprising the monitored state of the at least one electrical device, to at least one client device for management of the at least one electrical device; and determine and send a rule comprising at least one action to take in response to the monitored state of the at least one electrical device, to the smart meter. | 1. A method implemented in a computer infrastructure having computer executable code tangibly embodied on a computer readable storage medium having programming instructions operable to:
receive a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) notify message comprising a monitored state of at least one electrical device, from a smart meter; send a SIP publish message comprising the monitored state of the at least one electrical device, to at least one client device for management of the at least one electrical device; and determine and send a rule comprising at least one action to take in response to the monitored state of the at least one electrical device, to the smart meter. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the programming instructions are further operable to receive a SIP subscribe message requesting to subscribe to updates of the monitored state of the at least one electrical device, from the at least one client device. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the programming instructions are further operable to:
at least one of build and update a presence document comprising the monitored state of the at least one electrical device and information regarding the at least one client device; and store the presence document. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the monitored state of the at least one electrical device includes at least one of a consumer energy profile, identification information regarding the at least electrical device, physical state parameters of the at least one electrical device, utility billing, and critical events, at one or more locations. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the SIP notify message is received when a critical electrical event is recorded at a location. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one client device is operable to:
request and receive the rule comprising the at least one action to take in response to the monitored state; send the rule comprising the at least one action to take in response to the monitored state, to the smart meter; and perform the at least one action to take in response to the monitored state. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the rule comprising the at least one action to take in response to the monitored state is set by a subscriber and is associated with at least one of critical events at a location selected by the subscriber. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the computer infrastructure is located in a network domain of at least one of a utility provider and a network service provider. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one client device is located in a network domain of at least one of a utility provider, a network service provider, and a third-party location. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein a service provider at least one of creates, maintains, deploys and supports the computer infrastructure. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein steps of claim 1 are provided by the service provider on a subscription, advertising, and/or fee basis. 12. A system implemented in hardware, comprising:
a domain server operable to:
receive a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) notify message comprising a monitored state of at least one electrical device, from a smart meter;
send a SIP publish message comprising the monitored state of the at least one electrical device, to at least one client device for management of the at least one electrical device; and
determine and send a rule comprising at least one action to take in response to the monitored state of the at least one electrical device, to the smart meter,
wherein the monitored state of the at least one electrical device includes at least one of a consumer energy profile, identification information regarding the at least electrical device, physical state parameters of the at least one electrical device, utility billing, and critical events, at one or more locations. 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the domain server is further operable to receive a SIP subscribe message requesting to subscribe to updates of the monitored state of the at least one electrical device, from the at least one client device. 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the SIP subscribe message is received from the at least one client device operable to:
request and receive the rule comprising the at least one action to take in response to the monitored state; send the rule comprising the at least one action to take in response to the monitored state, to the smart meter; and perform the at least one action to take in response to the monitored state, wherein the rule comprising the at least one action to take in response to the monitored state is set by a subscriber and is associated with at least one of critical events at a location selected by the subscriber. 15. The system of claim 12, further comprising an Extensible Markup Language (XML) Data Management Server (XDMS) operable to:
at least one of build and update a presence document comprising the monitored state of the at least one electrical device and information regarding the at least one client device; and store the presence document. 16. The system of claim 12, wherein the SIP notify message is received when a critical electrical event is recorded at a location. 17. The system of claim 12, further comprising a watcher device operable to:
request and receive the rule comprising the at least one action to take in response to the monitored state; send the rule comprising the at least one action to take in response to the monitored state, to the smart meter; and perform the at least one action to take in response to the monitored state. 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the rule comprising the at least one action to take in response to the monitored state is set by a subscriber and is associated with at least one of critical events at a location selected by the subscriber. 19. The system of claim 17, wherein the watcher device is located in a network domain of at least one of a utility provider, a network service provider, and a third-party location. 20. The system of claim 12, wherein the domain server is located in a network domain of at least one of a utility provider and a network service provider. 21. A computer program product comprising a computer usable storage medium having readable program code embodied in the storage medium, the computer program product includes at least one component operable to:
receive a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) notify message comprising a monitored state of at least one electrical device, from a smart meter; send a SIP publish message comprising the monitored state of the at least one electrical device, to at least one client device for management of the at least one electrical device; and determine and send a rule comprising at least one action to take in response to the monitored state of the at least one electrical device, to the smart meter. 22. The computer program product of claim 21, wherein the monitored state of the at least one electrical device includes at least one of a consumer energy profile, identification information regarding the at least electrical device, physical state parameters of the at least one electrical device, utility billing, and critical events, at one or more locations. 23. A method of managing electrical consumption, comprising:
providing a computer infrastructure, being operable to:
send a register message to register in a network;
record a critical electrical event at a client specified location;
send a notify message comprising presence information of the critical electrical event at the client specified location, to a presence server;
receive a rule comprising at least one action to take in response to the critical electrical event; and
perform the at least one action to take in response to the critical electrical event. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the register and the notify messages are Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) messages, and the network is a SIP network. 25. A computer system for managing electrical consumption, the system comprising:
a CPU, a computer readable memory and a computer readable storage media; first program instructions to receive a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) notify message comprising a monitored state of at least one electrical device, from a smart meter; second program instructions to send a SIP publish message comprising the monitored state of the at least one electrical device, to at least one client device for management of the at least one electrical device; third program instructions to determine and send a rule comprising at least one action to take in response to the monitored state of the at least one electrical device, to the smart meter; and fourth program instructions to receive a SIP subscribe message requesting to subscribe to updates of the monitored state of the at least one electrical device, from the at least one client device, wherein the monitored state of the at least one electrical device includes at least one of a consumer energy profile, identification information regarding the at least electrical device, physical state parameters of the at least one electrical device, utility billing, and critical events, at one or more locations, and wherein the first, second, third, and fourth program instructions are stored on the computer readable storage media for execution by the CPU via the computer readable memory. | A system and a method are provided for managing events in a smart grid. The method is implemented in a computer infrastructure having computer executable code tangibly embodied on a computer readable storage medium having programming instructions operable to: receive a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) notify message comprising a monitored state of at least one electrical device, from a smart meter; send a SIP publish message comprising the monitored state of the at least one electrical device, to at least one client device for management of the at least one electrical device; and determine and send a rule comprising at least one action to take in response to the monitored state of the at least one electrical device, to the smart meter.1. A method implemented in a computer infrastructure having computer executable code tangibly embodied on a computer readable storage medium having programming instructions operable to:
receive a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) notify message comprising a monitored state of at least one electrical device, from a smart meter; send a SIP publish message comprising the monitored state of the at least one electrical device, to at least one client device for management of the at least one electrical device; and determine and send a rule comprising at least one action to take in response to the monitored state of the at least one electrical device, to the smart meter. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the programming instructions are further operable to receive a SIP subscribe message requesting to subscribe to updates of the monitored state of the at least one electrical device, from the at least one client device. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the programming instructions are further operable to:
at least one of build and update a presence document comprising the monitored state of the at least one electrical device and information regarding the at least one client device; and store the presence document. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the monitored state of the at least one electrical device includes at least one of a consumer energy profile, identification information regarding the at least electrical device, physical state parameters of the at least one electrical device, utility billing, and critical events, at one or more locations. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the SIP notify message is received when a critical electrical event is recorded at a location. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one client device is operable to:
request and receive the rule comprising the at least one action to take in response to the monitored state; send the rule comprising the at least one action to take in response to the monitored state, to the smart meter; and perform the at least one action to take in response to the monitored state. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the rule comprising the at least one action to take in response to the monitored state is set by a subscriber and is associated with at least one of critical events at a location selected by the subscriber. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the computer infrastructure is located in a network domain of at least one of a utility provider and a network service provider. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one client device is located in a network domain of at least one of a utility provider, a network service provider, and a third-party location. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein a service provider at least one of creates, maintains, deploys and supports the computer infrastructure. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein steps of claim 1 are provided by the service provider on a subscription, advertising, and/or fee basis. 12. A system implemented in hardware, comprising:
a domain server operable to:
receive a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) notify message comprising a monitored state of at least one electrical device, from a smart meter;
send a SIP publish message comprising the monitored state of the at least one electrical device, to at least one client device for management of the at least one electrical device; and
determine and send a rule comprising at least one action to take in response to the monitored state of the at least one electrical device, to the smart meter,
wherein the monitored state of the at least one electrical device includes at least one of a consumer energy profile, identification information regarding the at least electrical device, physical state parameters of the at least one electrical device, utility billing, and critical events, at one or more locations. 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the domain server is further operable to receive a SIP subscribe message requesting to subscribe to updates of the monitored state of the at least one electrical device, from the at least one client device. 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the SIP subscribe message is received from the at least one client device operable to:
request and receive the rule comprising the at least one action to take in response to the monitored state; send the rule comprising the at least one action to take in response to the monitored state, to the smart meter; and perform the at least one action to take in response to the monitored state, wherein the rule comprising the at least one action to take in response to the monitored state is set by a subscriber and is associated with at least one of critical events at a location selected by the subscriber. 15. The system of claim 12, further comprising an Extensible Markup Language (XML) Data Management Server (XDMS) operable to:
at least one of build and update a presence document comprising the monitored state of the at least one electrical device and information regarding the at least one client device; and store the presence document. 16. The system of claim 12, wherein the SIP notify message is received when a critical electrical event is recorded at a location. 17. The system of claim 12, further comprising a watcher device operable to:
request and receive the rule comprising the at least one action to take in response to the monitored state; send the rule comprising the at least one action to take in response to the monitored state, to the smart meter; and perform the at least one action to take in response to the monitored state. 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the rule comprising the at least one action to take in response to the monitored state is set by a subscriber and is associated with at least one of critical events at a location selected by the subscriber. 19. The system of claim 17, wherein the watcher device is located in a network domain of at least one of a utility provider, a network service provider, and a third-party location. 20. The system of claim 12, wherein the domain server is located in a network domain of at least one of a utility provider and a network service provider. 21. A computer program product comprising a computer usable storage medium having readable program code embodied in the storage medium, the computer program product includes at least one component operable to:
receive a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) notify message comprising a monitored state of at least one electrical device, from a smart meter; send a SIP publish message comprising the monitored state of the at least one electrical device, to at least one client device for management of the at least one electrical device; and determine and send a rule comprising at least one action to take in response to the monitored state of the at least one electrical device, to the smart meter. 22. The computer program product of claim 21, wherein the monitored state of the at least one electrical device includes at least one of a consumer energy profile, identification information regarding the at least electrical device, physical state parameters of the at least one electrical device, utility billing, and critical events, at one or more locations. 23. A method of managing electrical consumption, comprising:
providing a computer infrastructure, being operable to:
send a register message to register in a network;
record a critical electrical event at a client specified location;
send a notify message comprising presence information of the critical electrical event at the client specified location, to a presence server;
receive a rule comprising at least one action to take in response to the critical electrical event; and
perform the at least one action to take in response to the critical electrical event. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the register and the notify messages are Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) messages, and the network is a SIP network. 25. A computer system for managing electrical consumption, the system comprising:
a CPU, a computer readable memory and a computer readable storage media; first program instructions to receive a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) notify message comprising a monitored state of at least one electrical device, from a smart meter; second program instructions to send a SIP publish message comprising the monitored state of the at least one electrical device, to at least one client device for management of the at least one electrical device; third program instructions to determine and send a rule comprising at least one action to take in response to the monitored state of the at least one electrical device, to the smart meter; and fourth program instructions to receive a SIP subscribe message requesting to subscribe to updates of the monitored state of the at least one electrical device, from the at least one client device, wherein the monitored state of the at least one electrical device includes at least one of a consumer energy profile, identification information regarding the at least electrical device, physical state parameters of the at least one electrical device, utility billing, and critical events, at one or more locations, and wherein the first, second, third, and fourth program instructions are stored on the computer readable storage media for execution by the CPU via the computer readable memory. | 3,600 |
12,558 | 12,558 | 11,739,044 | 3,685 | Techniques for portable devices functioning as an electronic purchaser (e.g., e-purse) and/or an electronic mobile seller (e.g., mobile point-of-sales (POS)) are disclosed. According to one aspect of the invention, a mechanism is provided to enable a portable device to conduct e-commerce and m-commerce transactions over an open network with a payment server and/or a POS transaction server without compromising security. In one embodiment, a portable device is loaded with an e-purse as an electronic mobile purchaser. In another embodiment, the portable device is installed with a mobile POS as an electronic mobile seller. | 1. A method for enabling a portable device to conduct mobile commerce transactions, the method comprising:
receiving a list of items provided by service providers in response to a service request from the portable device; downloading one or more of the items selected from the list; personalizing the downloaded items with inputs from a user; and downloading a mobile commerce transaction manager module based on personalized information from the personalized downloaded items. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the mobile commerce transaction manager module is loaded in a baseband of the portable device while the downloaded items are stored in a secured element. 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising pre-installing a service manager module configured to facilitate said installing, said personalizing and said downloading operations. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein one of the downloaded items is a mobile point-of-sales (POS) manager module that facilitates a transaction with an e-token. 5. The method of claim 2, wherein the secured element is a smart card. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein one of the downloaded items is e-commerce and m-commerce transaction module, and said personalizing further comprises:
connecting to a personalization server at a service provider to establish a secured channel; sending a personalization request to the personalization server; receiving one or more network messages containing an personalization data array from the personalization server; and forwarding the personalization data array to the e-commerce and m-commerce transaction module. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the secured channel is established over a cellular communications network or a public domain network. 8. The method of claim 6, wherein the personalization data array comprises transformed identification generated by the personalization server using the unique ID of the secured element and optionally card ID of an emulator of the secured element. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the personalization data array further comprises various keys and codes based on specific requirements of the mobile commerce transaction module. 10. The method of claim 6, wherein the personalization data array is formed with commands in accordance with Application Protocol Data Unit (APDU). 11. The method of claim 8, further comprising personalizing the emulator. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the list of items includes server addresses for said downloading one or more items, said personalization and said download the mobile transaction manager module, and optionally service plan information. 13. (canceled) 14. (canceled) 15. (canceled) 16. (canceled) 17. (canceled) 18. (canceled) 19. (canceled) 20. A method for conducting mobile commerce transactions using a portable device, the method comprising:
retrieving into a portable device an e-token from an e-token enabled device being held by a holder desirous of making a purchase transaction; determining whether the retrieved e-token is valid using a point-of-sales security authentication module (POS SAM) installed in the portable device without communicating with a POS transaction server, wherein the POS SAM in the portable device validates one or more operation keys from the e-token enabled device without communicating with a transaction server that has personalized the POS SAM; and recording the purchase transaction in the POS SAM by debiting the e-token if the e-token is determined to be valid and has enough balance to cover a purchase amount; or otherwise denying the purchase transaction. 21. The method of claim 20, further comprising uploading accumulated transactions in the POS SAM to the backend POS transaction server over either a cellular communications network or a public domain network. 22. The method of claim 20, further comprising funding the e-token enabled device from a financial institute or a linked account via a POS manager of the portable device. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the linked account is set up and funded by a sponsor or donor. 24. The method of claim 20, further comprises connecting to a backend POS transaction server to perform further verification of the e-token, when the purchase amount is great than a pre-defined limit. 25. A method for conducting both mobile and electronic commerce transactions, the mobile commerce transaction being conducted over a cellular network and the electronic commerce transaction being conducted over a data network including a wired or wireless internet, the method comprising:
personalizing a POS security authentication module (POS SAM) included in a portable device, wherein said personalizing the POS SAM comprising:
causing the POS SAM to be personalized with a designated personalization server, wherein the personalization server is provided to pesonalize a plurality of mobile devices; and
establishing a secured communication session between the portable device and the personalization server for the personalization server to access the portable device to install a set of security keys and personal identification numbers (PINs) in the POS SAM after an identifier of the portable device is verified with the personalization server;
personalizing an e-token enabled device for accessing by a contactless interface of the portable device, wherein said personalizing the e-token enabled device comprises:
installing a set of operation keys;
reading an e-token off from the e-token enabled device, wherein the e-token is accepted by the portable device after one or more of the operation keys are recognized by the POS SAM of the portable device;
and settling in a transaction server transactions conducted via the portable device, wherein the portable device reads off the e-token enabled device to complete, without communicating with the transaction server, some of the transactions that result in charges not exceeding a pre-defined threshold set in the e-token enabled device, the some of the transactions are transmitted in batch to the transaction server in a secured channel over the cellular network or the data network. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the POS SAM is configured to establish the secured channel with the e-token enabled device to facilitate the portable device to enable and authenticate the some of the transactions without communicating with the transaction server. 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the POS SAM, after being personalized, includes at least
a unique SAM ID based on an unique identifier of an underlying secured element; a set of debit master keys; a transformed message encryption key; a transformed message authentication key; a maximum length of remark for each offline transaction; a transformed batch transaction key; and a GP PIN. 28. The method of claim 25, wherein the POS SAM is an applet to personalize parameters in the portable device; 29. The method of claim 25, wherein the portable device is a near field communication (NFC) enabled mobile phone. 30. The method of claim 25, wherein the e-token enabled device is a single functional card or a multi-functional card. 31. The method of claim 25, wherein the contactless interface is a complied proximity coupling device. | Techniques for portable devices functioning as an electronic purchaser (e.g., e-purse) and/or an electronic mobile seller (e.g., mobile point-of-sales (POS)) are disclosed. According to one aspect of the invention, a mechanism is provided to enable a portable device to conduct e-commerce and m-commerce transactions over an open network with a payment server and/or a POS transaction server without compromising security. In one embodiment, a portable device is loaded with an e-purse as an electronic mobile purchaser. In another embodiment, the portable device is installed with a mobile POS as an electronic mobile seller.1. A method for enabling a portable device to conduct mobile commerce transactions, the method comprising:
receiving a list of items provided by service providers in response to a service request from the portable device; downloading one or more of the items selected from the list; personalizing the downloaded items with inputs from a user; and downloading a mobile commerce transaction manager module based on personalized information from the personalized downloaded items. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the mobile commerce transaction manager module is loaded in a baseband of the portable device while the downloaded items are stored in a secured element. 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising pre-installing a service manager module configured to facilitate said installing, said personalizing and said downloading operations. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein one of the downloaded items is a mobile point-of-sales (POS) manager module that facilitates a transaction with an e-token. 5. The method of claim 2, wherein the secured element is a smart card. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein one of the downloaded items is e-commerce and m-commerce transaction module, and said personalizing further comprises:
connecting to a personalization server at a service provider to establish a secured channel; sending a personalization request to the personalization server; receiving one or more network messages containing an personalization data array from the personalization server; and forwarding the personalization data array to the e-commerce and m-commerce transaction module. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the secured channel is established over a cellular communications network or a public domain network. 8. The method of claim 6, wherein the personalization data array comprises transformed identification generated by the personalization server using the unique ID of the secured element and optionally card ID of an emulator of the secured element. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the personalization data array further comprises various keys and codes based on specific requirements of the mobile commerce transaction module. 10. The method of claim 6, wherein the personalization data array is formed with commands in accordance with Application Protocol Data Unit (APDU). 11. The method of claim 8, further comprising personalizing the emulator. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the list of items includes server addresses for said downloading one or more items, said personalization and said download the mobile transaction manager module, and optionally service plan information. 13. (canceled) 14. (canceled) 15. (canceled) 16. (canceled) 17. (canceled) 18. (canceled) 19. (canceled) 20. A method for conducting mobile commerce transactions using a portable device, the method comprising:
retrieving into a portable device an e-token from an e-token enabled device being held by a holder desirous of making a purchase transaction; determining whether the retrieved e-token is valid using a point-of-sales security authentication module (POS SAM) installed in the portable device without communicating with a POS transaction server, wherein the POS SAM in the portable device validates one or more operation keys from the e-token enabled device without communicating with a transaction server that has personalized the POS SAM; and recording the purchase transaction in the POS SAM by debiting the e-token if the e-token is determined to be valid and has enough balance to cover a purchase amount; or otherwise denying the purchase transaction. 21. The method of claim 20, further comprising uploading accumulated transactions in the POS SAM to the backend POS transaction server over either a cellular communications network or a public domain network. 22. The method of claim 20, further comprising funding the e-token enabled device from a financial institute or a linked account via a POS manager of the portable device. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the linked account is set up and funded by a sponsor or donor. 24. The method of claim 20, further comprises connecting to a backend POS transaction server to perform further verification of the e-token, when the purchase amount is great than a pre-defined limit. 25. A method for conducting both mobile and electronic commerce transactions, the mobile commerce transaction being conducted over a cellular network and the electronic commerce transaction being conducted over a data network including a wired or wireless internet, the method comprising:
personalizing a POS security authentication module (POS SAM) included in a portable device, wherein said personalizing the POS SAM comprising:
causing the POS SAM to be personalized with a designated personalization server, wherein the personalization server is provided to pesonalize a plurality of mobile devices; and
establishing a secured communication session between the portable device and the personalization server for the personalization server to access the portable device to install a set of security keys and personal identification numbers (PINs) in the POS SAM after an identifier of the portable device is verified with the personalization server;
personalizing an e-token enabled device for accessing by a contactless interface of the portable device, wherein said personalizing the e-token enabled device comprises:
installing a set of operation keys;
reading an e-token off from the e-token enabled device, wherein the e-token is accepted by the portable device after one or more of the operation keys are recognized by the POS SAM of the portable device;
and settling in a transaction server transactions conducted via the portable device, wherein the portable device reads off the e-token enabled device to complete, without communicating with the transaction server, some of the transactions that result in charges not exceeding a pre-defined threshold set in the e-token enabled device, the some of the transactions are transmitted in batch to the transaction server in a secured channel over the cellular network or the data network. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the POS SAM is configured to establish the secured channel with the e-token enabled device to facilitate the portable device to enable and authenticate the some of the transactions without communicating with the transaction server. 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the POS SAM, after being personalized, includes at least
a unique SAM ID based on an unique identifier of an underlying secured element; a set of debit master keys; a transformed message encryption key; a transformed message authentication key; a maximum length of remark for each offline transaction; a transformed batch transaction key; and a GP PIN. 28. The method of claim 25, wherein the POS SAM is an applet to personalize parameters in the portable device; 29. The method of claim 25, wherein the portable device is a near field communication (NFC) enabled mobile phone. 30. The method of claim 25, wherein the e-token enabled device is a single functional card or a multi-functional card. 31. The method of claim 25, wherein the contactless interface is a complied proximity coupling device. | 3,600 |
12,559 | 12,559 | 14,265,332 | 3,697 | A method of reaching one or more target positions in a user-directed trading system includes the steps of: identifying target positions, wherein each target position includes a tradable instrument identifier and a target quantity; for at least one of the target positions, identifying a corresponding initial position including a current quantity associated with the tradable instrument identifier; and triggering the trading system to identify orders required to reach at least one target position from at least one initial position. A user-directed trading system includes: a user interface through which a user identifies target positions, wherein each target position includes a tradable instrument identifier and a target quantity; for at least one of the target positions, identifies a corresponding initial position including a current quantity associated with the tradable instrument identifier; and identifies orders required to reach at least one target position from at least one initial position. | 1. A method of reaching one or more target positions in a user-directed trading system comprising the steps of:
identifying one or more target positions, wherein each target position includes a tradable instrument identifier, a target quantity, and an identification of the side of market; for at least one of the target positions, identifying a corresponding initial position including a current quantity associated with the tradable instrument identifier and a side of the market, wherein the side of the market of at least one of the target positions is on the opposite side of the market from the side of the market of the corresponding initial position; and triggering the trading system to identify one or more orders required to reach at least one target position from at least one initial position; and triggering the trading system to execute one or more of the orders identified as being required to reach the at least one target position from the at least one initial position, including the target position having the identification of the side of the market that is on the opposite side of the market from the side of the market of the corresponding initial position. 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the one or more target position having the identification of the side of the market that is on the opposite side of the market from the side of the market of the corresponding initial position is on the long side of the market. 3. The method of claim 1 wherein the one or more target position having the identification of the side of the market that is on the opposite side of the market from the side of the market of the corresponding initial position is on the short side of the market. 4. The method of claim 1 wherein the one or more orders required to reach at least one target position from at least one initial position include at least one order to add a position to a non-zero quantity initial position, wherein the non-zero quantity initial position has the same tradable instrument identifier as the target position. 5. The method of claim 1 wherein the one or more orders required to reach at least one target position from at least one initial position include at least one order to including a non-zero quantity initial position and a non-zero quantity target position, wherein the absolute value of the quantity of the initial position is not equal to the absolute value of the quantity of the target position. 6. The method of claim 1 wherein the one or more orders required to reach at least one target position from at least one initial position include at least one order to liquidate an initial position to a non-zero quantity target position, wherein the non-zero quantity target position has the same tradable instrument identifier as the initial position. 7. The method of claim 1 further including the step of triggering the trading system to selectively execute one or more of the orders identified as being required to reach at least one target position from at least one initial position. 8. The method of claim 7 wherein the selective execution is based on any combination of categories selected from the group consisting of order, order type, type of transaction, tradable instrument state, and exchange state. 9. The method of claim 1 wherein one or more of the target positions are user defined. 10. The method of claim 1 wherein the one or more of the target positions are defined by one or more functions provided in the trading system. 11. The method of claim 1 wherein the triggering the trading system to identify one or more orders required to reach at least one target position from at least one initial position is based on a user input trigger. 12. The method of claim 1 wherein the triggering the trading system to identify one or more orders required to reach at least one target position from at least one initial position is based on an event based trigger. 13. A user-directed trading system comprising:
a user interface; a controller directed through the user interface; and a tangible non-transitory computer-readable media having instructions, that when executed by the controller, cause the controller to: identify one or more target positions, wherein each target position includes a tradable instrument identifier, a target quantity, and an identification of the side of market; for at least one of the target positions, identify a corresponding initial position including a current quantity associated with the tradable instrument identifier and a side of the market, wherein the side of the market of at least one of the target positions is on the opposite side of the market from the side of the market of the corresponding initial position; and trigger the trading system to identify one or more orders required to reach at least one target position from at least one initial position; and trigger the trading system to execute one or more of the orders identified as being required to reach the at least one target position from the at least one initial position, including the target position having the identification of the side of the market that is on the opposite side of the market from the side of the market of the corresponding initial position. 14. The system of claim 13 wherein the one or more orders required to reach at least one target position from at least one initial position include at least one order to add a position to a non-zero quantity initial position, wherein the non-zero quantity initial position has the same tradable instrument identifier as the target position. 15. The system of claim 13 wherein the one or more orders required to reach at least one target position from at least one initial position include at least one order to including a non-zero quantity initial position and a non-zero quantity target position, wherein the absolute value of the quantity of the initial position is not equal to the absolute value of the quantity of the target position. 16. The system of claim 13 further including the step of triggering the trading system to selectively execute one or more of the orders identified as being required to reach at least one target position from at least one initial position. 17. The system of claim 13 wherein one or more of the target positions are user defined. 18. The system of claim 13 wherein the one or more of the target positions are defined by one or more functions provided in the trading system. 19. The system of claim 13 wherein the triggering the trading system to identify one or more orders required to reach at least one target position from at least one initial position is based on a user input trigger. 20. The system of claim 13 wherein the triggering the trading system to identify one or more orders required to reach at least one target position from at least one initial position is based on an event based trigger. | A method of reaching one or more target positions in a user-directed trading system includes the steps of: identifying target positions, wherein each target position includes a tradable instrument identifier and a target quantity; for at least one of the target positions, identifying a corresponding initial position including a current quantity associated with the tradable instrument identifier; and triggering the trading system to identify orders required to reach at least one target position from at least one initial position. A user-directed trading system includes: a user interface through which a user identifies target positions, wherein each target position includes a tradable instrument identifier and a target quantity; for at least one of the target positions, identifies a corresponding initial position including a current quantity associated with the tradable instrument identifier; and identifies orders required to reach at least one target position from at least one initial position.1. A method of reaching one or more target positions in a user-directed trading system comprising the steps of:
identifying one or more target positions, wherein each target position includes a tradable instrument identifier, a target quantity, and an identification of the side of market; for at least one of the target positions, identifying a corresponding initial position including a current quantity associated with the tradable instrument identifier and a side of the market, wherein the side of the market of at least one of the target positions is on the opposite side of the market from the side of the market of the corresponding initial position; and triggering the trading system to identify one or more orders required to reach at least one target position from at least one initial position; and triggering the trading system to execute one or more of the orders identified as being required to reach the at least one target position from the at least one initial position, including the target position having the identification of the side of the market that is on the opposite side of the market from the side of the market of the corresponding initial position. 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the one or more target position having the identification of the side of the market that is on the opposite side of the market from the side of the market of the corresponding initial position is on the long side of the market. 3. The method of claim 1 wherein the one or more target position having the identification of the side of the market that is on the opposite side of the market from the side of the market of the corresponding initial position is on the short side of the market. 4. The method of claim 1 wherein the one or more orders required to reach at least one target position from at least one initial position include at least one order to add a position to a non-zero quantity initial position, wherein the non-zero quantity initial position has the same tradable instrument identifier as the target position. 5. The method of claim 1 wherein the one or more orders required to reach at least one target position from at least one initial position include at least one order to including a non-zero quantity initial position and a non-zero quantity target position, wherein the absolute value of the quantity of the initial position is not equal to the absolute value of the quantity of the target position. 6. The method of claim 1 wherein the one or more orders required to reach at least one target position from at least one initial position include at least one order to liquidate an initial position to a non-zero quantity target position, wherein the non-zero quantity target position has the same tradable instrument identifier as the initial position. 7. The method of claim 1 further including the step of triggering the trading system to selectively execute one or more of the orders identified as being required to reach at least one target position from at least one initial position. 8. The method of claim 7 wherein the selective execution is based on any combination of categories selected from the group consisting of order, order type, type of transaction, tradable instrument state, and exchange state. 9. The method of claim 1 wherein one or more of the target positions are user defined. 10. The method of claim 1 wherein the one or more of the target positions are defined by one or more functions provided in the trading system. 11. The method of claim 1 wherein the triggering the trading system to identify one or more orders required to reach at least one target position from at least one initial position is based on a user input trigger. 12. The method of claim 1 wherein the triggering the trading system to identify one or more orders required to reach at least one target position from at least one initial position is based on an event based trigger. 13. A user-directed trading system comprising:
a user interface; a controller directed through the user interface; and a tangible non-transitory computer-readable media having instructions, that when executed by the controller, cause the controller to: identify one or more target positions, wherein each target position includes a tradable instrument identifier, a target quantity, and an identification of the side of market; for at least one of the target positions, identify a corresponding initial position including a current quantity associated with the tradable instrument identifier and a side of the market, wherein the side of the market of at least one of the target positions is on the opposite side of the market from the side of the market of the corresponding initial position; and trigger the trading system to identify one or more orders required to reach at least one target position from at least one initial position; and trigger the trading system to execute one or more of the orders identified as being required to reach the at least one target position from the at least one initial position, including the target position having the identification of the side of the market that is on the opposite side of the market from the side of the market of the corresponding initial position. 14. The system of claim 13 wherein the one or more orders required to reach at least one target position from at least one initial position include at least one order to add a position to a non-zero quantity initial position, wherein the non-zero quantity initial position has the same tradable instrument identifier as the target position. 15. The system of claim 13 wherein the one or more orders required to reach at least one target position from at least one initial position include at least one order to including a non-zero quantity initial position and a non-zero quantity target position, wherein the absolute value of the quantity of the initial position is not equal to the absolute value of the quantity of the target position. 16. The system of claim 13 further including the step of triggering the trading system to selectively execute one or more of the orders identified as being required to reach at least one target position from at least one initial position. 17. The system of claim 13 wherein one or more of the target positions are user defined. 18. The system of claim 13 wherein the one or more of the target positions are defined by one or more functions provided in the trading system. 19. The system of claim 13 wherein the triggering the trading system to identify one or more orders required to reach at least one target position from at least one initial position is based on a user input trigger. 20. The system of claim 13 wherein the triggering the trading system to identify one or more orders required to reach at least one target position from at least one initial position is based on an event based trigger. | 3,600 |
12,560 | 12,560 | 13,788,261 | 3,628 | Methods and systems for facilitating movement of articles in freight are disclosed. One method comprises reading an article marker comprising article data identifying the article; transmitting the article data to a computing device in electrical communication with a database comprising one or more shipping rules related to the article; associating the article with the one or more shipping rules; reading a second location marker comprising second location data identifying the second location; transmitting the second location data to the computing device; determining whether movement of the article to the second location is consistent with the one or more shipping rules; transmitting a message from the computing device to an annunciator indicating whether movement of the article is consistent with the one or more shipping rules; and setting a state of the annunciator, based on the message. | 1. A method for determining whether to move an article disposed at a first location, the method comprising:
reading an article marker comprising article data identifying the article; transmitting article data to a computing device, wherein the computing device is in electrical communication with a database comprising one or more shipping rules related to the article; using the computing device to associate the article, based at least in part on the article data, with the one or more shipping rules in the database; reading a first location marker comprising first location data identifying the first location; transmitting first location data to the computing device; using the computing device to determine whether to move the article from the first location, based at least in part on the one or more shipping rules and the first location data; transmitting a message from the computing device to an annunciator, wherein the message indicates determination of whether to move the article from the first location; and setting a state of the annunciator, based on the message. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the article marker further comprises at least one of the one or more shipping rules related to the article, and the method further comprises:
reading the article marker comprising the one or more shipping rules; and transmitting at least one of the one or more shipping rules to the computing device. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the article marker is configured to receive and store at least one of the one or more shipping rules, and the method further comprises transmitting at least one of the one or more shipping rules to the article marker, such that the at least one of the one or more shipping rules is stored on the article marker. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein upon determining the article is to be moved from the first location, the method further comprises:
determining a second location to move the article, based at least in part on the one or more shipping rules; transmitting the second location from the computing device to the annunciator; and displaying the second location on the annunciator. 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
transmitting a first time stamp to the computing device indicating a time when the first location marker is read; reading a second location marker comprising second location data identifying a second location; transmitting the second location data to the computing device; after the article is moved to the second location, transmitting a second time stamp to the computing device indicating a time when the second location marker is read; and using the computing device to determine an elapsed time for movement of the article, based on the first time stamp and the second time stamp. 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
determining whether the article has a high priority, based at least in part on the one or more shipping rules; transmitting an indication of the high priority from the computing device to the annunciator; and displaying the indication on the annunciator. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the first location is a transport vehicle, and the method further comprises:
transmitting to the computing device additional information related to physical condition of the transport vehicle; and storing the additional information related to physical condition of the transport vehicle in the database. 8. A method for determining whether to unload a transport vehicle disposed at a location, the method comprising:
reading a transport vehicle marker comprising transport vehicle data identifying the transport vehicle; transmitting transport vehicle data to the computing device, wherein the computing device is in electrical communication with a database comprising one or more shipping rules related to the transport vehicle; reading a location marker comprising location data identifying the location; using the computing device to determine whether to unload the transport vehicle, based at least in part on the one or more shipping rules and the location data; transmitting a message from the computing device to an annunciator, wherein the message indicates determination of whether to unload the transport vehicle; and setting a state of the annunciator, based on the message. | Methods and systems for facilitating movement of articles in freight are disclosed. One method comprises reading an article marker comprising article data identifying the article; transmitting the article data to a computing device in electrical communication with a database comprising one or more shipping rules related to the article; associating the article with the one or more shipping rules; reading a second location marker comprising second location data identifying the second location; transmitting the second location data to the computing device; determining whether movement of the article to the second location is consistent with the one or more shipping rules; transmitting a message from the computing device to an annunciator indicating whether movement of the article is consistent with the one or more shipping rules; and setting a state of the annunciator, based on the message.1. A method for determining whether to move an article disposed at a first location, the method comprising:
reading an article marker comprising article data identifying the article; transmitting article data to a computing device, wherein the computing device is in electrical communication with a database comprising one or more shipping rules related to the article; using the computing device to associate the article, based at least in part on the article data, with the one or more shipping rules in the database; reading a first location marker comprising first location data identifying the first location; transmitting first location data to the computing device; using the computing device to determine whether to move the article from the first location, based at least in part on the one or more shipping rules and the first location data; transmitting a message from the computing device to an annunciator, wherein the message indicates determination of whether to move the article from the first location; and setting a state of the annunciator, based on the message. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the article marker further comprises at least one of the one or more shipping rules related to the article, and the method further comprises:
reading the article marker comprising the one or more shipping rules; and transmitting at least one of the one or more shipping rules to the computing device. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the article marker is configured to receive and store at least one of the one or more shipping rules, and the method further comprises transmitting at least one of the one or more shipping rules to the article marker, such that the at least one of the one or more shipping rules is stored on the article marker. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein upon determining the article is to be moved from the first location, the method further comprises:
determining a second location to move the article, based at least in part on the one or more shipping rules; transmitting the second location from the computing device to the annunciator; and displaying the second location on the annunciator. 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
transmitting a first time stamp to the computing device indicating a time when the first location marker is read; reading a second location marker comprising second location data identifying a second location; transmitting the second location data to the computing device; after the article is moved to the second location, transmitting a second time stamp to the computing device indicating a time when the second location marker is read; and using the computing device to determine an elapsed time for movement of the article, based on the first time stamp and the second time stamp. 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
determining whether the article has a high priority, based at least in part on the one or more shipping rules; transmitting an indication of the high priority from the computing device to the annunciator; and displaying the indication on the annunciator. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the first location is a transport vehicle, and the method further comprises:
transmitting to the computing device additional information related to physical condition of the transport vehicle; and storing the additional information related to physical condition of the transport vehicle in the database. 8. A method for determining whether to unload a transport vehicle disposed at a location, the method comprising:
reading a transport vehicle marker comprising transport vehicle data identifying the transport vehicle; transmitting transport vehicle data to the computing device, wherein the computing device is in electrical communication with a database comprising one or more shipping rules related to the transport vehicle; reading a location marker comprising location data identifying the location; using the computing device to determine whether to unload the transport vehicle, based at least in part on the one or more shipping rules and the location data; transmitting a message from the computing device to an annunciator, wherein the message indicates determination of whether to unload the transport vehicle; and setting a state of the annunciator, based on the message. | 3,600 |
12,561 | 12,561 | 14,326,357 | 3,697 | A method for generating a personal identification number (PIN) debit child product for use in performing a debit payment transaction with a merchant entity. A payment processing platform receives a user selection of a financial institution made via a merchant payment page and directs the user to authenticate a user identity with the financial institution. The payment processing platform receives a user selection of a core account held with the financial institution, such that the core account provides financial backing for the PIN debit child product. The PIN debit child product is generated that includes a child card number and a virtual PIN associated with the core account. Advantageously, the method provides the ability to make PIN debit transaction on the Internet. | 1. A computer-implemented method implemented by a payment processing platform, the method comprising:
receiving, via a remote software application, a user selection of a financial institution that is separate and distinct from the payment processing platform; receiving a user selection of a core account held with the financial institution, wherein the core account provides financial backing for a personal identification number (PIN) debit child product; and generating the PIN debit child product, wherein the PIN debit child product is associated with the core account and includes a virtual PIN and a bank identification number (BIN), and the BIN identifies the payment processing platform as an issuer of the PIN debit child product. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising directing a user to authenticate a user identity associated with the financial institution. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the user identity is authenticated by extracting device data from a user machine to allow the user machine to be identified. 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving a first payment transaction from a merchant entity that is initiated using the PIN debit child product. 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising, in response to receiving the first payment transaction, generating a second payment transaction for transmission to the financial institution that includes information corresponding to the core account. 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising establishing a trust between the payment processing platform and the financial institution. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein establishing the trust comprises:
receiving a session identifier from the financial institution; returning the session identifier to the financial institution; and receiving a customer identifier from the financial institution. 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of adding at least one control parameter to the PIN debit child product. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the at least one control parameter comprises at least one of a limit on an amount for the child transaction, a limit on a number of transactions made using the child product during a period of time, an activation date, an expiration date, a country of use parameter, a merchant parameter, a merchant category parameter, a time of day parameter, a day of week parameter, a date of month parameter, a reset frequency parameter, and a channel parameter. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the core account comprises a checking account, a savings account, a healthcare savings account, an educational savings account, or a home equity account. 11. The method of claim 1, further comprising automatically filling payment fields of a merchant payment page with the child card number and the virtual PIN. 12. The method of claim 1, further comprising offering a promotion when a particular core account held with the financial institution is selected. 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the PIN debit child product comprises a one-time use product that is deactivated after being used once in a payment transaction. 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the PIN debit child product comprises a reusable product that may be used for multiple payment transactions. 15. A computer-readable medium including instructions that, when executed by a processor included in a payment processing platform, cause the processor to process a transaction, by performing the steps of:
receiving, via a remote software application, a user selection of a financial institution that is separate and distinct from the payment processing platform; receiving a user selection of a core account held with the financial institution, wherein the core account provides financial backing for a personal identification number (PIN) debit child product; and generating the PIN debit child product, wherein the PIN debit child product is associated with the core account and includes a virtual PIN and a bank identification number (BIN), and the BIN identifies the payment processing platform as an issuer of the PIN debit child product. 16. The computer-readable medium of claim 15, further comprising directing a user to authenticate a user identity associated with the financial institution. 17. The computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein the user identity is authenticated by extracting device data from a user machine to allow the user machine to be identified. 18. The computer-readable medium of claim 15, further comprising receiving a first payment transaction from a merchant entity that is initiated using the PIN debit child product. 19. The computer-readable medium of claim 18, further comprising, in response to receiving the first payment transaction, generating a second payment transaction for transmission to the financial institution that includes information corresponding to the core account. 20. The computer-readable medium of claim 15, further comprising establishing a trust between the payment processing platform and the financial institution. 21. The computer-readable medium of claim 20, wherein establishing the trust comprises:
receiving a session identifier from the financial institution; returning the session identifier to the financial institution; and receiving a customer identifier from the financial institution. 22. The computer-readable medium of claim 15, further comprising the step of adding at least one control parameter to the PIN debit child product. 23. The computer-readable medium of claim 22, wherein the at least one control parameter comprises at least one of a limit on an amount for the child transaction, a limit on a number of transactions made using the child product during a period of time, an activation date, an expiration date, a country of use parameter, a merchant parameter, a merchant category parameter, a time of day parameter, a day of week parameter, a date of month parameter, a reset frequency parameter, and a channel parameter. 24. The computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the core account comprises a checking account, a savings account, a healthcare savings account, an educational savings account, or a home equity account. 25. The computer-readable medium of claim 15, further comprising automatically filling payment fields of a merchant payment page with the child card number and the virtual PIN. 26. The computer-readable medium of claim 15, further comprising offering a promotion when a particular core account held with the financial institution is selected. 27. The computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the PIN debit child product comprises a one-time use product that is deactivated after being used once in a payment transaction. 28. The computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the PIN debit child product comprises a reusable product that may be used for multiple payment transactions. 29. A payment processing platform, comprising:
a processor; and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to:
receive, via a remote software application, a user selection of a financial institution that is separate and distinct from the payment processing platform;
receive a user selection of a core account held with the financial institution, wherein the core account provides financial backing for a personal identification number (PIN) debit child product; and
generate the PIN debit child product, wherein the PIN debit child product is associated with the core account and includes a virtual PIN and a bank identification number (BIN), and the BIN identifies the payment processing platform as an issuer of the PIN debit child product. | A method for generating a personal identification number (PIN) debit child product for use in performing a debit payment transaction with a merchant entity. A payment processing platform receives a user selection of a financial institution made via a merchant payment page and directs the user to authenticate a user identity with the financial institution. The payment processing platform receives a user selection of a core account held with the financial institution, such that the core account provides financial backing for the PIN debit child product. The PIN debit child product is generated that includes a child card number and a virtual PIN associated with the core account. Advantageously, the method provides the ability to make PIN debit transaction on the Internet.1. A computer-implemented method implemented by a payment processing platform, the method comprising:
receiving, via a remote software application, a user selection of a financial institution that is separate and distinct from the payment processing platform; receiving a user selection of a core account held with the financial institution, wherein the core account provides financial backing for a personal identification number (PIN) debit child product; and generating the PIN debit child product, wherein the PIN debit child product is associated with the core account and includes a virtual PIN and a bank identification number (BIN), and the BIN identifies the payment processing platform as an issuer of the PIN debit child product. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising directing a user to authenticate a user identity associated with the financial institution. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the user identity is authenticated by extracting device data from a user machine to allow the user machine to be identified. 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving a first payment transaction from a merchant entity that is initiated using the PIN debit child product. 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising, in response to receiving the first payment transaction, generating a second payment transaction for transmission to the financial institution that includes information corresponding to the core account. 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising establishing a trust between the payment processing platform and the financial institution. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein establishing the trust comprises:
receiving a session identifier from the financial institution; returning the session identifier to the financial institution; and receiving a customer identifier from the financial institution. 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of adding at least one control parameter to the PIN debit child product. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the at least one control parameter comprises at least one of a limit on an amount for the child transaction, a limit on a number of transactions made using the child product during a period of time, an activation date, an expiration date, a country of use parameter, a merchant parameter, a merchant category parameter, a time of day parameter, a day of week parameter, a date of month parameter, a reset frequency parameter, and a channel parameter. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the core account comprises a checking account, a savings account, a healthcare savings account, an educational savings account, or a home equity account. 11. The method of claim 1, further comprising automatically filling payment fields of a merchant payment page with the child card number and the virtual PIN. 12. The method of claim 1, further comprising offering a promotion when a particular core account held with the financial institution is selected. 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the PIN debit child product comprises a one-time use product that is deactivated after being used once in a payment transaction. 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the PIN debit child product comprises a reusable product that may be used for multiple payment transactions. 15. A computer-readable medium including instructions that, when executed by a processor included in a payment processing platform, cause the processor to process a transaction, by performing the steps of:
receiving, via a remote software application, a user selection of a financial institution that is separate and distinct from the payment processing platform; receiving a user selection of a core account held with the financial institution, wherein the core account provides financial backing for a personal identification number (PIN) debit child product; and generating the PIN debit child product, wherein the PIN debit child product is associated with the core account and includes a virtual PIN and a bank identification number (BIN), and the BIN identifies the payment processing platform as an issuer of the PIN debit child product. 16. The computer-readable medium of claim 15, further comprising directing a user to authenticate a user identity associated with the financial institution. 17. The computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein the user identity is authenticated by extracting device data from a user machine to allow the user machine to be identified. 18. The computer-readable medium of claim 15, further comprising receiving a first payment transaction from a merchant entity that is initiated using the PIN debit child product. 19. The computer-readable medium of claim 18, further comprising, in response to receiving the first payment transaction, generating a second payment transaction for transmission to the financial institution that includes information corresponding to the core account. 20. The computer-readable medium of claim 15, further comprising establishing a trust between the payment processing platform and the financial institution. 21. The computer-readable medium of claim 20, wherein establishing the trust comprises:
receiving a session identifier from the financial institution; returning the session identifier to the financial institution; and receiving a customer identifier from the financial institution. 22. The computer-readable medium of claim 15, further comprising the step of adding at least one control parameter to the PIN debit child product. 23. The computer-readable medium of claim 22, wherein the at least one control parameter comprises at least one of a limit on an amount for the child transaction, a limit on a number of transactions made using the child product during a period of time, an activation date, an expiration date, a country of use parameter, a merchant parameter, a merchant category parameter, a time of day parameter, a day of week parameter, a date of month parameter, a reset frequency parameter, and a channel parameter. 24. The computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the core account comprises a checking account, a savings account, a healthcare savings account, an educational savings account, or a home equity account. 25. The computer-readable medium of claim 15, further comprising automatically filling payment fields of a merchant payment page with the child card number and the virtual PIN. 26. The computer-readable medium of claim 15, further comprising offering a promotion when a particular core account held with the financial institution is selected. 27. The computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the PIN debit child product comprises a one-time use product that is deactivated after being used once in a payment transaction. 28. The computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the PIN debit child product comprises a reusable product that may be used for multiple payment transactions. 29. A payment processing platform, comprising:
a processor; and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to:
receive, via a remote software application, a user selection of a financial institution that is separate and distinct from the payment processing platform;
receive a user selection of a core account held with the financial institution, wherein the core account provides financial backing for a personal identification number (PIN) debit child product; and
generate the PIN debit child product, wherein the PIN debit child product is associated with the core account and includes a virtual PIN and a bank identification number (BIN), and the BIN identifies the payment processing platform as an issuer of the PIN debit child product. | 3,600 |
12,562 | 12,562 | 13,812,883 | 3,645 | An echo processor ( 117 ) for an ultrasound imaging device ( 102 ) includes a frame processor ( 118 ) that aligns a plurality (N) of sequentially received frames of echoes based on a set of motion displacement fields for the plurality of frames and combines the aligned plurality of sequentially received frames, thereby forming a compounded frame. A method includes obtaining a set of frames of echoes acquired at different times, determining a motion displacement field based on at least two of the frames of the set, motion-compensating all of the frames of the set based on the displacement field and previously determined displacement fields, and generating a compounded frame based on the motion-compensated frames. | 1. An echo processor for an ultrasound imaging device, comprising:
a frame processor that aligns a plurality (N) of sequentially received frames of echoes based on a set of motion displacement fields for the plurality of frames and combines the aligned plurality of sequentially received frames, thereby forming a compounded frame. 2. The echo processor of claim 1, wherein each displacement field is based on a displacement between a most recently acquired frame of the plurality of frames corresponding to a latest angle of insonation and another of the plurality of frames acquired at the latest angle of insonation. 3. The echo processor of claim 2, the frame processor, comprising:
a motion-compensator that motion-compensates samples of each of the N−1 oldest frames of the plurality of frames based on N−1 latest displacement fields, thereby aligning the frames to the latest frame of the plurality of frames. 4. The echo processor of claim 3, wherein the displacement for each image sample is equal to the displacement field divided by a number of frames in the plurality of frames. 5. The echo processor of claim 2, the frame processor, comprising:
a displacement field determiner that determines the displacement field based on displacements between corresponding samples between the two frames. 6. The echo processor of claim 5, wherein the displacement field is a summation of the displacements between the corresponding samples between the two frames. 7. The echo processor of claim 2, wherein the displacement field estimates motion between the two frames. 8. The echo processor of claim 2, wherein the displacement field aligns the plurality of frames at an acquisition time of the frame acquired at the latest angle of insonation. 9. The echo processor of claim 2, the frame processor, comprising:
a compounded frame processor that combines a compounded frame and either a previous compounded frame or a previous combined compounded frame based on the displacement field. 10. The echo processor of claim 9, the compounded frame processor, comprising:
an inter predictor that predicts the compounded frame based on the displacement field and either the previous compounded frame or the previous combined compounded frame; an intra predictor that predicts the compounded frame from the compounded frame; a matching component that matches that compounded frame and the predicted compounded frame using both the inter and the intra prediction; and a soft-decision component that determines to which degree the compounded frame and the inter-predicted frame are to be combined based on the matching. 11. The echo processor of claim 10, wherein the compounded frame and the previous compounded frame are combined when the matching indicates that combining the frames is likely to improve image quality. 12. The echo processor of claim 10, wherein the compounded frame and the previous compounded frame are not combined when the matching indicates that combining the frames is likely to degrade image quality. 13. A method, comprising:
obtaining a set of frames of echoes acquired at different times; determining a motion displacement field based on at least two of the frames of the set; motion-compensating all of the frames of the set based on the displacement field and previously determined displacement fields; and generating a compounded frame based on the motion-compensated frames. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the displacement field is determined based on the most recently acquired frame and a previously acquired frame, wherein both frames have a same angle of insonation. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the frames are motion-compensated by the same displacement. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the displacement is uniformly spread across the frames. 17. The method of claim 14, wherein at least two of the frames are motion-compensated by a different displacement. 18. The method of claim 14, wherein the displacement field is a summation of displacements between corresponding samples between the two frames. 19. The method of claim 13, further comprising:
motion-compensating a previously received compounded frame based on a motion displacement field for a currently received compounded frame; and generating a combined compounded frame by combining the currently received compounded frame and the motion-compensated previously received compounded frame or a motion-compensated previously generated combined compounded frame. 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising:
selectively combining compounded frames based on a likelihood of improving image quality by combining the frames. 21. The method of claim 20, wherein compounded frames likely to degrade image quality when combined are not combined. 22. An ultrasound imaging system, comprising:
a transducer array that transmits an ultrasound beam and receives corresponding sets of echoes; and an echo processor that combines the sets of echoes based on a motion displacement field indicative of a spatial displacement between a sub-set of the sets of echoes which are acquired during different acquisition intervals and have same angle of insonation. | An echo processor ( 117 ) for an ultrasound imaging device ( 102 ) includes a frame processor ( 118 ) that aligns a plurality (N) of sequentially received frames of echoes based on a set of motion displacement fields for the plurality of frames and combines the aligned plurality of sequentially received frames, thereby forming a compounded frame. A method includes obtaining a set of frames of echoes acquired at different times, determining a motion displacement field based on at least two of the frames of the set, motion-compensating all of the frames of the set based on the displacement field and previously determined displacement fields, and generating a compounded frame based on the motion-compensated frames.1. An echo processor for an ultrasound imaging device, comprising:
a frame processor that aligns a plurality (N) of sequentially received frames of echoes based on a set of motion displacement fields for the plurality of frames and combines the aligned plurality of sequentially received frames, thereby forming a compounded frame. 2. The echo processor of claim 1, wherein each displacement field is based on a displacement between a most recently acquired frame of the plurality of frames corresponding to a latest angle of insonation and another of the plurality of frames acquired at the latest angle of insonation. 3. The echo processor of claim 2, the frame processor, comprising:
a motion-compensator that motion-compensates samples of each of the N−1 oldest frames of the plurality of frames based on N−1 latest displacement fields, thereby aligning the frames to the latest frame of the plurality of frames. 4. The echo processor of claim 3, wherein the displacement for each image sample is equal to the displacement field divided by a number of frames in the plurality of frames. 5. The echo processor of claim 2, the frame processor, comprising:
a displacement field determiner that determines the displacement field based on displacements between corresponding samples between the two frames. 6. The echo processor of claim 5, wherein the displacement field is a summation of the displacements between the corresponding samples between the two frames. 7. The echo processor of claim 2, wherein the displacement field estimates motion between the two frames. 8. The echo processor of claim 2, wherein the displacement field aligns the plurality of frames at an acquisition time of the frame acquired at the latest angle of insonation. 9. The echo processor of claim 2, the frame processor, comprising:
a compounded frame processor that combines a compounded frame and either a previous compounded frame or a previous combined compounded frame based on the displacement field. 10. The echo processor of claim 9, the compounded frame processor, comprising:
an inter predictor that predicts the compounded frame based on the displacement field and either the previous compounded frame or the previous combined compounded frame; an intra predictor that predicts the compounded frame from the compounded frame; a matching component that matches that compounded frame and the predicted compounded frame using both the inter and the intra prediction; and a soft-decision component that determines to which degree the compounded frame and the inter-predicted frame are to be combined based on the matching. 11. The echo processor of claim 10, wherein the compounded frame and the previous compounded frame are combined when the matching indicates that combining the frames is likely to improve image quality. 12. The echo processor of claim 10, wherein the compounded frame and the previous compounded frame are not combined when the matching indicates that combining the frames is likely to degrade image quality. 13. A method, comprising:
obtaining a set of frames of echoes acquired at different times; determining a motion displacement field based on at least two of the frames of the set; motion-compensating all of the frames of the set based on the displacement field and previously determined displacement fields; and generating a compounded frame based on the motion-compensated frames. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the displacement field is determined based on the most recently acquired frame and a previously acquired frame, wherein both frames have a same angle of insonation. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the frames are motion-compensated by the same displacement. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the displacement is uniformly spread across the frames. 17. The method of claim 14, wherein at least two of the frames are motion-compensated by a different displacement. 18. The method of claim 14, wherein the displacement field is a summation of displacements between corresponding samples between the two frames. 19. The method of claim 13, further comprising:
motion-compensating a previously received compounded frame based on a motion displacement field for a currently received compounded frame; and generating a combined compounded frame by combining the currently received compounded frame and the motion-compensated previously received compounded frame or a motion-compensated previously generated combined compounded frame. 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising:
selectively combining compounded frames based on a likelihood of improving image quality by combining the frames. 21. The method of claim 20, wherein compounded frames likely to degrade image quality when combined are not combined. 22. An ultrasound imaging system, comprising:
a transducer array that transmits an ultrasound beam and receives corresponding sets of echoes; and an echo processor that combines the sets of echoes based on a motion displacement field indicative of a spatial displacement between a sub-set of the sets of echoes which are acquired during different acquisition intervals and have same angle of insonation. | 3,600 |
12,563 | 12,563 | 14,131,744 | 3,651 | A dispenser and a stack combination. The stack is a stack of interfolded webs wherein the lines of weakness of one web are offset from the lines of weakness of another web in a longitudinal direction, and the stack including at least two webs, the webs including: a first web ( 1 ) divided into individual hygiene products by means of lines of weakness ( 12 ); and a second web ( 2 ) divided into individual hygiene products by means of lines of weakness ( 22 ); the first web and the second web being interfolded with one another so as to form a nested configuration, wherein the first web and the second web are joined, at a joint, to one another at a leading portion ( 4 ) and/or at a trailing portion ( 4 ″) of the web. | 1. A dispenser, comprising:
at least one stack of interfolded webs, wherein the stack comprises at least two webs, including:
a first elongate web divided into sheet products defined between longitudinally separated lines of weakness extending across the first web; and
a second elongate web divided into sheet products defined between longitudinally separated lines of weakness extending across the second web;
wherein the webs are interfolded to form the stack so that the lines of weakness of the first web are offset from the lines of weakness of the second web in a longitudinal direction of the first web;
a housing defining a product reservoir, wherein the at least one stack of interfolded webs is contained in the product reservoir; a dispensing opening; wherein a leading portion of the webs of the stack is supported in a dispensing path from the product reservoir to the dispensing opening; wherein the weight of the stack is downwardly oriented to bare against a bottom of the stack and the leading portion of the first and second webs extends from a top of the stack, wherein the webs extend upwardly from the top of the stack, are supported at an apex portion of the dispensing path and then extend downwardly to the dispensing opening, with respect to a dispensing direction along the dispensing path. 2. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the leading portion extends upwardly from the top of the stack. 3. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein a first nip is provided at or adjacent the dispensing opening that engages opposing major surfaces of the webs. 4. The dispenser of claim 3, comprising a second nip along a dispensing path traversed by the leading portion of the webs from the product reservoir to the first nip, wherein the second nip engages opposed major surfaces of the webs. 5. The dispenser of claim 3, wherein the first nip is released upon opening a door to refill the product reservoir. 6. The dispenser of claim 4, wherein the second nip engages against the major surfaces of the webs to resist the web moving backwards along the dispensing path and is configured to, upon movement of the webs forwardly along the dispensing path, release a nip force on opposed major surfaces of the web to allow the web to move forwardly. 7. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein there is provided a blocking surface for blocking the at least one stack from extending above the blocking surface in the dispensing path, and wherein the webs pass above the blocking surface in the dispensing path. 8. (canceled) 9. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the apex portion of the dispensing path is positioned above the top of the product reservoir and the dispensing opening is positioned below the top of the product reservoir. 10. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein a guide member defines a curved apex portion about which the webs are wrapped in transition from an upwardly extending part of the webs to a downwardly extending part of the webs along the dispensing path to the dispensing opening. 11. The dispenser of claim 4.
wherein the apex portion of the dispensing path is positioned above the top of the product reservoir and the dispensing opening is positioned below the top of the product reservoir, wherein the second nip is provided at the apex portion of the dispensing path. 12. The dispenser of claim 11, wherein a guide member defining the apex portion of the dispensing path from the product reservoir to the dispensing opening forms one part of the second nip engaged against one major surface of the webs and a second part of the nip opposed to first part of the nip engages the opposed major surface of the webs to thereby grasp the web at the apex portion of the dispensing path. 13. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the dispensing path is defined by at least one guide member supporting the webs in the dispensing path. 14. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the dispenser is configured so that a preceding stack in the product reservoir has to be lifted up in the product reservoir to position a new, succeeding stack in the product reservoir underneath the preceding stack. 15. The dispenser of claim 14, wherein the product housing comprises a front wall that partly covers a front side of the stack of interfolded webs and is partly open to allow access to the front side of the stack. 16. The dispenser of claim 15, wherein the opening providing the open part extends from a bottom of the product reservoir at least 25% of the height of the product reservoir in the stacking direction. 17. The dispenser of claim 15, wherein the front wall is revealed by opening a refill door of the dispenser. 18. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein a guide member defines a protruding portion of the dispensing path so that the dispensing path extends in a direction normal to the stacking direction of the dispenser so that a portion of at least one of the webs hangs spaced from a front wall of the dispenser in the normal direction at the dispensing opening. 19. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the lines of weakness are formed by openings through the web and connecting parts, wherein the lines of weakness have an average ratio of connecting parts to spaces of 4/100 to 8/100. 20. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the product reservoir comprises a plurality of the stacks of interfolded, offset webs and adjacent stacks are joined to one another so that pulling the webs through the dispensing path of a preceding stack pulls through the webs of a succeeding stack as a result of a joint at the interface of the two stacks. | A dispenser and a stack combination. The stack is a stack of interfolded webs wherein the lines of weakness of one web are offset from the lines of weakness of another web in a longitudinal direction, and the stack including at least two webs, the webs including: a first web ( 1 ) divided into individual hygiene products by means of lines of weakness ( 12 ); and a second web ( 2 ) divided into individual hygiene products by means of lines of weakness ( 22 ); the first web and the second web being interfolded with one another so as to form a nested configuration, wherein the first web and the second web are joined, at a joint, to one another at a leading portion ( 4 ) and/or at a trailing portion ( 4 ″) of the web.1. A dispenser, comprising:
at least one stack of interfolded webs, wherein the stack comprises at least two webs, including:
a first elongate web divided into sheet products defined between longitudinally separated lines of weakness extending across the first web; and
a second elongate web divided into sheet products defined between longitudinally separated lines of weakness extending across the second web;
wherein the webs are interfolded to form the stack so that the lines of weakness of the first web are offset from the lines of weakness of the second web in a longitudinal direction of the first web;
a housing defining a product reservoir, wherein the at least one stack of interfolded webs is contained in the product reservoir; a dispensing opening; wherein a leading portion of the webs of the stack is supported in a dispensing path from the product reservoir to the dispensing opening; wherein the weight of the stack is downwardly oriented to bare against a bottom of the stack and the leading portion of the first and second webs extends from a top of the stack, wherein the webs extend upwardly from the top of the stack, are supported at an apex portion of the dispensing path and then extend downwardly to the dispensing opening, with respect to a dispensing direction along the dispensing path. 2. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the leading portion extends upwardly from the top of the stack. 3. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein a first nip is provided at or adjacent the dispensing opening that engages opposing major surfaces of the webs. 4. The dispenser of claim 3, comprising a second nip along a dispensing path traversed by the leading portion of the webs from the product reservoir to the first nip, wherein the second nip engages opposed major surfaces of the webs. 5. The dispenser of claim 3, wherein the first nip is released upon opening a door to refill the product reservoir. 6. The dispenser of claim 4, wherein the second nip engages against the major surfaces of the webs to resist the web moving backwards along the dispensing path and is configured to, upon movement of the webs forwardly along the dispensing path, release a nip force on opposed major surfaces of the web to allow the web to move forwardly. 7. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein there is provided a blocking surface for blocking the at least one stack from extending above the blocking surface in the dispensing path, and wherein the webs pass above the blocking surface in the dispensing path. 8. (canceled) 9. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the apex portion of the dispensing path is positioned above the top of the product reservoir and the dispensing opening is positioned below the top of the product reservoir. 10. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein a guide member defines a curved apex portion about which the webs are wrapped in transition from an upwardly extending part of the webs to a downwardly extending part of the webs along the dispensing path to the dispensing opening. 11. The dispenser of claim 4.
wherein the apex portion of the dispensing path is positioned above the top of the product reservoir and the dispensing opening is positioned below the top of the product reservoir, wherein the second nip is provided at the apex portion of the dispensing path. 12. The dispenser of claim 11, wherein a guide member defining the apex portion of the dispensing path from the product reservoir to the dispensing opening forms one part of the second nip engaged against one major surface of the webs and a second part of the nip opposed to first part of the nip engages the opposed major surface of the webs to thereby grasp the web at the apex portion of the dispensing path. 13. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the dispensing path is defined by at least one guide member supporting the webs in the dispensing path. 14. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the dispenser is configured so that a preceding stack in the product reservoir has to be lifted up in the product reservoir to position a new, succeeding stack in the product reservoir underneath the preceding stack. 15. The dispenser of claim 14, wherein the product housing comprises a front wall that partly covers a front side of the stack of interfolded webs and is partly open to allow access to the front side of the stack. 16. The dispenser of claim 15, wherein the opening providing the open part extends from a bottom of the product reservoir at least 25% of the height of the product reservoir in the stacking direction. 17. The dispenser of claim 15, wherein the front wall is revealed by opening a refill door of the dispenser. 18. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein a guide member defines a protruding portion of the dispensing path so that the dispensing path extends in a direction normal to the stacking direction of the dispenser so that a portion of at least one of the webs hangs spaced from a front wall of the dispenser in the normal direction at the dispensing opening. 19. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the lines of weakness are formed by openings through the web and connecting parts, wherein the lines of weakness have an average ratio of connecting parts to spaces of 4/100 to 8/100. 20. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the product reservoir comprises a plurality of the stacks of interfolded, offset webs and adjacent stacks are joined to one another so that pulling the webs through the dispensing path of a preceding stack pulls through the webs of a succeeding stack as a result of a joint at the interface of the two stacks. | 3,600 |
12,564 | 12,564 | 14,224,991 | 3,695 | Systems and methods for evaluating basis risk associated with index based security instruments. The systems and methods calculating an element factor for each of a plurality of elements based on a modeled company loss for a plurality of events and an industry loss for the plurality of events, calculating a company loss for each element based on the element factor and an industry loss for each of the corresponding elements for each of a plurality of events, comparing the company loss for each element to the modeled company loss for each element for each of the events, wherein the comparing occurs within a layer of interest to determine a basis risk for each of the events and outputting a monetary value of the basis risk for each of the events based on each of the elements. | 1-22. (canceled) 23. A method, comprising:
calculating, by a computing device, an element factor for each of a plurality of elements based on a modeled company loss for a plurality of events and a modeled industry loss for the plurality of events; calculating, by the computing device, a modeled company index loss for each element based on the element factor and the modeled industry loss for each of the corresponding elements for each of a plurality of events; and comparing, by the computing device, the modeled company index loss for each element to the modeled company loss for each element for each of the events, wherein the comparing occurs within a layer of interest to determine a basis risk for each of the events. 24. The method of claim 23, further comprising:
receiving a weight that modifies the modeled company loss to each event, the weight being based on a value of the modeled company loss for each event in relation to a defined range of losses in the layer of interest for each event, wherein the defined range of losses for each event is less than an entire range of losses for each event; and modifying the modeled company loss for each event based on the weight assigned to the corresponding event. 25. The method of claim 23, further comprising:
receiving an adjusted element factor for at least one of the elements; recalculating the modeled company index loss based on the adjusted element factor; and recomparing the modeled company index loss to the modeled company loss to determine a new basis risk. 26. The method of claim 23, wherein the modeled company loss for each of the plurality of events is a mean modeled company loss based on a plurality of simulations of each of the events, wherein the mean modeled company loss is based on a primary uncertainty that includes whether the event occurred. 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the modeled company loss for each of the plurality of events further includes a standard deviation loss based on a secondary uncertainty that includes a size of the event. 28. The method of claim 23, further comprising:
receiving the modeled company loss from a CAT model element, wherein the modeled company loss is an ultimate net loss (UNL). 29. The method of claim 23, further comprising:
calculating an exact match between the modeled company loss and modeled company index loss in the layer of interest by subtracting a negative basis risk from the modeled company loss. 30. The method of claim 23, further comprising:
storing a tag to identify characteristics of each event; and aggregating the modeled company losses for each element for events having a selected characteristic. 31. The method of claim 30, further comprising:
aggregating one of a positive basis risk and a negative basis risk for each element for the events having the selected characteristic. 32. The method of claim 23, further comprising:
identifying events having a positive basis risk; and identifying events having a negative basis risk. 33. The method of claim 32, wherein for each of the events having a positive or negative basis risk, the method further comprising:
identifying a category for each event, wherein each category includes a range of basis risks. 34. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium with an executable program stored thereon, wherein the program instructs a processor to perform operations, comprising:
calculating an element factor for each of a plurality of elements based on a modeled company loss for a plurality of events and a modeled industry loss for the plurality of events; calculating a modeled company index loss for each element based on the element factor and the modeled industry loss for each of the corresponding elements for each of a plurality of events; and comparing the modeled company index loss for each element to the modeled company loss for each element for each of the events, wherein the comparing occurs within a layer of interest to determine a basis risk for each of the events. 35. A system, comprising:
a memory configured to store a modeled company loss and a modeled industry loss for a plurality of events and a set of instructions; and a processor configured to execute the set of instructions that cause the processor to:
calculate an element factor for each of a plurality of elements based on the modeled company loss for a plurality of events and the modeled industry loss for the plurality of events;
calculate a modeled company index loss for each element based on the element factor and the modeled industry loss for each of the corresponding elements for each of a plurality of events; and
compare the modeled company index loss for each element to the modeled company loss for each element for each of the events, wherein the comparing occurs within a layer of interest to determine a basis risk for each of the events. 36. The system of claim 35, wherein the set of instructions further cause the processor to:
receive a weight that modifies the modeled company loss to each event, the weight being based on a value of the modeled company loss for each event in relation to a defined range of losses in the layer of interest for each event, wherein the defined range of losses for each event is less than an entire range of losses for each event; and modify the modeled company loss for each event based on the weight assigned to the corresponding event. 37. The system of claim 35, wherein the set of instructions further cause the processor to:
receive an adjusted element factor for at least one of the elements; recalculate the modeled company index loss based on the adjusted element factor; and recompare the modeled company index loss to the modeled company loss to determine a new basis risk. 38. The system of claim 35, wherein the modeled company loss for each of the plurality of events is a mean modeled company loss based on a plurality of simulations of each of the events, wherein the mean modeled company loss is based on a primary uncertainty that includes whether the event occurred. 39. The system of claim 38, wherein the modeled company loss for each of the plurality of events further includes a standard deviation loss based on a secondary uncertainty that includes a size of the event. 40. The system of claim 35, wherein the set of instructions further cause the processor to:
calculate an exact match between the modeled company loss and modeled company index loss in the layer of interest by subtracting a negative basis risk from the modeled company loss. 41. The system of claim 35, wherein the memory stores a tag to identify characteristics of each event and the set of instructions further cause the processor to:
aggregate the modeled company losses for each element for events having a selected characteristic; and aggregate one of a positive basis risk and a negative basis risk for each element for the events having the selected characteristic. 42. The system of claim 35, wherein the set of instructions further cause the processor to:
for each event:
identify whether the event has a positive basis risk or a negative basis risk; and
identify a category for each event, wherein each category includes a range of basis risks. | Systems and methods for evaluating basis risk associated with index based security instruments. The systems and methods calculating an element factor for each of a plurality of elements based on a modeled company loss for a plurality of events and an industry loss for the plurality of events, calculating a company loss for each element based on the element factor and an industry loss for each of the corresponding elements for each of a plurality of events, comparing the company loss for each element to the modeled company loss for each element for each of the events, wherein the comparing occurs within a layer of interest to determine a basis risk for each of the events and outputting a monetary value of the basis risk for each of the events based on each of the elements.1-22. (canceled) 23. A method, comprising:
calculating, by a computing device, an element factor for each of a plurality of elements based on a modeled company loss for a plurality of events and a modeled industry loss for the plurality of events; calculating, by the computing device, a modeled company index loss for each element based on the element factor and the modeled industry loss for each of the corresponding elements for each of a plurality of events; and comparing, by the computing device, the modeled company index loss for each element to the modeled company loss for each element for each of the events, wherein the comparing occurs within a layer of interest to determine a basis risk for each of the events. 24. The method of claim 23, further comprising:
receiving a weight that modifies the modeled company loss to each event, the weight being based on a value of the modeled company loss for each event in relation to a defined range of losses in the layer of interest for each event, wherein the defined range of losses for each event is less than an entire range of losses for each event; and modifying the modeled company loss for each event based on the weight assigned to the corresponding event. 25. The method of claim 23, further comprising:
receiving an adjusted element factor for at least one of the elements; recalculating the modeled company index loss based on the adjusted element factor; and recomparing the modeled company index loss to the modeled company loss to determine a new basis risk. 26. The method of claim 23, wherein the modeled company loss for each of the plurality of events is a mean modeled company loss based on a plurality of simulations of each of the events, wherein the mean modeled company loss is based on a primary uncertainty that includes whether the event occurred. 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the modeled company loss for each of the plurality of events further includes a standard deviation loss based on a secondary uncertainty that includes a size of the event. 28. The method of claim 23, further comprising:
receiving the modeled company loss from a CAT model element, wherein the modeled company loss is an ultimate net loss (UNL). 29. The method of claim 23, further comprising:
calculating an exact match between the modeled company loss and modeled company index loss in the layer of interest by subtracting a negative basis risk from the modeled company loss. 30. The method of claim 23, further comprising:
storing a tag to identify characteristics of each event; and aggregating the modeled company losses for each element for events having a selected characteristic. 31. The method of claim 30, further comprising:
aggregating one of a positive basis risk and a negative basis risk for each element for the events having the selected characteristic. 32. The method of claim 23, further comprising:
identifying events having a positive basis risk; and identifying events having a negative basis risk. 33. The method of claim 32, wherein for each of the events having a positive or negative basis risk, the method further comprising:
identifying a category for each event, wherein each category includes a range of basis risks. 34. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium with an executable program stored thereon, wherein the program instructs a processor to perform operations, comprising:
calculating an element factor for each of a plurality of elements based on a modeled company loss for a plurality of events and a modeled industry loss for the plurality of events; calculating a modeled company index loss for each element based on the element factor and the modeled industry loss for each of the corresponding elements for each of a plurality of events; and comparing the modeled company index loss for each element to the modeled company loss for each element for each of the events, wherein the comparing occurs within a layer of interest to determine a basis risk for each of the events. 35. A system, comprising:
a memory configured to store a modeled company loss and a modeled industry loss for a plurality of events and a set of instructions; and a processor configured to execute the set of instructions that cause the processor to:
calculate an element factor for each of a plurality of elements based on the modeled company loss for a plurality of events and the modeled industry loss for the plurality of events;
calculate a modeled company index loss for each element based on the element factor and the modeled industry loss for each of the corresponding elements for each of a plurality of events; and
compare the modeled company index loss for each element to the modeled company loss for each element for each of the events, wherein the comparing occurs within a layer of interest to determine a basis risk for each of the events. 36. The system of claim 35, wherein the set of instructions further cause the processor to:
receive a weight that modifies the modeled company loss to each event, the weight being based on a value of the modeled company loss for each event in relation to a defined range of losses in the layer of interest for each event, wherein the defined range of losses for each event is less than an entire range of losses for each event; and modify the modeled company loss for each event based on the weight assigned to the corresponding event. 37. The system of claim 35, wherein the set of instructions further cause the processor to:
receive an adjusted element factor for at least one of the elements; recalculate the modeled company index loss based on the adjusted element factor; and recompare the modeled company index loss to the modeled company loss to determine a new basis risk. 38. The system of claim 35, wherein the modeled company loss for each of the plurality of events is a mean modeled company loss based on a plurality of simulations of each of the events, wherein the mean modeled company loss is based on a primary uncertainty that includes whether the event occurred. 39. The system of claim 38, wherein the modeled company loss for each of the plurality of events further includes a standard deviation loss based on a secondary uncertainty that includes a size of the event. 40. The system of claim 35, wherein the set of instructions further cause the processor to:
calculate an exact match between the modeled company loss and modeled company index loss in the layer of interest by subtracting a negative basis risk from the modeled company loss. 41. The system of claim 35, wherein the memory stores a tag to identify characteristics of each event and the set of instructions further cause the processor to:
aggregate the modeled company losses for each element for events having a selected characteristic; and aggregate one of a positive basis risk and a negative basis risk for each element for the events having the selected characteristic. 42. The system of claim 35, wherein the set of instructions further cause the processor to:
for each event:
identify whether the event has a positive basis risk or a negative basis risk; and
identify a category for each event, wherein each category includes a range of basis risks. | 3,600 |
12,565 | 12,565 | 13,750,648 | 3,662 | A control device wearable by a bicycle rider, the control device including at least one control sensor generating input signals when actuated. A control processor is connected to the at least one control sensor generating control signals responsive to the input signals. A wireless transmitter is in communication with the processor transmitting the control signals and a power source is connected to the shift control processor and the wireless transmitter. The control device may one or more of a control gear changer, one or more suspension component, and other electronically-controllable components or systems. | 1) A control device wearable by a bicycle rider, the control device comprising:
at least one wearable control sensor generating input signals when actuated; a control processor in communication with the at least one control sensor generating control signals responsive to the input signals; a wireless transmitter transmitting the control signals; and a power source connected to the shift control processor and the wireless transmitter. 2) The control device of claim 1, wherein the control sensor is a shift control sensor and the control processor is a shift control processor. 3) The control device of claim 2, wherein the control device is configured to be mountable to hands of the bicycle rider. 4) The control device of claim 2, wherein the at least one shift control sensor includes two or more sensors. 5) The control device of claim 2, wherein the at least one shift control sensor is one or more of a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a switch, an accelerometer, and a microphone. 6) The control device of claim 2, further comprising:
at least one wearable glove to which the at least one shift control sensor is mounted. 7) The control device of claim 6, wherein the at least one shift control sensor is mounted on the glove in a position at or near a tip of the glove. 8) The control device of claim 6, wherein one or more of the shift control processor, the wireless transmitter, and the power source are removably disposed on the glove. 9) The control device of claim 8, further comprising:
a receptacle on the glove in electrical communication with the at least one shift control sensor enabling tool-less removable coupling of the shift control processor, the wireless transmitter, and the power source to the glove. 10) The control device of claim 6, wherein the at least one glove is a pair of gloves, each of the pair of gloves including at least one shift control sensor. 11) The control device of claim 10, wherein each of the pair of gloves includes two or more shift control sensors. 12) A shifting system for a bicycle, comprising:
a shift control device, comprising:
at least one wearable shift control sensor to generate input signals when actuated;
a shift control processor in communication with the at least one shift control sensor generating control signals responsive to the input signals;
a wireless transmitter transmitting the control signals; and
a power source connected to the shift control processor and the wireless transmitter; and
an electromechanical rear derailleur including a rear derailleur wireless receiver receiving the control signals, a rear derailleur motor responsive to the received control signals, and a rear derailleur power source connected to the rear derailleur wireless receiver and the rear derailleur motor. 13) The shifting system of claim 12, further comprising an electromechanical front derailleur including a front derailleur wireless receiver receiving the control signals, a front derailleur motor responsive to the received control signals, and a front derailleur power source connected to the front derailleur wireless receiver and front derailleur motor. 14) The shift control device of claim 12, wherein the at least one shift control sensor includes two or more sensors. 15) The shift control device of claim 12, wherein the at least one shift control sensor is one or more of a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a switch, an accelerometer, and a microphone. 16) The shift control device of claim 12, further comprising:
at least one wearable glove to which the at least one shift control sensor is mounted. 17) The shift control device of claim 16, wherein the at least one shift control sensor is mounted on the glove in a position at or near a tip of the glove. 18) The shift control device of claim 16, wherein the shift control processor, the wireless transmitter, and the power source are removably disposed on the glove. 19) The shift control device of claim 18, further comprising:
a receptacle on the glove in electrical communication with the at least one shift control sensor which enables tool-less removable coupling of the shift control processor, the wireless transmitter, and the power source to the glove. 20) The shift control device of claim 16, wherein at least one glove is a pair of gloves, each of the pair of gloves including at least one shift control sensor. 21) The shift control device of claim 20, wherein each of the pair of gloves includes two or more shift control sensors. 22) A wireless control system for a bicycle, comprising:
a control device, comprising:
at least one wearable control sensor to generate input signals when actuated;
a control processor in communication with the at least one control sensor generating control signals responsive to the input signals;
a wireless transmitter transmitting the control signals; and
a power source connected to the control processor and the wireless transmitter; and
one or both of a front suspension system and a rear suspension system, each of the one or both of a front suspension system and a rear suspension system including a wireless receiver receiving the control signals and a motor responsive to the received control signals. 23) The wireless control device of claim 22, wherein the at least one control sensor includes two or more sensors. 24) The wireless control device of claim 22, wherein the at least one shift control sensor is one or more of a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a switch, an accelerometer, and a microphone. 25) The wireless control device of claim 22, further comprising:
at least one wearable glove to which the at least one control sensor is mounted. 26) The wireless control device of claim 25, wherein the at least one shift control sensor is mounted on the glove in a position at or near a tip of the glove. 27) The wireless control device of claim 25, wherein the control processor, the wireless transmitter, and the power source are removably disposed on the glove. 28) The wireless control device of claim 27, further comprising:
a receptacle on the glove in electrical communication with the at least one control sensor which enables tool-less removable coupling of the control processor, the wireless transmitter, and the power source to the glove. 29) The wireless control device of claim 25, wherein at least one glove is a pair of gloves, each of the pair of gloves including at least one shift control sensor. 30) The wireless control device of claim 29, wherein each of the pair of gloves includes two or more control sensors. | A control device wearable by a bicycle rider, the control device including at least one control sensor generating input signals when actuated. A control processor is connected to the at least one control sensor generating control signals responsive to the input signals. A wireless transmitter is in communication with the processor transmitting the control signals and a power source is connected to the shift control processor and the wireless transmitter. The control device may one or more of a control gear changer, one or more suspension component, and other electronically-controllable components or systems.1) A control device wearable by a bicycle rider, the control device comprising:
at least one wearable control sensor generating input signals when actuated; a control processor in communication with the at least one control sensor generating control signals responsive to the input signals; a wireless transmitter transmitting the control signals; and a power source connected to the shift control processor and the wireless transmitter. 2) The control device of claim 1, wherein the control sensor is a shift control sensor and the control processor is a shift control processor. 3) The control device of claim 2, wherein the control device is configured to be mountable to hands of the bicycle rider. 4) The control device of claim 2, wherein the at least one shift control sensor includes two or more sensors. 5) The control device of claim 2, wherein the at least one shift control sensor is one or more of a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a switch, an accelerometer, and a microphone. 6) The control device of claim 2, further comprising:
at least one wearable glove to which the at least one shift control sensor is mounted. 7) The control device of claim 6, wherein the at least one shift control sensor is mounted on the glove in a position at or near a tip of the glove. 8) The control device of claim 6, wherein one or more of the shift control processor, the wireless transmitter, and the power source are removably disposed on the glove. 9) The control device of claim 8, further comprising:
a receptacle on the glove in electrical communication with the at least one shift control sensor enabling tool-less removable coupling of the shift control processor, the wireless transmitter, and the power source to the glove. 10) The control device of claim 6, wherein the at least one glove is a pair of gloves, each of the pair of gloves including at least one shift control sensor. 11) The control device of claim 10, wherein each of the pair of gloves includes two or more shift control sensors. 12) A shifting system for a bicycle, comprising:
a shift control device, comprising:
at least one wearable shift control sensor to generate input signals when actuated;
a shift control processor in communication with the at least one shift control sensor generating control signals responsive to the input signals;
a wireless transmitter transmitting the control signals; and
a power source connected to the shift control processor and the wireless transmitter; and
an electromechanical rear derailleur including a rear derailleur wireless receiver receiving the control signals, a rear derailleur motor responsive to the received control signals, and a rear derailleur power source connected to the rear derailleur wireless receiver and the rear derailleur motor. 13) The shifting system of claim 12, further comprising an electromechanical front derailleur including a front derailleur wireless receiver receiving the control signals, a front derailleur motor responsive to the received control signals, and a front derailleur power source connected to the front derailleur wireless receiver and front derailleur motor. 14) The shift control device of claim 12, wherein the at least one shift control sensor includes two or more sensors. 15) The shift control device of claim 12, wherein the at least one shift control sensor is one or more of a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a switch, an accelerometer, and a microphone. 16) The shift control device of claim 12, further comprising:
at least one wearable glove to which the at least one shift control sensor is mounted. 17) The shift control device of claim 16, wherein the at least one shift control sensor is mounted on the glove in a position at or near a tip of the glove. 18) The shift control device of claim 16, wherein the shift control processor, the wireless transmitter, and the power source are removably disposed on the glove. 19) The shift control device of claim 18, further comprising:
a receptacle on the glove in electrical communication with the at least one shift control sensor which enables tool-less removable coupling of the shift control processor, the wireless transmitter, and the power source to the glove. 20) The shift control device of claim 16, wherein at least one glove is a pair of gloves, each of the pair of gloves including at least one shift control sensor. 21) The shift control device of claim 20, wherein each of the pair of gloves includes two or more shift control sensors. 22) A wireless control system for a bicycle, comprising:
a control device, comprising:
at least one wearable control sensor to generate input signals when actuated;
a control processor in communication with the at least one control sensor generating control signals responsive to the input signals;
a wireless transmitter transmitting the control signals; and
a power source connected to the control processor and the wireless transmitter; and
one or both of a front suspension system and a rear suspension system, each of the one or both of a front suspension system and a rear suspension system including a wireless receiver receiving the control signals and a motor responsive to the received control signals. 23) The wireless control device of claim 22, wherein the at least one control sensor includes two or more sensors. 24) The wireless control device of claim 22, wherein the at least one shift control sensor is one or more of a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a switch, an accelerometer, and a microphone. 25) The wireless control device of claim 22, further comprising:
at least one wearable glove to which the at least one control sensor is mounted. 26) The wireless control device of claim 25, wherein the at least one shift control sensor is mounted on the glove in a position at or near a tip of the glove. 27) The wireless control device of claim 25, wherein the control processor, the wireless transmitter, and the power source are removably disposed on the glove. 28) The wireless control device of claim 27, further comprising:
a receptacle on the glove in electrical communication with the at least one control sensor which enables tool-less removable coupling of the control processor, the wireless transmitter, and the power source to the glove. 29) The wireless control device of claim 25, wherein at least one glove is a pair of gloves, each of the pair of gloves including at least one shift control sensor. 30) The wireless control device of claim 29, wherein each of the pair of gloves includes two or more control sensors. | 3,600 |
12,566 | 12,566 | 14,160,212 | 3,696 | A method for forecasting the transaction cost of a portfolio trade execution that may be applied to any given trading strategy or an optimal trading strategy that minimizes transaction costs. The system accepts user-defined input variables from customers and generates a transaction cost estimation report based on those variables. Two models are utilized: discretionary and non-discretionary. A specific transaction cost estimation and optimization is performed that model the transaction costs of a specific trade execution based on the user's trading profile and market variables. | 1. A method for estimating transaction costs of a security trade execution according to a specified trading strategy, comprising the steps of:
by one or more computers, receiving electronic data defining parameters of a proposed trade, said data specifying a trading strategy among a plurality of predefined trading styles defining how share quantities of securities to be traded are to be traded over a specified trading time period; by said one or more computers, estimating first and second transaction costs for the received proposed trade based on the specified trading strategy and market data, wherein said first transactions costs are based on discretionary trades; and outputting electronic data defining at least one of the first and second transaction costs. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises steps for generating recommendations for optimizing the trading strategy based on at least one of the first and second transaction costs and outputting electronic data defining said recommendations that can be displayed on a computer terminal. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein an adjustment factor adjusts for trade difficulty and market conditions to allow for an accurate comparison of trades performed under different circumstances and trading conditions. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein said adjustment factor provides an expected trading cost for each security for each day based on a statistical analysis of measures of trade difficulty. 5. The method of claim 2, further comprising a step of receiving a risk aversion profile and hypothetical trade order characteristics through the network and wherein said step of calculating second transaction costs factors said risk aversion profile and hypothetical trade order characteristics. 6. The method of claim 1, comprising the further step of:
providing a user interface to allow a user to identify relevant data and trends in a dataset, and to locate factors that affect transaction performance. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein a user is able to change a subset of the dataset under consideration and perform real-time analytic calculations without additional pre-processing. 8. The method of claim 6, wherein a user may add new user aggregates, without additional pre-processing. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the server is adapted to provide a direct interface to a securities price database to enable the display of transaction cost analysis results in real-time. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein a transaction cost algorithm allows for intra-day calculation of price-based benchmarks. 11. The method of claim 1, further including:
a step of building a first agency cost estimation model for use in estimating said first transactions costs, using historical transaction data for all executions, including trade data for trade executions for which traders can postpone or abandon trading to take advantage of market conditions; and a step of building a second agency cost estimation model for use in estimating said second transactions costs, using historical transaction data for executions only for trades for which traders do not have discretion and must execute regardless of whether market conditions are favorable, and excluding data for opportunistic trade executions. | A method for forecasting the transaction cost of a portfolio trade execution that may be applied to any given trading strategy or an optimal trading strategy that minimizes transaction costs. The system accepts user-defined input variables from customers and generates a transaction cost estimation report based on those variables. Two models are utilized: discretionary and non-discretionary. A specific transaction cost estimation and optimization is performed that model the transaction costs of a specific trade execution based on the user's trading profile and market variables.1. A method for estimating transaction costs of a security trade execution according to a specified trading strategy, comprising the steps of:
by one or more computers, receiving electronic data defining parameters of a proposed trade, said data specifying a trading strategy among a plurality of predefined trading styles defining how share quantities of securities to be traded are to be traded over a specified trading time period; by said one or more computers, estimating first and second transaction costs for the received proposed trade based on the specified trading strategy and market data, wherein said first transactions costs are based on discretionary trades; and outputting electronic data defining at least one of the first and second transaction costs. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises steps for generating recommendations for optimizing the trading strategy based on at least one of the first and second transaction costs and outputting electronic data defining said recommendations that can be displayed on a computer terminal. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein an adjustment factor adjusts for trade difficulty and market conditions to allow for an accurate comparison of trades performed under different circumstances and trading conditions. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein said adjustment factor provides an expected trading cost for each security for each day based on a statistical analysis of measures of trade difficulty. 5. The method of claim 2, further comprising a step of receiving a risk aversion profile and hypothetical trade order characteristics through the network and wherein said step of calculating second transaction costs factors said risk aversion profile and hypothetical trade order characteristics. 6. The method of claim 1, comprising the further step of:
providing a user interface to allow a user to identify relevant data and trends in a dataset, and to locate factors that affect transaction performance. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein a user is able to change a subset of the dataset under consideration and perform real-time analytic calculations without additional pre-processing. 8. The method of claim 6, wherein a user may add new user aggregates, without additional pre-processing. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the server is adapted to provide a direct interface to a securities price database to enable the display of transaction cost analysis results in real-time. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein a transaction cost algorithm allows for intra-day calculation of price-based benchmarks. 11. The method of claim 1, further including:
a step of building a first agency cost estimation model for use in estimating said first transactions costs, using historical transaction data for all executions, including trade data for trade executions for which traders can postpone or abandon trading to take advantage of market conditions; and a step of building a second agency cost estimation model for use in estimating said second transactions costs, using historical transaction data for executions only for trades for which traders do not have discretion and must execute regardless of whether market conditions are favorable, and excluding data for opportunistic trade executions. | 3,600 |
12,567 | 12,567 | 15,197,706 | 3,695 | A payment terminal includes multiple chips that perform different processing functions within the payment terminal. A terminal chip performs general functionality of the payment terminal while a transaction chip communicates with payment devices such as chip cards and NFC payment devices and processes payment information. The transaction chip may operate in a low power during which communications and processing are limited, and a transaction processing mode in which transactions may be processed. The transaction chip may transfer between these modes based on wake-up messages provided by other devices or circuitry of the payment terminal. | 1. A system for exchanging electronic payment information between a payment reader and a chip card or wireless payment device, the system comprising:
a chip card interface configured to receive the chip card and exchange the electronic payment information with the chip card; a wireless payment interface configured to communicate wirelessly to exchange the electronic payment information with the wireless payment device; a transaction chip configured to operate in a low-power mode and in a transaction processing mode, wherein the transaction chip is configured to exchange payment information with the chip card interface or the wireless payment interface during the transaction processing mode, and wherein the transaction chip comprises:
a transaction processing unit coupled to the chip card interface and the wireless payment interface, wherein the transaction processing unit is configured to execute wake-up instructions and transaction processing instructions; and
a transaction processing memory configured to store the wake-up instructions and the transaction processing instructions, wherein the wake-up instructions cause the transaction processing unit to cause the transaction chip to enter the transaction processing mode in response to a wake-up request, wherein the transaction processing instructions cause the transaction processing unit to receive the electronic payment information during the transaction processing mode in response to a request for payment information, and wherein the wake-up instructions cause the transaction processing unit to return to the low-power mode from the transaction processing mode if the request for payment information is not received within a threshold wake-up period; and
a payment reader chip coupled to the transaction chip, wherein the payment reader chip comprises:
a reader processing unit coupled to the transaction processing unit, wherein the reader processing unit is configured to execute reader instructions;
a communication interface configured to receive a wake-up signal as a wake-up message from a merchant device and to receive a request to process payment from the merchant device, wherein the wake-up message is based on the progress of a payment transaction at the merchant device; and
a reader memory configured to store the reader instructions, wherein the reader instructions cause the reader processing unit to identify a wake-up type based on the wake-up message, identify a wake-up rule based on the wake-up type, send the wake-up request to the transaction processing unit in response to a comparison of the wake-up signal to the wake-up rule, receive the request to process payment, and transmit the request for payment information to the transaction processing unit in response to the request to process payment. 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a chip-card detection circuit coupled to the reader processing unit, wherein the chip card detection circuit provides the wake-up signal to the reader processing unit when the chip card is inserted into the chip card interface. 3. The system of claim 1, further comprising a NFC device detection circuit coupled to the reader processing unit, wherein the NFC device detection circuit provides the wake-up message to the reader processing unit based on a change in a value of a proximity signal, and wherein the proximity signal changes its value based on tuning characteristics of the NFC device detection circuit. 4. A payment terminal, comprising:
a payment interface configured to receive payment information from a payment device; a transaction chip configured to operate in a low-power mode and in a transaction processing mode, wherein the transaction chip is configured to exchange the payment information with the payment device during the transaction processing mode, and wherein the transaction chip comprises:
a transaction processing unit coupled to the payment interface, wherein the transaction processing unit is configured to execute wake-up instructions and transaction processing instructions; and
a transaction processing memory configured to store the wake-up instructions and the transaction processing instructions, wherein the wake-up instructions cause the transaction processing unit to cause the transaction chip to enter the transaction processing mode in response to a wake-up request and wherein the transaction processing instructions cause the transaction processing unit to receive the electronic payment information during the transaction processing mode; and
a payment terminal chip coupled to the transaction chip, wherein the payment terminal chip comprises:
a terminal processing unit coupled to the transaction processing unit, wherein the terminal processing unit is configured to execute terminal instructions;
a communication interface; and
a terminal memory configured to store the terminal instructions, wherein the terminal instructions cause the terminal processing unit to receive a wake-up message, identify wake-up information from the wake-up message, identify a wake-up type based on the wake-up message, identify a wake-up rule based on the wake-up type, and send the wake-up request to the transaction processing unit based on a comparison of the wake-up information to the wake-up rule. 5. The payment terminal of claim 4, wherein the payment interface comprises a chip card interface configured to receive a chip card and exchange the electronic payment information with the chip card, further comprising a chip-card detection circuit coupled to the chip card interface, wherein the chip card detection circuit causes the wake-up request to be sent to the transaction chip when the chip card is inserted into the chip card interface. 6. The payment terminal of claim 4, wherein the wake-up information indicates a progress of a payment transaction at a separate merchant device, and wherein the wake-up rule comprises the progress of the payment transaction exceeding a threshold. 7. The payment terminal of claim 4, wherein the wake-up information indicates a user of a separate merchant device, and wherein the wake-up rule comprises the user being one of a plurality of approved users. 8. The payment terminal of claim 4, wherein the wake-up information indicates a probability value that a transaction will be a cash transaction, and wherein the wake-up rule comprises the probability value being less than a threshold. 9. The payment terminal of claim 4, wherein the wake-up instructions cause the transaction processing unit to return to the low-power mode if the request for payment information is not received within a threshold wake-up period. 10. The payment terminal of claim 9, further comprising a battery coupled to the transaction chip, wherein the threshold wake-up period is decreased when the power level of the battery falls below a threshold power level. 11. The payment terminal of claim 4, wherein the payment interface comprises a wireless payment interface configured to communicate wirelessly to exchange the electronic payment information with a wireless payment device. 12. The payment terminal of claim 11, further comprising a wireless device detection circuit coupled to the terminal processing unit, wherein the wireless device detection circuit provides the wake-up message to the terminal processing unit based on a change in a value of a proximity signal, and wherein the proximity signal changes its value based on tuning characteristics of the wireless device detection circuit. 13. A payment information processing method, comprising:
receiving, at a terminal processing unit of a payment terminal, a wake-up message; identifying, at the terminal processing unit of the payment terminal, wake-up information from the wake-up message; identifying, at the terminal processing unit of the payment terminal, a wake-up type based on the wake-up message; identifying, at the terminal processing unit of the payment terminal, a wake-up rule based on the wake-up type; providing, from the terminal processing unit, a wake-up request to a transaction processing unit of the payment terminal based on a comparison of the wake-up information to the wake-up rule; entering, at the transaction processing unit, a transaction processing mode in response to the wake-up request, wherein the transaction processing unit is configured to operate in a low-power mode in the transaction processing mode, and wherein the transaction processing unit is configured to exchange payment information with a payment device while operating in the transaction processing mode; receiving, at a payment interface of the payment terminal during the transaction processing mode of the transaction processing unit, payment information from a payment device in response to the a request for payment information; processing the payment information at the transaction processing unit; providing the processed payment information to the terminal processing unit; and transmitting the processed payment information via the a communication interface. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein receiving payment information from a payment device comprises receiving a chip card at a chip card interface and exchanging the payment information with the chip card, further comprising providing, from a chip-card detection circuit, the wake-up message when the chip card is inserted into the chip card interface. 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the wake-up information indicates a progress of a payment transaction at a separate merchant device, and wherein the wake-up rule comprises the progress of the payment transaction exceeding a threshold. 16. The method of claim 13, wherein the wake-up information indicates a user of a separate merchant device, and wherein the wake-up rule comprises the user being one of a plurality of approved users. 17. The method of claim 13, wherein the wake-up information indicates a probability value that a transaction will be a cash transaction, and wherein the wake-up rule comprises the probability value being less than a threshold. 18. The method of claim 13, further comprising returning the transaction processing unit to the low-power mode if the request for payment information is not received within a threshold wake-up period. 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising decreasing the threshold wake-up period when a power level of a battery coupled to the transaction chip falls below a threshold power level. 20. The method of claim 13, wherein the payment interface comprises a wireless payment interface configured to communicate wirelessly to exchange the electronic payment information with a wireless payment device. 21. The method of claim 20, further comprising providing, from a wireless device detection circuit, the wake-up message based on a change in a value of a proximity signal, wherein the proximity signal changes its value based on tuning characteristics of the wireless device detection circuit. 22. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions stored therein, which when executed by one or more processing units, cause the one or more processing units to perform operations comprising:
receiving, at a terminal processing unit, a wake-up message; identifying, at the terminal processing unit, wake-up information from the wake-up message; identifying, at the terminal processing unit, a wake-up type based on the wake-up message; identifying, at the terminal processing unit, a wake-up rule based on the wake-up type; providing from the terminal processing unit, a wake-up request to a transaction processing unit based on a comparison of the wake-up information to the wake-up rule; entering a transaction processing mode at the transaction processing unit in response to the wake-up request, wherein the transaction processing unit is configured to operate in a transaction processing mode and a low-power mode, and wherein payment information is exchanged with a payment device while the transaction processing unit is operating in the transaction processing mode; receiving, at the transaction processing unit via a payment interface, payment information from a payment device in response to the request for payment information while the transaction processing unit is operating in the transaction processing mode; processing the payment information at the transaction processing unit; providing the processed payment information to the terminal processing unit; and providing the processed payment information to a communication interface. 23. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 22, wherein receiving the payment information from the payment device comprises receiving payment information exchanged with a chip card at a chip card interface configured to receive the chip card, wherein the instructions further comprise instructions that cause the one or more processing units to receive a wake-up message from a chip-card detection circuit when a chip card is inserted into the chip card interface. 24. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 22, wherein the wake-up information indicates a progress of a payment transaction at a separate merchant device, and wherein the wake-up rule comprises the progress of the payment transaction exceeding a threshold. 25. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 22, wherein the wake-up information indicates a user of a separate merchant device, and wherein the wake-up rule comprises the user being one of a plurality of approved users. 26. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 22, wherein the wake-up information indicates a probability value that a transaction will be a cash transaction, and wherein the wake-up rule comprises the probability value being less than a threshold. 27. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 22, wherein the instructions further comprise instructions that cause the one or more processing units to return the transaction processing unit to the low-power mode if the request for payment information is not received within a threshold wake-up period. 28. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 27, wherein the instructions further comprise instructions that cause the one or more processing units to decrease the threshold wake-up period when a power level of a battery coupled to the transaction processing unit falls below a threshold power level. 29. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 22, wherein the payment interface comprises a wireless payment interface configured to communicate wirelessly to exchange the payment information with the payment device. 30. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 29, wherein the instructions further comprise instructions that cause the one or more processing units to receive, from a wireless device detection circuit, the wake-up message based on a change in a value of a proximity signal, wherein the proximity signal changes its value based on tuning characteristics of the wireless device detection circuit. 31. The payment terminal of claim 4, wherein the communication interface is configured to receive an update message, and wherein the terminal instructions cause the terminal processing unit to update the wake-up rule based on the update message. 32. The method of claim 13, further comprising:
receiving, at the communication interface, an update message; and updating the wake-up rule based on the update message. 33. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 22, wherein the instructions further comprise instructions that cause the one or more processing units to perform operations comprising:
receiving an update message at the communication interface; and updating the wake-up rule based on the update message. | A payment terminal includes multiple chips that perform different processing functions within the payment terminal. A terminal chip performs general functionality of the payment terminal while a transaction chip communicates with payment devices such as chip cards and NFC payment devices and processes payment information. The transaction chip may operate in a low power during which communications and processing are limited, and a transaction processing mode in which transactions may be processed. The transaction chip may transfer between these modes based on wake-up messages provided by other devices or circuitry of the payment terminal.1. A system for exchanging electronic payment information between a payment reader and a chip card or wireless payment device, the system comprising:
a chip card interface configured to receive the chip card and exchange the electronic payment information with the chip card; a wireless payment interface configured to communicate wirelessly to exchange the electronic payment information with the wireless payment device; a transaction chip configured to operate in a low-power mode and in a transaction processing mode, wherein the transaction chip is configured to exchange payment information with the chip card interface or the wireless payment interface during the transaction processing mode, and wherein the transaction chip comprises:
a transaction processing unit coupled to the chip card interface and the wireless payment interface, wherein the transaction processing unit is configured to execute wake-up instructions and transaction processing instructions; and
a transaction processing memory configured to store the wake-up instructions and the transaction processing instructions, wherein the wake-up instructions cause the transaction processing unit to cause the transaction chip to enter the transaction processing mode in response to a wake-up request, wherein the transaction processing instructions cause the transaction processing unit to receive the electronic payment information during the transaction processing mode in response to a request for payment information, and wherein the wake-up instructions cause the transaction processing unit to return to the low-power mode from the transaction processing mode if the request for payment information is not received within a threshold wake-up period; and
a payment reader chip coupled to the transaction chip, wherein the payment reader chip comprises:
a reader processing unit coupled to the transaction processing unit, wherein the reader processing unit is configured to execute reader instructions;
a communication interface configured to receive a wake-up signal as a wake-up message from a merchant device and to receive a request to process payment from the merchant device, wherein the wake-up message is based on the progress of a payment transaction at the merchant device; and
a reader memory configured to store the reader instructions, wherein the reader instructions cause the reader processing unit to identify a wake-up type based on the wake-up message, identify a wake-up rule based on the wake-up type, send the wake-up request to the transaction processing unit in response to a comparison of the wake-up signal to the wake-up rule, receive the request to process payment, and transmit the request for payment information to the transaction processing unit in response to the request to process payment. 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a chip-card detection circuit coupled to the reader processing unit, wherein the chip card detection circuit provides the wake-up signal to the reader processing unit when the chip card is inserted into the chip card interface. 3. The system of claim 1, further comprising a NFC device detection circuit coupled to the reader processing unit, wherein the NFC device detection circuit provides the wake-up message to the reader processing unit based on a change in a value of a proximity signal, and wherein the proximity signal changes its value based on tuning characteristics of the NFC device detection circuit. 4. A payment terminal, comprising:
a payment interface configured to receive payment information from a payment device; a transaction chip configured to operate in a low-power mode and in a transaction processing mode, wherein the transaction chip is configured to exchange the payment information with the payment device during the transaction processing mode, and wherein the transaction chip comprises:
a transaction processing unit coupled to the payment interface, wherein the transaction processing unit is configured to execute wake-up instructions and transaction processing instructions; and
a transaction processing memory configured to store the wake-up instructions and the transaction processing instructions, wherein the wake-up instructions cause the transaction processing unit to cause the transaction chip to enter the transaction processing mode in response to a wake-up request and wherein the transaction processing instructions cause the transaction processing unit to receive the electronic payment information during the transaction processing mode; and
a payment terminal chip coupled to the transaction chip, wherein the payment terminal chip comprises:
a terminal processing unit coupled to the transaction processing unit, wherein the terminal processing unit is configured to execute terminal instructions;
a communication interface; and
a terminal memory configured to store the terminal instructions, wherein the terminal instructions cause the terminal processing unit to receive a wake-up message, identify wake-up information from the wake-up message, identify a wake-up type based on the wake-up message, identify a wake-up rule based on the wake-up type, and send the wake-up request to the transaction processing unit based on a comparison of the wake-up information to the wake-up rule. 5. The payment terminal of claim 4, wherein the payment interface comprises a chip card interface configured to receive a chip card and exchange the electronic payment information with the chip card, further comprising a chip-card detection circuit coupled to the chip card interface, wherein the chip card detection circuit causes the wake-up request to be sent to the transaction chip when the chip card is inserted into the chip card interface. 6. The payment terminal of claim 4, wherein the wake-up information indicates a progress of a payment transaction at a separate merchant device, and wherein the wake-up rule comprises the progress of the payment transaction exceeding a threshold. 7. The payment terminal of claim 4, wherein the wake-up information indicates a user of a separate merchant device, and wherein the wake-up rule comprises the user being one of a plurality of approved users. 8. The payment terminal of claim 4, wherein the wake-up information indicates a probability value that a transaction will be a cash transaction, and wherein the wake-up rule comprises the probability value being less than a threshold. 9. The payment terminal of claim 4, wherein the wake-up instructions cause the transaction processing unit to return to the low-power mode if the request for payment information is not received within a threshold wake-up period. 10. The payment terminal of claim 9, further comprising a battery coupled to the transaction chip, wherein the threshold wake-up period is decreased when the power level of the battery falls below a threshold power level. 11. The payment terminal of claim 4, wherein the payment interface comprises a wireless payment interface configured to communicate wirelessly to exchange the electronic payment information with a wireless payment device. 12. The payment terminal of claim 11, further comprising a wireless device detection circuit coupled to the terminal processing unit, wherein the wireless device detection circuit provides the wake-up message to the terminal processing unit based on a change in a value of a proximity signal, and wherein the proximity signal changes its value based on tuning characteristics of the wireless device detection circuit. 13. A payment information processing method, comprising:
receiving, at a terminal processing unit of a payment terminal, a wake-up message; identifying, at the terminal processing unit of the payment terminal, wake-up information from the wake-up message; identifying, at the terminal processing unit of the payment terminal, a wake-up type based on the wake-up message; identifying, at the terminal processing unit of the payment terminal, a wake-up rule based on the wake-up type; providing, from the terminal processing unit, a wake-up request to a transaction processing unit of the payment terminal based on a comparison of the wake-up information to the wake-up rule; entering, at the transaction processing unit, a transaction processing mode in response to the wake-up request, wherein the transaction processing unit is configured to operate in a low-power mode in the transaction processing mode, and wherein the transaction processing unit is configured to exchange payment information with a payment device while operating in the transaction processing mode; receiving, at a payment interface of the payment terminal during the transaction processing mode of the transaction processing unit, payment information from a payment device in response to the a request for payment information; processing the payment information at the transaction processing unit; providing the processed payment information to the terminal processing unit; and transmitting the processed payment information via the a communication interface. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein receiving payment information from a payment device comprises receiving a chip card at a chip card interface and exchanging the payment information with the chip card, further comprising providing, from a chip-card detection circuit, the wake-up message when the chip card is inserted into the chip card interface. 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the wake-up information indicates a progress of a payment transaction at a separate merchant device, and wherein the wake-up rule comprises the progress of the payment transaction exceeding a threshold. 16. The method of claim 13, wherein the wake-up information indicates a user of a separate merchant device, and wherein the wake-up rule comprises the user being one of a plurality of approved users. 17. The method of claim 13, wherein the wake-up information indicates a probability value that a transaction will be a cash transaction, and wherein the wake-up rule comprises the probability value being less than a threshold. 18. The method of claim 13, further comprising returning the transaction processing unit to the low-power mode if the request for payment information is not received within a threshold wake-up period. 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising decreasing the threshold wake-up period when a power level of a battery coupled to the transaction chip falls below a threshold power level. 20. The method of claim 13, wherein the payment interface comprises a wireless payment interface configured to communicate wirelessly to exchange the electronic payment information with a wireless payment device. 21. The method of claim 20, further comprising providing, from a wireless device detection circuit, the wake-up message based on a change in a value of a proximity signal, wherein the proximity signal changes its value based on tuning characteristics of the wireless device detection circuit. 22. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions stored therein, which when executed by one or more processing units, cause the one or more processing units to perform operations comprising:
receiving, at a terminal processing unit, a wake-up message; identifying, at the terminal processing unit, wake-up information from the wake-up message; identifying, at the terminal processing unit, a wake-up type based on the wake-up message; identifying, at the terminal processing unit, a wake-up rule based on the wake-up type; providing from the terminal processing unit, a wake-up request to a transaction processing unit based on a comparison of the wake-up information to the wake-up rule; entering a transaction processing mode at the transaction processing unit in response to the wake-up request, wherein the transaction processing unit is configured to operate in a transaction processing mode and a low-power mode, and wherein payment information is exchanged with a payment device while the transaction processing unit is operating in the transaction processing mode; receiving, at the transaction processing unit via a payment interface, payment information from a payment device in response to the request for payment information while the transaction processing unit is operating in the transaction processing mode; processing the payment information at the transaction processing unit; providing the processed payment information to the terminal processing unit; and providing the processed payment information to a communication interface. 23. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 22, wherein receiving the payment information from the payment device comprises receiving payment information exchanged with a chip card at a chip card interface configured to receive the chip card, wherein the instructions further comprise instructions that cause the one or more processing units to receive a wake-up message from a chip-card detection circuit when a chip card is inserted into the chip card interface. 24. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 22, wherein the wake-up information indicates a progress of a payment transaction at a separate merchant device, and wherein the wake-up rule comprises the progress of the payment transaction exceeding a threshold. 25. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 22, wherein the wake-up information indicates a user of a separate merchant device, and wherein the wake-up rule comprises the user being one of a plurality of approved users. 26. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 22, wherein the wake-up information indicates a probability value that a transaction will be a cash transaction, and wherein the wake-up rule comprises the probability value being less than a threshold. 27. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 22, wherein the instructions further comprise instructions that cause the one or more processing units to return the transaction processing unit to the low-power mode if the request for payment information is not received within a threshold wake-up period. 28. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 27, wherein the instructions further comprise instructions that cause the one or more processing units to decrease the threshold wake-up period when a power level of a battery coupled to the transaction processing unit falls below a threshold power level. 29. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 22, wherein the payment interface comprises a wireless payment interface configured to communicate wirelessly to exchange the payment information with the payment device. 30. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 29, wherein the instructions further comprise instructions that cause the one or more processing units to receive, from a wireless device detection circuit, the wake-up message based on a change in a value of a proximity signal, wherein the proximity signal changes its value based on tuning characteristics of the wireless device detection circuit. 31. The payment terminal of claim 4, wherein the communication interface is configured to receive an update message, and wherein the terminal instructions cause the terminal processing unit to update the wake-up rule based on the update message. 32. The method of claim 13, further comprising:
receiving, at the communication interface, an update message; and updating the wake-up rule based on the update message. 33. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 22, wherein the instructions further comprise instructions that cause the one or more processing units to perform operations comprising:
receiving an update message at the communication interface; and updating the wake-up rule based on the update message. | 3,600 |
12,568 | 12,568 | 13,836,828 | 3,621 | A social networking system provides stories about objects in the social networking system to a viewing user. To increase the likelihood that a story will also be provided to other users, the social networking system allows the viewing user to promote the story. When a user promotes a story, the social networking system may monitor the effectiveness of the promotion. For example, the social networking system generates a ghost story corresponding to a promoted story and not associated with promotion information. When a promoted story is selected to be provided to a user, the social networking system determines whether the ghost story would have been selected to be provided to the user. If the ghost story would have been selected, the social networking system determines the promotion did not affect selection of the promoted story. | 1. A method comprising:
receiving a sponsored story request from a promoting user, the sponsored story request identifying a story associated with an action stored by the social networking system and providing one or more parameters including a bid amount; generating a copy of the story identified by the sponsored story request; receiving a request from a viewing user for presentation of one or more stories, each describing an action stored by the social networking system; retrieving a plurality of candidate stories including the story identified by the sponsored story request; determining a score for each of the candidate stories, a score for the story identified by the sponsored story request based at least in part on the bid amount of the sponsored story request; determining a score for the copy of the story identified by the sponsored story request that is not based the bid amount of the sponsored story request; selecting one or more stories for presentation to the viewing user based at least in part on the determined scores for each of the candidate stories; if the story identified by the sponsored story request is included in the selected one or more stories, determining whether the copy of the story identified by the sponsored story request would be included in the selected one or more stories based on the score of the copy of the story identified by the sponsored story request; determining a statistic based at least in part on whether the story identified by the sponsored story request is included in the selected one or more stories and whether the copy of the story identified by the sponsored story request would be included in the selected one or more stories; and storing the determined statistic. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein determining whether the copy of the story identified by the sponsored story request would be included in the selected one or more stories based on the score of the copy of the story identified by the sponsored story request comprises:
storing data indicating the copy of the story identified by the sponsored story request would be included in the selected one or more stories if the score of the copy of the story identified by the sponsored story request is greater than at least one score of a story in the selected one or more stories. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein determining whether the copy of the story identified by the sponsored story request would be included in the selected one or more stories based on the score of the copy of the story identified by the sponsored story request further comprises:
storing data indicating the copy of the story identified by the sponsored story request would be not included in the selected one or more stories if the score of the copy of the story identified by the sponsored story request is less than scores of each story in the selected one or more stories. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein determining whether the copy of the story identified by the sponsored story request would be included in the selected one or more stories based on the score of the copy of the story identified by the sponsored story request comprises:
identifying a selected story having a lowest score; storing data indicating the copy of the story identified by the sponsored story request would be included in the selected one or more stories if the score of the copy of the story identified by the sponsored story request is greater than a score of the identified selected story. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein determining whether the copy of the story identified by the sponsored story request would be included in the selected one or more stories based on the score of the copy of the story identified by the sponsored story request further comprises:
storing data indicating the copy of the story identified by the sponsored story request would be not included in the selected one or more stories if the score of the copy of the story identified by the sponsored story request is less than the score of the identified selected story. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the statistic based at least in part on whether the story identified by the sponsored story request is included in the selected one or more stories and whether the copy of the story identified by the sponsored story request would be included in the selected one or more stories comprises:
incrementing a number of times the story identified by the sponsored story request was promoted if the copy of the story identified by the sponsored story request would not be included in the selected one or more stories; and incrementing a number of times the story identified by the sponsored story request was organically selected if the copy of the story identified by the sponsored story request would be included in the selected one or more stories. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein determining the statistic based at least in part on whether the story identified by the sponsored story request is included in the selected one or more stories and whether the copy of the story identified by the sponsored story request would be included in the selected one or more stories further comprises:
determining a ratio of the number of times the story identified by the sponsored story request was promoted to the number of times the story identified by the sponsored story request was organically selected. 8. The method of claim 6, wherein determining the statistic based at least in part on whether the story identified by the sponsored story request is included in the selected one or more stories and whether the copy of the story identified by the sponsored story request would be included in the selected one or more stories further comprises:
determining a total of the number of times the story identified by the sponsored story was promoted and the number of times the story identified by the sponsored story was organically selected; and determining a ratio of the number of times the story identified by the sponsored story request was promoted to the total. 9. A method comprising:
receiving a sponsored story request from a promoting user, the sponsored story request identifying a story associated with an action stored by the social networking system and providing one or more parameters including a bid amount; receiving a request from a viewing user for presentation of one or more stories, each describing an action stored by the social networking system; retrieving a plurality of candidate stories including the story identified by the sponsored story request; determining a score for each of the candidate stories, a score for the story identified by the sponsored story request based at least in part on the bid amount of the sponsored story request; selecting one or more stories for presentation to the viewing user based at least in part on the determined scores for each of the candidate stories; if the story identified by the sponsored story request is included in the selected one or more stories, determining whether the story identified by the sponsored story request would be included in the selected one or more stories without the bid amount of the sponsored story request; determining a statistic based at least in part on whether the story identified by the sponsored story request would be included in the selected one or more stories without the bid amount; and storing the determined statistic. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein determining whether the story identified by the sponsored story request would be included in the selected one or more stories without the bid amount of the sponsored story request comprises:
determining an alternative score for the story identified by the sponsored story request that is not based at least in part on the bid amount of the sponsored story request; storing data indicating the story identified by the sponsored story request would be included in the selected one or more stories if the alternative score of the story identified by the sponsored story request is greater than at least one score of a story in the selected one or more stories. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein determining whether the story identified by the sponsored story request would be included in the selected one or more stories without the bid amount of the sponsored story request further comprises:
storing data indicating the story identified by the sponsored story request would be not included in the selected one or more stories if the alternative score of the story identified by the sponsored story request is less than scores of each story in the selected one or more stories. 12. The method of claim 9, wherein determining whether the story identified by the sponsored story request would be included in the selected one or more stories without the bid amount of the sponsored story request comprises:
determining an alternative score for the story identified by the sponsored story request that is not based at least in part on the bid amount of the sponsored story request; identifying a selected story having a lowest score; storing data indicating the story identified by the sponsored story request would be included in the selected one or more stories if the alternative score of the story identified by the sponsored story request is greater than a score of the identified selected story. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein determining whether the story identified by the sponsored story request would be included in the selected one or more stories without the bid amount of the sponsored story request further comprises:
storing data indicating the story identified by the sponsored story request would be not included in the selected one or more stories if the alternative score of the story identified by the sponsored story request is less than the score of the identified selected story. 14. The method of claim 9, wherein determining the statistic based at least in part on whether the story identified by the sponsored story request would be included in the selected one or more stories without the bid amount comprises:
incrementing a number of times the story identified by the sponsored story request was promoted if the story identified by the sponsored story request would not be included in the selected one or more stories without the bid amount; and incrementing a number of times the story identified by the sponsored story request was organically selected if the story identified by the sponsored story request would be included in the selected one or more stories without the bid amount. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein determining the statistic based at least in part on whether the story identified by the sponsored story request would be included in the selected one or more stories without the bid amount further comprises:
determining a ratio of the number of times the story identified by the sponsored story request was promoted to the number of times the story identified by the sponsored story request was organically selected. 16. The method of claim 14, wherein determining the statistic based at least in part on whether the story identified by the sponsored story request would be included in the selected one or more stories without the bid amount further comprises:
determining a total of the number of times the story identified by the sponsored story was promoted and the number of times the story identified by the sponsored story was organically selected; and determining a ratio of the number of times the story identified by the sponsored story request was promoted to the total. 17. A method comprising:
presenting one or more stories to a user of a social networking system, each story associated with the user or with an additional user connected to the user; receiving, from the user of a social networking system, a request to promote a story from the presented one or more stories, the story including content posted to the social networking system by the user or by an additional user connected to the user; prompting the user to provide one or more parameters for defining a sponsored story request associated with at least one of the action and the object in the story, the one or more parameters including a bid amount; receiving the one or more parameters from the user for defining the sponsored story request; and storing the sponsored story request in a database, the sponsored story request defining a condition for providing a sponsored story to a viewing user who has a connection in the social networking system to another user who has interacted with at least one of the action and the object, the sponsored story describing the other user's interaction with at least one of the action and the object. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein receiving, from the user of the social networking system, the request to promote the story from the presented one or more stories comprises:
receiving an input from the user accessing a promote option associated with the story and displayed with the story. 19. The method of claim 17, wherein the content posted to the social networking system is an action performed by the user. 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the content posted to the social networking system is an action performed by an additional user of the social networking system connected to the user. | A social networking system provides stories about objects in the social networking system to a viewing user. To increase the likelihood that a story will also be provided to other users, the social networking system allows the viewing user to promote the story. When a user promotes a story, the social networking system may monitor the effectiveness of the promotion. For example, the social networking system generates a ghost story corresponding to a promoted story and not associated with promotion information. When a promoted story is selected to be provided to a user, the social networking system determines whether the ghost story would have been selected to be provided to the user. If the ghost story would have been selected, the social networking system determines the promotion did not affect selection of the promoted story.1. A method comprising:
receiving a sponsored story request from a promoting user, the sponsored story request identifying a story associated with an action stored by the social networking system and providing one or more parameters including a bid amount; generating a copy of the story identified by the sponsored story request; receiving a request from a viewing user for presentation of one or more stories, each describing an action stored by the social networking system; retrieving a plurality of candidate stories including the story identified by the sponsored story request; determining a score for each of the candidate stories, a score for the story identified by the sponsored story request based at least in part on the bid amount of the sponsored story request; determining a score for the copy of the story identified by the sponsored story request that is not based the bid amount of the sponsored story request; selecting one or more stories for presentation to the viewing user based at least in part on the determined scores for each of the candidate stories; if the story identified by the sponsored story request is included in the selected one or more stories, determining whether the copy of the story identified by the sponsored story request would be included in the selected one or more stories based on the score of the copy of the story identified by the sponsored story request; determining a statistic based at least in part on whether the story identified by the sponsored story request is included in the selected one or more stories and whether the copy of the story identified by the sponsored story request would be included in the selected one or more stories; and storing the determined statistic. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein determining whether the copy of the story identified by the sponsored story request would be included in the selected one or more stories based on the score of the copy of the story identified by the sponsored story request comprises:
storing data indicating the copy of the story identified by the sponsored story request would be included in the selected one or more stories if the score of the copy of the story identified by the sponsored story request is greater than at least one score of a story in the selected one or more stories. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein determining whether the copy of the story identified by the sponsored story request would be included in the selected one or more stories based on the score of the copy of the story identified by the sponsored story request further comprises:
storing data indicating the copy of the story identified by the sponsored story request would be not included in the selected one or more stories if the score of the copy of the story identified by the sponsored story request is less than scores of each story in the selected one or more stories. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein determining whether the copy of the story identified by the sponsored story request would be included in the selected one or more stories based on the score of the copy of the story identified by the sponsored story request comprises:
identifying a selected story having a lowest score; storing data indicating the copy of the story identified by the sponsored story request would be included in the selected one or more stories if the score of the copy of the story identified by the sponsored story request is greater than a score of the identified selected story. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein determining whether the copy of the story identified by the sponsored story request would be included in the selected one or more stories based on the score of the copy of the story identified by the sponsored story request further comprises:
storing data indicating the copy of the story identified by the sponsored story request would be not included in the selected one or more stories if the score of the copy of the story identified by the sponsored story request is less than the score of the identified selected story. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the statistic based at least in part on whether the story identified by the sponsored story request is included in the selected one or more stories and whether the copy of the story identified by the sponsored story request would be included in the selected one or more stories comprises:
incrementing a number of times the story identified by the sponsored story request was promoted if the copy of the story identified by the sponsored story request would not be included in the selected one or more stories; and incrementing a number of times the story identified by the sponsored story request was organically selected if the copy of the story identified by the sponsored story request would be included in the selected one or more stories. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein determining the statistic based at least in part on whether the story identified by the sponsored story request is included in the selected one or more stories and whether the copy of the story identified by the sponsored story request would be included in the selected one or more stories further comprises:
determining a ratio of the number of times the story identified by the sponsored story request was promoted to the number of times the story identified by the sponsored story request was organically selected. 8. The method of claim 6, wherein determining the statistic based at least in part on whether the story identified by the sponsored story request is included in the selected one or more stories and whether the copy of the story identified by the sponsored story request would be included in the selected one or more stories further comprises:
determining a total of the number of times the story identified by the sponsored story was promoted and the number of times the story identified by the sponsored story was organically selected; and determining a ratio of the number of times the story identified by the sponsored story request was promoted to the total. 9. A method comprising:
receiving a sponsored story request from a promoting user, the sponsored story request identifying a story associated with an action stored by the social networking system and providing one or more parameters including a bid amount; receiving a request from a viewing user for presentation of one or more stories, each describing an action stored by the social networking system; retrieving a plurality of candidate stories including the story identified by the sponsored story request; determining a score for each of the candidate stories, a score for the story identified by the sponsored story request based at least in part on the bid amount of the sponsored story request; selecting one or more stories for presentation to the viewing user based at least in part on the determined scores for each of the candidate stories; if the story identified by the sponsored story request is included in the selected one or more stories, determining whether the story identified by the sponsored story request would be included in the selected one or more stories without the bid amount of the sponsored story request; determining a statistic based at least in part on whether the story identified by the sponsored story request would be included in the selected one or more stories without the bid amount; and storing the determined statistic. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein determining whether the story identified by the sponsored story request would be included in the selected one or more stories without the bid amount of the sponsored story request comprises:
determining an alternative score for the story identified by the sponsored story request that is not based at least in part on the bid amount of the sponsored story request; storing data indicating the story identified by the sponsored story request would be included in the selected one or more stories if the alternative score of the story identified by the sponsored story request is greater than at least one score of a story in the selected one or more stories. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein determining whether the story identified by the sponsored story request would be included in the selected one or more stories without the bid amount of the sponsored story request further comprises:
storing data indicating the story identified by the sponsored story request would be not included in the selected one or more stories if the alternative score of the story identified by the sponsored story request is less than scores of each story in the selected one or more stories. 12. The method of claim 9, wherein determining whether the story identified by the sponsored story request would be included in the selected one or more stories without the bid amount of the sponsored story request comprises:
determining an alternative score for the story identified by the sponsored story request that is not based at least in part on the bid amount of the sponsored story request; identifying a selected story having a lowest score; storing data indicating the story identified by the sponsored story request would be included in the selected one or more stories if the alternative score of the story identified by the sponsored story request is greater than a score of the identified selected story. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein determining whether the story identified by the sponsored story request would be included in the selected one or more stories without the bid amount of the sponsored story request further comprises:
storing data indicating the story identified by the sponsored story request would be not included in the selected one or more stories if the alternative score of the story identified by the sponsored story request is less than the score of the identified selected story. 14. The method of claim 9, wherein determining the statistic based at least in part on whether the story identified by the sponsored story request would be included in the selected one or more stories without the bid amount comprises:
incrementing a number of times the story identified by the sponsored story request was promoted if the story identified by the sponsored story request would not be included in the selected one or more stories without the bid amount; and incrementing a number of times the story identified by the sponsored story request was organically selected if the story identified by the sponsored story request would be included in the selected one or more stories without the bid amount. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein determining the statistic based at least in part on whether the story identified by the sponsored story request would be included in the selected one or more stories without the bid amount further comprises:
determining a ratio of the number of times the story identified by the sponsored story request was promoted to the number of times the story identified by the sponsored story request was organically selected. 16. The method of claim 14, wherein determining the statistic based at least in part on whether the story identified by the sponsored story request would be included in the selected one or more stories without the bid amount further comprises:
determining a total of the number of times the story identified by the sponsored story was promoted and the number of times the story identified by the sponsored story was organically selected; and determining a ratio of the number of times the story identified by the sponsored story request was promoted to the total. 17. A method comprising:
presenting one or more stories to a user of a social networking system, each story associated with the user or with an additional user connected to the user; receiving, from the user of a social networking system, a request to promote a story from the presented one or more stories, the story including content posted to the social networking system by the user or by an additional user connected to the user; prompting the user to provide one or more parameters for defining a sponsored story request associated with at least one of the action and the object in the story, the one or more parameters including a bid amount; receiving the one or more parameters from the user for defining the sponsored story request; and storing the sponsored story request in a database, the sponsored story request defining a condition for providing a sponsored story to a viewing user who has a connection in the social networking system to another user who has interacted with at least one of the action and the object, the sponsored story describing the other user's interaction with at least one of the action and the object. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein receiving, from the user of the social networking system, the request to promote the story from the presented one or more stories comprises:
receiving an input from the user accessing a promote option associated with the story and displayed with the story. 19. The method of claim 17, wherein the content posted to the social networking system is an action performed by the user. 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the content posted to the social networking system is an action performed by an additional user of the social networking system connected to the user. | 3,600 |
12,569 | 12,569 | 15,283,407 | 3,611 | The invention relates to a bicycle, with a bicycle seat assembly rotatably connected to the bicycle. Rotation movement of the bicycle seat assembly is possible, seen in the driving direction, to the left and to the right side and is independent of the steering movement of the bicycle. The axis of rotation of the bicycle seat assembly is arranged in front of the axis of the bottom bracket, seen in the driving direction, and the seating surface of the bicycle seat is arranged behind the axis of the bottom bracket, seen in the driving direction. The rotatable bicycle seat assembly enables an upright riding position by dodging the cyclist's leg pedaling downwards through a rotational movement. At the same time it supports the hip side of the other leg. The driver is supported by the bicycle seat even in the upright riding position. | 1. A bicycle, comprising:
a rear wheel having a rear wheel axis which is arranged perpendicular to a central reference plane of the bicycle; a bicycle frame comprising a head tube, the head tube having a head tube axis which is arranged in the central reference plane; and a bicycle seat assembly comprising a bicycle seat, wherein the bicycle seat can move to the left and to the right of the central reference plane while in use. 2. The bicycle as in claim 1, wherein the bicycle seat assembly can rotate about an axis of rotation which is coaxial with the head tube axis. 3. The bicycle as in claim 1, wherein the bicycle seat assembly is rotatably connected to the bicycle frame. 4. The bicycle as in claim 1, wherein the bicycle seat assembly comprises a swing bar. 5. The bicycle as in claim 1, further comprising:
a front fork having a fork stem which is rotatably supported in the head tube; a handlebar; and a steering column connecting the handlebar to the front fork. 6. The bicycle as in claim 5, wherein the bicycle seat assembly comprises a swing bar which is directly connected to the steering column. 7. The bicycle as in claim 5, wherein the bicycle seat assembly comprises a swing bar which is connected to the steering column by an axis of rotation. 8. The bicycle as in claim 5, wherein the bicycle seat assembly comprises a swing bar which is connected to the steering column by a hinge. 9. The bicycle as in claim 5, wherein the bicycle seat assembly comprises a swing bar which is arranged above the bicycle frame. 10. The bicycle as in claim 1, wherein the bicycle frame comprises a front frame part connected to a rear frame part by a folding hinge. | The invention relates to a bicycle, with a bicycle seat assembly rotatably connected to the bicycle. Rotation movement of the bicycle seat assembly is possible, seen in the driving direction, to the left and to the right side and is independent of the steering movement of the bicycle. The axis of rotation of the bicycle seat assembly is arranged in front of the axis of the bottom bracket, seen in the driving direction, and the seating surface of the bicycle seat is arranged behind the axis of the bottom bracket, seen in the driving direction. The rotatable bicycle seat assembly enables an upright riding position by dodging the cyclist's leg pedaling downwards through a rotational movement. At the same time it supports the hip side of the other leg. The driver is supported by the bicycle seat even in the upright riding position.1. A bicycle, comprising:
a rear wheel having a rear wheel axis which is arranged perpendicular to a central reference plane of the bicycle; a bicycle frame comprising a head tube, the head tube having a head tube axis which is arranged in the central reference plane; and a bicycle seat assembly comprising a bicycle seat, wherein the bicycle seat can move to the left and to the right of the central reference plane while in use. 2. The bicycle as in claim 1, wherein the bicycle seat assembly can rotate about an axis of rotation which is coaxial with the head tube axis. 3. The bicycle as in claim 1, wherein the bicycle seat assembly is rotatably connected to the bicycle frame. 4. The bicycle as in claim 1, wherein the bicycle seat assembly comprises a swing bar. 5. The bicycle as in claim 1, further comprising:
a front fork having a fork stem which is rotatably supported in the head tube; a handlebar; and a steering column connecting the handlebar to the front fork. 6. The bicycle as in claim 5, wherein the bicycle seat assembly comprises a swing bar which is directly connected to the steering column. 7. The bicycle as in claim 5, wherein the bicycle seat assembly comprises a swing bar which is connected to the steering column by an axis of rotation. 8. The bicycle as in claim 5, wherein the bicycle seat assembly comprises a swing bar which is connected to the steering column by a hinge. 9. The bicycle as in claim 5, wherein the bicycle seat assembly comprises a swing bar which is arranged above the bicycle frame. 10. The bicycle as in claim 1, wherein the bicycle frame comprises a front frame part connected to a rear frame part by a folding hinge. | 3,600 |
12,570 | 12,570 | 15,212,727 | 3,619 | A drum storage module ( 50, 60 ) for receiving notes of value ( 16 ) has a winding drum ( 14 ) onto which the notes of value ( 16 ) are windable so as to be received between at least two foil belts ( 18 to 24 ). Further, a sensor for determining the maximum filling level of notes of value in the drum storage module ( 50, 60 ) is provided and has a light source ( 32 ) and a light receiver ( 34 ) arranged such that the beam path ( 36 ) from the light source ( 32 ) to the light receiver ( 34 ) extends parallel to the longitudinal axis ( 38 ) of the winding drum ( 14 ). | 1. A drum storage module for receiving notes of value, comprising
a winding drum (14) on which the notes of value (16) are windable so as to be received between at least two foil belts (18 to 24), and a sensor for determining the reaching and/or leaving of the maximum admissible filling level of notes of value (16) in the drum storage module (50, 60), the sensor comprising a light source (32) and a light receiver (34), wherein the light source (32) and the light receiver (34) are arranged so that a beam path (36) from the light source (32) to the light receiver (34) extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the winding drum (14). 2. The drum storage module (50, 60) of claim 1, wherein the light source (32) and the light receiver (34) are arranged so that a distance between the beam path (36) and the longitudinal axis of the winding drum (14) corresponds to a maximum permissible thickness of the winding drum (14) and the notes of value (16) wound thereon. 3. The drum storage module (50, 60) of claim 1, characterized in that the distance between the light source (32) and the light receiver (34) is longer than the length of the winding drum (14). 4. The drum storage module (50, 60) of claim 1, wherein the light source (32) and the light receiver (34) are arranged such that the beam path (36) extends in a straight line. 5. The drum storage module (50, 60) of claim 1, wherein the light source (32) comprises an LED. 6. The drum storage module (50, 60) of claim 1, wherein the drum storage module (50, 60) comprises a housing (26). 7. The drum storage module (50, 60) of claim 6, wherein the light source (32) and/or the light receiver (34) are mounted directly on the housing (26). 8. The drum storage module (50, 60) of claim 7, wherein a first recess (56) for receiving the light source (32) and/or a second recess (58) for receiving the light receiver (34) are provided in the housing (26). 9. The drum storage module (50, 60) of claim 8, wherein the recesses (56, 58) are punched into the housing (26). 10. The drum storage module (50, 60) of claim 6, wherein the light source (32) and/or the light receiver (34) are each mounted on a board (62, 64). 11. The drum storage module (50, 60) of claim 1, wherein the drum storage module (50, 60) comprises a control unit (66) that generates data with information that the drum storage module (50, 60) has reached its maximum permissible filling level when the light beam extending from the light source (32) to the light receiver (34) along the beam path (36) has been interrupted. 12. The drum storage module (50, 60) of claim 11, wherein the control unit (66) generates the data whenever the light beam has been interrupted for at least a predetermined fraction of a winding drum rotation. 13. The drum storage module (50, 60) of claim 12, wherein the control unit (66) generates the data whenever the light beam has been interrupted for at least an eighth of a winding drum rotation. 14. The drum storage module (50, 60) of claim 1, wherein the drum storage module (50, 60) comprises a control unit (66) that generates data with information indicating that the drum storage module (50, 60) has again left its maximum permissible filling level when the light beam extending from the light source (32) to the light receiver (34) along the beam path (36) is no longer interrupted. 15. The drum storage module (50, 60) of claim 14, wherein the control unit (66) generates the data whenever the light beam has continuously not been interrupted for at least a predetermined fraction of a winding drum rotation, exactly one winding drum rotation or at least a predetermined multiple of a winding drum rotation. | A drum storage module ( 50, 60 ) for receiving notes of value ( 16 ) has a winding drum ( 14 ) onto which the notes of value ( 16 ) are windable so as to be received between at least two foil belts ( 18 to 24 ). Further, a sensor for determining the maximum filling level of notes of value in the drum storage module ( 50, 60 ) is provided and has a light source ( 32 ) and a light receiver ( 34 ) arranged such that the beam path ( 36 ) from the light source ( 32 ) to the light receiver ( 34 ) extends parallel to the longitudinal axis ( 38 ) of the winding drum ( 14 ).1. A drum storage module for receiving notes of value, comprising
a winding drum (14) on which the notes of value (16) are windable so as to be received between at least two foil belts (18 to 24), and a sensor for determining the reaching and/or leaving of the maximum admissible filling level of notes of value (16) in the drum storage module (50, 60), the sensor comprising a light source (32) and a light receiver (34), wherein the light source (32) and the light receiver (34) are arranged so that a beam path (36) from the light source (32) to the light receiver (34) extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the winding drum (14). 2. The drum storage module (50, 60) of claim 1, wherein the light source (32) and the light receiver (34) are arranged so that a distance between the beam path (36) and the longitudinal axis of the winding drum (14) corresponds to a maximum permissible thickness of the winding drum (14) and the notes of value (16) wound thereon. 3. The drum storage module (50, 60) of claim 1, characterized in that the distance between the light source (32) and the light receiver (34) is longer than the length of the winding drum (14). 4. The drum storage module (50, 60) of claim 1, wherein the light source (32) and the light receiver (34) are arranged such that the beam path (36) extends in a straight line. 5. The drum storage module (50, 60) of claim 1, wherein the light source (32) comprises an LED. 6. The drum storage module (50, 60) of claim 1, wherein the drum storage module (50, 60) comprises a housing (26). 7. The drum storage module (50, 60) of claim 6, wherein the light source (32) and/or the light receiver (34) are mounted directly on the housing (26). 8. The drum storage module (50, 60) of claim 7, wherein a first recess (56) for receiving the light source (32) and/or a second recess (58) for receiving the light receiver (34) are provided in the housing (26). 9. The drum storage module (50, 60) of claim 8, wherein the recesses (56, 58) are punched into the housing (26). 10. The drum storage module (50, 60) of claim 6, wherein the light source (32) and/or the light receiver (34) are each mounted on a board (62, 64). 11. The drum storage module (50, 60) of claim 1, wherein the drum storage module (50, 60) comprises a control unit (66) that generates data with information that the drum storage module (50, 60) has reached its maximum permissible filling level when the light beam extending from the light source (32) to the light receiver (34) along the beam path (36) has been interrupted. 12. The drum storage module (50, 60) of claim 11, wherein the control unit (66) generates the data whenever the light beam has been interrupted for at least a predetermined fraction of a winding drum rotation. 13. The drum storage module (50, 60) of claim 12, wherein the control unit (66) generates the data whenever the light beam has been interrupted for at least an eighth of a winding drum rotation. 14. The drum storage module (50, 60) of claim 1, wherein the drum storage module (50, 60) comprises a control unit (66) that generates data with information indicating that the drum storage module (50, 60) has again left its maximum permissible filling level when the light beam extending from the light source (32) to the light receiver (34) along the beam path (36) is no longer interrupted. 15. The drum storage module (50, 60) of claim 14, wherein the control unit (66) generates the data whenever the light beam has continuously not been interrupted for at least a predetermined fraction of a winding drum rotation, exactly one winding drum rotation or at least a predetermined multiple of a winding drum rotation. | 3,600 |
12,571 | 12,571 | 14,860,702 | 3,669 | A system and method for street level routing. | 1. A system for street level routing comprising a computing device configured for:
dividing a geospatial region into cells and ways; weighting the cells and ways to accommodate for their individual measure of traversability; pre-calculating total weights for traversing every cell to every other cell; and using one or more of the pre-calculated total weights to determine one or more most efficient routes between two points. 2. A method for street level routing comprising:
dividing a geospatial region into cells and ways; weighting the cells and ways to accommodate for their individual measure of traversability; pre-calculating total weights for traversing every cell to every other cell; and using one or more of the pre-calculated total weights to determine one or more most efficient routes between two points. 3. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising stored instructions which, when executed by one or more computer processors, cause the one or more computer processors to perform steps of:
dividing a geospatial region into cells and ways; weighting the cells and ways to accommodate for their individual measure of traversability; pre-calculating total weights for traversing every cell to every other cell; and using one or more of the pre-calculated total weights to determine one or more most efficient routes between two points. | A system and method for street level routing.1. A system for street level routing comprising a computing device configured for:
dividing a geospatial region into cells and ways; weighting the cells and ways to accommodate for their individual measure of traversability; pre-calculating total weights for traversing every cell to every other cell; and using one or more of the pre-calculated total weights to determine one or more most efficient routes between two points. 2. A method for street level routing comprising:
dividing a geospatial region into cells and ways; weighting the cells and ways to accommodate for their individual measure of traversability; pre-calculating total weights for traversing every cell to every other cell; and using one or more of the pre-calculated total weights to determine one or more most efficient routes between two points. 3. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising stored instructions which, when executed by one or more computer processors, cause the one or more computer processors to perform steps of:
dividing a geospatial region into cells and ways; weighting the cells and ways to accommodate for their individual measure of traversability; pre-calculating total weights for traversing every cell to every other cell; and using one or more of the pre-calculated total weights to determine one or more most efficient routes between two points. | 3,600 |
12,572 | 12,572 | 14,729,420 | 3,619 | A construction of a nacelle inlet aft bulkhead has a curved or angled cross-section configuration between a connection of an outer edge of the aft bulkhead to an outer barrel of the nacelle inlet and a connection of an inner edge of the aft bulkhead to an inner barrel of the nacelle inlet. The curved or angled cross-section configuration of the aft bulkhead gives the bulkhead flexibility to avoid serious damage to the bulkhead in high load cases such as an fan blade off event. The curved or angled cross-section configuration also removes the need for a spring ring attached between the aft bulkhead and the inner barrel of the nacelle inlet. The curved or angled cross-section configuration also provides design flexibility to terminate the outer barrel of the nacelle inlet at an optimized location rearwardly to increase laminar air flow over the nacelle and reduce drag. | 1. A nacelle inlet of an aircraft engine comprising:
a lipskin on a forward end of the nacelle inlet; an outer barrel on an exterior of the nacelle inlet, the outer barrel extending rearwardly from the lipskin; an inner barrel on an interior of the nacelle inlet, the inner barrel extending rearwardly from the lipskin; and, an aft bulkhead on the nacelle inlet, the aft bulkhead having an outer edge connected to the outer barrel and the aft bulkhead having an inner edge connected to the inner barrel, the outer edge of the aft bulkhead being positioned rearwardly of the inner edge of the aft bulkhead. 2. The nacelle inlet of claim 1, further comprising:
an engine fan case attachment ring; the inner edge of the aft bulkhead being connected to the engine fan case attachment ring; the inner barrel being connected to the engine fan case attachment ring; the outer barrel having a rear edge, the outer edge of the aft bulkhead being connected to the rear edge of the outer barrel, and a configuration of the aft bulkhead positioning the rear edge of the outer barrel rearwardly of the engine fan case attachment ring. 3. The nacelle inlet of claim 2, further comprising:
the rearward surface of the aft bulkhead being a smooth, continuous surface that extends between the outer edge of the aft bulkhead and the inner edge of the aft bulkhead. 4. The nacelle inlet of claim 2, further comprising:
the aft bulkhead rearward surface having a concave configuration between the outer edge of the aft bulkhead and the inner edge of the aft bulkhead. 5. The nacelle inlet of claim 2, further comprising:
the rearward surface of the aft bulkhead having a flat configuration between the outer edge of the aft bulkhead and the inner edge of the aft bulkhead. 6. The nacelle inlet of claim 2, further comprising:
the outer edge of the aft bulkhead being positioned rearwardly of the engine fan case attachment ring. 7. The nacelle inlet of claim 2, further comprising:
the outer edge of the aft bulkhead being connected directly to the rear edge of the outer barrel. 8. A nacelle inlet of an aircraft engine comprising:
a lipskin on a forward end of the nacelle inlet; an outer barrel on an exterior of the nacelle inlet, the outer barrel extending rearwardly from the lipskin to a rear edge of the outer barrel; an inner barrel on an interior of the nacelle inlet, extending rearwardly from the lipskin to a rear edge of the inner barrel; and, the rear edge of the outer barrel being positioned rearwardly of the rear edge of the inner barrel. 9. The nacelle inlet of claim 8, further comprising:
an aft bulkhead connected between the rear edge of the outer barrel and the rear edge of the inner barrel. 10. The nacelle inlet of claim 9, further comprising:
the aft bulkhead having an outer edge connected to the rear edge of the outer barrel; the aft bulkhead having an inner edge connected to the rear edge of the inner barrel; and, the outer edge of the aft bulkhead being positioned rearwardly of the inner edge of the aft bulkhead. 11. The nacelle inlet of claim 9, further comprising:
an engine fan case attachment ring; the inner edge of the aft bulkhead being connected to the engine fan case attachment ring; the inner barrel being connected to the engine fan case attachment ring; the outer barrel having a rear edge, the outer edge of the aft bulkhead being connected to the rear edge of the outer barrel, and a configuration of the aft bulkhead positioning the rear edge of the outer barrel rearwardly of the engine fan case attachment ring. 12. The nacelle inlet of claim 9, further comprising:
the aft bulkhead having a rearward surface; and, the aft bulkhead rearward surface being a smooth, continuous surface that extends between the rear edge of the outer barrel and the rear edge of the inner barrel. 13. The nacelle inlet of claim 9, further comprising:
the aft bulkhead having a rearward surface; and, the rearward surface of the aft bulkhead having a concave configuration between the rear edge of the outer barrel and the rear edge of the inner barrel. 14. The nacelle inlet of claim 9, further comprising:
the aft bulkhead having a rearward surface; and, the rearward surface of the aft bulkhead having a flat configuration between the rear edge of the outer barrel and the rear edge of the inner barrel. 15. The nacelle inlet of claim 8, further comprising:
an engine fan case attachment ring on the nacelle inlet; and, the rear edge of the outer barrel being positioned rearwardly of the engine fan case attachment ring. 16. The nacelle inlet of claim 9, further comprising:
an engine fan case attachment ring on the nacelle inlet; and, the aft bulkhead having an inner edge connected to the engine fan case attachment ring. 17. The nacelle inlet of claim 16, further comprising:
the engine fan case attachment ring being connected to the rear edge of the inner barrel. 18. A method of absorbing force from a fan blade off event exerted on an aft bulkhead of a nacelle inlet where the aft bulkhead does not comprise a spring ring, the method comprising:
connecting an outer edge of the aft bulkhead to an outer barrel of the nacelle inlet and connecting an inner edge of the aft bulkhead to an inner barrel of the nacelle inlet where the aft bulkhead outer edge is positioned rearwardly of the aft bulkhead inner edge. 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising:
configuring a rear surface of the aft bulkhead with a concave configuration between the outer edge of the aft bulkhead and the inner edge of the aft bulkhead. 20. The method of claim 18, further comprising:
configuring a rear surface of the aft bulkhead with a flat configuration that extends between the outer edge of the aft bulkhead and the inner edge of the aft bulkhead. | A construction of a nacelle inlet aft bulkhead has a curved or angled cross-section configuration between a connection of an outer edge of the aft bulkhead to an outer barrel of the nacelle inlet and a connection of an inner edge of the aft bulkhead to an inner barrel of the nacelle inlet. The curved or angled cross-section configuration of the aft bulkhead gives the bulkhead flexibility to avoid serious damage to the bulkhead in high load cases such as an fan blade off event. The curved or angled cross-section configuration also removes the need for a spring ring attached between the aft bulkhead and the inner barrel of the nacelle inlet. The curved or angled cross-section configuration also provides design flexibility to terminate the outer barrel of the nacelle inlet at an optimized location rearwardly to increase laminar air flow over the nacelle and reduce drag.1. A nacelle inlet of an aircraft engine comprising:
a lipskin on a forward end of the nacelle inlet; an outer barrel on an exterior of the nacelle inlet, the outer barrel extending rearwardly from the lipskin; an inner barrel on an interior of the nacelle inlet, the inner barrel extending rearwardly from the lipskin; and, an aft bulkhead on the nacelle inlet, the aft bulkhead having an outer edge connected to the outer barrel and the aft bulkhead having an inner edge connected to the inner barrel, the outer edge of the aft bulkhead being positioned rearwardly of the inner edge of the aft bulkhead. 2. The nacelle inlet of claim 1, further comprising:
an engine fan case attachment ring; the inner edge of the aft bulkhead being connected to the engine fan case attachment ring; the inner barrel being connected to the engine fan case attachment ring; the outer barrel having a rear edge, the outer edge of the aft bulkhead being connected to the rear edge of the outer barrel, and a configuration of the aft bulkhead positioning the rear edge of the outer barrel rearwardly of the engine fan case attachment ring. 3. The nacelle inlet of claim 2, further comprising:
the rearward surface of the aft bulkhead being a smooth, continuous surface that extends between the outer edge of the aft bulkhead and the inner edge of the aft bulkhead. 4. The nacelle inlet of claim 2, further comprising:
the aft bulkhead rearward surface having a concave configuration between the outer edge of the aft bulkhead and the inner edge of the aft bulkhead. 5. The nacelle inlet of claim 2, further comprising:
the rearward surface of the aft bulkhead having a flat configuration between the outer edge of the aft bulkhead and the inner edge of the aft bulkhead. 6. The nacelle inlet of claim 2, further comprising:
the outer edge of the aft bulkhead being positioned rearwardly of the engine fan case attachment ring. 7. The nacelle inlet of claim 2, further comprising:
the outer edge of the aft bulkhead being connected directly to the rear edge of the outer barrel. 8. A nacelle inlet of an aircraft engine comprising:
a lipskin on a forward end of the nacelle inlet; an outer barrel on an exterior of the nacelle inlet, the outer barrel extending rearwardly from the lipskin to a rear edge of the outer barrel; an inner barrel on an interior of the nacelle inlet, extending rearwardly from the lipskin to a rear edge of the inner barrel; and, the rear edge of the outer barrel being positioned rearwardly of the rear edge of the inner barrel. 9. The nacelle inlet of claim 8, further comprising:
an aft bulkhead connected between the rear edge of the outer barrel and the rear edge of the inner barrel. 10. The nacelle inlet of claim 9, further comprising:
the aft bulkhead having an outer edge connected to the rear edge of the outer barrel; the aft bulkhead having an inner edge connected to the rear edge of the inner barrel; and, the outer edge of the aft bulkhead being positioned rearwardly of the inner edge of the aft bulkhead. 11. The nacelle inlet of claim 9, further comprising:
an engine fan case attachment ring; the inner edge of the aft bulkhead being connected to the engine fan case attachment ring; the inner barrel being connected to the engine fan case attachment ring; the outer barrel having a rear edge, the outer edge of the aft bulkhead being connected to the rear edge of the outer barrel, and a configuration of the aft bulkhead positioning the rear edge of the outer barrel rearwardly of the engine fan case attachment ring. 12. The nacelle inlet of claim 9, further comprising:
the aft bulkhead having a rearward surface; and, the aft bulkhead rearward surface being a smooth, continuous surface that extends between the rear edge of the outer barrel and the rear edge of the inner barrel. 13. The nacelle inlet of claim 9, further comprising:
the aft bulkhead having a rearward surface; and, the rearward surface of the aft bulkhead having a concave configuration between the rear edge of the outer barrel and the rear edge of the inner barrel. 14. The nacelle inlet of claim 9, further comprising:
the aft bulkhead having a rearward surface; and, the rearward surface of the aft bulkhead having a flat configuration between the rear edge of the outer barrel and the rear edge of the inner barrel. 15. The nacelle inlet of claim 8, further comprising:
an engine fan case attachment ring on the nacelle inlet; and, the rear edge of the outer barrel being positioned rearwardly of the engine fan case attachment ring. 16. The nacelle inlet of claim 9, further comprising:
an engine fan case attachment ring on the nacelle inlet; and, the aft bulkhead having an inner edge connected to the engine fan case attachment ring. 17. The nacelle inlet of claim 16, further comprising:
the engine fan case attachment ring being connected to the rear edge of the inner barrel. 18. A method of absorbing force from a fan blade off event exerted on an aft bulkhead of a nacelle inlet where the aft bulkhead does not comprise a spring ring, the method comprising:
connecting an outer edge of the aft bulkhead to an outer barrel of the nacelle inlet and connecting an inner edge of the aft bulkhead to an inner barrel of the nacelle inlet where the aft bulkhead outer edge is positioned rearwardly of the aft bulkhead inner edge. 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising:
configuring a rear surface of the aft bulkhead with a concave configuration between the outer edge of the aft bulkhead and the inner edge of the aft bulkhead. 20. The method of claim 18, further comprising:
configuring a rear surface of the aft bulkhead with a flat configuration that extends between the outer edge of the aft bulkhead and the inner edge of the aft bulkhead. | 3,600 |
12,573 | 12,573 | 15,240,306 | 3,612 | An interior trim assembly of a vehicle extends along width and height directions. The interior trim assembly includes a headliner having a substrate and a cover together defining a folded portion. A first cross-section of the folded portion along the width direction includes first and second cover portions and a first substrate portion of the substrate positioned between the first and second cover portions. | 1. An interior trim assembly of a vehicle extending along a width direction and a height direction, comprising:
a headliner including a substrate and a cover together defining a folded portion, wherein a first cross-section of the folded portion along the width direction includes a first cover portion and a second cover portion and a first substrate portion of the substrate positioned between the first cover portion and the second cover portion. 2. The interior trim assembly of claim 1, wherein a second cross-section of the folded portion along the height direction includes a third cover portion and a fourth cover portion and a second substrate of the substrate positioned between the third cover portion and the fourth cover portion. 3. The interior trim assembly of claim 1, wherein the first cross-section of the folded portion further includes a fifth cover portion and a third substrate portion of the substrate, the third substrate portion being positioned between the second cover portion and the fifth cover portion along the width direction. 4. The interior trim assembly of claim 3, wherein the second cover portion is spaced apart from the third substrate portion along the width direction. 5. The interior trim assembly of claim 1, further comprising a side body trim to interface the folded portion, wherein the side body trim includes a lower section and an upper section extending from the lower section along the height direction, the upper section differing from the lower section in angle to the height direction. 6. The interior trim assembly of claim 5, wherein the lower section is of a lower angle to the height direction, the upper section is of an upper angle to the height direction, and the upper angle is smaller than the lower angle in value. 7. The interior trim assembly of claim 5, wherein the folded portion of the headliner contacts a contacting portion of the upper section. 8. The interior trim assembly of claim 7, wherein the contacting portion is smaller in cross-sectional thickness than another portion of the upper section spaced apart from the contacting portion along the height direction. 9. The interior trim assembly of claim 5, wherein the upper section differs in outer surface roughness from the lower section. 10. The interior trim assembly of claim 5, wherein the side body trim differs in material from the folded portion. 11. A method of forming an interior trim assembly of a vehicle extending along a width direction and a height direction, the method comprising:
forming a headliner, the headliner including a substrate and a cover together defining a folded portion, wherein a first cross-section of the folded portion along the width direction includes a first cover portion and a second cover portion of the cover and a first substrate portion of the substrate positioned between the first and second cover portions. 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising contacting the folded portion with a side body trim of the vehicle. 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the forming of the headliner includes providing an initial substrate and an initial cover, and removing a portion of the initial substrate at a removal site thereof to form the substrate. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the forming of the headliner includes folding the initial cover to form the cover. 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the folded portion is formed such that the removal site is spaced apart from the first cover portion and the second cover portion of the cover. | An interior trim assembly of a vehicle extends along width and height directions. The interior trim assembly includes a headliner having a substrate and a cover together defining a folded portion. A first cross-section of the folded portion along the width direction includes first and second cover portions and a first substrate portion of the substrate positioned between the first and second cover portions.1. An interior trim assembly of a vehicle extending along a width direction and a height direction, comprising:
a headliner including a substrate and a cover together defining a folded portion, wherein a first cross-section of the folded portion along the width direction includes a first cover portion and a second cover portion and a first substrate portion of the substrate positioned between the first cover portion and the second cover portion. 2. The interior trim assembly of claim 1, wherein a second cross-section of the folded portion along the height direction includes a third cover portion and a fourth cover portion and a second substrate of the substrate positioned between the third cover portion and the fourth cover portion. 3. The interior trim assembly of claim 1, wherein the first cross-section of the folded portion further includes a fifth cover portion and a third substrate portion of the substrate, the third substrate portion being positioned between the second cover portion and the fifth cover portion along the width direction. 4. The interior trim assembly of claim 3, wherein the second cover portion is spaced apart from the third substrate portion along the width direction. 5. The interior trim assembly of claim 1, further comprising a side body trim to interface the folded portion, wherein the side body trim includes a lower section and an upper section extending from the lower section along the height direction, the upper section differing from the lower section in angle to the height direction. 6. The interior trim assembly of claim 5, wherein the lower section is of a lower angle to the height direction, the upper section is of an upper angle to the height direction, and the upper angle is smaller than the lower angle in value. 7. The interior trim assembly of claim 5, wherein the folded portion of the headliner contacts a contacting portion of the upper section. 8. The interior trim assembly of claim 7, wherein the contacting portion is smaller in cross-sectional thickness than another portion of the upper section spaced apart from the contacting portion along the height direction. 9. The interior trim assembly of claim 5, wherein the upper section differs in outer surface roughness from the lower section. 10. The interior trim assembly of claim 5, wherein the side body trim differs in material from the folded portion. 11. A method of forming an interior trim assembly of a vehicle extending along a width direction and a height direction, the method comprising:
forming a headliner, the headliner including a substrate and a cover together defining a folded portion, wherein a first cross-section of the folded portion along the width direction includes a first cover portion and a second cover portion of the cover and a first substrate portion of the substrate positioned between the first and second cover portions. 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising contacting the folded portion with a side body trim of the vehicle. 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the forming of the headliner includes providing an initial substrate and an initial cover, and removing a portion of the initial substrate at a removal site thereof to form the substrate. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the forming of the headliner includes folding the initial cover to form the cover. 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the folded portion is formed such that the removal site is spaced apart from the first cover portion and the second cover portion of the cover. | 3,600 |
12,574 | 12,574 | 12,539,435 | 3,691 | Method and system providing integration of investment fund data. One system includes a database configured to store financial data pertaining to financial assets. The system further includes a display application configured to create a display for displaying financial data pertaining to the financial assets. The display includes a first view adapted to display a list of financial transactions related to the financial assets. The display further includes a second view adapted to display asset metrics associated with the financial assets. The display application enables a user to select via the first view a particular financial transaction that is associated with a particular financial asset. The display application further presents via the second view an asset metric associated with the particular financial asset and one or more asset metrics associated with other financial assets held by the investment fund that were issued by an issuer of the particular financial asset. | 1. An investment fund data integration system operatively coupled to a plurality of data sources, each of which collects or generates financial data pertaining to a plurality of financial assets, the data integration system comprising:
a database configured to store financial data pertaining to a plurality of financial assets held by an investment fund, the financial data collected or generated by a plurality of data sources; and a display application stored on a computer readable memory and configured to execute on a processor to create a display for displaying financial data pertaining to the plurality of financial assets stored in the database;
the display including a first view adapted to display a list of financial transactions related to the plurality of financial assets; and
a second view adapted to display a plurality of asset metrics associated with the plurality of financial assets,
wherein the display application enables a user to select via the first view a particular financial transaction, wherein the particular financial transaction is associated with a particular financial asset, and presents via the second view an asset metric associated with the particular financial asset and one or more asset metrics associated with one or more other financial assets held by the investment fund that were issued by an issuer of the particular financial asset. 2. The investment fund data integration system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of financial assets includes two or more financial assets of different asset classes. 3. The investment fund data integration system of claim 2, wherein the different asset classes include two or more classes selected from a group consisting of corporate bond, common stock, option. 4. The investment fund data integration system of claim 1, wherein the one or more other financial assets held by the investment fund that were issued by an issuer of the particular financial asset include all other financial assets held by the investment fund that were issued by an issuer of the particular financial asset. 5. The investment fund data integration system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of asset metrics associated with the plurality of financial assets includes a position associated with one of the plurality of financial assets, the position being indicative of a quantity of the one of the plurality of financial assets. 6. The investment fund data integration system of claim 5, wherein the plurality of asset metrics associated with the plurality of financial assets further includes a profit-and-loss value associated with the one of the plurality of financial assets, the profit-and-loss value being indicative of a net profit of the one of the plurality of financial asset. 7. The investment fund data integration system of claim 5, wherein the position associated with the one of the plurality of financial assets is a current position indicative of a current quantity of the one of the plurality of financial assets. 8. The investment fund data integration system of claim 5, wherein the position associated with the one of the plurality of financial assets is an open position indicative of an original quantity of the one of the plurality of financial assets when the one of the plurality of financial assets was acquired by the investment fund. 9. The investment fund data integration system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of asset metrics associated with the plurality of financial assets includes a profit-and-loss value associated with the one of the plurality of financial assets, the profit-and-loss value being indicative of a net profit of the one of the plurality of financial asset. 10. The investment fund data integration system of claim 9, wherein the profit-and-loss value associated with the one of the plurality of financial assets is indicative of a net profit of the one the plurality of financial assets within a time period selected from a group consisting of a day, a month, and a year. 11. The investment fund data integration system of claim 1, wherein the particular financial transaction is a trade of the particular security between the investment fund and a counterparty. 12. A method of identifying exposure of an investment fund to an issuer of financial assets for use in an investment fund data integration system operatively coupled to a plurality of data sources, each of which collects or generates financial data pertaining to a plurality of financial assets, the data integration system comprising a database coupled to the plurality of data sources and a display application stored on a computer readable memory and configured to execute on a processor, the method comprising:
receiving from a plurality of electronic data sources financial data pertaining to a plurality of financial assets held by an investment fund; storing the financial data pertaining to the plurality of financial assets in the database; creating a display via the display application for displaying financial data pertaining to the plurality of financial assets stored in the database; providing on the display a first view adapted to display a list of financial transactions related to the plurality of financial assets and a second view adapted to display a plurality of asset metrics associated with the plurality of financial assets; receiving from a user via the first view a selection of a particular financial transaction; identifying a particular financial asset associated with the particular financial transaction; presenting via the second view an asset metric associated with the particular financial asset and one or more asset metrics associated with one or more other financial assets held by the investment find that were issued by an issuer of the particular financial asset. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the plurality of financial assets includes two or more financial assets of different asset classes. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the different asset classes include two or more classes selected from a group consisting of corporate bond, common stock, option. 15. The method of claim 12, wherein the one or more other financial assets held by the investment fund that were issued by an issuer of the particular financial asset include all other financial assets held by the investment fund that were issued by an issuer of the particular financial asset. 16. The method of claim 12, wherein the plurality of asset metrics associated with the plurality of financial assets includes a position associated with one of the plurality of financial assets, the position being indicative of a quantity of the one of the plurality of financial assets. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the plurality of asset metrics associated with the plurality of financial assets further includes a profit-and-loss value associated with the one of the plurality of financial assets, the profit-and-loss value being indicative of a net profit of the one of the plurality of financial asset. 18. The method of claim 16, wherein the position associated with the one of the plurality of financial assets is a current position indicative of a current quantity of the one of the plurality of financial assets. 19. The method of claim 16, wherein the position associated with the one of the plurality of financial assets is an open position indicative of an original quantity of the one of the plurality of financial assets when the one of the plurality of financial assets was acquired by the investment fund. 20. The method of claim 12, wherein the plurality of asset metrics associated with the plurality of financial assets includes a profit-and-loss value associated with the one of the plurality of financial assets, the profit-and-loss value being indicative of a net profit of the one of the plurality of financial asset. | Method and system providing integration of investment fund data. One system includes a database configured to store financial data pertaining to financial assets. The system further includes a display application configured to create a display for displaying financial data pertaining to the financial assets. The display includes a first view adapted to display a list of financial transactions related to the financial assets. The display further includes a second view adapted to display asset metrics associated with the financial assets. The display application enables a user to select via the first view a particular financial transaction that is associated with a particular financial asset. The display application further presents via the second view an asset metric associated with the particular financial asset and one or more asset metrics associated with other financial assets held by the investment fund that were issued by an issuer of the particular financial asset.1. An investment fund data integration system operatively coupled to a plurality of data sources, each of which collects or generates financial data pertaining to a plurality of financial assets, the data integration system comprising:
a database configured to store financial data pertaining to a plurality of financial assets held by an investment fund, the financial data collected or generated by a plurality of data sources; and a display application stored on a computer readable memory and configured to execute on a processor to create a display for displaying financial data pertaining to the plurality of financial assets stored in the database;
the display including a first view adapted to display a list of financial transactions related to the plurality of financial assets; and
a second view adapted to display a plurality of asset metrics associated with the plurality of financial assets,
wherein the display application enables a user to select via the first view a particular financial transaction, wherein the particular financial transaction is associated with a particular financial asset, and presents via the second view an asset metric associated with the particular financial asset and one or more asset metrics associated with one or more other financial assets held by the investment fund that were issued by an issuer of the particular financial asset. 2. The investment fund data integration system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of financial assets includes two or more financial assets of different asset classes. 3. The investment fund data integration system of claim 2, wherein the different asset classes include two or more classes selected from a group consisting of corporate bond, common stock, option. 4. The investment fund data integration system of claim 1, wherein the one or more other financial assets held by the investment fund that were issued by an issuer of the particular financial asset include all other financial assets held by the investment fund that were issued by an issuer of the particular financial asset. 5. The investment fund data integration system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of asset metrics associated with the plurality of financial assets includes a position associated with one of the plurality of financial assets, the position being indicative of a quantity of the one of the plurality of financial assets. 6. The investment fund data integration system of claim 5, wherein the plurality of asset metrics associated with the plurality of financial assets further includes a profit-and-loss value associated with the one of the plurality of financial assets, the profit-and-loss value being indicative of a net profit of the one of the plurality of financial asset. 7. The investment fund data integration system of claim 5, wherein the position associated with the one of the plurality of financial assets is a current position indicative of a current quantity of the one of the plurality of financial assets. 8. The investment fund data integration system of claim 5, wherein the position associated with the one of the plurality of financial assets is an open position indicative of an original quantity of the one of the plurality of financial assets when the one of the plurality of financial assets was acquired by the investment fund. 9. The investment fund data integration system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of asset metrics associated with the plurality of financial assets includes a profit-and-loss value associated with the one of the plurality of financial assets, the profit-and-loss value being indicative of a net profit of the one of the plurality of financial asset. 10. The investment fund data integration system of claim 9, wherein the profit-and-loss value associated with the one of the plurality of financial assets is indicative of a net profit of the one the plurality of financial assets within a time period selected from a group consisting of a day, a month, and a year. 11. The investment fund data integration system of claim 1, wherein the particular financial transaction is a trade of the particular security between the investment fund and a counterparty. 12. A method of identifying exposure of an investment fund to an issuer of financial assets for use in an investment fund data integration system operatively coupled to a plurality of data sources, each of which collects or generates financial data pertaining to a plurality of financial assets, the data integration system comprising a database coupled to the plurality of data sources and a display application stored on a computer readable memory and configured to execute on a processor, the method comprising:
receiving from a plurality of electronic data sources financial data pertaining to a plurality of financial assets held by an investment fund; storing the financial data pertaining to the plurality of financial assets in the database; creating a display via the display application for displaying financial data pertaining to the plurality of financial assets stored in the database; providing on the display a first view adapted to display a list of financial transactions related to the plurality of financial assets and a second view adapted to display a plurality of asset metrics associated with the plurality of financial assets; receiving from a user via the first view a selection of a particular financial transaction; identifying a particular financial asset associated with the particular financial transaction; presenting via the second view an asset metric associated with the particular financial asset and one or more asset metrics associated with one or more other financial assets held by the investment find that were issued by an issuer of the particular financial asset. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the plurality of financial assets includes two or more financial assets of different asset classes. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the different asset classes include two or more classes selected from a group consisting of corporate bond, common stock, option. 15. The method of claim 12, wherein the one or more other financial assets held by the investment fund that were issued by an issuer of the particular financial asset include all other financial assets held by the investment fund that were issued by an issuer of the particular financial asset. 16. The method of claim 12, wherein the plurality of asset metrics associated with the plurality of financial assets includes a position associated with one of the plurality of financial assets, the position being indicative of a quantity of the one of the plurality of financial assets. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the plurality of asset metrics associated with the plurality of financial assets further includes a profit-and-loss value associated with the one of the plurality of financial assets, the profit-and-loss value being indicative of a net profit of the one of the plurality of financial asset. 18. The method of claim 16, wherein the position associated with the one of the plurality of financial assets is a current position indicative of a current quantity of the one of the plurality of financial assets. 19. The method of claim 16, wherein the position associated with the one of the plurality of financial assets is an open position indicative of an original quantity of the one of the plurality of financial assets when the one of the plurality of financial assets was acquired by the investment fund. 20. The method of claim 12, wherein the plurality of asset metrics associated with the plurality of financial assets includes a profit-and-loss value associated with the one of the plurality of financial assets, the profit-and-loss value being indicative of a net profit of the one of the plurality of financial asset. | 3,600 |
12,575 | 12,575 | 13,793,299 | 3,692 | Product and processes that comprise receiving a query for a settlement contract that is available for sale. The query is based on at least one field. The settlement contract comprises a sale of a policyholder's death benefit in a life insurance policy in exchange for money. A first settlement contract that comprises information matching the at least one queried field is retrieved. A plurality of potential purchasers received communication that the first settlement contract is available for purchase. During a pre-determined period of time, a plurality of bids for the first settlement contract is received. Each of the plurality of bids comprises a bid price. It is determined that a first bidder has submitted a best bid price for the settlement contract. The first bidder and the policyholder are notified of an agreement to sell the first settlement contract at the best bid price. | 1-21. (canceled) 22. An apparatus comprising:
a processor; and a memory, in which the memory stores instructions which, when executed by the processor, direct the processor to:
receive a query for a settlement contract that is available for sale, in which the query is based on at least one field and the settlement contract comprises a sale of a policyholder's death benefit in a life insurance policy in exchange for money;
retrieve a first settlement contract that comprises information matching the at least one queried field;
receive, during a pre-determined period of time, a plurality of bids for the first settlement contract, in which each of the plurality of bids comprises a bid price;
determine, that a first bidder has submitted a best bid price for the settlement contract; and
notify the first bidder and the policyholder of an agreement to sell the first settlement contract at the best bid price. 23. The apparatus of claim 22, in which the memory stores instructions which, when executed by the processor, direct the processor to:
communicate to a plurality of potential purchasers that the first settlement contract is available for purchase. 24. The apparatus of claim 22, in which the memory stores instructions which, when executed by the processor, direct the processor to:
provide the policyholder of the first settlement contract with an opportunity to rescind the agreement. 25. The apparatus claim 24, in which the memory stores instructions which, when executed by the processor, direct the processor to:
receive a request to rescind the agreement; and cancel the agreement. 26. The apparatus of claim 22, in which the best bid price is higher than any other bid prices that were received during the pre-determined period of time. 27. The apparatus of claim 22, in which the memory stores instructions which, when executed by the processor, direct the processor to:
determine a life expectancy of the policyholder; and determine a creditworthiness of an insurance company that is providing the life insurance policy. 28. The apparatus of claim 27, in which the memory stores instructions which, when executed by the processor, direct the processor to:
assign a rating to the received settlement contract based on at least the life expectancy of the policyholder and the creditworthiness of the insurance company, in which the rating determines at least in part a price of the received settlement contract. 29. The apparatus of claim 27, in which the memory stores instructions which, when executed by the processor, direct the processor to:
perform a medical evaluation of the policyholder. 30. A method comprising:
receiving, from the remote device, a query for a settlement contract that is available for sale, in which the query is based on at least one field and the settlement contract comprises a sale of a policyholder's death benefit in a life insurance policy in exchange for money; retrieving, using the processor, a first settlement contract that comprises information matching the at least one queried field; receiving at the processor, during a pre-determined period of time, a plurality of bids for the first settlement contract, in which each of the plurality of bids comprises a bid price; determining, using the processor, that a first bidder has submitted a best bid price for the settlement contract; and notifying, using the processor, the first bidder and the policyholder of an agreement to sell the first settlement contract at the best bid price. 31. The method of claim 30 further comprising:
communicating to a plurality of potential purchasers that the first settlement contract is available for purchase. 32. The method of claim 30, further comprising:
providing the policyholder of the first settlement contract with an opportunity to rescind the agreement. 33. The method of claim 32 further comprising:
receiving a request to rescind the agreement; and
canceling the agreement. 34. The method of claim 30, in which the best bid price is higher than any other bid prices that were received during the pre-determined period of time. 35. The method of claim 30, further comprising:
determining a life expectancy of the policyholder; and determining a creditworthiness of an insurance company that is providing the life insurance policy. 36. The method of claim 35 further comprising:
assigning, using the processor, a rating to the received settlement contract based on at least the life expectancy of the policyholder and the creditworthiness of the insurance company, in which the rating determines at least in part a price of the received settlement contract. 37. The method of claim 35, in which the act of determining the life expectancy of the policyholder further comprises:
performing a medical evaluation of the policyholder. | Product and processes that comprise receiving a query for a settlement contract that is available for sale. The query is based on at least one field. The settlement contract comprises a sale of a policyholder's death benefit in a life insurance policy in exchange for money. A first settlement contract that comprises information matching the at least one queried field is retrieved. A plurality of potential purchasers received communication that the first settlement contract is available for purchase. During a pre-determined period of time, a plurality of bids for the first settlement contract is received. Each of the plurality of bids comprises a bid price. It is determined that a first bidder has submitted a best bid price for the settlement contract. The first bidder and the policyholder are notified of an agreement to sell the first settlement contract at the best bid price.1-21. (canceled) 22. An apparatus comprising:
a processor; and a memory, in which the memory stores instructions which, when executed by the processor, direct the processor to:
receive a query for a settlement contract that is available for sale, in which the query is based on at least one field and the settlement contract comprises a sale of a policyholder's death benefit in a life insurance policy in exchange for money;
retrieve a first settlement contract that comprises information matching the at least one queried field;
receive, during a pre-determined period of time, a plurality of bids for the first settlement contract, in which each of the plurality of bids comprises a bid price;
determine, that a first bidder has submitted a best bid price for the settlement contract; and
notify the first bidder and the policyholder of an agreement to sell the first settlement contract at the best bid price. 23. The apparatus of claim 22, in which the memory stores instructions which, when executed by the processor, direct the processor to:
communicate to a plurality of potential purchasers that the first settlement contract is available for purchase. 24. The apparatus of claim 22, in which the memory stores instructions which, when executed by the processor, direct the processor to:
provide the policyholder of the first settlement contract with an opportunity to rescind the agreement. 25. The apparatus claim 24, in which the memory stores instructions which, when executed by the processor, direct the processor to:
receive a request to rescind the agreement; and cancel the agreement. 26. The apparatus of claim 22, in which the best bid price is higher than any other bid prices that were received during the pre-determined period of time. 27. The apparatus of claim 22, in which the memory stores instructions which, when executed by the processor, direct the processor to:
determine a life expectancy of the policyholder; and determine a creditworthiness of an insurance company that is providing the life insurance policy. 28. The apparatus of claim 27, in which the memory stores instructions which, when executed by the processor, direct the processor to:
assign a rating to the received settlement contract based on at least the life expectancy of the policyholder and the creditworthiness of the insurance company, in which the rating determines at least in part a price of the received settlement contract. 29. The apparatus of claim 27, in which the memory stores instructions which, when executed by the processor, direct the processor to:
perform a medical evaluation of the policyholder. 30. A method comprising:
receiving, from the remote device, a query for a settlement contract that is available for sale, in which the query is based on at least one field and the settlement contract comprises a sale of a policyholder's death benefit in a life insurance policy in exchange for money; retrieving, using the processor, a first settlement contract that comprises information matching the at least one queried field; receiving at the processor, during a pre-determined period of time, a plurality of bids for the first settlement contract, in which each of the plurality of bids comprises a bid price; determining, using the processor, that a first bidder has submitted a best bid price for the settlement contract; and notifying, using the processor, the first bidder and the policyholder of an agreement to sell the first settlement contract at the best bid price. 31. The method of claim 30 further comprising:
communicating to a plurality of potential purchasers that the first settlement contract is available for purchase. 32. The method of claim 30, further comprising:
providing the policyholder of the first settlement contract with an opportunity to rescind the agreement. 33. The method of claim 32 further comprising:
receiving a request to rescind the agreement; and
canceling the agreement. 34. The method of claim 30, in which the best bid price is higher than any other bid prices that were received during the pre-determined period of time. 35. The method of claim 30, further comprising:
determining a life expectancy of the policyholder; and determining a creditworthiness of an insurance company that is providing the life insurance policy. 36. The method of claim 35 further comprising:
assigning, using the processor, a rating to the received settlement contract based on at least the life expectancy of the policyholder and the creditworthiness of the insurance company, in which the rating determines at least in part a price of the received settlement contract. 37. The method of claim 35, in which the act of determining the life expectancy of the policyholder further comprises:
performing a medical evaluation of the policyholder. | 3,600 |
12,576 | 12,576 | 13,892,644 | 3,692 | Construction of factor risk models that more advantageously predict the future volatility of returns of a portfolio of securities such as stocks, bonds, or the like is addressed. More specifically, factor risk models with more than one estimate of specific risk or, alternatively an original specific risk estimate together with a set of specific risk differences derived from more than one estimate of specific risk. | 1. A computer-based method of using a factor risk model to estimate a risk of a portfolio of assets comprising:
electronically receiving by a programmed computer a portfolio to be analyzed defined by a N-dimensional vector for a set of N possible investment opportunities with elements corresponding to investment holdings in said portfolio; electronically receiving by the programmed computer a factor risk model defined and calibrated for portfolios in the N investment opportunities, said factor risk model comprising a matrix of factor exposures, a matrix of factor covariances, and two or more matrices modelling either specific covariance or specific risk; electronically receiving by the programmed computer a choice of which specific covariance or specific risk model to use, where more than one choice may be selected; computing a risk prediction for the portfolio using the factor risk model for each specific covariance or specific risk model selected; and electronically outputting the modified risk prediction. 2. The method of claim 1 in which the matrices of specific covariances or specific risk models are diagonal matrices so that the factor risk model need only supply vectors of specific variance or specific risk for each specific covariance model. 3. The method of claim 2 where the first specific risk model is provided as estimates of specific variance or specific risk while the other specific risk models are specified in terms of differences from the first model. 4. A computer-based method comprising:
electronically inputting a set of N possible investment opportunities; defining a vector space of N-dimensional vectors representing portfolios in the N investment opportunities, whose vector elements correspond to investment holdings in any investment portfolio; electronically receiving by a programmed computer a factor risk model defined and calibrated for portfolios in the N investment opportunities, said factor risk model comprising a matrix of factor exposures, a matrix of factor covariances, and two or more matrices modelling either specific covariance or specific risk; electronically receiving by the programmed computer a choice of which specific covariance model or specific risk model to use, where more than one choice may be selected; defining a portfolio optimization strategy for determining an optimized portfolio of investment holdings that utilizes said factor risk model and the choice or choices of which specific covariance or risk models to use; computing the optimal portfolio using the portfolio optimization strategy utilizing the programmed computer and portfolio optimization software; and electronically outputting the optimized portfolio. 5. The method of claim 3 in which the models of specific covariances or specific risk are diagonal matrices so that the factor risk model need only supply vectors of specific variance or specific risk for each model. 6. The method of claim 5 where the first specific risk model is provided as estimates of specific variance or specific risk while the other specific risk models are specified in terms of differences from the first model. | Construction of factor risk models that more advantageously predict the future volatility of returns of a portfolio of securities such as stocks, bonds, or the like is addressed. More specifically, factor risk models with more than one estimate of specific risk or, alternatively an original specific risk estimate together with a set of specific risk differences derived from more than one estimate of specific risk.1. A computer-based method of using a factor risk model to estimate a risk of a portfolio of assets comprising:
electronically receiving by a programmed computer a portfolio to be analyzed defined by a N-dimensional vector for a set of N possible investment opportunities with elements corresponding to investment holdings in said portfolio; electronically receiving by the programmed computer a factor risk model defined and calibrated for portfolios in the N investment opportunities, said factor risk model comprising a matrix of factor exposures, a matrix of factor covariances, and two or more matrices modelling either specific covariance or specific risk; electronically receiving by the programmed computer a choice of which specific covariance or specific risk model to use, where more than one choice may be selected; computing a risk prediction for the portfolio using the factor risk model for each specific covariance or specific risk model selected; and electronically outputting the modified risk prediction. 2. The method of claim 1 in which the matrices of specific covariances or specific risk models are diagonal matrices so that the factor risk model need only supply vectors of specific variance or specific risk for each specific covariance model. 3. The method of claim 2 where the first specific risk model is provided as estimates of specific variance or specific risk while the other specific risk models are specified in terms of differences from the first model. 4. A computer-based method comprising:
electronically inputting a set of N possible investment opportunities; defining a vector space of N-dimensional vectors representing portfolios in the N investment opportunities, whose vector elements correspond to investment holdings in any investment portfolio; electronically receiving by a programmed computer a factor risk model defined and calibrated for portfolios in the N investment opportunities, said factor risk model comprising a matrix of factor exposures, a matrix of factor covariances, and two or more matrices modelling either specific covariance or specific risk; electronically receiving by the programmed computer a choice of which specific covariance model or specific risk model to use, where more than one choice may be selected; defining a portfolio optimization strategy for determining an optimized portfolio of investment holdings that utilizes said factor risk model and the choice or choices of which specific covariance or risk models to use; computing the optimal portfolio using the portfolio optimization strategy utilizing the programmed computer and portfolio optimization software; and electronically outputting the optimized portfolio. 5. The method of claim 3 in which the models of specific covariances or specific risk are diagonal matrices so that the factor risk model need only supply vectors of specific variance or specific risk for each model. 6. The method of claim 5 where the first specific risk model is provided as estimates of specific variance or specific risk while the other specific risk models are specified in terms of differences from the first model. | 3,600 |
12,577 | 12,577 | 14,801,805 | 3,674 | Methods and compositions comprising particles for use in various aspects of the life cycle of an oil and/or gas well are provided. | 1. A method for treating an oil and/or gas well comprising,
combining a first fluid and a second fluid to form an emulsion or a microemulsion, wherein the first fluid comprises a plurality of hydrophobic nanoparticles and a non-aqueous phase; wherein the second fluid comprises a surfactant and an aqueous phase; and wherein in the microemulsion, a portion of the nanoparticles are each at least partially surrounded by surfactant and in contact with at least a portion of the non-aqueous phase; and injecting the emulsion or microemulsion into an oil and/or gas well comprising a wellbore. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of hydrophobic nanoparticles comprise a material selected from the group consisting of silica, titania, alumina, zirconia, vanadia, ceria, iron oxide, antimony oxide, tin oxide, aluminum, zinc oxide, boron, chromite spinel pigments, and silicone resin, or combinations thereof. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of hydrophobic nanoparticles have an average diameter between about 5 nm and about 30 nm. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the non-aqueous phase comprises d-limonene. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of each nanoparticle is not in contact with the non-aqueous phase. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the surfactant comprises an ethoxylated alcohol. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the surfactant comprises a first type of surfactant and a second type of surfactant. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the second fluid comprises an alcohol. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the alcohol is present in an amount between about 0 wt % and about 50 wt %, or between about 0.1 wt % and about 50 wt %, or between about 1 wt % and about 50 wt %, or between about 2 wt % and about 50 wt % or between about 5 wt % and about 40 wt %, or between about 5 wt % and 35 wt %, versus the total microemulsion composition. 10. The method of claim 8, wherein the alcohol is isopropyl alcohol. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the microemulsion is diluted with a dilution fluid prior to injecting the microemulsion into an oil and/or gas well comprising a wellbore. 12. The method of claim 10, wherein the dilution fluid comprises a salt. 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the salt comprises KCl. 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the salt is present in an amount between about 0 wt % and about 5 wt %, or between about 0.5 and 5 wt %, or between about 1 wt % and about 5 wt %, or between about 2 wt % and about 5 wt %, or between about 3 wt % and about 5 wt %, or between about 1 wt % and about 3 wt %, or between about 0.1 wt % and about 2 wt %, of the dilution fluid. 15. The method of claim 11, wherein the dilution fluid comprises one or more additives. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the one or more additives are selected from the group consisting of an alcohol, a freezing point depression agent, an acid, a salt, a proppant, a scale inhibitor, a friction reducer, a biocide, a corrosion inhibitor, a buffer, a viscosifier, a clay swelling inhibitor, an oxygen scavenger, and/or a clay stabilizer. 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the one or more additives are present in an amount between about 1 wt % and about 30 wt %, or between about 1 wt % and about 25 wt %, or between about 1 wt % and about 20 wt % of the dilution fluid. 18. The method of claim 11, wherein the microemulsion is present in the dilution fluid in an amount between about 0.1 wt % and about 50 wt %, or between about 0.01 wt % and about 50 wt %, or between about 0.01 wt % and about 25 wt %, or between about 0.01 wt % and about 10 wt %, or between about 0.1 wt % and about 10 wt %, or between about 0.1 wt % and about 5 wt %, or between about 0.01 wt % and about 5 wt %, or between about 0.1 wt % and about 2 wt %, of the dilution fluid. 19. The method of claim 1, wherein a portion of the nanoparticles are each at least partially encapsulated by surfactant. 20. The method of claim 1, wherein the microemulsion comprises between about 5 wt % to about 70 wt %, between about 10 wt % and about 50 wt %, or between about 15 wt % and about 30 wt % of the first fluid, versus the total microemulsion composition. 21. The method of claim 1, wherein the first fluid comprises between about 5 wt % and about 50% wt %, between about 10 wt % and about 40 wt %, or between about 15 wt % and about 30 wt % of the plurality of hydrophobic nanoparticles, versus the total first fluid composition. 22. The method of claim 1, wherein the aqueous phase comprises water. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the total amount of water and/or the aqueous phase present in the microemulsion is between about 1 wt % about 95 wt %, or between about 1 wt % about 90 wt %, or between about 1 wt % and about 60 wt %, or between about 5 wt % and about 60 wt % or between about 10 and about 55 wt %, or between about 15 and about 45 wt %, versus the total microemulsion composition. 24. The method of claim 1, wherein the surfactant is present in an amount between about 0 wt % and about 99 wt %, or between about 1 wt % and about 90 wt %, or between about 0 wt % and about 60 wt %, or between about 1 wt % and about 60 wt %, or between about 5 wt % and about 60 wt %, or between about 10 wt % and about 60 wt %, or between about 5 wt % and about 65 wt %, or between about 5 wt % and about 55 wt %, or between about 10 wt % and about 55 wt %, or between about 2 wt % and about 50 wt %, or between about 0 wt % and about 40 wt %, or between about 15 wt % and about 55 wt %, or between about 20 wt % and about 50 wt %, versus the total microemulsion composition. | Methods and compositions comprising particles for use in various aspects of the life cycle of an oil and/or gas well are provided.1. A method for treating an oil and/or gas well comprising,
combining a first fluid and a second fluid to form an emulsion or a microemulsion, wherein the first fluid comprises a plurality of hydrophobic nanoparticles and a non-aqueous phase; wherein the second fluid comprises a surfactant and an aqueous phase; and wherein in the microemulsion, a portion of the nanoparticles are each at least partially surrounded by surfactant and in contact with at least a portion of the non-aqueous phase; and injecting the emulsion or microemulsion into an oil and/or gas well comprising a wellbore. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of hydrophobic nanoparticles comprise a material selected from the group consisting of silica, titania, alumina, zirconia, vanadia, ceria, iron oxide, antimony oxide, tin oxide, aluminum, zinc oxide, boron, chromite spinel pigments, and silicone resin, or combinations thereof. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of hydrophobic nanoparticles have an average diameter between about 5 nm and about 30 nm. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the non-aqueous phase comprises d-limonene. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of each nanoparticle is not in contact with the non-aqueous phase. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the surfactant comprises an ethoxylated alcohol. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the surfactant comprises a first type of surfactant and a second type of surfactant. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the second fluid comprises an alcohol. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the alcohol is present in an amount between about 0 wt % and about 50 wt %, or between about 0.1 wt % and about 50 wt %, or between about 1 wt % and about 50 wt %, or between about 2 wt % and about 50 wt % or between about 5 wt % and about 40 wt %, or between about 5 wt % and 35 wt %, versus the total microemulsion composition. 10. The method of claim 8, wherein the alcohol is isopropyl alcohol. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the microemulsion is diluted with a dilution fluid prior to injecting the microemulsion into an oil and/or gas well comprising a wellbore. 12. The method of claim 10, wherein the dilution fluid comprises a salt. 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the salt comprises KCl. 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the salt is present in an amount between about 0 wt % and about 5 wt %, or between about 0.5 and 5 wt %, or between about 1 wt % and about 5 wt %, or between about 2 wt % and about 5 wt %, or between about 3 wt % and about 5 wt %, or between about 1 wt % and about 3 wt %, or between about 0.1 wt % and about 2 wt %, of the dilution fluid. 15. The method of claim 11, wherein the dilution fluid comprises one or more additives. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the one or more additives are selected from the group consisting of an alcohol, a freezing point depression agent, an acid, a salt, a proppant, a scale inhibitor, a friction reducer, a biocide, a corrosion inhibitor, a buffer, a viscosifier, a clay swelling inhibitor, an oxygen scavenger, and/or a clay stabilizer. 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the one or more additives are present in an amount between about 1 wt % and about 30 wt %, or between about 1 wt % and about 25 wt %, or between about 1 wt % and about 20 wt % of the dilution fluid. 18. The method of claim 11, wherein the microemulsion is present in the dilution fluid in an amount between about 0.1 wt % and about 50 wt %, or between about 0.01 wt % and about 50 wt %, or between about 0.01 wt % and about 25 wt %, or between about 0.01 wt % and about 10 wt %, or between about 0.1 wt % and about 10 wt %, or between about 0.1 wt % and about 5 wt %, or between about 0.01 wt % and about 5 wt %, or between about 0.1 wt % and about 2 wt %, of the dilution fluid. 19. The method of claim 1, wherein a portion of the nanoparticles are each at least partially encapsulated by surfactant. 20. The method of claim 1, wherein the microemulsion comprises between about 5 wt % to about 70 wt %, between about 10 wt % and about 50 wt %, or between about 15 wt % and about 30 wt % of the first fluid, versus the total microemulsion composition. 21. The method of claim 1, wherein the first fluid comprises between about 5 wt % and about 50% wt %, between about 10 wt % and about 40 wt %, or between about 15 wt % and about 30 wt % of the plurality of hydrophobic nanoparticles, versus the total first fluid composition. 22. The method of claim 1, wherein the aqueous phase comprises water. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the total amount of water and/or the aqueous phase present in the microemulsion is between about 1 wt % about 95 wt %, or between about 1 wt % about 90 wt %, or between about 1 wt % and about 60 wt %, or between about 5 wt % and about 60 wt % or between about 10 and about 55 wt %, or between about 15 and about 45 wt %, versus the total microemulsion composition. 24. The method of claim 1, wherein the surfactant is present in an amount between about 0 wt % and about 99 wt %, or between about 1 wt % and about 90 wt %, or between about 0 wt % and about 60 wt %, or between about 1 wt % and about 60 wt %, or between about 5 wt % and about 60 wt %, or between about 10 wt % and about 60 wt %, or between about 5 wt % and about 65 wt %, or between about 5 wt % and about 55 wt %, or between about 10 wt % and about 55 wt %, or between about 2 wt % and about 50 wt %, or between about 0 wt % and about 40 wt %, or between about 15 wt % and about 55 wt %, or between about 20 wt % and about 50 wt %, versus the total microemulsion composition. | 3,600 |
12,578 | 12,578 | 14,136,454 | 3,624 | A system for automatic allocation of mobile resources to tasks includes at least one database which stores for each mobile resource at least one corresponding skill and equipment as well as street-level data defining roads between a current location of the mobile resources and the distant locations of the tasks, and dynamic data which have a potential impact on performance of the tasks. A first data processing unit allocates the mobile resources to the tasks by allocating the skills to the tasks and the equipment, and generates for at least one of the mobile resources an individual schedule including a street-by-street route along the roads to the respectively allocated tasks. A second data processing unit continuously pre-processes the dynamic data to determine which of the street-level data, the mobile resources and the tasks are affected by the dynamic data and to what extent, and to amend the affected data accordingly. | 1. A system for automatic allocation of mobile resources to tasks which are to be performed at at least one location distant from the mobile resources, the system comprising:
at least one database configured to store data defining the tasks as well as the mobile resources; and a computing device containing a first data processing unit which is configured to
wait for a trigger event, and
after having been notified of the trigger event, access the at least one database, allocate the mobile resources to the tasks to generate an individual schedule for at least one of the mobile resources, and transmit each of the individual schedules to a mobile data communication device assigned to the respective one of the mobile resources, wherein:
the at least one database is configured to store
at least one corresponding skill and equipment for each mobile resource,
street-level data defining roads between a current location of the mobile resources and the at least one distant location of the tasks, and
dynamic data which have a potential impact on the performing of the tasks;
the first data processing unit is configured to perform the allocation of the mobile resources by allocating the skills to the tasks and to the equipment, and to generate for the at least one of the mobile resources, as part of each individual schedule, a street-by-street route along the roads to the respectively allocated tasks; and the system comprises a second data processing unit implemented in one of the computing device and a further computing device, the second data processing unit being configured to continuously pre-process the dynamic data to determine which of the street-level data, the mobile resources and the tasks are affected by the dynamic data and to what extent, and to amend the affected data accordingly. 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the second data processing unit is configured to introduce a logical link between at least two of the skills, equipment, roads and tasks, and
wherein the first data processing unit is configured to perform the allocating so that the logically linked data are reflected in the individual schedule. 3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the street-level data contain for each of the roads speed-related information corresponding to a specified section of the road, and
wherein the first data processing unit is configured to generate the individual schedule and the corresponding street-by-street route by minimizing at least one of a length of travel time and a travel distance per unified time window while maximizing the number of allocated tasks per the unified time window. 4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the dynamic data include data from a traffic control center about at least one of traffic jams, accidents and construction sites, and
wherein the second data processing unit is configured to identify the roads which are affected by the data from the traffic control center and the extent to which the street-level data corresponding to the identified roads are affected, and to adjust the corresponding street-level data accordingly. 5. The system according to claim 3, wherein the database is configured to store the dynamic data over a pre-defined period of time, and
wherein the second data processing unit is configured to identify from the dynamic data a time-dependent pattern of traffic intensity along the roads, and to amend the street-level data to reflect the pattern of traffic intensity by adjusting the speed-related information accordingly. 6. The system according to claim 3, wherein the dynamic data include data of a traffic related public event, and
wherein the second data processing unit is configured to estimate the impact of the event on the speed-related information, and to identify those roads which will be blocked for any traffic during the event. 7. The system according to claim 3, wherein the dynamic data include weather related data,
wherein the second data processing unit is configured to correspondingly adjust at least one of the speed-related information of affected roads, and a priority ranking of at least one of the equipment and skills, and wherein the first data processing unit is configured to perform the allocating so that the priority ranking is reflected in the individual schedule. 8. The system according to claim 1, wherein the dynamic data include data on the availability of at least one of fuel and electricity, and
wherein the second data processing unit is configured to adapt a priority ranking of at least one of the tasks and fuel- or electricity driven equipment to the respective availability. 9. The system according to claim 1, wherein the second data processing unit is configured to predict future tasks based on the dynamic data, and
wherein one of the first data processing unit and the second data processing unit is configured to define an appropriate emergency reserve of mobile resources capable of responding to the predicted tasks. 10. The system according to claim 1, wherein the dynamic data include an update on a state of a mobile resource, and
wherein the second data processing unit is configured to determine a resulting impact on any of the skills and/or equipment. 11. The system according to claim 3, wherein the dynamic data include data on the availability of at least one of fuel and electricity, and
wherein the second data processing unit is configured to adapt a priority ranking of at least one of the tasks and fuel- or electricity driven equipment to the respective availability. 12. The system according to claim 3, wherein the second data processing unit is configured to predict future tasks based on the dynamic data, and
wherein one of the first data processing unit and the second data processing unit is configured to define an appropriate emergency reserve of mobile resources capable of responding to the predicted tasks. 13. The system according to claim 3, wherein the dynamic data include an update on a state of a mobile resource, and
wherein the second data processing unit is configured to determine a resulting impact on any of the skills and/or equipment. 14. A method for computer-implemented automatic allocation of mobile resources to tasks which are to be performed at at least one location distant from the mobile resources, the method comprising:
storing data defining the tasks as well as the mobile resources in at least one database; waiting for a trigger event by a first data processing device; after having been notified of the trigger event, in the first data processing device, accessing the at least one database, allocating the mobile resources to the tasks to generate an individual schedule for at least one of the mobile resources, and transmitting each of the individual schedules to a mobile data communication device assigned to the respective one of the mobile resources; storing in the at least one database
at least one corresponding skill and equipment for each mobile resource,
street-level data defining roads between a current location of the mobile resources and the at least one distant location of the tasks, and
dynamic data which have a potential impact on the performing of the tasks;
performing, in the first data processing device, the allocating of the mobile resources by allocating the skills to the tasks and to the equipment, and by generating for the at least one of the mobile resources as part of each individual schedule a street-by-street route along the roads to the allocated tasks; and continuously pre-processing, in a second data processing device, the dynamic data to determine which of the street-level data, the mobile resources and the tasks are affected by the dynamic data and to what extent, and to amend the affected data accordingly. | A system for automatic allocation of mobile resources to tasks includes at least one database which stores for each mobile resource at least one corresponding skill and equipment as well as street-level data defining roads between a current location of the mobile resources and the distant locations of the tasks, and dynamic data which have a potential impact on performance of the tasks. A first data processing unit allocates the mobile resources to the tasks by allocating the skills to the tasks and the equipment, and generates for at least one of the mobile resources an individual schedule including a street-by-street route along the roads to the respectively allocated tasks. A second data processing unit continuously pre-processes the dynamic data to determine which of the street-level data, the mobile resources and the tasks are affected by the dynamic data and to what extent, and to amend the affected data accordingly.1. A system for automatic allocation of mobile resources to tasks which are to be performed at at least one location distant from the mobile resources, the system comprising:
at least one database configured to store data defining the tasks as well as the mobile resources; and a computing device containing a first data processing unit which is configured to
wait for a trigger event, and
after having been notified of the trigger event, access the at least one database, allocate the mobile resources to the tasks to generate an individual schedule for at least one of the mobile resources, and transmit each of the individual schedules to a mobile data communication device assigned to the respective one of the mobile resources, wherein:
the at least one database is configured to store
at least one corresponding skill and equipment for each mobile resource,
street-level data defining roads between a current location of the mobile resources and the at least one distant location of the tasks, and
dynamic data which have a potential impact on the performing of the tasks;
the first data processing unit is configured to perform the allocation of the mobile resources by allocating the skills to the tasks and to the equipment, and to generate for the at least one of the mobile resources, as part of each individual schedule, a street-by-street route along the roads to the respectively allocated tasks; and the system comprises a second data processing unit implemented in one of the computing device and a further computing device, the second data processing unit being configured to continuously pre-process the dynamic data to determine which of the street-level data, the mobile resources and the tasks are affected by the dynamic data and to what extent, and to amend the affected data accordingly. 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the second data processing unit is configured to introduce a logical link between at least two of the skills, equipment, roads and tasks, and
wherein the first data processing unit is configured to perform the allocating so that the logically linked data are reflected in the individual schedule. 3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the street-level data contain for each of the roads speed-related information corresponding to a specified section of the road, and
wherein the first data processing unit is configured to generate the individual schedule and the corresponding street-by-street route by minimizing at least one of a length of travel time and a travel distance per unified time window while maximizing the number of allocated tasks per the unified time window. 4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the dynamic data include data from a traffic control center about at least one of traffic jams, accidents and construction sites, and
wherein the second data processing unit is configured to identify the roads which are affected by the data from the traffic control center and the extent to which the street-level data corresponding to the identified roads are affected, and to adjust the corresponding street-level data accordingly. 5. The system according to claim 3, wherein the database is configured to store the dynamic data over a pre-defined period of time, and
wherein the second data processing unit is configured to identify from the dynamic data a time-dependent pattern of traffic intensity along the roads, and to amend the street-level data to reflect the pattern of traffic intensity by adjusting the speed-related information accordingly. 6. The system according to claim 3, wherein the dynamic data include data of a traffic related public event, and
wherein the second data processing unit is configured to estimate the impact of the event on the speed-related information, and to identify those roads which will be blocked for any traffic during the event. 7. The system according to claim 3, wherein the dynamic data include weather related data,
wherein the second data processing unit is configured to correspondingly adjust at least one of the speed-related information of affected roads, and a priority ranking of at least one of the equipment and skills, and wherein the first data processing unit is configured to perform the allocating so that the priority ranking is reflected in the individual schedule. 8. The system according to claim 1, wherein the dynamic data include data on the availability of at least one of fuel and electricity, and
wherein the second data processing unit is configured to adapt a priority ranking of at least one of the tasks and fuel- or electricity driven equipment to the respective availability. 9. The system according to claim 1, wherein the second data processing unit is configured to predict future tasks based on the dynamic data, and
wherein one of the first data processing unit and the second data processing unit is configured to define an appropriate emergency reserve of mobile resources capable of responding to the predicted tasks. 10. The system according to claim 1, wherein the dynamic data include an update on a state of a mobile resource, and
wherein the second data processing unit is configured to determine a resulting impact on any of the skills and/or equipment. 11. The system according to claim 3, wherein the dynamic data include data on the availability of at least one of fuel and electricity, and
wherein the second data processing unit is configured to adapt a priority ranking of at least one of the tasks and fuel- or electricity driven equipment to the respective availability. 12. The system according to claim 3, wherein the second data processing unit is configured to predict future tasks based on the dynamic data, and
wherein one of the first data processing unit and the second data processing unit is configured to define an appropriate emergency reserve of mobile resources capable of responding to the predicted tasks. 13. The system according to claim 3, wherein the dynamic data include an update on a state of a mobile resource, and
wherein the second data processing unit is configured to determine a resulting impact on any of the skills and/or equipment. 14. A method for computer-implemented automatic allocation of mobile resources to tasks which are to be performed at at least one location distant from the mobile resources, the method comprising:
storing data defining the tasks as well as the mobile resources in at least one database; waiting for a trigger event by a first data processing device; after having been notified of the trigger event, in the first data processing device, accessing the at least one database, allocating the mobile resources to the tasks to generate an individual schedule for at least one of the mobile resources, and transmitting each of the individual schedules to a mobile data communication device assigned to the respective one of the mobile resources; storing in the at least one database
at least one corresponding skill and equipment for each mobile resource,
street-level data defining roads between a current location of the mobile resources and the at least one distant location of the tasks, and
dynamic data which have a potential impact on the performing of the tasks;
performing, in the first data processing device, the allocating of the mobile resources by allocating the skills to the tasks and to the equipment, and by generating for the at least one of the mobile resources as part of each individual schedule a street-by-street route along the roads to the allocated tasks; and continuously pre-processing, in a second data processing device, the dynamic data to determine which of the street-level data, the mobile resources and the tasks are affected by the dynamic data and to what extent, and to amend the affected data accordingly. | 3,600 |
12,579 | 12,579 | 13,296,117 | 3,681 | A social networking system infers a user's present interests based on the user's recent actions and/or the recent actions of the user's connections in the social networking system. The social networking system also determines a set of concepts associated with each of a set of information items, such as advertisements. By matching the user's present interests with the concepts associated with the information items, the social networking system selects one or more of the information items that are likely to be of present interest to the user. At least one of the matched interests and concepts are not identical. The social networking system then presents the selected information items for display to the user, thereby providing information based on an inferred temporal relevance of that information to the user. | 1. A method comprising:
observing actions of a user of a social networking system; determining interests for the user based on the observed actions; discounting the interests based at least in part on a time of the action from which the interest was determined; receiving a plurality of information items for display to the user of the social networking system; determining concepts associated with one or more of the plurality of information items; and computing a score for each information item having an associated concept, the score comprising one or more contributions, each contribution based on matches of the determined interests and the determined concepts, wherein a match of a interest and a concept that are not identical contributes to the score; selecting one or more of the information items to display to the user, the selecting based at least in part on the scores associated with the information items; and sending the selected information items for display to the user. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
inferring one or more additional interests from the determined interests using a taxonomy that identifies related terms; and comparing the inferred interests with the concepts determined for each of the information items, wherein the one or more of the information items are selected based on the comparing of the inferred additional interests. 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising:
determining a plurality of relatedness factors associated with each of the inferred additional interests based on the extent to which the inferred interest relates to a determined interest in the taxonomy; and discounting the inferred additional interests based at least in part on the associated relatedness factors. 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
inferring one or more additional concepts for each of the information items using a taxonomy that identifies related terms; and comparing the determined interests for the user with the inferred additional concepts for each of the information items, wherein the one or more of the information items are selected based on the comparing of the inferred additional concepts. 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising:
determining a plurality of relatedness factors associated with each of the additional concepts based on the extent to which an additional concept relates to a determined concept in the taxonomy; and discounting the inferred additional concepts based at least in part on the associated relatedness factors. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the information items comprise advertisements. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the concepts are determined from an advertisement based on a set of components of the advertisement comprising at least one of: a title of the advertisement, content of the advertisement, a tag associated with the advertisement, a link to content in the advertisement, and targeting criteria for the advertisement. 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
observing actions of a plurality of connections of the user of a social networking system; determining interests for the connections of the user based on the observed actions; discounting the determined interests for the connections based at least in part on a time of the action from which the interest for the plurality of connections was determined; computing a score for each information item having an associated concept, the score comprising one or more contributions, each contribution based on matches of the determined interests for the connections and the determined concepts; and selecting one or more of the information items to display to the user, the selecting based at least in part on the scores associated with the information items. 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising:
discounting the interests for each of the connections based at least in part on an affinity of the user for the connection. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
discounting one or more of the interests based at least in part on a type of action performed in the action from which the interest was determined. 11. A system, comprising:
an action log containing a record of actions of the user of a social networking system; an action interest extractor adapted to determine interests for the user based on the observed actions and discount the interests based at least in part on a time of the action from which the interest was determined; an information item server adapted to receive a plurality of information items; an information item concept extractor adapted to determine concepts associated with one or more of the plurality of information items; and a selection module adapted to computing a score for each information item having an associated concept, the score comprising one or more contributions, each contribution based on matches of the interests for the member with the concepts for each information item, wherein a match of a interest and a concept that are not identical contributes to the score, and to select one or more of the information items to display to the member based on the computing. 12. The system of claim 11, further comprising a taxonomy for inferring one or more additional interests from the determined interests, and wherein the selection module is further configured to compare the inferred interests with the concepts determined for each of the information items and wherein the one or more of the information items are selected based on the comparing of the inferred additional interests. 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the taxonomy provides a plurality of relatedness factors associated with each of the inferred additional interests based on the extent to which the inferred interest relates to a determined interest in the taxonomy and wherein the inferred additional interests are discounted based at least in part on the associated relatedness factors. 14. The system of claim 11, further comprising a taxonomy for inferring one or more additional concepts for each of the information items using a taxonomy that identifies related terms, and wherein the fuzzy matcher is further configured to compare the interests determined for the member with the inferred additional concepts determined for each of the information items and wherein the one or more of the information items are selected based on the comparing of the inferred additional concepts. 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the taxonomy provides a plurality of relatedness factors associated with each of the additional concepts based on the extent to which an additional concept relates to a determined concept in the taxonomy and wherein the inferred additional concepts are discounted based at least in part on the associated relatedness factors. 16. The system of claim 11, wherein the fuzzy matcher is configured to match the user with each of the information items by producing a score for each information item and wherein the score for each information item is based on an overlap of the determined interests for the user and the determined concepts for the information item. 17. The system of claim 11, wherein the information items comprise advertisements. 18. The system of claim 11, wherein:
the action log further contains actions of a plurality of connections of the user of a social networking system, the action interest extractor is further adapted to determine interests for the connections of the user based on the observed actions and the interests for the connections based at least in part on a time of the action from which the interest for the plurality of connections was determined, and the fuzzy matcher is further adapted to match the user with each of the information items by comparing the interests for the connections of the user with the concepts for each information item and select one or more of the information items to display to the user, the selecting based at least in part on the matching of the user with each of the information items by comparing the interests for the connections of the user. 19. The system of claim 18, further comprising an affinity predictor adapted to discount the plurality of interests for each of the connections based at least in part on an affinity of the user for the connection. 20. A computer program product having a non-transitory computer readable medium having a computer program embodied therein, the computer program comprising instructions for:
observing actions of a user of a social networking system; determining interests for the user based on the observed actions; discounting the interests based at least in part on a time of the action from which the interest was determined; receiving information items for display to the user of the social networking system; determining a plurality of concepts associated with one or more of the plurality of information items; and computing a score for each information item having an associated concept, the score comprising one or more contributions, each contribution based on matches of the determined interests and the determined concepts, wherein a match of a interest and a concept that are not identical contributes to the score; selecting one or more of the information items to display to the user, the selecting based at least in part on the scores associated with the information items; and sending the selected information items for display to the user. | A social networking system infers a user's present interests based on the user's recent actions and/or the recent actions of the user's connections in the social networking system. The social networking system also determines a set of concepts associated with each of a set of information items, such as advertisements. By matching the user's present interests with the concepts associated with the information items, the social networking system selects one or more of the information items that are likely to be of present interest to the user. At least one of the matched interests and concepts are not identical. The social networking system then presents the selected information items for display to the user, thereby providing information based on an inferred temporal relevance of that information to the user.1. A method comprising:
observing actions of a user of a social networking system; determining interests for the user based on the observed actions; discounting the interests based at least in part on a time of the action from which the interest was determined; receiving a plurality of information items for display to the user of the social networking system; determining concepts associated with one or more of the plurality of information items; and computing a score for each information item having an associated concept, the score comprising one or more contributions, each contribution based on matches of the determined interests and the determined concepts, wherein a match of a interest and a concept that are not identical contributes to the score; selecting one or more of the information items to display to the user, the selecting based at least in part on the scores associated with the information items; and sending the selected information items for display to the user. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
inferring one or more additional interests from the determined interests using a taxonomy that identifies related terms; and comparing the inferred interests with the concepts determined for each of the information items, wherein the one or more of the information items are selected based on the comparing of the inferred additional interests. 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising:
determining a plurality of relatedness factors associated with each of the inferred additional interests based on the extent to which the inferred interest relates to a determined interest in the taxonomy; and discounting the inferred additional interests based at least in part on the associated relatedness factors. 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
inferring one or more additional concepts for each of the information items using a taxonomy that identifies related terms; and comparing the determined interests for the user with the inferred additional concepts for each of the information items, wherein the one or more of the information items are selected based on the comparing of the inferred additional concepts. 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising:
determining a plurality of relatedness factors associated with each of the additional concepts based on the extent to which an additional concept relates to a determined concept in the taxonomy; and discounting the inferred additional concepts based at least in part on the associated relatedness factors. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the information items comprise advertisements. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the concepts are determined from an advertisement based on a set of components of the advertisement comprising at least one of: a title of the advertisement, content of the advertisement, a tag associated with the advertisement, a link to content in the advertisement, and targeting criteria for the advertisement. 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
observing actions of a plurality of connections of the user of a social networking system; determining interests for the connections of the user based on the observed actions; discounting the determined interests for the connections based at least in part on a time of the action from which the interest for the plurality of connections was determined; computing a score for each information item having an associated concept, the score comprising one or more contributions, each contribution based on matches of the determined interests for the connections and the determined concepts; and selecting one or more of the information items to display to the user, the selecting based at least in part on the scores associated with the information items. 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising:
discounting the interests for each of the connections based at least in part on an affinity of the user for the connection. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
discounting one or more of the interests based at least in part on a type of action performed in the action from which the interest was determined. 11. A system, comprising:
an action log containing a record of actions of the user of a social networking system; an action interest extractor adapted to determine interests for the user based on the observed actions and discount the interests based at least in part on a time of the action from which the interest was determined; an information item server adapted to receive a plurality of information items; an information item concept extractor adapted to determine concepts associated with one or more of the plurality of information items; and a selection module adapted to computing a score for each information item having an associated concept, the score comprising one or more contributions, each contribution based on matches of the interests for the member with the concepts for each information item, wherein a match of a interest and a concept that are not identical contributes to the score, and to select one or more of the information items to display to the member based on the computing. 12. The system of claim 11, further comprising a taxonomy for inferring one or more additional interests from the determined interests, and wherein the selection module is further configured to compare the inferred interests with the concepts determined for each of the information items and wherein the one or more of the information items are selected based on the comparing of the inferred additional interests. 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the taxonomy provides a plurality of relatedness factors associated with each of the inferred additional interests based on the extent to which the inferred interest relates to a determined interest in the taxonomy and wherein the inferred additional interests are discounted based at least in part on the associated relatedness factors. 14. The system of claim 11, further comprising a taxonomy for inferring one or more additional concepts for each of the information items using a taxonomy that identifies related terms, and wherein the fuzzy matcher is further configured to compare the interests determined for the member with the inferred additional concepts determined for each of the information items and wherein the one or more of the information items are selected based on the comparing of the inferred additional concepts. 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the taxonomy provides a plurality of relatedness factors associated with each of the additional concepts based on the extent to which an additional concept relates to a determined concept in the taxonomy and wherein the inferred additional concepts are discounted based at least in part on the associated relatedness factors. 16. The system of claim 11, wherein the fuzzy matcher is configured to match the user with each of the information items by producing a score for each information item and wherein the score for each information item is based on an overlap of the determined interests for the user and the determined concepts for the information item. 17. The system of claim 11, wherein the information items comprise advertisements. 18. The system of claim 11, wherein:
the action log further contains actions of a plurality of connections of the user of a social networking system, the action interest extractor is further adapted to determine interests for the connections of the user based on the observed actions and the interests for the connections based at least in part on a time of the action from which the interest for the plurality of connections was determined, and the fuzzy matcher is further adapted to match the user with each of the information items by comparing the interests for the connections of the user with the concepts for each information item and select one or more of the information items to display to the user, the selecting based at least in part on the matching of the user with each of the information items by comparing the interests for the connections of the user. 19. The system of claim 18, further comprising an affinity predictor adapted to discount the plurality of interests for each of the connections based at least in part on an affinity of the user for the connection. 20. A computer program product having a non-transitory computer readable medium having a computer program embodied therein, the computer program comprising instructions for:
observing actions of a user of a social networking system; determining interests for the user based on the observed actions; discounting the interests based at least in part on a time of the action from which the interest was determined; receiving information items for display to the user of the social networking system; determining a plurality of concepts associated with one or more of the plurality of information items; and computing a score for each information item having an associated concept, the score comprising one or more contributions, each contribution based on matches of the determined interests and the determined concepts, wherein a match of a interest and a concept that are not identical contributes to the score; selecting one or more of the information items to display to the user, the selecting based at least in part on the scores associated with the information items; and sending the selected information items for display to the user. | 3,600 |
12,580 | 12,580 | 14,863,504 | 3,694 | A data structure in a tangible computer-readable medium having two or more prospective customer profile records; two or more comparable segment records; and an association between each of the two or more prospective customer profile records and one of the two or more comparable segment records. | 1-4. (canceled) 5. A data structure in a tangible computer-readable medium comprising:
existing insurance policy information; customer segmentations of the existing insurance policy information; and a scoring and premium estimation model, wherein the scoring and premium estimation model uses a-the subset of prospective insurance customer policy criteria and the customer segmentations of the existing insurance policy information to determine peer group policy information. 6-11. (canceled) 12. A data structure in a tangible computer-readable medium, as claimed in claim 5, wherein the existing insurance policy information comprises price information. 13. A data structure in a tangible computer-readable medium, as claimed in claim 5, wherein the existing insurance policy information comprises policy characteristic information. 14. The data structure of claim 5, wherein the subset of prospective insurance customer policy criteria comprises non-identifying demographic information about the prospective insurance customer. 15. The data structure of claim 5, wherein the subset of prospective insurance customer policy criteria comprises non-identifying location information about the prospective insurance customer. 16. The data structure of claim 5, wherein the subset of prospective insurance customer policy criteria comprises non-identifying demographic information about a property of the prospective insurance customer. 17. The data structure of claim 5, wherein the customer segmentations of the existing insurance policy information comprise two or more segments of the existing insurance policy information based on insurance policy criteria selected from: an age of the insured, a type of property insured, a number of claims filed by the prospective customer within a specified timeframe, and an identification of discounts. 18. The data structure of claim 5, wherein the existing policy information comprises at least one statistic relating to: the dollar value of insurance premiums paid by customers in that segment, coverages elected by customers in that segment, limits elected by customers in that segment, deductibles elected by customers in that segment, and other products owned by customers in that segment. 19. The data structure of claim 5, wherein the peer group policy information comprises policy pricing from existing customers. 20. The data structure of claim 5, wherein the peer group policy information comprises policy characteristics selected by existing customers. 20. The data structure of claim 5, wherein peer group policy information comprises: demographic classification of existing customers; existing customer identification information; information identifying the property and/or financial information about existing customers; information characterizing the claims risk of existing customers, characteristic information about products purchased by existing customers, and pricing information about products purchased by existing customers. | A data structure in a tangible computer-readable medium having two or more prospective customer profile records; two or more comparable segment records; and an association between each of the two or more prospective customer profile records and one of the two or more comparable segment records.1-4. (canceled) 5. A data structure in a tangible computer-readable medium comprising:
existing insurance policy information; customer segmentations of the existing insurance policy information; and a scoring and premium estimation model, wherein the scoring and premium estimation model uses a-the subset of prospective insurance customer policy criteria and the customer segmentations of the existing insurance policy information to determine peer group policy information. 6-11. (canceled) 12. A data structure in a tangible computer-readable medium, as claimed in claim 5, wherein the existing insurance policy information comprises price information. 13. A data structure in a tangible computer-readable medium, as claimed in claim 5, wherein the existing insurance policy information comprises policy characteristic information. 14. The data structure of claim 5, wherein the subset of prospective insurance customer policy criteria comprises non-identifying demographic information about the prospective insurance customer. 15. The data structure of claim 5, wherein the subset of prospective insurance customer policy criteria comprises non-identifying location information about the prospective insurance customer. 16. The data structure of claim 5, wherein the subset of prospective insurance customer policy criteria comprises non-identifying demographic information about a property of the prospective insurance customer. 17. The data structure of claim 5, wherein the customer segmentations of the existing insurance policy information comprise two or more segments of the existing insurance policy information based on insurance policy criteria selected from: an age of the insured, a type of property insured, a number of claims filed by the prospective customer within a specified timeframe, and an identification of discounts. 18. The data structure of claim 5, wherein the existing policy information comprises at least one statistic relating to: the dollar value of insurance premiums paid by customers in that segment, coverages elected by customers in that segment, limits elected by customers in that segment, deductibles elected by customers in that segment, and other products owned by customers in that segment. 19. The data structure of claim 5, wherein the peer group policy information comprises policy pricing from existing customers. 20. The data structure of claim 5, wherein the peer group policy information comprises policy characteristics selected by existing customers. 20. The data structure of claim 5, wherein peer group policy information comprises: demographic classification of existing customers; existing customer identification information; information identifying the property and/or financial information about existing customers; information characterizing the claims risk of existing customers, characteristic information about products purchased by existing customers, and pricing information about products purchased by existing customers. | 3,600 |
12,581 | 12,581 | 14,843,129 | 3,649 | Securely attached to the front of a bicycle helmet is a minimally sized band of sufficiently strong material that is positioned to provide a face protective barrier that is less then 35 millimeters high for a length of more then 200 millimeters long. This minimally sized, face protective structure will not only protect a bicyclist's face in a crash but will also give the highest degree of visibility and ventilation for the bicyclist to avoid a crash and allow a great amount of fresh air flow to cool the bicyclist and provide ample oxygen for breathing while bicycling. | 1. A bicycle helmet including a minimally sized face protective structure comprising:
said bicycle helmet having a front side, said front side having a main helmet opening for the positioning of a bicyclist's face, said bicycle helmet having a back side, said bicycle helmet having a left side, said bicycle helmet having a right side, said bicycle helmet having an exterior surface, said minimally sized face protective structure having a cross-sectional height of less then 30 millimeters high that extends within that height for a length of more then 200 millimeters long, said minimally sized face protective structure being measured while said bicycle helmet including said minimally sized face protective structure is positioned on a bicyclist's head while the bicyclist's face is facing forward, said minimally sized face protective structure being substantially curved, said minimally sized face protective structure having a first connective section positioned at one end of said minimally sized face protective structure, said minimally sized face protective structure having a second connective section positioned at said minimally sized face protective structure opposite end, said first connective section of said minimally sized face protective structure having means to be first securely connected to said left side of said bicycle helmet, said second connective section of said minimally sized face protective structure further having means to be securely connected to said right side of said bicycle helmet, said minimally sized face protective structure being substantially positioned in front of said main helmet opening, said minimally sized face protective structure extending substantially to in front of the bicyclist's mouth, chin or neck, said first connective section of said minimally sized face protective structure being first securely connected to said left side of said bicycle helmet, said second connective section of said minimally sized face protective structure further being securely connected to said right side of said bicycle helmet, said minimally sized face protective structure being made from any one or more materials that provide sufficient strength to substantially avoid deformation under predetermined impact loads, said minimally sized face protective structure being made from an amount of said one or more materials that provides sufficient strength to substantially prevent a cyclist's face from impacting a road or path during a bicycle type crash impact, whereby said minimally sized face protective structure provides facial impact protection that also provides a great amount of visibility and a great amount of ventilation, whereby the bicyclist has increased visibility to greatly avoid crashing and injury, said bicycle helmet including a minimally sized face protective structure must include the means and the structural components that are required within the U.S., to meet or exceed the up to date, respective government regulations and specifications that define a bicycle helmet. 2. The invention of claim 1, wherein said minimally sized face protective structure may be constructed from plastic, fiberglass, carbon fiber, aluminum, magnesium, steel or a combination of materials. 3. The invention of claim 1, further including a plurality of openings formed within said minimally sized face protective structure for increased visibility, increased ventilation and weight reduction. 4. The invention of claim 1, wherein said minimally sized face protective structure is comprised of a plurality of smaller bars, as an alternative method of constructing said minimally sized face protective structure. 5. The invention of claim 1, wherein said minimally sized face protective structure is built as a continuous material extension of said bicycle helmet. 6. The invention of claim 5, further including a supplemental stronger material structure positioned substantially within said minimally sized face protective structure as a means to increase the strength of said minimally sized face protective structure. 7. The invention of claim 6, wherein said supplemental stronger material structure is formed substantially in a profile that has the means to provide the greatest benefit of strength and weight reduction for said bicycle helmet. 8. The invention of claim 1, wherein said first connective section further extends back onto said bicycle helmet exterior surface of said left side, said second connective section further extending back onto said helmet exterior surface of said right side, said minimally sized face protective structure using a common means of attachment to securely attach said bicycle helmet to said minimally sized face protective structure, said common means of attachment being a plurality of screws, rivets, epoxies or similar mechanisms. 9. The invention of claim 1, wherein said bicycle helmet is molded integrally with said minimally sized face protective structure, whereby a stronger, more secure connection between said bicycle helmet and said minimally sized face protective structure is made. 10. The invention of claim 1, wherein said minimally sized face protective structure is formed substantially in a profile that has the means to provide the greatest benefit of strength, weight reduction, increased visibility and safety for said bicycle helmet. 11. A bicycle helmet including a minimally sized face protective structure comprising:
said bicycle helmet having a front side, said front side having a main helmet opening for the positioning of a bicyclist's face, said bicycle helmet having a back side, said bicycle helmet having a left side, said bicycle helmet having a right side, said bicycle helmet having an exterior surface, said minimally sized face protective structure having a cross-sectional height of less then 25 millimeters high that extends within that height for a length of more then 200 millimeters long, said minimally sized face protective structure being measured while said bicycle helmet including said minimally sized face protective structure is positioned on a bicyclist's head while the bicyclist's face is facing forward, said minimally sized face protective structure being substantially curved, said minimally sized face protective structure having a first connective section positioned at one end of said minimally sized face protective structure, said minimally sized face protective structure having a second connective section positioned at said minimally sized face protective structure opposite end, said first connective section of said minimally sized face protective structure formed as an integrally connected material extension with said left side of said bicycle helmet, said second connective section of said minimally sized face protective structure further formed as an integrally connected material extension with said right side of said bicycle helmet, both said bicycle helmet and said minimally sized face protective structure being made substantially from a plastic related material that could be comprised of fiber glass or carbon fiber, said minimally sized face protective structure being substantially positioned in front of said main helmet opening, said minimally sized face protective structure extending substantially out in front of the bicyclist's mouth, chin or neck, said minimally sized face protective structure being made in a pre-determined thickness that provides sufficient strength to substantially avoid deformation under predetermined impact loads, said minimally sized face protective structure being made from an amount of said one or more materials that provides sufficient strength to substantially prevent a cyclist's face from impacting a road or path during a bicycle type crash impact, whereby said minimally sized face protective structure provides means for facial impact protection to keep a bicyclist's face from impacting a road or dirt surface during a crash, that also provides a great amount of visibility and a great amount of ventilation, whereby the bicyclist has increased visibility to greatly avoid crashing and injury, said bicycle helmet including a minimally sized face protective structure must include the means and the structural components that are required within the U.S., to meet or exceed the up to date, respective government regulations and specifications that define a bicycle helmet. 12. A bicycle helmet including a minimally sized face protective structure comprising:
said bicycle helmet having a front side, said front side having a main helmet opening for the positioning of a bicyclist's face, said bicycle helmet having a back side, said bicycle helmet having a left side, said bicycle helmet having a right side, said bicycle helmet having an exterior surface, said minimally sized face protective structure having a cross-sectional height of less then 35 millimeters high that extends within that height for a length of more then 200 millimeters long, said minimally sized face protective structure being measured while said bicycle helmet including said minimally sized face protective structure is positioned on a bicyclist's head while the bicyclist's face is facing forward, said minimally sized face protective structure being substantially curved, said minimally sized face protective structure having a first connective section positioned at one end of said minimally sized face protective structure, said minimally sized face protective structure having a second connective section positioned at said minimally sized face protective structure opposite end, said first connective section of said minimally sized face protective structure formed as an integrally connected material extension with said left side of said bicycle helmet, said second connective section of said minimally sized face protective structure further formed as an integrally connected material extension with said right side of said bicycle helmet, both said bicycle helmet and said minimally sized face protective structure being made substantially from a plastic related material that could be comprised of fiber glass or carbon fiber, said minimally sized face protective structure being substantially positioned in front of said main helmet opening, said minimally sized face protective structure extending substantially out in front of the bicyclist's mouth, chin or neck, said minimally sized face protective structure being made in a pre-determined thickness that provides sufficient strength to substantially avoid deformation under predetermined impact loads, said minimally sized face protective structure being made from an amount of said one or more materials that provides sufficient strength to substantially prevent a cyclist's face from impacting a road or path during a bicycle type crash impact, whereby said minimally sized face protective structure provides means for facial impact protection to keep a bicyclist's face from impacting a road or dirt surface during a crash, that also provides a great amount of visibility and a great amount of ventilation, whereby the bicyclist has increased visibility to greatly avoid crashing and injury, said bicycle helmet including a minimally sized face protective structure must include the means and the structural components that are required within the U.S., to meet or exceed the up to date, respective government regulations and specifications that define a bicycle helmet. 13. The invention of claim 11, further including a supplemental stronger material structure positioned substantially within said minimally sized face protective structure as a means to increase the strength of said minimally sized face protective structure, said supplemental stronger material structure being made from aluminum, steel, magnesium, carbon fiber or a similar material, whereby said minimally sized face protective structure provides means for facial impact protection to keep a bicyclist's face from impacting a road or dirt surface during a crash, that also provides a great amount of visibility and a great amount of ventilation, whereby the bicyclist has increased visibility to greatly avoid crashing and injury. 14. The invention of claim 12, further including a supplemental stronger material structure positioned substantially within said minimally sized face protective structure as a means to increase the strength of said minimally sized face protective structure, said supplemental stronger material structure being made from aluminum, steel, magnesium, carbon fiber or a similar material, whereby said minimally sized face protective structure provides means for facial impact protection to keep a bicyclist's face from impacting a road or dirt surface during a crash, that also provides a great amount of visibility and a great amount of ventilation, whereby the bicyclist has increased visibility to greatly avoid crashing and injury. 15. The invention of claim 1, wherein said bicycle helmet is made substantially from a plastic related material, said bicycle helmet comprising a main structural shell, said main structural shell being made in a predetermined thickness that will support said face protective structure to a capacity that will not allow the surface of a road or path to impact a bicyclist's face, while said bicycle helmet including a minimally sized face protective structure is worn by a bicyclist during a bicycle type crash. | Securely attached to the front of a bicycle helmet is a minimally sized band of sufficiently strong material that is positioned to provide a face protective barrier that is less then 35 millimeters high for a length of more then 200 millimeters long. This minimally sized, face protective structure will not only protect a bicyclist's face in a crash but will also give the highest degree of visibility and ventilation for the bicyclist to avoid a crash and allow a great amount of fresh air flow to cool the bicyclist and provide ample oxygen for breathing while bicycling.1. A bicycle helmet including a minimally sized face protective structure comprising:
said bicycle helmet having a front side, said front side having a main helmet opening for the positioning of a bicyclist's face, said bicycle helmet having a back side, said bicycle helmet having a left side, said bicycle helmet having a right side, said bicycle helmet having an exterior surface, said minimally sized face protective structure having a cross-sectional height of less then 30 millimeters high that extends within that height for a length of more then 200 millimeters long, said minimally sized face protective structure being measured while said bicycle helmet including said minimally sized face protective structure is positioned on a bicyclist's head while the bicyclist's face is facing forward, said minimally sized face protective structure being substantially curved, said minimally sized face protective structure having a first connective section positioned at one end of said minimally sized face protective structure, said minimally sized face protective structure having a second connective section positioned at said minimally sized face protective structure opposite end, said first connective section of said minimally sized face protective structure having means to be first securely connected to said left side of said bicycle helmet, said second connective section of said minimally sized face protective structure further having means to be securely connected to said right side of said bicycle helmet, said minimally sized face protective structure being substantially positioned in front of said main helmet opening, said minimally sized face protective structure extending substantially to in front of the bicyclist's mouth, chin or neck, said first connective section of said minimally sized face protective structure being first securely connected to said left side of said bicycle helmet, said second connective section of said minimally sized face protective structure further being securely connected to said right side of said bicycle helmet, said minimally sized face protective structure being made from any one or more materials that provide sufficient strength to substantially avoid deformation under predetermined impact loads, said minimally sized face protective structure being made from an amount of said one or more materials that provides sufficient strength to substantially prevent a cyclist's face from impacting a road or path during a bicycle type crash impact, whereby said minimally sized face protective structure provides facial impact protection that also provides a great amount of visibility and a great amount of ventilation, whereby the bicyclist has increased visibility to greatly avoid crashing and injury, said bicycle helmet including a minimally sized face protective structure must include the means and the structural components that are required within the U.S., to meet or exceed the up to date, respective government regulations and specifications that define a bicycle helmet. 2. The invention of claim 1, wherein said minimally sized face protective structure may be constructed from plastic, fiberglass, carbon fiber, aluminum, magnesium, steel or a combination of materials. 3. The invention of claim 1, further including a plurality of openings formed within said minimally sized face protective structure for increased visibility, increased ventilation and weight reduction. 4. The invention of claim 1, wherein said minimally sized face protective structure is comprised of a plurality of smaller bars, as an alternative method of constructing said minimally sized face protective structure. 5. The invention of claim 1, wherein said minimally sized face protective structure is built as a continuous material extension of said bicycle helmet. 6. The invention of claim 5, further including a supplemental stronger material structure positioned substantially within said minimally sized face protective structure as a means to increase the strength of said minimally sized face protective structure. 7. The invention of claim 6, wherein said supplemental stronger material structure is formed substantially in a profile that has the means to provide the greatest benefit of strength and weight reduction for said bicycle helmet. 8. The invention of claim 1, wherein said first connective section further extends back onto said bicycle helmet exterior surface of said left side, said second connective section further extending back onto said helmet exterior surface of said right side, said minimally sized face protective structure using a common means of attachment to securely attach said bicycle helmet to said minimally sized face protective structure, said common means of attachment being a plurality of screws, rivets, epoxies or similar mechanisms. 9. The invention of claim 1, wherein said bicycle helmet is molded integrally with said minimally sized face protective structure, whereby a stronger, more secure connection between said bicycle helmet and said minimally sized face protective structure is made. 10. The invention of claim 1, wherein said minimally sized face protective structure is formed substantially in a profile that has the means to provide the greatest benefit of strength, weight reduction, increased visibility and safety for said bicycle helmet. 11. A bicycle helmet including a minimally sized face protective structure comprising:
said bicycle helmet having a front side, said front side having a main helmet opening for the positioning of a bicyclist's face, said bicycle helmet having a back side, said bicycle helmet having a left side, said bicycle helmet having a right side, said bicycle helmet having an exterior surface, said minimally sized face protective structure having a cross-sectional height of less then 25 millimeters high that extends within that height for a length of more then 200 millimeters long, said minimally sized face protective structure being measured while said bicycle helmet including said minimally sized face protective structure is positioned on a bicyclist's head while the bicyclist's face is facing forward, said minimally sized face protective structure being substantially curved, said minimally sized face protective structure having a first connective section positioned at one end of said minimally sized face protective structure, said minimally sized face protective structure having a second connective section positioned at said minimally sized face protective structure opposite end, said first connective section of said minimally sized face protective structure formed as an integrally connected material extension with said left side of said bicycle helmet, said second connective section of said minimally sized face protective structure further formed as an integrally connected material extension with said right side of said bicycle helmet, both said bicycle helmet and said minimally sized face protective structure being made substantially from a plastic related material that could be comprised of fiber glass or carbon fiber, said minimally sized face protective structure being substantially positioned in front of said main helmet opening, said minimally sized face protective structure extending substantially out in front of the bicyclist's mouth, chin or neck, said minimally sized face protective structure being made in a pre-determined thickness that provides sufficient strength to substantially avoid deformation under predetermined impact loads, said minimally sized face protective structure being made from an amount of said one or more materials that provides sufficient strength to substantially prevent a cyclist's face from impacting a road or path during a bicycle type crash impact, whereby said minimally sized face protective structure provides means for facial impact protection to keep a bicyclist's face from impacting a road or dirt surface during a crash, that also provides a great amount of visibility and a great amount of ventilation, whereby the bicyclist has increased visibility to greatly avoid crashing and injury, said bicycle helmet including a minimally sized face protective structure must include the means and the structural components that are required within the U.S., to meet or exceed the up to date, respective government regulations and specifications that define a bicycle helmet. 12. A bicycle helmet including a minimally sized face protective structure comprising:
said bicycle helmet having a front side, said front side having a main helmet opening for the positioning of a bicyclist's face, said bicycle helmet having a back side, said bicycle helmet having a left side, said bicycle helmet having a right side, said bicycle helmet having an exterior surface, said minimally sized face protective structure having a cross-sectional height of less then 35 millimeters high that extends within that height for a length of more then 200 millimeters long, said minimally sized face protective structure being measured while said bicycle helmet including said minimally sized face protective structure is positioned on a bicyclist's head while the bicyclist's face is facing forward, said minimally sized face protective structure being substantially curved, said minimally sized face protective structure having a first connective section positioned at one end of said minimally sized face protective structure, said minimally sized face protective structure having a second connective section positioned at said minimally sized face protective structure opposite end, said first connective section of said minimally sized face protective structure formed as an integrally connected material extension with said left side of said bicycle helmet, said second connective section of said minimally sized face protective structure further formed as an integrally connected material extension with said right side of said bicycle helmet, both said bicycle helmet and said minimally sized face protective structure being made substantially from a plastic related material that could be comprised of fiber glass or carbon fiber, said minimally sized face protective structure being substantially positioned in front of said main helmet opening, said minimally sized face protective structure extending substantially out in front of the bicyclist's mouth, chin or neck, said minimally sized face protective structure being made in a pre-determined thickness that provides sufficient strength to substantially avoid deformation under predetermined impact loads, said minimally sized face protective structure being made from an amount of said one or more materials that provides sufficient strength to substantially prevent a cyclist's face from impacting a road or path during a bicycle type crash impact, whereby said minimally sized face protective structure provides means for facial impact protection to keep a bicyclist's face from impacting a road or dirt surface during a crash, that also provides a great amount of visibility and a great amount of ventilation, whereby the bicyclist has increased visibility to greatly avoid crashing and injury, said bicycle helmet including a minimally sized face protective structure must include the means and the structural components that are required within the U.S., to meet or exceed the up to date, respective government regulations and specifications that define a bicycle helmet. 13. The invention of claim 11, further including a supplemental stronger material structure positioned substantially within said minimally sized face protective structure as a means to increase the strength of said minimally sized face protective structure, said supplemental stronger material structure being made from aluminum, steel, magnesium, carbon fiber or a similar material, whereby said minimally sized face protective structure provides means for facial impact protection to keep a bicyclist's face from impacting a road or dirt surface during a crash, that also provides a great amount of visibility and a great amount of ventilation, whereby the bicyclist has increased visibility to greatly avoid crashing and injury. 14. The invention of claim 12, further including a supplemental stronger material structure positioned substantially within said minimally sized face protective structure as a means to increase the strength of said minimally sized face protective structure, said supplemental stronger material structure being made from aluminum, steel, magnesium, carbon fiber or a similar material, whereby said minimally sized face protective structure provides means for facial impact protection to keep a bicyclist's face from impacting a road or dirt surface during a crash, that also provides a great amount of visibility and a great amount of ventilation, whereby the bicyclist has increased visibility to greatly avoid crashing and injury. 15. The invention of claim 1, wherein said bicycle helmet is made substantially from a plastic related material, said bicycle helmet comprising a main structural shell, said main structural shell being made in a predetermined thickness that will support said face protective structure to a capacity that will not allow the surface of a road or path to impact a bicyclist's face, while said bicycle helmet including a minimally sized face protective structure is worn by a bicyclist during a bicycle type crash. | 3,600 |
12,582 | 12,582 | 13,869,678 | 3,621 | A system for mobile devices that facilitates the creation and dissemination of interactive advertisements to a plurality of mobile devices. A computer or PC comprising an interactive media creator is used to generate interactive advertisements and communicate it to a distribution server. Mobile devices have an interactive media client component to receive and present interactive media, such as these interactive advertisements, to a user. User response is collected, user interaction is monitored and reported. Charging for distributing advertisements is supported. | 1. An interactive media creator for creating interactive advertisements, the interactive media creator comprising:
the interactive media creator incorporates text, audio, voice, music, video, graphics as necessary into interactive advertisements; the interactive media creator incorporates into interactive advertisements user interaction elements for retrieving additional information, terminating the advertisement, and for advancing to the next advertisement; the interactive media creator incorporates associated metadata into a packaged content created with interactive advertisements, wherein the metadata comprises category identification, a target profile describing a likely profile of recipients expected to be interested in the interactive advertisements, security information such as credentials of the provider and authentication information, and the packaged content also comprises a digital signature of the interactive advertisements for integrity check; and a manager that stores the packaged content with associated metadata at a distribution server communicatively coupled to the interactive media creator for distribution. 2. The interactive media creator of claim 1 wherein the interactive media creator is a hosted software on a server that is accessible over the Internet by a user. 3. The interactive media creator of claim 1 wherein the interactive media creator creates interactive video clips, interactive music news items, surveys, music news items, real estate news and product and service information and wherein the interactive media creator inserts the interactive advertisements into them. 4. The interactive media creator of claim 1 wherein the interactive media creator creates interactive advertisements for services offered, game demos, software applications, products and news. 5. The interactive media creator of claim 1 wherein the interactive media creator creates interactive advertisements and distributes it as a packaged content with associated metadata, employing a structured format such as an XML file. 6. The interactive media creator of claim 1 wherein the interactive media creator enables a creator to provide multiple profiles of potential recipients, in order to enable a distribution server to identify actual recipients based on these profiles. 7. The interactive media creator of claim 1 wherein the interactive media creator also includes details of for products and services associated with the interactive advertisements into the packaged content. 8. The interactive media creator of claim 1 wherein the user interaction further comprises one or more from the set comprising making a selection from a list or multiple choices presented, choosing one or more items displayed, clicking on displayed information, advancing, entering text as user inputs, providing audio inputs, or a combination of these. 9. A server for distributing interactive advertisement created by an interactive media creator, the server comprising:
the server determines required profiles of recipients from the metadata of the interactive advertisement; the server targets recipient devices of users who are determined to be recipients based on the required profiles for the interactive advertisement; the server tailors the interactive advertisement to the capabilities of each of the recipient devices; the server provides interactive advertisement to each of the recipient devices based on device capabilities; and the server facilitates billing of corresponding advertisement company based on the number of recipients targeted for interactive advertisements. 10. The server of claim 9 wherein the server provides one-segment of interactive advertisement at a time for a multi-segment interactive advertisement. 11. The server of claim 9 wherein the server provides a list of available interactive advertisements to the user wherein the list is compiled by the server based on user's preferences, subscriptions, a user profile comprising user's interests, hobbies, employment, and residential location, or a combination of these. 12. The server of claim 9 wherein the server sends push notification with references to a plurality of currently available interactive advertisements to recipient devices based upon user preferences comprising categories of interactive advertisements of interest to the individual users. 13. The server of claim 9 wherein the server determines who the recipients should be for each interactive advertisement, based on user preferences available and metadata of the interactive advertisements wherein the metadata for each interactive advertisement comprises a category identification, a target profile describing a likely profile of recipients expected to be interested in that interactive advertisement, security information such as credentials of the provider and authentication information, and a digital signature of the interactive advertisement for integrity check. 14. The server of claim 9 wherein interactive advertisements each comprise at least one of a graphic, music component, textual component and a video component, with simple user inputs such as a start, stop, pause, advance, cancel, replay, and user interaction elements for retrieving additional information, terminating the advertisement, and for advancing to the next advertisement. 15. The server of claim 9 wherein the server enhances or modifies a received interactive advertisement from a vendor or source that generates them. 16. The server of claim 9 wherein the server provides, when requested via user interaction with an interactive advertisement, additional details that may help a user better understand a product or service associated with the interactive advertisement, its benefits, alternate products, if any, and any additional detail that may aid the user's comprehension of the product or service. 17. The server of claim 9 wherein the server identifies recipients for the interactive advertisements by searching through a database of registered recipients registered to receive various categories of interactive media, who have provided a profile comprising their interests in sports, music, hiking, and other activities and hobbies, and their preferences for interactive media categories. 18. The server of claim 9 wherein the server searches through one or more databases of subscriber information, the databases managed by the server or managed by external systems or service providers, to identify recipients of interactive advertisements. 19. A method of distributing interactive advertisements by a server, the method comprising:
receiving interactive advertisements along with metadata comprising required user profiles of potential recipients; searching through a database of registered recipients registered to receive interactive media who have each provided user profiles comprising their interests in sports, music, hiking, and other activities and hobbies, and their preferences for interactive media categories, and determining recipients for the advertisements; receiving user input from recipients viewing the interactive advertisements and providing additional information or additional advertisements as necessary to those recipients; charging an individual or a company a fee when any of the recipients views corresponding ones of the interactive advertisements distributed to the recipient. 20. The method of claim 19 further comprising:
monitoring user interactions and usage information by the server. | A system for mobile devices that facilitates the creation and dissemination of interactive advertisements to a plurality of mobile devices. A computer or PC comprising an interactive media creator is used to generate interactive advertisements and communicate it to a distribution server. Mobile devices have an interactive media client component to receive and present interactive media, such as these interactive advertisements, to a user. User response is collected, user interaction is monitored and reported. Charging for distributing advertisements is supported.1. An interactive media creator for creating interactive advertisements, the interactive media creator comprising:
the interactive media creator incorporates text, audio, voice, music, video, graphics as necessary into interactive advertisements; the interactive media creator incorporates into interactive advertisements user interaction elements for retrieving additional information, terminating the advertisement, and for advancing to the next advertisement; the interactive media creator incorporates associated metadata into a packaged content created with interactive advertisements, wherein the metadata comprises category identification, a target profile describing a likely profile of recipients expected to be interested in the interactive advertisements, security information such as credentials of the provider and authentication information, and the packaged content also comprises a digital signature of the interactive advertisements for integrity check; and a manager that stores the packaged content with associated metadata at a distribution server communicatively coupled to the interactive media creator for distribution. 2. The interactive media creator of claim 1 wherein the interactive media creator is a hosted software on a server that is accessible over the Internet by a user. 3. The interactive media creator of claim 1 wherein the interactive media creator creates interactive video clips, interactive music news items, surveys, music news items, real estate news and product and service information and wherein the interactive media creator inserts the interactive advertisements into them. 4. The interactive media creator of claim 1 wherein the interactive media creator creates interactive advertisements for services offered, game demos, software applications, products and news. 5. The interactive media creator of claim 1 wherein the interactive media creator creates interactive advertisements and distributes it as a packaged content with associated metadata, employing a structured format such as an XML file. 6. The interactive media creator of claim 1 wherein the interactive media creator enables a creator to provide multiple profiles of potential recipients, in order to enable a distribution server to identify actual recipients based on these profiles. 7. The interactive media creator of claim 1 wherein the interactive media creator also includes details of for products and services associated with the interactive advertisements into the packaged content. 8. The interactive media creator of claim 1 wherein the user interaction further comprises one or more from the set comprising making a selection from a list or multiple choices presented, choosing one or more items displayed, clicking on displayed information, advancing, entering text as user inputs, providing audio inputs, or a combination of these. 9. A server for distributing interactive advertisement created by an interactive media creator, the server comprising:
the server determines required profiles of recipients from the metadata of the interactive advertisement; the server targets recipient devices of users who are determined to be recipients based on the required profiles for the interactive advertisement; the server tailors the interactive advertisement to the capabilities of each of the recipient devices; the server provides interactive advertisement to each of the recipient devices based on device capabilities; and the server facilitates billing of corresponding advertisement company based on the number of recipients targeted for interactive advertisements. 10. The server of claim 9 wherein the server provides one-segment of interactive advertisement at a time for a multi-segment interactive advertisement. 11. The server of claim 9 wherein the server provides a list of available interactive advertisements to the user wherein the list is compiled by the server based on user's preferences, subscriptions, a user profile comprising user's interests, hobbies, employment, and residential location, or a combination of these. 12. The server of claim 9 wherein the server sends push notification with references to a plurality of currently available interactive advertisements to recipient devices based upon user preferences comprising categories of interactive advertisements of interest to the individual users. 13. The server of claim 9 wherein the server determines who the recipients should be for each interactive advertisement, based on user preferences available and metadata of the interactive advertisements wherein the metadata for each interactive advertisement comprises a category identification, a target profile describing a likely profile of recipients expected to be interested in that interactive advertisement, security information such as credentials of the provider and authentication information, and a digital signature of the interactive advertisement for integrity check. 14. The server of claim 9 wherein interactive advertisements each comprise at least one of a graphic, music component, textual component and a video component, with simple user inputs such as a start, stop, pause, advance, cancel, replay, and user interaction elements for retrieving additional information, terminating the advertisement, and for advancing to the next advertisement. 15. The server of claim 9 wherein the server enhances or modifies a received interactive advertisement from a vendor or source that generates them. 16. The server of claim 9 wherein the server provides, when requested via user interaction with an interactive advertisement, additional details that may help a user better understand a product or service associated with the interactive advertisement, its benefits, alternate products, if any, and any additional detail that may aid the user's comprehension of the product or service. 17. The server of claim 9 wherein the server identifies recipients for the interactive advertisements by searching through a database of registered recipients registered to receive various categories of interactive media, who have provided a profile comprising their interests in sports, music, hiking, and other activities and hobbies, and their preferences for interactive media categories. 18. The server of claim 9 wherein the server searches through one or more databases of subscriber information, the databases managed by the server or managed by external systems or service providers, to identify recipients of interactive advertisements. 19. A method of distributing interactive advertisements by a server, the method comprising:
receiving interactive advertisements along with metadata comprising required user profiles of potential recipients; searching through a database of registered recipients registered to receive interactive media who have each provided user profiles comprising their interests in sports, music, hiking, and other activities and hobbies, and their preferences for interactive media categories, and determining recipients for the advertisements; receiving user input from recipients viewing the interactive advertisements and providing additional information or additional advertisements as necessary to those recipients; charging an individual or a company a fee when any of the recipients views corresponding ones of the interactive advertisements distributed to the recipient. 20. The method of claim 19 further comprising:
monitoring user interactions and usage information by the server. | 3,600 |
12,583 | 12,583 | 13,493,390 | 3,683 | A level of influence score is determined for at least one member of a group of persons based on biographical data corresponding to the at least one member of the group of persons. The level of influence scores for the group are aggregated to determine aggregate level of influence score. The aggregate level of influence score can be used to determine a composite level of influence for the group of persons. An influenced-group parameter may be utilized in conjunction with the biographical data corresponding to the at least one member of the group of persons to determine the level of influence score. A spatial scale parameter may also be utilized in conjunction with the biographical data corresponding to the at least one member of the group of persons to determine the level of influence score. | 1. A computer-implemented method executed by one or more computing devices for determining the level of influence of a group of persons, comprising:
determining, by at least one of the one or more computing devices, a level of influence score for at least one member of a group of persons based on biographical data corresponding to the at least one member of the group of persons; aggregating, by at least one of the one or more computing devices, the level of influence scores for the at least one member of the group of persons; and determining, by at least one of the one or more computing devices, a composite level of influence for the group of persons based on the aggregate level of influence score. 2. The computer implemented method of claim 1, wherein the biographical data comprises at least one of:
occupation, occupational history, government affiliations, military affiliations, wealth, tribal affiliations, familial affiliations, education, religious convictions, religious affiliations, professional affiliations, military rank, police rank, political views, or political affiliations. 3. The computer implemented method of claim 1, wherein the level of influence score for the at least one member of the group of persons comprises:
a numerical value representative of the influence an individual with the corresponding biographical data exerts in a geographic arena. 4. The computer implemented method of claim 1, wherein determining the level of influence score for at the least one member of the group of persons further comprises:
utilizing an influenced-group parameter in conjunction with the biographical data corresponding to the at least one member of the group of persons to determine the level of influence score. 5. The computer implemented method of claim 4, wherein the influenced group parameter comprises at least one of a family, a clan, and a tribe. 6. The computer implemented method of claim 4, wherein the level of influence score for the at least one member of the group of persons comprises:
a numerical value representative of the influence an individual with the corresponding biographical data exerts on groups corresponding to the influenced-group parameter in a geographic arena. 7. The computer implemented method of claim 1, wherein determining the level of influence score for at the least one member of the group of persons further comprises:
utilizing a spatial scale parameter in conjunction with the biographical data corresponding to the at least one member of the group of persons to determine the level of influence score. 8. The computer implemented method of claim 7, wherein the spatial scale parameter comprises at least one of a local scale, a provincial scale, and a national scale. 9. The computer implemented method of claim 7, wherein the level of influence score for the at least one member of the group of persons comprises:
a numerical value representative of the influence an individual with the corresponding biographical data exerts in a geographic arena corresponding to the spatial scale parameter. 10. The computer implemented method of claim 1, wherein determining a composite level of influence for the group comprises:
comparing, by at least one of the one or more computing devices, the aggregate level of influence score with a plurality of score thresholds corresponding to a plurality of influence categories; if the aggregate level of influence score is greater than or equal to at least one score threshold, setting, by at least one of the one or more computing devices, the composite level of influence of the group to be the influence category corresponding to the highest score threshold that the aggregate level of influence score is greater than or equal to; and otherwise, setting the composite level of influence of the group to a default value. 11. An apparatus for determining the level of influence of a group of persons, the apparatus comprising:
one or more processors; and one or more memories operatively coupled to at least one of the one or more processors and having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by at least one of the one or more processors, cause at least one of the one or more processors to:
determine a level of influence score for at least one member of a group of persons based on biographical data corresponding to the at least one member of the group of persons;
aggregate the level of influence scores for the at least one member of the group of persons; and
determine a composite level of influence for the group of persons based on the aggregate level of influence score. 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the biographical data comprises at least one of:
occupation, occupational history, government affiliations, military affiliations, wealth, tribal affiliations, familial affiliations, education, religious convictions, religious affiliations, professional affiliations, military rank, police rank, political views, or political affiliations. 13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the level of influence score for the at least one member of the group of persons comprises:
a numerical value representative of the influence an individual with the corresponding biographical data exerts in a geographic arena. 14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the instructions that cause at least one of the one or more processors to determine the level of influence score for at the least one member of the group of persons further cause at least one of the one or more processors to utilize an influenced-group parameter in conjunction with the biographical data corresponding to the at least one member of the group of persons to determine the level of influence score. 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the influenced group parameter comprises at least one of a family, a clan, and a tribe. 16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the level of influence score for the at least one member of the group of persons comprises:
a numerical value representative of the influence an individual with the corresponding biographical data exerts on groups corresponding to the influenced-group parameter in a geographic arena. 17. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the instructions that cause at least one of the one or more processors to determine the level of influence score for at the least one member of the group of persons further cause at least one of the one or more processors to utilize a spatial scale parameter in conjunction with the biographical data corresponding to the at least one member of the group of persons to determine the level of influence score. 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the spatial scale parameter comprises at least one of a local scale, a provincial scale, and a national scale. 19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the level of influence score for the at least one member of the group of persons comprises:
a numerical value representative of the influence an individual with the corresponding biographical data exerts in a geographic arena corresponding to the spatial scale parameter. 20. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the instructions that cause at least one of the one or more processors to determine a composite level of influence for the group further cause at least one of the one or more processors to:
compare the aggregate level of influence score with a plurality of score thresholds corresponding to a plurality of influence categories; if the aggregate level of influence score is greater than or equal to at least one score threshold, set the composite level of influence of the group to be the influence category corresponding to the highest score threshold that the aggregate level of influence score is greater than or equal to; and otherwise, set the composite level of influence of the group to a default value. 21. At least one non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-readable instructions that, when executed by one or more computing devices, cause at least one of the one or more computing devices to:
determine a level of influence score for at least one member of a group of persons based on biographical data corresponding to the at least one member of the group of persons; aggregate the level of influence scores for the at least one member of the group of persons; and determine a composite level of influence for the group of persons based on the aggregate level of influence score. 22. The at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 21, wherein the biographical data comprises at least one of:
occupation, occupational history, government affiliations, military affiliations, wealth, tribal affiliations, familial affiliations, education, religious convictions, religious affiliations, professional affiliations, military rank, police rank, political views, or political affiliations. 23. The at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 21, wherein the level of influence score for the at least one member of the group of persons comprises:
a numerical value representative of the influence an individual with the corresponding biographical data exerts in a geographic arena. 24. The at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 21, wherein the instructions that cause at least one of the one or more computing devices to determine the level of influence score for at the least one member of the group of persons further cause at least one of the one or more computing devices to utilize an influenced-group parameter in conjunction with the biographical data corresponding to the at least one member of the group of persons to determine the level of influence score. 25. The at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 24, wherein the influenced group parameter comprises at least one of a family, a clan, and a tribe. 26. The at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 24, wherein the level of influence score for the at least one member of the group of persons comprises:
a numerical value representative of the influence an individual with the corresponding biographical data exerts on groups corresponding to the influenced-group parameter in a geographic arena. 27. The at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 21, wherein the instructions that cause at least one of the one or more computing devices to determine the level of influence score for at the least one member of the group of persons further cause at least one of the one or more computing devices to utilize a spatial scale parameter in conjunction with the biographical data corresponding to the at least one member of the group of persons to determine the level of influence score. 28. The at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 27, wherein the spatial scale parameter comprises at least one of a local scale, a provincial scale, and a national scale. 29. The at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 27, wherein the level of influence score for the at least one member of the group of persons comprises:
a numerical value representative of the influence an individual with the corresponding biographical data exerts in a geographic arena corresponding to the spatial scale parameter. 30. The at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 21, wherein the instructions that cause at least one of the one or more computing devices to determine a composite level of influence for the group further cause at least one of the one or more computing devices to:
compare the aggregate level of influence score with a plurality of score thresholds corresponding to a plurality of influence categories; if the aggregate level of influence score is greater than or equal to at least one score threshold, set the level of influence of the group to be the influence category corresponding to the highest score threshold that the aggregate level of influence score is greater than or equal to; and otherwise, set the composite level of influence of the group to a default value. | A level of influence score is determined for at least one member of a group of persons based on biographical data corresponding to the at least one member of the group of persons. The level of influence scores for the group are aggregated to determine aggregate level of influence score. The aggregate level of influence score can be used to determine a composite level of influence for the group of persons. An influenced-group parameter may be utilized in conjunction with the biographical data corresponding to the at least one member of the group of persons to determine the level of influence score. A spatial scale parameter may also be utilized in conjunction with the biographical data corresponding to the at least one member of the group of persons to determine the level of influence score.1. A computer-implemented method executed by one or more computing devices for determining the level of influence of a group of persons, comprising:
determining, by at least one of the one or more computing devices, a level of influence score for at least one member of a group of persons based on biographical data corresponding to the at least one member of the group of persons; aggregating, by at least one of the one or more computing devices, the level of influence scores for the at least one member of the group of persons; and determining, by at least one of the one or more computing devices, a composite level of influence for the group of persons based on the aggregate level of influence score. 2. The computer implemented method of claim 1, wherein the biographical data comprises at least one of:
occupation, occupational history, government affiliations, military affiliations, wealth, tribal affiliations, familial affiliations, education, religious convictions, religious affiliations, professional affiliations, military rank, police rank, political views, or political affiliations. 3. The computer implemented method of claim 1, wherein the level of influence score for the at least one member of the group of persons comprises:
a numerical value representative of the influence an individual with the corresponding biographical data exerts in a geographic arena. 4. The computer implemented method of claim 1, wherein determining the level of influence score for at the least one member of the group of persons further comprises:
utilizing an influenced-group parameter in conjunction with the biographical data corresponding to the at least one member of the group of persons to determine the level of influence score. 5. The computer implemented method of claim 4, wherein the influenced group parameter comprises at least one of a family, a clan, and a tribe. 6. The computer implemented method of claim 4, wherein the level of influence score for the at least one member of the group of persons comprises:
a numerical value representative of the influence an individual with the corresponding biographical data exerts on groups corresponding to the influenced-group parameter in a geographic arena. 7. The computer implemented method of claim 1, wherein determining the level of influence score for at the least one member of the group of persons further comprises:
utilizing a spatial scale parameter in conjunction with the biographical data corresponding to the at least one member of the group of persons to determine the level of influence score. 8. The computer implemented method of claim 7, wherein the spatial scale parameter comprises at least one of a local scale, a provincial scale, and a national scale. 9. The computer implemented method of claim 7, wherein the level of influence score for the at least one member of the group of persons comprises:
a numerical value representative of the influence an individual with the corresponding biographical data exerts in a geographic arena corresponding to the spatial scale parameter. 10. The computer implemented method of claim 1, wherein determining a composite level of influence for the group comprises:
comparing, by at least one of the one or more computing devices, the aggregate level of influence score with a plurality of score thresholds corresponding to a plurality of influence categories; if the aggregate level of influence score is greater than or equal to at least one score threshold, setting, by at least one of the one or more computing devices, the composite level of influence of the group to be the influence category corresponding to the highest score threshold that the aggregate level of influence score is greater than or equal to; and otherwise, setting the composite level of influence of the group to a default value. 11. An apparatus for determining the level of influence of a group of persons, the apparatus comprising:
one or more processors; and one or more memories operatively coupled to at least one of the one or more processors and having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by at least one of the one or more processors, cause at least one of the one or more processors to:
determine a level of influence score for at least one member of a group of persons based on biographical data corresponding to the at least one member of the group of persons;
aggregate the level of influence scores for the at least one member of the group of persons; and
determine a composite level of influence for the group of persons based on the aggregate level of influence score. 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the biographical data comprises at least one of:
occupation, occupational history, government affiliations, military affiliations, wealth, tribal affiliations, familial affiliations, education, religious convictions, religious affiliations, professional affiliations, military rank, police rank, political views, or political affiliations. 13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the level of influence score for the at least one member of the group of persons comprises:
a numerical value representative of the influence an individual with the corresponding biographical data exerts in a geographic arena. 14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the instructions that cause at least one of the one or more processors to determine the level of influence score for at the least one member of the group of persons further cause at least one of the one or more processors to utilize an influenced-group parameter in conjunction with the biographical data corresponding to the at least one member of the group of persons to determine the level of influence score. 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the influenced group parameter comprises at least one of a family, a clan, and a tribe. 16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the level of influence score for the at least one member of the group of persons comprises:
a numerical value representative of the influence an individual with the corresponding biographical data exerts on groups corresponding to the influenced-group parameter in a geographic arena. 17. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the instructions that cause at least one of the one or more processors to determine the level of influence score for at the least one member of the group of persons further cause at least one of the one or more processors to utilize a spatial scale parameter in conjunction with the biographical data corresponding to the at least one member of the group of persons to determine the level of influence score. 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the spatial scale parameter comprises at least one of a local scale, a provincial scale, and a national scale. 19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the level of influence score for the at least one member of the group of persons comprises:
a numerical value representative of the influence an individual with the corresponding biographical data exerts in a geographic arena corresponding to the spatial scale parameter. 20. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the instructions that cause at least one of the one or more processors to determine a composite level of influence for the group further cause at least one of the one or more processors to:
compare the aggregate level of influence score with a plurality of score thresholds corresponding to a plurality of influence categories; if the aggregate level of influence score is greater than or equal to at least one score threshold, set the composite level of influence of the group to be the influence category corresponding to the highest score threshold that the aggregate level of influence score is greater than or equal to; and otherwise, set the composite level of influence of the group to a default value. 21. At least one non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-readable instructions that, when executed by one or more computing devices, cause at least one of the one or more computing devices to:
determine a level of influence score for at least one member of a group of persons based on biographical data corresponding to the at least one member of the group of persons; aggregate the level of influence scores for the at least one member of the group of persons; and determine a composite level of influence for the group of persons based on the aggregate level of influence score. 22. The at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 21, wherein the biographical data comprises at least one of:
occupation, occupational history, government affiliations, military affiliations, wealth, tribal affiliations, familial affiliations, education, religious convictions, religious affiliations, professional affiliations, military rank, police rank, political views, or political affiliations. 23. The at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 21, wherein the level of influence score for the at least one member of the group of persons comprises:
a numerical value representative of the influence an individual with the corresponding biographical data exerts in a geographic arena. 24. The at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 21, wherein the instructions that cause at least one of the one or more computing devices to determine the level of influence score for at the least one member of the group of persons further cause at least one of the one or more computing devices to utilize an influenced-group parameter in conjunction with the biographical data corresponding to the at least one member of the group of persons to determine the level of influence score. 25. The at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 24, wherein the influenced group parameter comprises at least one of a family, a clan, and a tribe. 26. The at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 24, wherein the level of influence score for the at least one member of the group of persons comprises:
a numerical value representative of the influence an individual with the corresponding biographical data exerts on groups corresponding to the influenced-group parameter in a geographic arena. 27. The at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 21, wherein the instructions that cause at least one of the one or more computing devices to determine the level of influence score for at the least one member of the group of persons further cause at least one of the one or more computing devices to utilize a spatial scale parameter in conjunction with the biographical data corresponding to the at least one member of the group of persons to determine the level of influence score. 28. The at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 27, wherein the spatial scale parameter comprises at least one of a local scale, a provincial scale, and a national scale. 29. The at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 27, wherein the level of influence score for the at least one member of the group of persons comprises:
a numerical value representative of the influence an individual with the corresponding biographical data exerts in a geographic arena corresponding to the spatial scale parameter. 30. The at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 21, wherein the instructions that cause at least one of the one or more computing devices to determine a composite level of influence for the group further cause at least one of the one or more computing devices to:
compare the aggregate level of influence score with a plurality of score thresholds corresponding to a plurality of influence categories; if the aggregate level of influence score is greater than or equal to at least one score threshold, set the level of influence of the group to be the influence category corresponding to the highest score threshold that the aggregate level of influence score is greater than or equal to; and otherwise, set the composite level of influence of the group to a default value. | 3,600 |
12,584 | 12,584 | 13,911,067 | 3,681 | A proximity-based device within a product and/or a product package sends data associated with the product and/or the product package to a mobile device based upon the mobile device being within a proximity to the proximity-based device. Another proximity-based receiver within a mobile device receives data associated with a product and/or a product package from a proximity-based transmitter within the product and/or the product package based upon the proximity-based receiver being within a proximity to the proximity-based transmitter. | 1. A method comprising:
sending, from a proximity-based device within a product and/or a product package, data associated with the product and/or the product package to a mobile device based upon the mobile device being within a proximity to the proximity-based device. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the data associated with the product and/or the product package is a preview of content stored by the product and/or the product package. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the data associated with the product and/or the product package is selected from the group consisting of a plurality of images, a plurality of videos, a quantity of discs, a menu of content, a menu of functionality, a chapter menu, a list of deleted scenes, director commentary, interviews, bonus content, games, contents, special offers, advertisements, promotions, coupons, and movie reward redemptions. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the data associated with the product and/or the product package is obtained by the mobile device without the mobile device connecting to the Internet. 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising sending a web address link to the mobile device, the web address link indicating a web address of a server to which the mobile device connects via the Internet to obtain a remainder of data associated with the product and/or the product package. 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising activating, from the proximity-based device, functionality of a software application stored on the mobile device. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the proximity-based device is a Near Field Communication transmitter. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the mobile device comprises a proximity-based receiver. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the proximity-based receiver is a Near Field Communication receiver. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the proximity is predefined. 11. An apparatus comprising:
a proximity-based transmitter stored within a product and/or a product package that sends data associated with the product and/or the product package to a mobile device based upon the mobile device being within a proximity to the proximity-based device. 12. A method comprising:
receiving, at a proximity-based receiver within a mobile device, data associated with a product and/or a product package from a proximity-based transmitter within the product and/or the product package based upon the proximity-based receiver being within a proximity to the proximity-based transmitter. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the data associated with the product and/or the product package is a preview of content stored by a product stored within the product and/or the product package. 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the mobile device selects a subset of the data associated with the product and/or the product package according to user preferences stored by the mobile device and displays the subset of the data associated with the product and/or the product package. 15. The method of claim 12, wherein the mobile device obtains additional data from a server through a network, the additional data being associated with the product and/or the product package, the additional data being obtained based upon user preferences stored by the mobile device. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the mobile device displays the data associated with the product and/or the product package in conjunction with the additional data. 17. The method of claim 12, wherein the data associated with the product and/or the product package is a Pre-recorded Media Serial Number of the product. 18. The method of claim 12, further comprising determining a user preference from data stored in the mobile device and sending the user preference to a Pre-recorded Media Serial Number database. 19. The method of claim 12, further comprising determining a user identifier from data stored in the mobile device and sending the user identifier to a Pre-recorded Media Serial Number database. 20. The method of claim 12, wherein the data is preloaded into a chipset of the product and/or product package. 21. The method of claim 12, wherein a subset of the data is preloaded into a chipset of the product and/or product package. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the mobile device requests a remainder of the data from a server through a network. 23. An apparatus comprising:
a proximity-based receiver that receives data associated with a product and/or a product package from a proximity-based transmitter within the product and/or the product package based upon the proximity-based receiver being within a proximity to the proximity-based transmitter. 24. A method comprising:
receiving, at a server, a user preference from data stored in a mobile device and a product identifier; storing the user preference and the product identifier in a database; receiving, from a content playback device, an indication that playback for content corresponding to the product identifier has been initiated; sending the user preference to the content playback device so that the content playback device plays back the content according to the user preference. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the database is a Pre-recorded Media Serial Number database. 26. The method of claim 24, wherein the user preference is a language. 27. An apparatus comprising:
a server that receives a user preference from data stored in a mobile device and a product identifier, stores the user preference and the product identifier in a database, receives, from a content playback device, an indication that playback for content corresponding to the product identifier has been initiated, and sends the user preference to the content playback device so that the content playback device plays back the content according to the user preference. 28. An apparatus comprising:
a content playback device that receives a product having content stored thereon for playback and having a product identifier stored thereon, sends an indication to a server that that the product has been received for playback, receives a user preference from the server based upon the product identifier, and configures the playback of the content according to the user preference. 29. A method comprising:
receiving, at a server, a user identifier from data stored in a mobile device and a product identifier; storing the user identifier and the product identifier in a database; receiving, from a content playback device, an indication that playback for content corresponding to the product identifier has been initiated; searching a profile database to determine a user preference based upon the user identifier; sending the user preference to the content playback device so that the content playback device plays back the content according to the user preference. 30. The method of claim 29, wherein the database is a Pre-recorded Media Serial Number database. 31. The method of claim 29, wherein the user preference is a language. 32. An apparatus comprising:
a server that receives a user identifier from data stored in a mobile device and a product identifier, stores the user identifier and the product identifier in a database, receives, from a content playback device, an indication that playback for content corresponding to the product identifier has been initiated, searches a profile database to determine a user preference based upon the user identifier, and sends the user preference to the content playback device so that the content playback device plays back the content according to the user preference. 33. An apparatus comprising:
a content playback device that receives a product having content stored thereon for playback and having a product identifier stored thereon, sends an indication to a server that that the product has been received for playback, receives a user identifier from the server based upon the product identifier, searches a user profile database according to the user identifier to determine a user preference, and configures the playback of the content according to the user preference. 34. A method comprising:
receiving, at a proximity-based receiver within a mobile device, data associated with a plurality of products and/or product packages from a plurality of proximity-based transmitters stored within the plurality of products and/or product packages based upon the proximity-based receiver being within a first proximity to the plurality of proximity-based transmitters and the plurality of proximity-based transmitters being within second proximity of each other. 35. The method of claim 34, wherein the data associated with the plurality of products and/or product packages is data other than that received and aggregated by the proximity-based receiver being with the first proximity of each of the plurality of products and/or product packages. | A proximity-based device within a product and/or a product package sends data associated with the product and/or the product package to a mobile device based upon the mobile device being within a proximity to the proximity-based device. Another proximity-based receiver within a mobile device receives data associated with a product and/or a product package from a proximity-based transmitter within the product and/or the product package based upon the proximity-based receiver being within a proximity to the proximity-based transmitter.1. A method comprising:
sending, from a proximity-based device within a product and/or a product package, data associated with the product and/or the product package to a mobile device based upon the mobile device being within a proximity to the proximity-based device. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the data associated with the product and/or the product package is a preview of content stored by the product and/or the product package. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the data associated with the product and/or the product package is selected from the group consisting of a plurality of images, a plurality of videos, a quantity of discs, a menu of content, a menu of functionality, a chapter menu, a list of deleted scenes, director commentary, interviews, bonus content, games, contents, special offers, advertisements, promotions, coupons, and movie reward redemptions. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the data associated with the product and/or the product package is obtained by the mobile device without the mobile device connecting to the Internet. 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising sending a web address link to the mobile device, the web address link indicating a web address of a server to which the mobile device connects via the Internet to obtain a remainder of data associated with the product and/or the product package. 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising activating, from the proximity-based device, functionality of a software application stored on the mobile device. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the proximity-based device is a Near Field Communication transmitter. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the mobile device comprises a proximity-based receiver. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the proximity-based receiver is a Near Field Communication receiver. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the proximity is predefined. 11. An apparatus comprising:
a proximity-based transmitter stored within a product and/or a product package that sends data associated with the product and/or the product package to a mobile device based upon the mobile device being within a proximity to the proximity-based device. 12. A method comprising:
receiving, at a proximity-based receiver within a mobile device, data associated with a product and/or a product package from a proximity-based transmitter within the product and/or the product package based upon the proximity-based receiver being within a proximity to the proximity-based transmitter. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the data associated with the product and/or the product package is a preview of content stored by a product stored within the product and/or the product package. 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the mobile device selects a subset of the data associated with the product and/or the product package according to user preferences stored by the mobile device and displays the subset of the data associated with the product and/or the product package. 15. The method of claim 12, wherein the mobile device obtains additional data from a server through a network, the additional data being associated with the product and/or the product package, the additional data being obtained based upon user preferences stored by the mobile device. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the mobile device displays the data associated with the product and/or the product package in conjunction with the additional data. 17. The method of claim 12, wherein the data associated with the product and/or the product package is a Pre-recorded Media Serial Number of the product. 18. The method of claim 12, further comprising determining a user preference from data stored in the mobile device and sending the user preference to a Pre-recorded Media Serial Number database. 19. The method of claim 12, further comprising determining a user identifier from data stored in the mobile device and sending the user identifier to a Pre-recorded Media Serial Number database. 20. The method of claim 12, wherein the data is preloaded into a chipset of the product and/or product package. 21. The method of claim 12, wherein a subset of the data is preloaded into a chipset of the product and/or product package. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the mobile device requests a remainder of the data from a server through a network. 23. An apparatus comprising:
a proximity-based receiver that receives data associated with a product and/or a product package from a proximity-based transmitter within the product and/or the product package based upon the proximity-based receiver being within a proximity to the proximity-based transmitter. 24. A method comprising:
receiving, at a server, a user preference from data stored in a mobile device and a product identifier; storing the user preference and the product identifier in a database; receiving, from a content playback device, an indication that playback for content corresponding to the product identifier has been initiated; sending the user preference to the content playback device so that the content playback device plays back the content according to the user preference. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the database is a Pre-recorded Media Serial Number database. 26. The method of claim 24, wherein the user preference is a language. 27. An apparatus comprising:
a server that receives a user preference from data stored in a mobile device and a product identifier, stores the user preference and the product identifier in a database, receives, from a content playback device, an indication that playback for content corresponding to the product identifier has been initiated, and sends the user preference to the content playback device so that the content playback device plays back the content according to the user preference. 28. An apparatus comprising:
a content playback device that receives a product having content stored thereon for playback and having a product identifier stored thereon, sends an indication to a server that that the product has been received for playback, receives a user preference from the server based upon the product identifier, and configures the playback of the content according to the user preference. 29. A method comprising:
receiving, at a server, a user identifier from data stored in a mobile device and a product identifier; storing the user identifier and the product identifier in a database; receiving, from a content playback device, an indication that playback for content corresponding to the product identifier has been initiated; searching a profile database to determine a user preference based upon the user identifier; sending the user preference to the content playback device so that the content playback device plays back the content according to the user preference. 30. The method of claim 29, wherein the database is a Pre-recorded Media Serial Number database. 31. The method of claim 29, wherein the user preference is a language. 32. An apparatus comprising:
a server that receives a user identifier from data stored in a mobile device and a product identifier, stores the user identifier and the product identifier in a database, receives, from a content playback device, an indication that playback for content corresponding to the product identifier has been initiated, searches a profile database to determine a user preference based upon the user identifier, and sends the user preference to the content playback device so that the content playback device plays back the content according to the user preference. 33. An apparatus comprising:
a content playback device that receives a product having content stored thereon for playback and having a product identifier stored thereon, sends an indication to a server that that the product has been received for playback, receives a user identifier from the server based upon the product identifier, searches a user profile database according to the user identifier to determine a user preference, and configures the playback of the content according to the user preference. 34. A method comprising:
receiving, at a proximity-based receiver within a mobile device, data associated with a plurality of products and/or product packages from a plurality of proximity-based transmitters stored within the plurality of products and/or product packages based upon the proximity-based receiver being within a first proximity to the plurality of proximity-based transmitters and the plurality of proximity-based transmitters being within second proximity of each other. 35. The method of claim 34, wherein the data associated with the plurality of products and/or product packages is data other than that received and aggregated by the proximity-based receiver being with the first proximity of each of the plurality of products and/or product packages. | 3,600 |
12,585 | 12,585 | 11,958,130 | 3,697 | A transaction system having security parameters can authorize transactions based on a merchant category code, a card verification value code, a geographic location, a monetary value range, a transaction mode, an account access parameter, a class of goods, or a class of services, for example. | 1. A method for controlling financial transactions, comprising:
establishing a security parameter to debit an account; issuing a transaction card to a user, the transaction card carrying data identifying the security parameter; receiving a transaction request, the transaction request characterized by a transaction parameter; comparing the transaction parameter to the security parameter to evaluate the transaction request; and determining whether to process the transaction request. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the account is designed to compensate for uninsured losses. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the account is allocated for disaster relief. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the account is funded by a source. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the source is a federal, state or local government agency. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the security parameter is merchant category code, a card verification value code, a geographic location, a monetary value range, a transaction mode, an account access parameter, a class of goods, or a class of services. 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing notice of whether the request has been granted or denied to a user. 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising temporarily adjusting the security parameter for a predetermined period of time. 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising permitting the transfer of funds from the account. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising permitting the transfer of funds to the account. 11. The method of claim 1, further comprising charging a fee for the use of the transaction card. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the transaction card is part of one network. 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the transaction card is part of a plurality of networks. 14. The method of claim 1, further comprising securing an agreement from a merchant regarding a geographic location, a monetary value range, a transaction mode, an account access parameter, a class of goods, or a class of services, before establishing a security parameter. 15. The method of claim 1, further comprising requiring certification for a transaction request. 16. The method of claim 1, further comprising placing additional funds to the account. 17. A transaction security system, comprising:
a transaction card for an account, the account funded by a source and issued to a user, the card carrying security parameters; a terminal at a point of transaction, the terminal configured to initiate a transaction request, the request having transaction parameters; and a processor configured to receive funds, establish security parameters, receive transaction parameters and evaluate transaction requests based on a comparison of security parameters and transaction parameters. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the account is designed to compensate for uninsured losses. 19. The system of claim 17, wherein the account is allocated for disaster relief. 20. The system of claim 17, wherein the account is funded by a source. 21. The system of claim 19, wherein the source is a federal, state or local government agency. 22. The system of claim 21, wherein the security parameter is merchant category code, a card verification value code, a geographic location, a monetary value range, a transaction mode, an account access parameter, a class of goods, or a class of services. 23. The system of claim 17, wherein the system is configured to provide notice of whether the request has been granted or denied to a user. 24. The system of claim 17, wherein the system is configured to adjust the security parameter for a predetermined period of time. 25. The system of claim 17, wherein the system is configured to permit the transfer of funds from the account. 26. The system of claim 17, wherein the system is configured to permit the transfer of funds to the account. 27. The system of claim 17, wherein the system is configured to charge a fee for the use of the transaction card. 28. The system of claim 17, wherein the transaction card is part of one network. 29. The system of claim 17, wherein the transaction card is part of a plurality of networks. 30. The system of claim 17, wherein the system is configured to secure an agreement from a merchant regarding a geographic location, a monetary value range, a transaction mode, an account access parameter, a class of goods, or a class of services, before establishing a security parameter. 31. The system of claim 17, wherein the system is configured to require certification for a transaction request. 32. The system of claim 17, wherein the system is configured to permit the placement of additional funds to the account. | A transaction system having security parameters can authorize transactions based on a merchant category code, a card verification value code, a geographic location, a monetary value range, a transaction mode, an account access parameter, a class of goods, or a class of services, for example.1. A method for controlling financial transactions, comprising:
establishing a security parameter to debit an account; issuing a transaction card to a user, the transaction card carrying data identifying the security parameter; receiving a transaction request, the transaction request characterized by a transaction parameter; comparing the transaction parameter to the security parameter to evaluate the transaction request; and determining whether to process the transaction request. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the account is designed to compensate for uninsured losses. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the account is allocated for disaster relief. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the account is funded by a source. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the source is a federal, state or local government agency. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the security parameter is merchant category code, a card verification value code, a geographic location, a monetary value range, a transaction mode, an account access parameter, a class of goods, or a class of services. 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing notice of whether the request has been granted or denied to a user. 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising temporarily adjusting the security parameter for a predetermined period of time. 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising permitting the transfer of funds from the account. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising permitting the transfer of funds to the account. 11. The method of claim 1, further comprising charging a fee for the use of the transaction card. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the transaction card is part of one network. 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the transaction card is part of a plurality of networks. 14. The method of claim 1, further comprising securing an agreement from a merchant regarding a geographic location, a monetary value range, a transaction mode, an account access parameter, a class of goods, or a class of services, before establishing a security parameter. 15. The method of claim 1, further comprising requiring certification for a transaction request. 16. The method of claim 1, further comprising placing additional funds to the account. 17. A transaction security system, comprising:
a transaction card for an account, the account funded by a source and issued to a user, the card carrying security parameters; a terminal at a point of transaction, the terminal configured to initiate a transaction request, the request having transaction parameters; and a processor configured to receive funds, establish security parameters, receive transaction parameters and evaluate transaction requests based on a comparison of security parameters and transaction parameters. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the account is designed to compensate for uninsured losses. 19. The system of claim 17, wherein the account is allocated for disaster relief. 20. The system of claim 17, wherein the account is funded by a source. 21. The system of claim 19, wherein the source is a federal, state or local government agency. 22. The system of claim 21, wherein the security parameter is merchant category code, a card verification value code, a geographic location, a monetary value range, a transaction mode, an account access parameter, a class of goods, or a class of services. 23. The system of claim 17, wherein the system is configured to provide notice of whether the request has been granted or denied to a user. 24. The system of claim 17, wherein the system is configured to adjust the security parameter for a predetermined period of time. 25. The system of claim 17, wherein the system is configured to permit the transfer of funds from the account. 26. The system of claim 17, wherein the system is configured to permit the transfer of funds to the account. 27. The system of claim 17, wherein the system is configured to charge a fee for the use of the transaction card. 28. The system of claim 17, wherein the transaction card is part of one network. 29. The system of claim 17, wherein the transaction card is part of a plurality of networks. 30. The system of claim 17, wherein the system is configured to secure an agreement from a merchant regarding a geographic location, a monetary value range, a transaction mode, an account access parameter, a class of goods, or a class of services, before establishing a security parameter. 31. The system of claim 17, wherein the system is configured to require certification for a transaction request. 32. The system of claim 17, wherein the system is configured to permit the placement of additional funds to the account. | 3,600 |
12,586 | 12,586 | 14,143,633 | 3,697 | A system implemented on an augmented reality electronic device includes scanning a payment card using the augmented reality electronic device. A user of the payment card is authenticated. Financial information for the user of the payment card is displayed on the augmented reality electronic device | 1. A method implemented on an augmented reality electronic device, the method comprising:
scanning a payment card using a camera of the augmented reality electronic device; identifying the payment card based upon the scanning; authenticating a user of the payment card; sending a request for a budget or payment card limit for the user associated with the payment card; upon receiving a response to the request, displaying a graphical representation of the financial information on the augmented reality device when the augmented reality device is focused on the payment card, the graphical representation of the financial information including an overlay on the payment card of a particular color representing the budget or payment card limit for the user. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the augmented reality electronic device is a headset. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the headset comprises a wearable computer with a camera and an optical head-mounted display. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein scanning a payment card comprises reading one or more areas on the payment card. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein scanning a payment card comprises taking a picture of the payment card using a camera on the augmented reality electronic device. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein authenticating a user of the payment card comprises using a biometric authentication method. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the biometric authentication method is one of a facial recognition, retinal scan, finger print scan or voice print. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the financial information is presented by category of expense. 9-12. (canceled) 13. A method implemented on an augmented reality electronic device, the method comprising:
scanning a payment card using the augmented reality electronic device; receiving financial status information for the user of the payment card, based on the payment card identification information; and based on the received financial status information, sending a signal to a radio frequency identification (RFID) device on the payment card, the signal including information that causes a color to be produced on the payment card corresponding to a financial status for the user of the payment card. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein financial status is a budget limit or credit limit for the user. 15. The method of claim 13, further comprising initiating a display of a color on the credit card, the color representing the financial status. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the color is displayed on a component mounted on or embedded in the payment card. 17. The method of claim 13, wherein the signal uses a form of load modulation or inductive coupling. 18. The method of claim 13, wherein the augmented reality device is a headset. 19. The method of claim 13, wherein the augmented reality device is a wearable computer with a camera and an optical head-mounted display. 20. An augmented reality electronic computing device comprising:
a processing unit; and system memory, the system memory including instructions which, when executed by the processing unit, cause the augmented reality electronic computing device to:
scan a payment card;
authenticate a user of the payment card;
display financial information for the user of the payment card; and
display a color on the payment card, the color representing a budget limit or a credit limit for the user of the payment card,
wherein the financial information and the color are displayed on the payment card when the augmented reality electronic computing device is focused on the payment card. | A system implemented on an augmented reality electronic device includes scanning a payment card using the augmented reality electronic device. A user of the payment card is authenticated. Financial information for the user of the payment card is displayed on the augmented reality electronic device1. A method implemented on an augmented reality electronic device, the method comprising:
scanning a payment card using a camera of the augmented reality electronic device; identifying the payment card based upon the scanning; authenticating a user of the payment card; sending a request for a budget or payment card limit for the user associated with the payment card; upon receiving a response to the request, displaying a graphical representation of the financial information on the augmented reality device when the augmented reality device is focused on the payment card, the graphical representation of the financial information including an overlay on the payment card of a particular color representing the budget or payment card limit for the user. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the augmented reality electronic device is a headset. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the headset comprises a wearable computer with a camera and an optical head-mounted display. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein scanning a payment card comprises reading one or more areas on the payment card. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein scanning a payment card comprises taking a picture of the payment card using a camera on the augmented reality electronic device. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein authenticating a user of the payment card comprises using a biometric authentication method. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the biometric authentication method is one of a facial recognition, retinal scan, finger print scan or voice print. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the financial information is presented by category of expense. 9-12. (canceled) 13. A method implemented on an augmented reality electronic device, the method comprising:
scanning a payment card using the augmented reality electronic device; receiving financial status information for the user of the payment card, based on the payment card identification information; and based on the received financial status information, sending a signal to a radio frequency identification (RFID) device on the payment card, the signal including information that causes a color to be produced on the payment card corresponding to a financial status for the user of the payment card. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein financial status is a budget limit or credit limit for the user. 15. The method of claim 13, further comprising initiating a display of a color on the credit card, the color representing the financial status. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the color is displayed on a component mounted on or embedded in the payment card. 17. The method of claim 13, wherein the signal uses a form of load modulation or inductive coupling. 18. The method of claim 13, wherein the augmented reality device is a headset. 19. The method of claim 13, wherein the augmented reality device is a wearable computer with a camera and an optical head-mounted display. 20. An augmented reality electronic computing device comprising:
a processing unit; and system memory, the system memory including instructions which, when executed by the processing unit, cause the augmented reality electronic computing device to:
scan a payment card;
authenticate a user of the payment card;
display financial information for the user of the payment card; and
display a color on the payment card, the color representing a budget limit or a credit limit for the user of the payment card,
wherein the financial information and the color are displayed on the payment card when the augmented reality electronic computing device is focused on the payment card. | 3,600 |
12,587 | 12,587 | 14,338,215 | 3,623 | A computerized method and self-assessment tool for measuring the marketing capability of an organization generates a marketing maturity quotient (MMQ) to provide feedback on maturity along a standardized scale. A body of knowledge (BOK) is used to provide a comparison between MMQ results for an organization and those of the average and leader organizations. The self-assessment tool may be used as part of a marketing campaign for an enterprise, wherein the campaign owner identifies prospects for the self-assessment; configures a campaign that includes a list of prospects at organizations that may desire to use the self-assessment tool; and sends automated invitations to those prospects. | 1. A computer-implemented method for self-assessment of the marketing capability of an organization, comprising the steps of:
a. receiving at the processor a pre-defined configuration; b. generating at a processor a set of business challenges based on the pre-defined configuration; c. receiving at the processor a selection instruction selecting at least a subset of the set of business challenges; d. retrieving from a body of knowledge (BOK) a plurality of attributes for each of the business challenges in the at least a subset of business challenges; e. sending from the processor each of the plurality of attributes to a display; f. receiving at the processor a current attribute maturity level for each of the plurality of attributes; g. receiving at the processor a targeted desired state; h. generating a report comprising an indicator of current maturity for each of the at least a subset of the set of business challenges and the targeted desired state. 2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising the step of calculating at the processor a marketing maturity quotient (MMQ) for each of the business challenges. 3. The computer-implemented method of claim 2, wherein the step of calculating at the processor an MMQ comprises the steps of dividing a sum of the self-assessed levels for each of the plurality of attributes for each of the business challenges by a sum of a maximum possible level for each of the self-assessed levels for each of the plurality of attributes. 4. The computer-implemented method of claim 3, further comprising the step of accessing a normative database in communication with the processor to retrieve an average MMQ for each of the subset of business challenges, and wherein the report further comprises a comparison of the MMQ for each subset of business challenges to the average MMQ for that subset of business challenges. 5. The computer-implemented method of claim 4, further comprising the step of accessing the normative database to retrieve a leader MMQ for each of the subset of business challenges, and wherein the report further comprises a comparison of the MMQ for each subset of business challenges to the leader MMQ for that subset of business challenges. 6. The computer-implemented method of claim 3, wherein each of the MMQ for each of the subset of business challenges may comprise a not applicable value and wherein the step of calculating the MMQ for each of the subset of business challenges comprises the step of generating the not applicable value for each of the business challenges for which more than a threshold percentage of the associated plurality of attributes have the not applicable value. 7. The computer-implemented method of claim 6, wherein the threshold percentage is sixty percent. 8. The computer-implemented method of claim 3, further comprising the step of receiving at the processor a target MMQ for each of the plurality of business challenges, and wherein the report further comprises a target MMQ for each of the subset of business challenges. 9. A computer program product for self-assessment of the marketing capability of an organization, the computer program product being stored on a non-transitory tangible computer-readable medium in communication with a processor and comprising instructions that, when executed at the processor, cause the computer program product to:
a. generate a template for a marketing campaign comprising a plurality of prospects for a marketing maturity self-assessment; b. provide to at least one of the plurality of prospects an invitation to use a self-assessment tool, wherein the invitation comprises a personalized link; c. when a prospect of the plurality of prospects clicks on the personalized link, generate a business challenge page visible to the prospect comprising a set of business challenges from which the prospect may choose as a basis for subsequent self-assessment steps; d. receive from the prospect at least a prioritized subset of the set of business challenges for self-assessment; e. generate an associated attributes page comprising a list of attributes associated with the at least a subset of business challenges; and f. receive from the prospect a score for each attribute. 10. The computer program product of claim 9, further comprising instructions that, when executed at the processor, cause the computer program product to calculate a marketing maturity quotient (MMQ) for each of the business challenges in the at least a subset of business challenges based on the score and correlated data in a body of knowledge (BOK). 11. The computer program product of claim 10, further comprising instructions that, when executed at the processor, cause the computer program product to generate a results page comprising the MMQ for each of the business challenges in the at least a subset of business challenges. 12. The computer program product of claim 11, further comprising instructions that, when executed at the processor, cause the computer program product to electronically transmit a message at the processor indicating that a self-assessment has been completed, wherein such message comprises a link to a set of results for the self-assessment. 13. The computer program product of claim 9, wherein the invitation comprises a personalized message to each of the plurality of prospects comprising a personalized link to a network location where a self-assessment tool may be accessed by the prospect. 14. The computer program product of claim 9, wherein the invitation comprises a personalized message to each of the plurality of prospects providing a specific page of a company website that offers the prospect a link to the self-assessment tool. 15. The computer program product of claim 9, wherein the invitation comprises a non-personalized but industry-specific message to each of the plurality of prospects providing a website comprising a link to the self-assessment tool. 16. The computer program product of claim 11, further comprising instructions that, when executed at the processor, cause the computer program product to generate a results page further comprising an average MMQ for each of the business challenges in the at least a subset of business challenges and a comparison between the MMQ for each of the business challenges in the at least a subset of business challenges and the average MMQ for each of the business challenges in the at least a subset of business challenges. 17. The computer program product of claim 16, further comprising instructions that, when executed at the processor, cause the computer program product to generate a results page further comprising a leader MMQ for each of the business challenges in the at least a subset of business challenges and a comparison between the MMQ for each of the business challenges in the at least a subset of business challenges and the leader MMQ for each of the business challenges in the at least a subset of business challenges. 18. A computerized tool for marketing maturity self-assessment, comprising:
a. a body of knowledge (BOK) stored in a non-transitory digital storage medium, the BOK comprising a plurality of marketing attributes and, for each attribute, further comprising a plurality of corresponding business challenges; b. a normative database, the normative database comprising a set of marketing maturity quotients (MMQs) for each of a plurality of organizations; c. a processor programmed by computer software stored on the digital storage medium and accessible in a memory in communication with the processor, the programmed processor comprising algorithms to receive a set of prospect business challenges from the plurality of business challenges, retrieve from the BOK a plurality of attributes for each of the prospect business challenges, send a set of attributes corresponding to each of the prospect business challenges, receive a level associated with each of the set of attributes, calculate a marketing maturity quotient (MMQ) for each of the selected set of business challenges, dynamically update the normative database with the MMQ for each of the selected set of business challenges, and generate a report identifying the MMQ for each of the selected set of business challenges. 19. The computerized tool of claim 18, wherein the programmed processor further comprises algorithms to retrieve from the normative database one or more of an average MMQ and a leader MMQ, and compare the MMQ for each of the selected set of business challenges with one or more of the average MMQ and the leader MMQ. 20. The computerized tool of claim 19, wherein each of the level associated with each of the attribute levels may comprise a not applicable value and wherein the programmed processor further comprises algorithms to calculate the MMQ for each of the selected set of business challenges as a not applicable value for which more than a set percentage of the associated attribute levels have the not applicable value. 21. The computerized tool of claim 20, wherein the set percentage is sixty percent. 22. The computerized tool of claim 18, wherein the programmed processor further comprises algorithms to generate a report identifying a target MMQ for each of the selected set of business challenges. | A computerized method and self-assessment tool for measuring the marketing capability of an organization generates a marketing maturity quotient (MMQ) to provide feedback on maturity along a standardized scale. A body of knowledge (BOK) is used to provide a comparison between MMQ results for an organization and those of the average and leader organizations. The self-assessment tool may be used as part of a marketing campaign for an enterprise, wherein the campaign owner identifies prospects for the self-assessment; configures a campaign that includes a list of prospects at organizations that may desire to use the self-assessment tool; and sends automated invitations to those prospects.1. A computer-implemented method for self-assessment of the marketing capability of an organization, comprising the steps of:
a. receiving at the processor a pre-defined configuration; b. generating at a processor a set of business challenges based on the pre-defined configuration; c. receiving at the processor a selection instruction selecting at least a subset of the set of business challenges; d. retrieving from a body of knowledge (BOK) a plurality of attributes for each of the business challenges in the at least a subset of business challenges; e. sending from the processor each of the plurality of attributes to a display; f. receiving at the processor a current attribute maturity level for each of the plurality of attributes; g. receiving at the processor a targeted desired state; h. generating a report comprising an indicator of current maturity for each of the at least a subset of the set of business challenges and the targeted desired state. 2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising the step of calculating at the processor a marketing maturity quotient (MMQ) for each of the business challenges. 3. The computer-implemented method of claim 2, wherein the step of calculating at the processor an MMQ comprises the steps of dividing a sum of the self-assessed levels for each of the plurality of attributes for each of the business challenges by a sum of a maximum possible level for each of the self-assessed levels for each of the plurality of attributes. 4. The computer-implemented method of claim 3, further comprising the step of accessing a normative database in communication with the processor to retrieve an average MMQ for each of the subset of business challenges, and wherein the report further comprises a comparison of the MMQ for each subset of business challenges to the average MMQ for that subset of business challenges. 5. The computer-implemented method of claim 4, further comprising the step of accessing the normative database to retrieve a leader MMQ for each of the subset of business challenges, and wherein the report further comprises a comparison of the MMQ for each subset of business challenges to the leader MMQ for that subset of business challenges. 6. The computer-implemented method of claim 3, wherein each of the MMQ for each of the subset of business challenges may comprise a not applicable value and wherein the step of calculating the MMQ for each of the subset of business challenges comprises the step of generating the not applicable value for each of the business challenges for which more than a threshold percentage of the associated plurality of attributes have the not applicable value. 7. The computer-implemented method of claim 6, wherein the threshold percentage is sixty percent. 8. The computer-implemented method of claim 3, further comprising the step of receiving at the processor a target MMQ for each of the plurality of business challenges, and wherein the report further comprises a target MMQ for each of the subset of business challenges. 9. A computer program product for self-assessment of the marketing capability of an organization, the computer program product being stored on a non-transitory tangible computer-readable medium in communication with a processor and comprising instructions that, when executed at the processor, cause the computer program product to:
a. generate a template for a marketing campaign comprising a plurality of prospects for a marketing maturity self-assessment; b. provide to at least one of the plurality of prospects an invitation to use a self-assessment tool, wherein the invitation comprises a personalized link; c. when a prospect of the plurality of prospects clicks on the personalized link, generate a business challenge page visible to the prospect comprising a set of business challenges from which the prospect may choose as a basis for subsequent self-assessment steps; d. receive from the prospect at least a prioritized subset of the set of business challenges for self-assessment; e. generate an associated attributes page comprising a list of attributes associated with the at least a subset of business challenges; and f. receive from the prospect a score for each attribute. 10. The computer program product of claim 9, further comprising instructions that, when executed at the processor, cause the computer program product to calculate a marketing maturity quotient (MMQ) for each of the business challenges in the at least a subset of business challenges based on the score and correlated data in a body of knowledge (BOK). 11. The computer program product of claim 10, further comprising instructions that, when executed at the processor, cause the computer program product to generate a results page comprising the MMQ for each of the business challenges in the at least a subset of business challenges. 12. The computer program product of claim 11, further comprising instructions that, when executed at the processor, cause the computer program product to electronically transmit a message at the processor indicating that a self-assessment has been completed, wherein such message comprises a link to a set of results for the self-assessment. 13. The computer program product of claim 9, wherein the invitation comprises a personalized message to each of the plurality of prospects comprising a personalized link to a network location where a self-assessment tool may be accessed by the prospect. 14. The computer program product of claim 9, wherein the invitation comprises a personalized message to each of the plurality of prospects providing a specific page of a company website that offers the prospect a link to the self-assessment tool. 15. The computer program product of claim 9, wherein the invitation comprises a non-personalized but industry-specific message to each of the plurality of prospects providing a website comprising a link to the self-assessment tool. 16. The computer program product of claim 11, further comprising instructions that, when executed at the processor, cause the computer program product to generate a results page further comprising an average MMQ for each of the business challenges in the at least a subset of business challenges and a comparison between the MMQ for each of the business challenges in the at least a subset of business challenges and the average MMQ for each of the business challenges in the at least a subset of business challenges. 17. The computer program product of claim 16, further comprising instructions that, when executed at the processor, cause the computer program product to generate a results page further comprising a leader MMQ for each of the business challenges in the at least a subset of business challenges and a comparison between the MMQ for each of the business challenges in the at least a subset of business challenges and the leader MMQ for each of the business challenges in the at least a subset of business challenges. 18. A computerized tool for marketing maturity self-assessment, comprising:
a. a body of knowledge (BOK) stored in a non-transitory digital storage medium, the BOK comprising a plurality of marketing attributes and, for each attribute, further comprising a plurality of corresponding business challenges; b. a normative database, the normative database comprising a set of marketing maturity quotients (MMQs) for each of a plurality of organizations; c. a processor programmed by computer software stored on the digital storage medium and accessible in a memory in communication with the processor, the programmed processor comprising algorithms to receive a set of prospect business challenges from the plurality of business challenges, retrieve from the BOK a plurality of attributes for each of the prospect business challenges, send a set of attributes corresponding to each of the prospect business challenges, receive a level associated with each of the set of attributes, calculate a marketing maturity quotient (MMQ) for each of the selected set of business challenges, dynamically update the normative database with the MMQ for each of the selected set of business challenges, and generate a report identifying the MMQ for each of the selected set of business challenges. 19. The computerized tool of claim 18, wherein the programmed processor further comprises algorithms to retrieve from the normative database one or more of an average MMQ and a leader MMQ, and compare the MMQ for each of the selected set of business challenges with one or more of the average MMQ and the leader MMQ. 20. The computerized tool of claim 19, wherein each of the level associated with each of the attribute levels may comprise a not applicable value and wherein the programmed processor further comprises algorithms to calculate the MMQ for each of the selected set of business challenges as a not applicable value for which more than a set percentage of the associated attribute levels have the not applicable value. 21. The computerized tool of claim 20, wherein the set percentage is sixty percent. 22. The computerized tool of claim 18, wherein the programmed processor further comprises algorithms to generate a report identifying a target MMQ for each of the selected set of business challenges. | 3,600 |
12,588 | 12,588 | 14,538,548 | 3,685 | A method includes receiving a bank identification number (BIN) that defines a range of indicator numbers, and generating a plurality of primary account numbers (PANs) that start with that BIN. The method further includes generating a plurality of tokens that start with the same BIN. The PANs may have a prescribed length in digits that differs from the prescribed length in digits for the tokens. Thus tokens can be distinguished from PANs based on length in digits, even though the PANs and tokens may be formed with the same BIN. | 1. A method comprising:
receiving a bank identification number (BIN) that defines a range of indicator numbers; generating a plurality of primary account numbers (PANs) that start with the BIN; and generating a plurality of tokens that start with the BIN. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein:
all of the PANs have a first uniform length that consists of a first number of digits; and all of the tokens have a second uniform length that consists of a second number of digits that is different from the first number of digits. 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising:
receiving an authorization request; detecting a number of digits contained in an indicator number included in the authorization request; and translating the indicator number into a PAN that is different from the indicator number in response to determining that the detected number of digits equals the second number of digits. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the first number of digits is 16 and the second number of digits is 19. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein:
the authorization request is in a standard format including an indicator number data element, the indicator number data element consisting of 19 character locations, the 19 character locations including a seventeenth character location, an eighteenth character location and a nineteenth character location; and the detecting step includes determining whether there are non-zero null characters in each of the seventeenth, eighteenth and nineteenth character locations. 6. The method of claim 3, wherein:
the authorization request includes a field length indicator that indicates a number of digits present in the indicator number included in the authorization request; and the detecting step includes reading a value of the field length indicator. 7. The method of claim 2, wherein the second number of digits is greater than the first number of digits. 8. The method of claim 2, wherein the second number of digits is smaller than the first number of digits. 9. A method comprising:
receiving an authorization request; detecting a number of digits contained in an indicator number included in the authorization request; and translating the indicator number into a primary account number (PAN) that is different from the indicator number. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the translating step is performed in response to determining that the detected number of digits equals a number of digits that corresponds to a prescribed uniform length for tokens. 11. The method of claim 9, wherein the translating step is performed in response to determining that the detected number of digits equals a number of digits that does not correspond to a prescribed uniform length for PANs. 12. The method of claim 9, wherein:
the authorization request is in a standard format including an indicator number data element, the indicator number data element consisting of 19 character locations, the 19 character locations including a seventeenth character location, an eighteenth character location and a nineteenth character location; and the detecting step includes determining whether there are non-zero null characters in each of the seventeenth, eighteenth and nineteenth character locations. 13. The method of claim 9, wherein:
the authorization request includes a field length indicator that indicates a number of digits present in the indicator number included in the authorization request; and the detecting step includes reading a value of the field length indicator. 14. The method of claim 9, wherein:
the indicator number included in the authorization request consists of 19 digits; and the PAN consists of 16 digits. 15. The method of claim 9, wherein the translating step includes looking up the PAN in a database that maps the indicator number to the PAN. 16. A method comprising:
receiving an authorization request; and determining that an indicator number contained in the authorization request is a token, said determining based on a length of the indicator number. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising:
transmitting the indicator number to a token service provider for de-tokenization. 18. The method of claim 16, further comprising:
translating the token into a primary account number (PAN) that is different from the token, in response to determining that the indicator number is a token; wherein the PAN has a length that is different from the length of the token. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the length of the PAN is shorter than the length of the token. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the PAN has a length of 16 digits and the indicator number has a length of 19 digits. | A method includes receiving a bank identification number (BIN) that defines a range of indicator numbers, and generating a plurality of primary account numbers (PANs) that start with that BIN. The method further includes generating a plurality of tokens that start with the same BIN. The PANs may have a prescribed length in digits that differs from the prescribed length in digits for the tokens. Thus tokens can be distinguished from PANs based on length in digits, even though the PANs and tokens may be formed with the same BIN.1. A method comprising:
receiving a bank identification number (BIN) that defines a range of indicator numbers; generating a plurality of primary account numbers (PANs) that start with the BIN; and generating a plurality of tokens that start with the BIN. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein:
all of the PANs have a first uniform length that consists of a first number of digits; and all of the tokens have a second uniform length that consists of a second number of digits that is different from the first number of digits. 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising:
receiving an authorization request; detecting a number of digits contained in an indicator number included in the authorization request; and translating the indicator number into a PAN that is different from the indicator number in response to determining that the detected number of digits equals the second number of digits. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the first number of digits is 16 and the second number of digits is 19. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein:
the authorization request is in a standard format including an indicator number data element, the indicator number data element consisting of 19 character locations, the 19 character locations including a seventeenth character location, an eighteenth character location and a nineteenth character location; and the detecting step includes determining whether there are non-zero null characters in each of the seventeenth, eighteenth and nineteenth character locations. 6. The method of claim 3, wherein:
the authorization request includes a field length indicator that indicates a number of digits present in the indicator number included in the authorization request; and the detecting step includes reading a value of the field length indicator. 7. The method of claim 2, wherein the second number of digits is greater than the first number of digits. 8. The method of claim 2, wherein the second number of digits is smaller than the first number of digits. 9. A method comprising:
receiving an authorization request; detecting a number of digits contained in an indicator number included in the authorization request; and translating the indicator number into a primary account number (PAN) that is different from the indicator number. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the translating step is performed in response to determining that the detected number of digits equals a number of digits that corresponds to a prescribed uniform length for tokens. 11. The method of claim 9, wherein the translating step is performed in response to determining that the detected number of digits equals a number of digits that does not correspond to a prescribed uniform length for PANs. 12. The method of claim 9, wherein:
the authorization request is in a standard format including an indicator number data element, the indicator number data element consisting of 19 character locations, the 19 character locations including a seventeenth character location, an eighteenth character location and a nineteenth character location; and the detecting step includes determining whether there are non-zero null characters in each of the seventeenth, eighteenth and nineteenth character locations. 13. The method of claim 9, wherein:
the authorization request includes a field length indicator that indicates a number of digits present in the indicator number included in the authorization request; and the detecting step includes reading a value of the field length indicator. 14. The method of claim 9, wherein:
the indicator number included in the authorization request consists of 19 digits; and the PAN consists of 16 digits. 15. The method of claim 9, wherein the translating step includes looking up the PAN in a database that maps the indicator number to the PAN. 16. A method comprising:
receiving an authorization request; and determining that an indicator number contained in the authorization request is a token, said determining based on a length of the indicator number. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising:
transmitting the indicator number to a token service provider for de-tokenization. 18. The method of claim 16, further comprising:
translating the token into a primary account number (PAN) that is different from the token, in response to determining that the indicator number is a token; wherein the PAN has a length that is different from the length of the token. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the length of the PAN is shorter than the length of the token. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the PAN has a length of 16 digits and the indicator number has a length of 19 digits. | 3,600 |
12,589 | 12,589 | 13,231,067 | 3,678 | A system for covering various types of ground where water and wind erosion protection are needed comprises a composite of at least one geotextile tufted or knitted with synthetic yarns (forming a synthetic turf), an open grid mesh, and a geo-filter (filter fabric). The filter fabric is positioned in direct contact with the ground surface, the open grid mesh is positioned over the filter fabric, and the synthetic turf is positioned over the open grid mesh. The system provides a beneficial erosion protection that does not require maintenance and can be used to cover slopes without requiring vegetative support and/or a topsoil layer. An optional sand layer can be placed atop the synthetic turf as desired as infill to ballast the material and protect the system against wind uplift. | 1. A cover system for erosion protection, wherein the cover system comprises:
a synthetic grass which comprises a composite of one or more geo-textiles tufted with synthetic yarns; at least one filter fabric to be placed atop soil, and
an open grid mesh positioned between the synthetic grass and the filter fabric. 2. A cover system as defined by claim 1 wherein the synthetic grass has fibers with an average length of between about 1.25 and 3 inches. 3. A cover system as defined by claim 1 wherein the at least one filter fabric comprises two filter fabric layers. 4. A cover system as defined by claim 1 wherein the at least one filter fabric is positioned in direct contact with the ground surface. 5. A cover system as defined by claim 1 wherein the at least one filter fabric comprises woven synthetic fabric. 6. A cover system as defined by claim 1 wherein the at least one filter fabric comprises non-woven synthetic fabric. 7. A cover system as defined by claim 1 wherein the open grid mesh comprises a synthetic drainage system for handling high-volume precipitation. 8. A cover system as defined by claim 1 wherein the synthetic grass has a density of between about 20 ounces per square yard and 120 ounces per square yard. 9. A cover system as defined by claim 1 wherein the synthetic grass comprises blades with a thickness of at least about 100 microns. | A system for covering various types of ground where water and wind erosion protection are needed comprises a composite of at least one geotextile tufted or knitted with synthetic yarns (forming a synthetic turf), an open grid mesh, and a geo-filter (filter fabric). The filter fabric is positioned in direct contact with the ground surface, the open grid mesh is positioned over the filter fabric, and the synthetic turf is positioned over the open grid mesh. The system provides a beneficial erosion protection that does not require maintenance and can be used to cover slopes without requiring vegetative support and/or a topsoil layer. An optional sand layer can be placed atop the synthetic turf as desired as infill to ballast the material and protect the system against wind uplift.1. A cover system for erosion protection, wherein the cover system comprises:
a synthetic grass which comprises a composite of one or more geo-textiles tufted with synthetic yarns; at least one filter fabric to be placed atop soil, and
an open grid mesh positioned between the synthetic grass and the filter fabric. 2. A cover system as defined by claim 1 wherein the synthetic grass has fibers with an average length of between about 1.25 and 3 inches. 3. A cover system as defined by claim 1 wherein the at least one filter fabric comprises two filter fabric layers. 4. A cover system as defined by claim 1 wherein the at least one filter fabric is positioned in direct contact with the ground surface. 5. A cover system as defined by claim 1 wherein the at least one filter fabric comprises woven synthetic fabric. 6. A cover system as defined by claim 1 wherein the at least one filter fabric comprises non-woven synthetic fabric. 7. A cover system as defined by claim 1 wherein the open grid mesh comprises a synthetic drainage system for handling high-volume precipitation. 8. A cover system as defined by claim 1 wherein the synthetic grass has a density of between about 20 ounces per square yard and 120 ounces per square yard. 9. A cover system as defined by claim 1 wherein the synthetic grass comprises blades with a thickness of at least about 100 microns. | 3,600 |
12,590 | 12,590 | 14,205,399 | 3,686 | A method for population health management includes retrieving patient data associated with one or more patient, retrieving one or more chronic disease management (CDM) programs applicable to each patient based on the patient data, retrieving a health effect and cost for each the applicable one or more CDM programs, recommending a CDM program with a largest health effect and within a budget for each patient, and displaying the recommended CDM program for the one or more patients. | 1. A method for population health management, the method comprising:
retrieving patient data associated with one or more patient; retrieving one or more chronic disease management (CDM) programs applicable to each patient based on the patient data; retrieving a health effect and cost for each the applicable one or more CDM programs; recommending a CDM program with a largest health effect and within a budget for each patient; and displaying the recommended CDM program for the one or more patients. 2. The method according to claim 1, further including:
computing a cost-effectiveness ratio for each of the one or more CDM programs. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the cost-effectiveness ratio is calculated by comparing a cost difference and a health effect difference between each of the one or more CDM programs. 4. The method according to claim 1, further including:
labeling CDM programs with a cost-effectiveness ratio greater than zero as dominant; and removing the dominant CDM programs from being recommended. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of recommending includes:
sorting the one or more CDM programs by their cost-effectiveness ratio; and determining which combination of the one or more CDM programs are within budget. 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the health effect includes at least one of survival rate, hospitalization rate, risk of a fall or incident, risk of ambulance transport to the emergency department, quality of life, quality of life adjusted survival, or a combination thereof; and
wherein cost includes at least one of disease management program costs, ambulance service costs, emergency department costs, hospitalization costs, medication costs, general practitioner costs, costs related to workflow or a combination thereof. 7. A system for population health management, the system comprising:
one or more processor programmed to:
retrieve patient data associated with one or more patient;
retrieve one or more chronic disease management (CDM) programs applicable to each patient based on the patient data;
retrieve a health effect and cost for each the applicable one or more CDM programs;
recommend a CDM program with a largest health effect and within a budget for each patient; and
display the recommended CDM program for the one or more patients. 8. The system according to claim 7, wherein the one or more processor are further programmed to:
compute a cost-effectiveness ratio for each of the one or more CDM programs. 9. The system according to claim 7, wherein the cost-effectiveness ratio is calculated by comparing a cost difference and a health effect difference between each of the one or more CDM programs. 10. The system according to claim 7, wherein the step of recommending further includes:
sorting the one or more CDM programs by their cost-effectiveness ratio; and determining which combination of the one or more CDM programs are within budget. 11. The system according to claim 7, wherein the one or more processor are programmed to:
label CDM programs with a cost-effectiveness ratio greater than zero as dominant; and remove the dominant CDM programs from being recommended. 12. A system for population health management, the system comprising:
a patient information system which stores patient data associated with one or more patient; a medical information system which stores one or more chronic disease management (CDM) programs applicable to each patient based on the patient data; a clinical decision support system which retrieves one or more CDM programs applicable to the one or more patients, retrieves a health effect and cost for each the applicable one or more CDM programs, and recommend a CDM program with a largest health effect and within a budget for each patient; and a clinical interface system which displays the recommended CDM program for the one or more patients. 13. The system according to claim 12, wherein the clinical decision support system computes a cost-effectiveness ratio for each of the one or more CDM programs. 14. The system according to claim 12, wherein the clinical decision support system calculates a cost-effectiveness ratio by comparing a cost difference and a health effect difference between each of the one or more CDM programs. 15. The system according to claim 12, wherein the clinical decision support system sorts the one or more CDM programs by their cost-effectiveness ratio and determines which combination of the one or more CDM programs are within budget. 16. The method according to claim 2, wherein the cost-effectiveness ratio is calculated by comparing a cost difference and a health effect difference between each of the one or more CDM programs. 17. The method according to claim 2, further including:
labeling CDM programs with a cost-effectiveness ratio greater than zero as dominant; and removing the dominant CDM programs from being recommended. 18. The method according to claim 3, further including:
labeling CDM programs with a cost-effectiveness ratio greater than zero as dominant; and
removing the dominant CDM programs from being recommended. 19. The method according to claim 2, wherein the step of recommending includes:
sorting the one or more CDM programs by their cost-effectiveness ratio; and determining which combination of the one or more CDM programs are within budget. 20. The method according to claim 3, wherein the step of recommending includes:
sorting the one or more CDM programs by their cost-effectiveness ratio; and
determining which combination of the one or more CDM programs are within budget. | A method for population health management includes retrieving patient data associated with one or more patient, retrieving one or more chronic disease management (CDM) programs applicable to each patient based on the patient data, retrieving a health effect and cost for each the applicable one or more CDM programs, recommending a CDM program with a largest health effect and within a budget for each patient, and displaying the recommended CDM program for the one or more patients.1. A method for population health management, the method comprising:
retrieving patient data associated with one or more patient; retrieving one or more chronic disease management (CDM) programs applicable to each patient based on the patient data; retrieving a health effect and cost for each the applicable one or more CDM programs; recommending a CDM program with a largest health effect and within a budget for each patient; and displaying the recommended CDM program for the one or more patients. 2. The method according to claim 1, further including:
computing a cost-effectiveness ratio for each of the one or more CDM programs. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the cost-effectiveness ratio is calculated by comparing a cost difference and a health effect difference between each of the one or more CDM programs. 4. The method according to claim 1, further including:
labeling CDM programs with a cost-effectiveness ratio greater than zero as dominant; and removing the dominant CDM programs from being recommended. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of recommending includes:
sorting the one or more CDM programs by their cost-effectiveness ratio; and determining which combination of the one or more CDM programs are within budget. 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the health effect includes at least one of survival rate, hospitalization rate, risk of a fall or incident, risk of ambulance transport to the emergency department, quality of life, quality of life adjusted survival, or a combination thereof; and
wherein cost includes at least one of disease management program costs, ambulance service costs, emergency department costs, hospitalization costs, medication costs, general practitioner costs, costs related to workflow or a combination thereof. 7. A system for population health management, the system comprising:
one or more processor programmed to:
retrieve patient data associated with one or more patient;
retrieve one or more chronic disease management (CDM) programs applicable to each patient based on the patient data;
retrieve a health effect and cost for each the applicable one or more CDM programs;
recommend a CDM program with a largest health effect and within a budget for each patient; and
display the recommended CDM program for the one or more patients. 8. The system according to claim 7, wherein the one or more processor are further programmed to:
compute a cost-effectiveness ratio for each of the one or more CDM programs. 9. The system according to claim 7, wherein the cost-effectiveness ratio is calculated by comparing a cost difference and a health effect difference between each of the one or more CDM programs. 10. The system according to claim 7, wherein the step of recommending further includes:
sorting the one or more CDM programs by their cost-effectiveness ratio; and determining which combination of the one or more CDM programs are within budget. 11. The system according to claim 7, wherein the one or more processor are programmed to:
label CDM programs with a cost-effectiveness ratio greater than zero as dominant; and remove the dominant CDM programs from being recommended. 12. A system for population health management, the system comprising:
a patient information system which stores patient data associated with one or more patient; a medical information system which stores one or more chronic disease management (CDM) programs applicable to each patient based on the patient data; a clinical decision support system which retrieves one or more CDM programs applicable to the one or more patients, retrieves a health effect and cost for each the applicable one or more CDM programs, and recommend a CDM program with a largest health effect and within a budget for each patient; and a clinical interface system which displays the recommended CDM program for the one or more patients. 13. The system according to claim 12, wherein the clinical decision support system computes a cost-effectiveness ratio for each of the one or more CDM programs. 14. The system according to claim 12, wherein the clinical decision support system calculates a cost-effectiveness ratio by comparing a cost difference and a health effect difference between each of the one or more CDM programs. 15. The system according to claim 12, wherein the clinical decision support system sorts the one or more CDM programs by their cost-effectiveness ratio and determines which combination of the one or more CDM programs are within budget. 16. The method according to claim 2, wherein the cost-effectiveness ratio is calculated by comparing a cost difference and a health effect difference between each of the one or more CDM programs. 17. The method according to claim 2, further including:
labeling CDM programs with a cost-effectiveness ratio greater than zero as dominant; and removing the dominant CDM programs from being recommended. 18. The method according to claim 3, further including:
labeling CDM programs with a cost-effectiveness ratio greater than zero as dominant; and
removing the dominant CDM programs from being recommended. 19. The method according to claim 2, wherein the step of recommending includes:
sorting the one or more CDM programs by their cost-effectiveness ratio; and determining which combination of the one or more CDM programs are within budget. 20. The method according to claim 3, wherein the step of recommending includes:
sorting the one or more CDM programs by their cost-effectiveness ratio; and
determining which combination of the one or more CDM programs are within budget. | 3,600 |
12,591 | 12,591 | 14,575,058 | 3,696 | A method for suppressing payment transactions based on industry classification includes: storing an account profile, the profile including data related to one or more transaction accounts including a plurality of industry thresholds, each industry threshold being associated with a merchant industry; receiving an authorization request for a payment transaction, the request including a transaction amount and a merchant identifier associated with a merchant involved in the payment transaction; identifying a specific merchant industry associated with the merchant involved in the payment transaction based on the merchant identifier; processing the payment transaction if the transaction amount does not exceed an industry threshold associated with the specific merchant industry; and transmitting an authorization response declining the payment transaction if the transaction amount exceeds the industry threshold associated with the specific merchant industry. | 1. A method for suppressing payment transactions based on industry classification, comprising:
storing, in an account database, an account profile, wherein the account profile includes data related to one or more transaction accounts including at least a plurality of industry thresholds, each industry threshold being associated with a merchant industry; receiving, by a receiving device, an authorization request for a payment transaction, wherein the authorization request includes at least a transaction amount and a merchant identifier associated with a merchant involved in the payment transaction; identifying, by a processing device, a specific merchant industry associated with the merchant involved in the payment transaction based on at least the merchant identifier; processing, by the processing device, the payment transaction if the transaction amount does not exceed an industry threshold of the plurality of industry thresholds associated with the specific merchant industry; and transmitting, by a transmitting device, an authorization response declining the payment transaction if the transaction amount exceeds the industry threshold of the plurality of industry thresholds associated with the specific merchant industry. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
transmitting, by the transmitting device, a notification to a computing device associated with at least one of the one or more transaction accounts, wherein the notification indicates that the payment transaction exceeds the industry threshold associated with the specific merchant industry if the transaction amount exceeds the industry threshold associated with the specific merchant industry. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the notification is transmitted to the computing device before transmitting the authorization response. 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising:
receiving, by the receiving device, a notification from the computing device indicating approval of the payment transaction by a consumer associated with at least one of the one or more transaction accounts; and processing, by the processing device, the payment transaction. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the authorization response is not transmitted. 6. The method of claim 2, further comprising:
receiving, by the receiving device, a request from the computing device requesting resetting of the industry threshold associated with the specific merchant industry; and resetting, in the account profile, the industry threshold associated with the specific merchant industry. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein
the account profile further includes a plurality of industry amounts, wherein each industry amount corresponds to an industry threshold of the plurality of industry thresholds, and the processing and transmitting steps are performed if the transaction amount added to the industry amount corresponding to the industry threshold associated with the specific merchant industry does not or does exceed the industry threshold associated with the specific merchant industry, respectively. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein processing the payment transaction further includes updating, in the account profile, the industry amount corresponding to the industry threshold associated with the specific merchant industry based on the transaction amount. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the authorization request includes the specific merchant industry. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein identifying the specific merchant industry includes identifying an entry associated with the merchant identifier in a lookup table that includes the specific merchant industry. 11. A system for suppressing payment transactions based on industry classification, comprising:
an account database configured to store an account profile, wherein the account profile includes data related to one or more transaction accounts including at least a plurality of industry thresholds, each industry threshold being associated with a merchant industry; a receiving device configured to receive an authorization request for a payment transaction, wherein the authorization request includes at least a transaction amount and a merchant identifier associated with a merchant involved in the payment transaction; a processing device configured to
identify a specific merchant industry associated with the merchant involved in the payment transaction based on at least the merchant identifier, and
process the payment transaction if the transaction amount does not exceed an industry threshold of the plurality of industry thresholds associated with the specific merchant industry; and
a transmitting device configured to transmit an authorization response declining the payment transaction if the transaction amount exceeds the industry threshold of the plurality of industry thresholds associated with the specific merchant industry. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the transmitting device is further configured to transmit a notification to a computing device associated with at least one of the one or more transaction accounts, wherein the notification indicates that the payment transaction exceeds the industry threshold associated with the specific merchant industry if the transaction amount exceeds the industry threshold associated with the specific merchant industry. 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the notification is transmitted to the computing device before transmitting the authorization response. 14. The system of claim 13, wherein
the receiving device is further configured to receive a notification from the computing device indicating approval of the payment transaction by a consumer associated with at least one of the one or more transaction accounts, and the processing device is further configured to process the payment transaction. 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the authorization response is not transmitted. 16. The system of claim 12, wherein
the receiving device is further configured to receive a request from the computing device requesting resetting of the industry threshold associated with the specific merchant industry, and the processing device is further configured to reset, in the account profile, the industry threshold associated with the specific merchant industry. 17. The system of claim 11, wherein
the account profile further includes a plurality of industry amounts, wherein each industry amount corresponds to an industry threshold of the plurality of industry thresholds, and the processing and transmitting steps are performed if the transaction amount added to the industry amount corresponding to the industry threshold associated with the specific merchant industry does not or does exceed the industry threshold associated with the specific merchant industry, respectively. 18. The system of claim 17, wherein processing the payment transaction further includes updating, in the account profile, the industry amount corresponding to the industry threshold associated with the specific merchant industry based on the transaction amount. 19. The system of claim 11, wherein the authorization request includes the specific merchant industry. 20. The system of claim 11, wherein identifying the specific merchant industry includes identifying an entry associated with the merchant identifier in a lookup table that includes the specific merchant industry. | A method for suppressing payment transactions based on industry classification includes: storing an account profile, the profile including data related to one or more transaction accounts including a plurality of industry thresholds, each industry threshold being associated with a merchant industry; receiving an authorization request for a payment transaction, the request including a transaction amount and a merchant identifier associated with a merchant involved in the payment transaction; identifying a specific merchant industry associated with the merchant involved in the payment transaction based on the merchant identifier; processing the payment transaction if the transaction amount does not exceed an industry threshold associated with the specific merchant industry; and transmitting an authorization response declining the payment transaction if the transaction amount exceeds the industry threshold associated with the specific merchant industry.1. A method for suppressing payment transactions based on industry classification, comprising:
storing, in an account database, an account profile, wherein the account profile includes data related to one or more transaction accounts including at least a plurality of industry thresholds, each industry threshold being associated with a merchant industry; receiving, by a receiving device, an authorization request for a payment transaction, wherein the authorization request includes at least a transaction amount and a merchant identifier associated with a merchant involved in the payment transaction; identifying, by a processing device, a specific merchant industry associated with the merchant involved in the payment transaction based on at least the merchant identifier; processing, by the processing device, the payment transaction if the transaction amount does not exceed an industry threshold of the plurality of industry thresholds associated with the specific merchant industry; and transmitting, by a transmitting device, an authorization response declining the payment transaction if the transaction amount exceeds the industry threshold of the plurality of industry thresholds associated with the specific merchant industry. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
transmitting, by the transmitting device, a notification to a computing device associated with at least one of the one or more transaction accounts, wherein the notification indicates that the payment transaction exceeds the industry threshold associated with the specific merchant industry if the transaction amount exceeds the industry threshold associated with the specific merchant industry. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the notification is transmitted to the computing device before transmitting the authorization response. 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising:
receiving, by the receiving device, a notification from the computing device indicating approval of the payment transaction by a consumer associated with at least one of the one or more transaction accounts; and processing, by the processing device, the payment transaction. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the authorization response is not transmitted. 6. The method of claim 2, further comprising:
receiving, by the receiving device, a request from the computing device requesting resetting of the industry threshold associated with the specific merchant industry; and resetting, in the account profile, the industry threshold associated with the specific merchant industry. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein
the account profile further includes a plurality of industry amounts, wherein each industry amount corresponds to an industry threshold of the plurality of industry thresholds, and the processing and transmitting steps are performed if the transaction amount added to the industry amount corresponding to the industry threshold associated with the specific merchant industry does not or does exceed the industry threshold associated with the specific merchant industry, respectively. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein processing the payment transaction further includes updating, in the account profile, the industry amount corresponding to the industry threshold associated with the specific merchant industry based on the transaction amount. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the authorization request includes the specific merchant industry. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein identifying the specific merchant industry includes identifying an entry associated with the merchant identifier in a lookup table that includes the specific merchant industry. 11. A system for suppressing payment transactions based on industry classification, comprising:
an account database configured to store an account profile, wherein the account profile includes data related to one or more transaction accounts including at least a plurality of industry thresholds, each industry threshold being associated with a merchant industry; a receiving device configured to receive an authorization request for a payment transaction, wherein the authorization request includes at least a transaction amount and a merchant identifier associated with a merchant involved in the payment transaction; a processing device configured to
identify a specific merchant industry associated with the merchant involved in the payment transaction based on at least the merchant identifier, and
process the payment transaction if the transaction amount does not exceed an industry threshold of the plurality of industry thresholds associated with the specific merchant industry; and
a transmitting device configured to transmit an authorization response declining the payment transaction if the transaction amount exceeds the industry threshold of the plurality of industry thresholds associated with the specific merchant industry. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the transmitting device is further configured to transmit a notification to a computing device associated with at least one of the one or more transaction accounts, wherein the notification indicates that the payment transaction exceeds the industry threshold associated with the specific merchant industry if the transaction amount exceeds the industry threshold associated with the specific merchant industry. 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the notification is transmitted to the computing device before transmitting the authorization response. 14. The system of claim 13, wherein
the receiving device is further configured to receive a notification from the computing device indicating approval of the payment transaction by a consumer associated with at least one of the one or more transaction accounts, and the processing device is further configured to process the payment transaction. 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the authorization response is not transmitted. 16. The system of claim 12, wherein
the receiving device is further configured to receive a request from the computing device requesting resetting of the industry threshold associated with the specific merchant industry, and the processing device is further configured to reset, in the account profile, the industry threshold associated with the specific merchant industry. 17. The system of claim 11, wherein
the account profile further includes a plurality of industry amounts, wherein each industry amount corresponds to an industry threshold of the plurality of industry thresholds, and the processing and transmitting steps are performed if the transaction amount added to the industry amount corresponding to the industry threshold associated with the specific merchant industry does not or does exceed the industry threshold associated with the specific merchant industry, respectively. 18. The system of claim 17, wherein processing the payment transaction further includes updating, in the account profile, the industry amount corresponding to the industry threshold associated with the specific merchant industry based on the transaction amount. 19. The system of claim 11, wherein the authorization request includes the specific merchant industry. 20. The system of claim 11, wherein identifying the specific merchant industry includes identifying an entry associated with the merchant identifier in a lookup table that includes the specific merchant industry. | 3,600 |
12,592 | 12,592 | 12,631,208 | 3,695 | A trading platform and trading method that may allow access to additional pools of liquidity is described. Other embodiments are also described. | 1. A method of trading a financial instrument by an alternative trading system, the method comprising:
receiving an indication of an order from a source, in which the order defines a side of a trade for a financial instrument; determining a time period for an intentional delay between receiving the indication of the order and determining a matching order to the order, in which the matching order defines the opposite side of the trade; intentionally delaying for the period of time; determining that the period of time has passed; in response to determining that the period of time has passed, determining the matching order to the order; and in response to determining the matching order, facilitating execution of the trade. 2. The method of claim 1, in which determining the matching order includes
transmitting an order query identifying the order to each of a plurality of systems, in which each of the plurality of systems is associated with a respective order management system; and receiving, from a first one of the plurality of systems, an indication of the matching order. 3. The method of claim 2, in which the order query indicates that the trade would be executed without a negotiation. 4. The method of claim 1, in which the order includes a non-firm order. 5. The method of claim 4, in which facilitating execution of the trade includes confirming the non-firm order with the source, in which the method further includes receiving an indication of an agreement that the source will confirm the non-firm order unless at least one of the non-firm order is cancelled and the non-firm order is fulfilled. 6. The method of claim 1, in which facilitating execution includes facilitating execution without a negotiation involving a price and a quantity. 7. The method of claim 1, in which the time period includes a time period to prevent information leakage regarding existing orders. 8. The method of claim 1, in which determining the time period includes determining the time period based on historic information about cancelled orders. 9. The method of claim 8, in which the historic information about cancelled orders includes information specific to the source. 10. The method of claim 8, in which the time period is determined such that a portion of the cancelled orders would historically have been cancelled within the time period. 11. The method of claim 10, in which the portion includes a majority. | A trading platform and trading method that may allow access to additional pools of liquidity is described. Other embodiments are also described.1. A method of trading a financial instrument by an alternative trading system, the method comprising:
receiving an indication of an order from a source, in which the order defines a side of a trade for a financial instrument; determining a time period for an intentional delay between receiving the indication of the order and determining a matching order to the order, in which the matching order defines the opposite side of the trade; intentionally delaying for the period of time; determining that the period of time has passed; in response to determining that the period of time has passed, determining the matching order to the order; and in response to determining the matching order, facilitating execution of the trade. 2. The method of claim 1, in which determining the matching order includes
transmitting an order query identifying the order to each of a plurality of systems, in which each of the plurality of systems is associated with a respective order management system; and receiving, from a first one of the plurality of systems, an indication of the matching order. 3. The method of claim 2, in which the order query indicates that the trade would be executed without a negotiation. 4. The method of claim 1, in which the order includes a non-firm order. 5. The method of claim 4, in which facilitating execution of the trade includes confirming the non-firm order with the source, in which the method further includes receiving an indication of an agreement that the source will confirm the non-firm order unless at least one of the non-firm order is cancelled and the non-firm order is fulfilled. 6. The method of claim 1, in which facilitating execution includes facilitating execution without a negotiation involving a price and a quantity. 7. The method of claim 1, in which the time period includes a time period to prevent information leakage regarding existing orders. 8. The method of claim 1, in which determining the time period includes determining the time period based on historic information about cancelled orders. 9. The method of claim 8, in which the historic information about cancelled orders includes information specific to the source. 10. The method of claim 8, in which the time period is determined such that a portion of the cancelled orders would historically have been cancelled within the time period. 11. The method of claim 10, in which the portion includes a majority. | 3,600 |
12,593 | 12,593 | 12,326,354 | 3,689 | Governing architecture of a Service Oriented Architecture (‘SOA’) including identifying business requirements for the SOA; establishing an architecture management framework; and creating an SOA reference architecture in dependence upon the architecture management framework and the identified business requirements. | 1. A method of governing architecture of a Service Oriented Architecture (‘SOA’), the method comprising:
identifying business requirements for the SOA; establishing an architecture management framework; and creating an SOA reference architecture in dependence upon the architecture management framework and the identified business requirements. 2. The method of claim 1 further comprising determining whether the SOA reference architecture complies with predetermined architectural policies for the SOA. 3. The method of claim 1 further comprising refining the SOA reference architecture if the SOA reference architecture does not comply with predetermined architectural policies for the SOA. 4. The method of claim 1 wherein refining the SOA reference architecture further comprises refining the identified business requirements for the SOA. 5. The method of claim 1 wherein refining the SOA reference architecture further comprises refining the architecture management framework. 6. The method of claim 1 further comprising creating a transition plan for migrating the current architecture for the SOA to the defined SOA reference architecture if the SOA reference architecture complies with predetermined architectural policies for the SOA. 7. The method of claim 6 further comprising creating an architectural baseline for the SOA in dependence upon the transition plan and the defined SOA reference architecture. 8. A system of governing architecture of a Service Oriented Architecture (‘SOA’), the system comprising:
means for identifying business requirements for the SOA; means for establishing an architecture management framework; and means for creating an SOA reference architecture in dependence upon the architecture management framework and the identified business requirements. 9. The system of claim 8 further comprising means for determining whether the SOA reference architecture complies with predetermined architectural policies for the SOA. 10. The system of claim 8 further comprising means for refining the SOA reference architecture if the SOA reference architecture does not comply with predetermined architectural policies for the SOA. 11. The system of claim 10 wherein means for refining the SOA reference architecture further comprises refining the identified business requirements for the SOA. 12. The system of claim 10 wherein means for refining the SOA reference architecture further comprises refining the architecture management framework. 13. The system of claim 8 further comprising means for creating a transition plan for migrating the current architecture for the SOA to the defined SOA reference architecture if the SOA reference architecture complies with predetermined architectural policies for the SOA. 14. The system of claim 13 further comprising means for creating an architectural baseline for the SOA in dependence upon the transition plan and the defined SOA reference architecture. 15. A service of governing architecture of a Service Oriented Architecture (‘SOA’), the service comprising creating an SOA reference architecture in dependence upon the architecture management framework and the identified business requirements. 16. The service of claim 15 further comprising refining the SOA reference architecture if the SOA reference architecture does not comply with predetermined architectural policies for the SOA. 17. The service of claim 15 further comprising creating a transition plan for migrating the current architecture for the SOA to the defined SOA reference architecture if the SOA reference architecture complies with predetermined architectural policies for the SOA. 18. The service of claim 17 further comprising creating an architectural baseline for the SOA in dependence upon the transition plan and the defined SOA reference architecture. | Governing architecture of a Service Oriented Architecture (‘SOA’) including identifying business requirements for the SOA; establishing an architecture management framework; and creating an SOA reference architecture in dependence upon the architecture management framework and the identified business requirements.1. A method of governing architecture of a Service Oriented Architecture (‘SOA’), the method comprising:
identifying business requirements for the SOA; establishing an architecture management framework; and creating an SOA reference architecture in dependence upon the architecture management framework and the identified business requirements. 2. The method of claim 1 further comprising determining whether the SOA reference architecture complies with predetermined architectural policies for the SOA. 3. The method of claim 1 further comprising refining the SOA reference architecture if the SOA reference architecture does not comply with predetermined architectural policies for the SOA. 4. The method of claim 1 wherein refining the SOA reference architecture further comprises refining the identified business requirements for the SOA. 5. The method of claim 1 wherein refining the SOA reference architecture further comprises refining the architecture management framework. 6. The method of claim 1 further comprising creating a transition plan for migrating the current architecture for the SOA to the defined SOA reference architecture if the SOA reference architecture complies with predetermined architectural policies for the SOA. 7. The method of claim 6 further comprising creating an architectural baseline for the SOA in dependence upon the transition plan and the defined SOA reference architecture. 8. A system of governing architecture of a Service Oriented Architecture (‘SOA’), the system comprising:
means for identifying business requirements for the SOA; means for establishing an architecture management framework; and means for creating an SOA reference architecture in dependence upon the architecture management framework and the identified business requirements. 9. The system of claim 8 further comprising means for determining whether the SOA reference architecture complies with predetermined architectural policies for the SOA. 10. The system of claim 8 further comprising means for refining the SOA reference architecture if the SOA reference architecture does not comply with predetermined architectural policies for the SOA. 11. The system of claim 10 wherein means for refining the SOA reference architecture further comprises refining the identified business requirements for the SOA. 12. The system of claim 10 wherein means for refining the SOA reference architecture further comprises refining the architecture management framework. 13. The system of claim 8 further comprising means for creating a transition plan for migrating the current architecture for the SOA to the defined SOA reference architecture if the SOA reference architecture complies with predetermined architectural policies for the SOA. 14. The system of claim 13 further comprising means for creating an architectural baseline for the SOA in dependence upon the transition plan and the defined SOA reference architecture. 15. A service of governing architecture of a Service Oriented Architecture (‘SOA’), the service comprising creating an SOA reference architecture in dependence upon the architecture management framework and the identified business requirements. 16. The service of claim 15 further comprising refining the SOA reference architecture if the SOA reference architecture does not comply with predetermined architectural policies for the SOA. 17. The service of claim 15 further comprising creating a transition plan for migrating the current architecture for the SOA to the defined SOA reference architecture if the SOA reference architecture complies with predetermined architectural policies for the SOA. 18. The service of claim 17 further comprising creating an architectural baseline for the SOA in dependence upon the transition plan and the defined SOA reference architecture. | 3,600 |
12,594 | 12,594 | 14,061,746 | 3,689 | Systems and methods are provided for authenticating online customer service reviews using unique customer identifiers such as payment data and location data. A customer authentication process is performed before or after a customer who obtains a service from a particular employee of a service provider is asked to complete a review of the employee to verify that the customer completing the review is the customer that received the service from the employee. A payment-based authentication process will check the payment information to determine if the customer's payment information matches their customer review profile, while a location-based authentication process will determine whether the user's mobile device is in the location where the service was performed. Once the authentication process verifies that the customer creating the review, the resulting online customer service review can be identified as an authentic customer review of the service provider, employee and the service. | 1. A method of authenticating online customer service reviews, comprising:
receiving payment information from a customer for a service by a service provider; prompting the customer to complete a customer service review upon receipt of the payment information; receiving a customer service review from the customer in response to the prompt; and authenticating the customer service review as being created by the customer which received the service. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the payment information and customer service review are received from an application running on a mobile device. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the payment information is received from an employee electronic device and the customer service review is received from an application running on a mobile device. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the customer service review is received from a third-party source. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the customer service review is authenticated by matching the payment information from the customer with customer information stored by the service provider. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the customer service review is authenticated by matching the payment information from the customer with information in the customer service review. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the information in the customer service review which is matched with the payment information includes at least one of: a customer name, a date of performance of the service, a location of the service and a name of an employee of the service provider which provided the service. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the customer service review is directed to an employee who performed the service. 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying the authenticated review on a website with an indication of the authenticity of the customer service review. 10. A method of authenticating online customer service reviews, comprising:
receiving at least one customer service review relating to a service performed for a customer by a service provider; selecting at least one unique customer identifier for authenticating the at least one customer service review; determining whether the at least one unique customer identifier matches information about the service performed for the customer by the service provider; and authenticating the at least one customer service review as being created by the customer which received the service if the at least one unique customer identifier matches the information about the service performed for the customer by the service provider. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the unique customer identifier is selected from at least one of: a customer name, a customer address, a credit card number, a payment amount for the service, a customer biometric indicator, a customer gesture, a customer passcode, a location of a customer mobile device in relation to an address where the service was performed and a location of a customer mobile device in relation to a location of an employee mobile device of an employee that performed the service. 12. The method of claim 10, wherein the unique identifier and customer service review are received from an application running on a mobile device. 13. The method of claim 10, wherein the unique identifier and customer service review are received from different sources. 14. The method of claim 10, wherein the customer service review is received from a third-party review source. 15. The method of claim 10, wherein the customer service review is directed to an employee who performed the service. 16. The method of claim 10, further comprising displaying the authenticated review on a website with an indication of the authenticity of the customer service review. 17. The method of claim 10, further comprising displaying a customer service review which has not been authenticated with an indication of the lack of authenticity of the customer service review. 18. The method of claim 10, further comprising prompting the customer for a referral if the customer service review is a positive review. | Systems and methods are provided for authenticating online customer service reviews using unique customer identifiers such as payment data and location data. A customer authentication process is performed before or after a customer who obtains a service from a particular employee of a service provider is asked to complete a review of the employee to verify that the customer completing the review is the customer that received the service from the employee. A payment-based authentication process will check the payment information to determine if the customer's payment information matches their customer review profile, while a location-based authentication process will determine whether the user's mobile device is in the location where the service was performed. Once the authentication process verifies that the customer creating the review, the resulting online customer service review can be identified as an authentic customer review of the service provider, employee and the service.1. A method of authenticating online customer service reviews, comprising:
receiving payment information from a customer for a service by a service provider; prompting the customer to complete a customer service review upon receipt of the payment information; receiving a customer service review from the customer in response to the prompt; and authenticating the customer service review as being created by the customer which received the service. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the payment information and customer service review are received from an application running on a mobile device. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the payment information is received from an employee electronic device and the customer service review is received from an application running on a mobile device. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the customer service review is received from a third-party source. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the customer service review is authenticated by matching the payment information from the customer with customer information stored by the service provider. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the customer service review is authenticated by matching the payment information from the customer with information in the customer service review. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the information in the customer service review which is matched with the payment information includes at least one of: a customer name, a date of performance of the service, a location of the service and a name of an employee of the service provider which provided the service. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the customer service review is directed to an employee who performed the service. 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying the authenticated review on a website with an indication of the authenticity of the customer service review. 10. A method of authenticating online customer service reviews, comprising:
receiving at least one customer service review relating to a service performed for a customer by a service provider; selecting at least one unique customer identifier for authenticating the at least one customer service review; determining whether the at least one unique customer identifier matches information about the service performed for the customer by the service provider; and authenticating the at least one customer service review as being created by the customer which received the service if the at least one unique customer identifier matches the information about the service performed for the customer by the service provider. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the unique customer identifier is selected from at least one of: a customer name, a customer address, a credit card number, a payment amount for the service, a customer biometric indicator, a customer gesture, a customer passcode, a location of a customer mobile device in relation to an address where the service was performed and a location of a customer mobile device in relation to a location of an employee mobile device of an employee that performed the service. 12. The method of claim 10, wherein the unique identifier and customer service review are received from an application running on a mobile device. 13. The method of claim 10, wherein the unique identifier and customer service review are received from different sources. 14. The method of claim 10, wherein the customer service review is received from a third-party review source. 15. The method of claim 10, wherein the customer service review is directed to an employee who performed the service. 16. The method of claim 10, further comprising displaying the authenticated review on a website with an indication of the authenticity of the customer service review. 17. The method of claim 10, further comprising displaying a customer service review which has not been authenticated with an indication of the lack of authenticity of the customer service review. 18. The method of claim 10, further comprising prompting the customer for a referral if the customer service review is a positive review. | 3,600 |
12,595 | 12,595 | 14,498,703 | 3,662 | Methods, systems, and computer program products for generating estimates of failure risk for a vehicular component are provided herein. A method includes splitting an input time series pertaining to a vehicular component across a fleet of multiple vehicles into multiple sub-time series, wherein each sub-time series comprises multiple data points of the input time series that correspond to measurements derived from the vehicular component; determining a weight applied to each of the sub-time series based on a pre-determined weight associated with the input time series; applying a failure or non-failure classification label to each of the sub-time series and the input time series; calculating a performance measure for the input time series; determining an updated weight associated with the input time series; and generating an estimate of failure risk for the vehicular component based on the classification label applied to each input time series and the updated weight. | 1. A method comprising the following steps:
splitting an input time series pertaining to a vehicular component across a fleet of multiple vehicles into multiple sub-time series, wherein each of the multiple sub-time series comprises multiple data points of the input time series that correspond to one of multiple measurements derived from the vehicular component; determining a weight applied to each of the multiple sub-time series based on a pre-determined weight associated with the input time series, wherein said determining comprises associating the pre-determined weight associated with the input time series with each of the multiple sub-time series; applying one of two classification labels to each of the multiple sub-time series based on a relationship of the data points of the given sub-time series and a selected threshold value, wherein the classification labels comprise (i) associated with a failure of the vehicular component and (ii) not associated with a failure of the vehicular component; applying one of the two classification labels to the input time series to correspond to the label applied to a majority of the multiple sub-time series; calculating a performance measure for the input time series based on (i) the weight applied to each of the multiple sub-time series, and (ii) a determination as to whether the correct classification label has been applied to each of the multiple sub-time series; determining an updated weight associated with the input time series based on (i) the pre-determined weight associated with the input time series, (ii) the weight applied to each of the multiple sub-time series, and/or (iii) the performance measure; and generating an estimate of failure risk for the vehicular component based on (i) the classification label applied to each input time series and (ii) the updated weight associated with the input time series; wherein at least one of the steps is carried out by a computing device. 2. The method of claim 1, comprising:
obtaining the input time series pertaining to the vehicular component across the fleet of multiple vehicles, wherein the input time series comprises multiple data points, and wherein the multiple data points comprise a collection of multiple measurements derived from the vehicular component across the fleet of multiple vehicles. 3. The method of claim 1, comprising:
repeating all of said steps for a given number of additional input time series pertaining to the vehicular component. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein said determining an updated weight associated with the input time series comprises calculating w*exp(p), if any of the one or more sub-time series is classified incorrectly, and reusing the pre-determined weight otherwise, wherein (w) represents the pre-determined weight and (p) represents the performance measure. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein said pre-determined weight comprises a uniform weight for all input time series pertaining to the vehicular component. 6. A computer program product, the computer program product comprising a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith, the program instructions executable by a computing device to cause the computing device to carry out the steps of claim 1. 7. A system comprising a memory, and at least one processor coupled to the memory and configured for carrying out the steps of claim 1. 8. A method comprising the following steps:
splitting an input time series pertaining to a vehicular component across a fleet of multiple vehicles into multiple sub-time series, wherein each of the multiple sub-time series comprises multiple data points of the input time series that correspond to one of multiple measurements derived from the vehicular component; determining a weight applied to each of the multiple sub-time series based on a pre-determined weight associated with the input time series, wherein said determining comprises evenly distributing the pre-determined weight associated with the input time series across the multiple sub-time series; applying one of two classification labels to each of the multiple sub-time series based on a relationship of the data points of the given sub-time series and a selected threshold value, wherein the classification labels comprise (i) associated with a failure of the vehicular component and (ii) not associated with a failure of the vehicular component; applying one of the two classification labels to the input time series to correspond to the label applied to a majority of the multiple sub-time series; calculating a performance measure for the input time series based on (i) the weight applied to each of the multiple sub-time series, and (ii) a determination as to whether the correct classification label has been applied to each of the multiple sub-time series; determining an updated weight associated with the input time series based on (i) the pre-determined weight associated with the input time series, (ii) the weight applied to each of the multiple sub-time series, and/or (iii) the performance measure; and generating an estimate of failure risk for the vehicular component based on (i) the classification label applied to each input time series and (ii) the updated weight associated with the input time series; wherein at least one of the steps is carried out by a computing device. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein said determining an updated weight (w) associated with the input time series comprises calculating:
w
=
∑
all
sub
-
time
series
{
assigned
weight
to
a
given
sub
-
time
series
*
exp
(
p
)
,
if
the
given
sub
-
time
series
is
classified
wrongly
and
w
=
∑
all
sub
-
time
series
{
assigned
weights
to
the
given
sub
-
time
series
,
otherwise
,
wherein (p) represents the performance measure. 10. The method of claim 8, wherein said pre-determined weight comprises a uniform weight for all input time series pertaining to the vehicular component. 11. A computer program product, the computer program product comprising a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith, the program instructions executable by a computing device to cause the computing device to carry out the steps of claim 8. 12. A system comprising a memory, and at least one processor coupled to the memory and configured for carrying out the steps of claim 8. 13. A method comprising the following steps:
splitting an input time series pertaining to a vehicular component across a fleet of multiple vehicles into multiple sub-time series, wherein each of the multiple sub-time series comprises multiple data points of the input time series that correspond to one of multiple measurements derived from the vehicular component; determining a weight applied to each of the multiple sub-time series based on a pre-determined weight associated with the input time series, wherein said determining comprises distributing the pre-determined weight associated with the input time series to each of the multiple sub-time series inversely proportional to the length of each of the multiple sub-time series; applying one of two classification labels to each of the multiple sub-time series based on a relationship of the data points of the given sub-time series and a selected threshold value, wherein the classification labels comprise (i) associated with a failure of the vehicular component and (ii) not associated with a failure of the vehicular component; applying one of the two classification labels to the input time series to correspond to the label applied to a majority of the multiple sub-time series; calculating a performance measure for the input time series based on (i) the weight applied to each of the multiple sub-time series, and (ii) a determination as to whether the correct classification label has been applied to each of the multiple sub-time series; determining an updated weight associated with the input time series based on (i) the pre-determined weight associated with the input time series, (ii) the weight applied to each of the multiple sub-time series, and/or (iii) the performance measure; and generating an estimate of failure risk for the vehicular component based on (i) the classification label applied to each input time series and (ii) the updated weight associated with the input time series; wherein at least one of the steps is carried out by a computing device. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein said determining an updated weight (w) associated with the input time series comprises calculating:
w
=
∑
all
sub
-
time
series
{
assigned
weight
to
a
given
sub
-
time
series
*
exp
(
p
)
,
if
the
given
sub
-
time
series
is
classified
wrongly
and
w
=
∑
all
sub
-
time
series
{
assigned
weights
to
the
given
sub
-
time
series
,
otherwise
,
wherein (p) represents the performance measure. 15. The method of claim 13, wherein said pre-determined weight comprises a uniform weight for all input time series pertaining to the vehicular component. 16. A computer program product, the computer program product comprising a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith, the program instructions executable by a computing device to cause the computing device to carry out the steps of claim 13. 17. A system comprising a memory, and at least one processor coupled to the memory and configured for carrying out the steps of claim 13. 18. A method comprising the following steps:
splitting an input time series pertaining to a vehicular component across a fleet of multiple vehicles into multiple sub-time series, wherein each of the multiple sub-time series comprises multiple data points of the input time series that correspond to one of multiple measurements derived from the vehicular component; determining a weight applied to each of the multiple sub-time series based on a pre-determined weight associated with the input time series, wherein said determining comprises distributing the pre-determined weight associated with the input time series exclusively to the temporally last of the multiple sub-time series; applying one of two classification labels to each of the multiple sub-time series based on a relationship of the data points of the given sub-time series and a selected threshold value, wherein the classification labels comprise (i) associated with a failure of the vehicular component and (ii) not associated with a failure of the vehicular component; applying one of the two classification labels to the input time series to correspond to the label applied to a majority of the multiple sub-time series; calculating a performance measure for the input time series based on (i) the weight applied to each of the multiple sub-time series, and (ii) a determination as to whether the correct classification label has been applied to each of the multiple sub-time series; determining an updated weight associated with the input time series based on (i) the pre-determined weight associated with the input time series, (ii) the weight applied to each of the multiple sub-time series, and/or (iii) the performance measure; and generating an estimate of failure risk for the vehicular component based on (i) the classification label applied to each input time series and (ii) the updated weight associated with the input time series; wherein at least one of the steps is carried out by a computing device. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein said determining an updated weight associated with the input time series comprises: calculating w*exp(p), if the last of the multiple sub-time series is classified incorrectly and reusing the pre-determined weight otherwise, wherein (w) represents the pre-determined weight and (p) represents the performance measure. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein said pre-determined weight comprises a uniform weight for all input time series pertaining to the vehicular component. 21. A computer program product, the computer program product comprising a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith, the program instructions executable by a computing device to cause the computing device to carry out the steps of claim 18. 22. A system comprising a memory, and at least one processor coupled to the memory and configured for carrying out the steps of claim 18. | Methods, systems, and computer program products for generating estimates of failure risk for a vehicular component are provided herein. A method includes splitting an input time series pertaining to a vehicular component across a fleet of multiple vehicles into multiple sub-time series, wherein each sub-time series comprises multiple data points of the input time series that correspond to measurements derived from the vehicular component; determining a weight applied to each of the sub-time series based on a pre-determined weight associated with the input time series; applying a failure or non-failure classification label to each of the sub-time series and the input time series; calculating a performance measure for the input time series; determining an updated weight associated with the input time series; and generating an estimate of failure risk for the vehicular component based on the classification label applied to each input time series and the updated weight.1. A method comprising the following steps:
splitting an input time series pertaining to a vehicular component across a fleet of multiple vehicles into multiple sub-time series, wherein each of the multiple sub-time series comprises multiple data points of the input time series that correspond to one of multiple measurements derived from the vehicular component; determining a weight applied to each of the multiple sub-time series based on a pre-determined weight associated with the input time series, wherein said determining comprises associating the pre-determined weight associated with the input time series with each of the multiple sub-time series; applying one of two classification labels to each of the multiple sub-time series based on a relationship of the data points of the given sub-time series and a selected threshold value, wherein the classification labels comprise (i) associated with a failure of the vehicular component and (ii) not associated with a failure of the vehicular component; applying one of the two classification labels to the input time series to correspond to the label applied to a majority of the multiple sub-time series; calculating a performance measure for the input time series based on (i) the weight applied to each of the multiple sub-time series, and (ii) a determination as to whether the correct classification label has been applied to each of the multiple sub-time series; determining an updated weight associated with the input time series based on (i) the pre-determined weight associated with the input time series, (ii) the weight applied to each of the multiple sub-time series, and/or (iii) the performance measure; and generating an estimate of failure risk for the vehicular component based on (i) the classification label applied to each input time series and (ii) the updated weight associated with the input time series; wherein at least one of the steps is carried out by a computing device. 2. The method of claim 1, comprising:
obtaining the input time series pertaining to the vehicular component across the fleet of multiple vehicles, wherein the input time series comprises multiple data points, and wherein the multiple data points comprise a collection of multiple measurements derived from the vehicular component across the fleet of multiple vehicles. 3. The method of claim 1, comprising:
repeating all of said steps for a given number of additional input time series pertaining to the vehicular component. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein said determining an updated weight associated with the input time series comprises calculating w*exp(p), if any of the one or more sub-time series is classified incorrectly, and reusing the pre-determined weight otherwise, wherein (w) represents the pre-determined weight and (p) represents the performance measure. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein said pre-determined weight comprises a uniform weight for all input time series pertaining to the vehicular component. 6. A computer program product, the computer program product comprising a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith, the program instructions executable by a computing device to cause the computing device to carry out the steps of claim 1. 7. A system comprising a memory, and at least one processor coupled to the memory and configured for carrying out the steps of claim 1. 8. A method comprising the following steps:
splitting an input time series pertaining to a vehicular component across a fleet of multiple vehicles into multiple sub-time series, wherein each of the multiple sub-time series comprises multiple data points of the input time series that correspond to one of multiple measurements derived from the vehicular component; determining a weight applied to each of the multiple sub-time series based on a pre-determined weight associated with the input time series, wherein said determining comprises evenly distributing the pre-determined weight associated with the input time series across the multiple sub-time series; applying one of two classification labels to each of the multiple sub-time series based on a relationship of the data points of the given sub-time series and a selected threshold value, wherein the classification labels comprise (i) associated with a failure of the vehicular component and (ii) not associated with a failure of the vehicular component; applying one of the two classification labels to the input time series to correspond to the label applied to a majority of the multiple sub-time series; calculating a performance measure for the input time series based on (i) the weight applied to each of the multiple sub-time series, and (ii) a determination as to whether the correct classification label has been applied to each of the multiple sub-time series; determining an updated weight associated with the input time series based on (i) the pre-determined weight associated with the input time series, (ii) the weight applied to each of the multiple sub-time series, and/or (iii) the performance measure; and generating an estimate of failure risk for the vehicular component based on (i) the classification label applied to each input time series and (ii) the updated weight associated with the input time series; wherein at least one of the steps is carried out by a computing device. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein said determining an updated weight (w) associated with the input time series comprises calculating:
w
=
∑
all
sub
-
time
series
{
assigned
weight
to
a
given
sub
-
time
series
*
exp
(
p
)
,
if
the
given
sub
-
time
series
is
classified
wrongly
and
w
=
∑
all
sub
-
time
series
{
assigned
weights
to
the
given
sub
-
time
series
,
otherwise
,
wherein (p) represents the performance measure. 10. The method of claim 8, wherein said pre-determined weight comprises a uniform weight for all input time series pertaining to the vehicular component. 11. A computer program product, the computer program product comprising a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith, the program instructions executable by a computing device to cause the computing device to carry out the steps of claim 8. 12. A system comprising a memory, and at least one processor coupled to the memory and configured for carrying out the steps of claim 8. 13. A method comprising the following steps:
splitting an input time series pertaining to a vehicular component across a fleet of multiple vehicles into multiple sub-time series, wherein each of the multiple sub-time series comprises multiple data points of the input time series that correspond to one of multiple measurements derived from the vehicular component; determining a weight applied to each of the multiple sub-time series based on a pre-determined weight associated with the input time series, wherein said determining comprises distributing the pre-determined weight associated with the input time series to each of the multiple sub-time series inversely proportional to the length of each of the multiple sub-time series; applying one of two classification labels to each of the multiple sub-time series based on a relationship of the data points of the given sub-time series and a selected threshold value, wherein the classification labels comprise (i) associated with a failure of the vehicular component and (ii) not associated with a failure of the vehicular component; applying one of the two classification labels to the input time series to correspond to the label applied to a majority of the multiple sub-time series; calculating a performance measure for the input time series based on (i) the weight applied to each of the multiple sub-time series, and (ii) a determination as to whether the correct classification label has been applied to each of the multiple sub-time series; determining an updated weight associated with the input time series based on (i) the pre-determined weight associated with the input time series, (ii) the weight applied to each of the multiple sub-time series, and/or (iii) the performance measure; and generating an estimate of failure risk for the vehicular component based on (i) the classification label applied to each input time series and (ii) the updated weight associated with the input time series; wherein at least one of the steps is carried out by a computing device. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein said determining an updated weight (w) associated with the input time series comprises calculating:
w
=
∑
all
sub
-
time
series
{
assigned
weight
to
a
given
sub
-
time
series
*
exp
(
p
)
,
if
the
given
sub
-
time
series
is
classified
wrongly
and
w
=
∑
all
sub
-
time
series
{
assigned
weights
to
the
given
sub
-
time
series
,
otherwise
,
wherein (p) represents the performance measure. 15. The method of claim 13, wherein said pre-determined weight comprises a uniform weight for all input time series pertaining to the vehicular component. 16. A computer program product, the computer program product comprising a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith, the program instructions executable by a computing device to cause the computing device to carry out the steps of claim 13. 17. A system comprising a memory, and at least one processor coupled to the memory and configured for carrying out the steps of claim 13. 18. A method comprising the following steps:
splitting an input time series pertaining to a vehicular component across a fleet of multiple vehicles into multiple sub-time series, wherein each of the multiple sub-time series comprises multiple data points of the input time series that correspond to one of multiple measurements derived from the vehicular component; determining a weight applied to each of the multiple sub-time series based on a pre-determined weight associated with the input time series, wherein said determining comprises distributing the pre-determined weight associated with the input time series exclusively to the temporally last of the multiple sub-time series; applying one of two classification labels to each of the multiple sub-time series based on a relationship of the data points of the given sub-time series and a selected threshold value, wherein the classification labels comprise (i) associated with a failure of the vehicular component and (ii) not associated with a failure of the vehicular component; applying one of the two classification labels to the input time series to correspond to the label applied to a majority of the multiple sub-time series; calculating a performance measure for the input time series based on (i) the weight applied to each of the multiple sub-time series, and (ii) a determination as to whether the correct classification label has been applied to each of the multiple sub-time series; determining an updated weight associated with the input time series based on (i) the pre-determined weight associated with the input time series, (ii) the weight applied to each of the multiple sub-time series, and/or (iii) the performance measure; and generating an estimate of failure risk for the vehicular component based on (i) the classification label applied to each input time series and (ii) the updated weight associated with the input time series; wherein at least one of the steps is carried out by a computing device. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein said determining an updated weight associated with the input time series comprises: calculating w*exp(p), if the last of the multiple sub-time series is classified incorrectly and reusing the pre-determined weight otherwise, wherein (w) represents the pre-determined weight and (p) represents the performance measure. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein said pre-determined weight comprises a uniform weight for all input time series pertaining to the vehicular component. 21. A computer program product, the computer program product comprising a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith, the program instructions executable by a computing device to cause the computing device to carry out the steps of claim 18. 22. A system comprising a memory, and at least one processor coupled to the memory and configured for carrying out the steps of claim 18. | 3,600 |
12,596 | 12,596 | 13,560,834 | 3,681 | Systems and methods are provided the for presentation of links to content to a user on webpages of a website where titles associated with the links are tuned to the user's psychographic variables. In one embodiment, a respective plurality of titles is generated for each of a plurality of content items. At least some titles are tagged with psychographic tags. When a user accesses content by selecting a link having a title that is tagged with one or more psychographic tags, the system stores a representation of such tags in association with the user. When additional links for recommended content are displayed to the user, the system selects titles for links to such content based on psychographic tags associated with the user and the titles. | 1. A method comprising:
generating, using a computing device, a respective plurality of titles for each content item of a plurality of content items; tagging, using the computing device, for each of at least a subset of the plurality of content items, at least one of the respective plurality of titles of the respective content item with at least one respective psychographic tag; causing, using the computing device, a first link to be displayed to a user on a webpage of a first website in response to a first request for recommended content that matches a first one of the plurality of content items, wherein the link is displayed using a selected one title of the plurality of titles of the first one of the plurality of content items, wherein the selected one title of the plurality of titles of the first one of the plurality of content items is tagged with at least a first psychographic tag; detecting, using the computing device, a selection of the first link by the user; associating, using the computing device, the user with the at least a first psychographic tag. 2. The method of claim 1 further comprising:
causing, using the computing device, a second link to be displayed to a user on a webpage of a second website in response to a second request for recommended content that matches a selected second one of the plurality of content items, wherein the link is displayed using a selected one title of the plurality of titles of the second one of the plurality of content items, wherein the selected one title of the plurality of titles of the second one of the plurality of content items is tagged with at least a second psychographic tag,
wherein the selected one title of the plurality of titles of the second one of the plurality of content items is selected based on the at least a first psychographic tag and the at least a second psychographic tag. 3. The method of claim 2 wherein the selected one title of the plurality of titles of the second one of the plurality of content items is further tagged with at least a third psychographic title, the method further comprising:
detecting, using the computing device, a selection of the second link by the user;
associating, using the computing device, the user with the at least a third psychographic tag. 3. The method of claim 2 wherein the first psychographic tag and the second psychographic tag are each of a respective psychographic type selected from the list: tone, format, descriptive, motives, structural. 4. The method of claim 1 wherein associating the user with the at least a first psychographic tag comprises storing, using the computing device, a representation of the psychographic tag to a database accessible to the computing device in association with the user. 5. The method of claim 1 wherein associating the user with the at least a first psychographic tag comprises causing, using the computing device, a representation of the psychographic tag to be stored to a user device in a data storage format. 6. The method of claim 5 wherein the data storage format is a cookie. 7. The method of claim 2 wherein the first request is received from the first website in response to displaying the webpage of the first website to the user, and the second request is received from the second website in response to displaying the webpage of the second website to the user. 8. The method of claim 2 wherein the selected one title of the plurality of titles of the second one of the plurality of content items is selected where the first psychographic tag matches the at least a second psychographic tag. 9. The method of claim 2 wherein the selected one title of the plurality of titles of the second one of the plurality of content items is selected where the first psychographic tag matches the at least a second psychographic tag. 10. The method of claim 2 wherein at least two titles of the plurality of titles of the second one of the plurality of content items is tagged with a respective psychographic tag that matches the first psychographic tag and the selected one title of the plurality of titles of the second one of the plurality of content items is selected from the least two titles of the plurality of titles of the second one of the plurality of content items where the selected title is a best match. 11. The method of claim 10 wherein the selected title is a best match where the selected title is associated with a greater number of psychographic tags that match psychographic tags associated with the user than any other titles of the plurality of titles of the second one of the plurality of content items. 12. The method of claim 10 wherein the selected title is a best match where the selected title is associated with a psychographic tag that matches a psychographic tag associated with the user that has a greater weight than any other matching psychographic tag associated with the user. 13. The method of claim 2 wherein at least two titles of the plurality of titles of the second one of the plurality of content items is tagged with a respective psychographic tag that matches the first psychographic tag and the selected one title of the plurality of titles of the second one of the plurality of content items is randomly selected from the least two titles of the plurality of titles of the second one of the plurality of content items. 14. The method of claim 1 wherein selected one title of the plurality of titles of the first one of the plurality of content items is selected randomly. 15. The method of claim 1 wherein selected one title of the plurality of titles of the first one of the plurality of content items is selected using a methodology specified by an owner of the first website. 16. The method of claim 2 wherein selected one title of the plurality of titles of the first one of the plurality of content items is selected based, at least in part, on at least a third psychographic tag associated with the user. 17. A machine readable media embodying instructions for a widget embedded in a webpage, the instructions causing a data processing system to perform a method, the method comprising:
generating a respective plurality of titles for each content item of a plurality of content items; tagging, for each of at least a subset of the plurality of content items, at least one of the respective plurality of titles of the respective content item with at least one respective psychographic tag; causing a first link to be displayed to a user on a webpage of a first website in response to a first request for recommended content that matches a first one of the plurality of content items, wherein the link is displayed using a selected one title of the plurality of titles of the first one of the plurality of content items, wherein the selected one title of the plurality of titles of the first one of the plurality of content items is tagged with at least a first psychographic tag; detecting a selection of the first link by the user; associating the user with the at least a first psychographic tag. 18. The machine readable media of claim 17 further comprising:
causing a second link to be displayed to a user on a webpage of a second website in response to a second request for recommended content that matches a selected second one of the plurality of content items, wherein the link is displayed using a selected one title of the plurality of titles of the second one of the plurality of content items, wherein the selected one title of the plurality of titles of the second one of the plurality of content items is tagged with at least a second psychographic tag,
wherein the selected one title of the plurality of titles of the second one of the plurality of content items is selected based on the at least a first psychographic tag and the at least a second psychographic tag. 19. A computer system comprising:
a memory; and at least one processor coupled to the memory to:
generate a respective plurality of titles for each content item of a plurality of content items;
tag, for each of at least a subset of the plurality of content items, at least one of the respective plurality of titles of the respective content item with at least one respective psychographic tag;
causing a first link to be displayed to a user on a webpage of a first website in response to a first request for recommended content that matches a first one of the plurality of content items, wherein the link is displayed using a selected one title of the plurality of titles of the first one of the plurality of content items, wherein the selected one title of the plurality of titles of the first one of the plurality of content items is tagged with at least a first psychographic tag;
detect a selection of the first link by the user;
associate the user with the at least a first psychographic tag. 20. The computer system of claim 19 wherein the processor is further configured to:
cause a second link to be displayed to a user on a webpage of a second website in response to a second request for recommended content that matches a selected second one of the plurality of content items, wherein the link is displayed using a one title of the plurality of titles of the second one of the plurality of content items, wherein the selected one title of the plurality of titles of the second one of the plurality of content items is tagged with at least a second psychographic tag,
wherein the selected one title of the plurality of titles of the second one of the plurality of content items is selected based on the at least a first psychographic tag and the at least a second psychographic tag. | Systems and methods are provided the for presentation of links to content to a user on webpages of a website where titles associated with the links are tuned to the user's psychographic variables. In one embodiment, a respective plurality of titles is generated for each of a plurality of content items. At least some titles are tagged with psychographic tags. When a user accesses content by selecting a link having a title that is tagged with one or more psychographic tags, the system stores a representation of such tags in association with the user. When additional links for recommended content are displayed to the user, the system selects titles for links to such content based on psychographic tags associated with the user and the titles.1. A method comprising:
generating, using a computing device, a respective plurality of titles for each content item of a plurality of content items; tagging, using the computing device, for each of at least a subset of the plurality of content items, at least one of the respective plurality of titles of the respective content item with at least one respective psychographic tag; causing, using the computing device, a first link to be displayed to a user on a webpage of a first website in response to a first request for recommended content that matches a first one of the plurality of content items, wherein the link is displayed using a selected one title of the plurality of titles of the first one of the plurality of content items, wherein the selected one title of the plurality of titles of the first one of the plurality of content items is tagged with at least a first psychographic tag; detecting, using the computing device, a selection of the first link by the user; associating, using the computing device, the user with the at least a first psychographic tag. 2. The method of claim 1 further comprising:
causing, using the computing device, a second link to be displayed to a user on a webpage of a second website in response to a second request for recommended content that matches a selected second one of the plurality of content items, wherein the link is displayed using a selected one title of the plurality of titles of the second one of the plurality of content items, wherein the selected one title of the plurality of titles of the second one of the plurality of content items is tagged with at least a second psychographic tag,
wherein the selected one title of the plurality of titles of the second one of the plurality of content items is selected based on the at least a first psychographic tag and the at least a second psychographic tag. 3. The method of claim 2 wherein the selected one title of the plurality of titles of the second one of the plurality of content items is further tagged with at least a third psychographic title, the method further comprising:
detecting, using the computing device, a selection of the second link by the user;
associating, using the computing device, the user with the at least a third psychographic tag. 3. The method of claim 2 wherein the first psychographic tag and the second psychographic tag are each of a respective psychographic type selected from the list: tone, format, descriptive, motives, structural. 4. The method of claim 1 wherein associating the user with the at least a first psychographic tag comprises storing, using the computing device, a representation of the psychographic tag to a database accessible to the computing device in association with the user. 5. The method of claim 1 wherein associating the user with the at least a first psychographic tag comprises causing, using the computing device, a representation of the psychographic tag to be stored to a user device in a data storage format. 6. The method of claim 5 wherein the data storage format is a cookie. 7. The method of claim 2 wherein the first request is received from the first website in response to displaying the webpage of the first website to the user, and the second request is received from the second website in response to displaying the webpage of the second website to the user. 8. The method of claim 2 wherein the selected one title of the plurality of titles of the second one of the plurality of content items is selected where the first psychographic tag matches the at least a second psychographic tag. 9. The method of claim 2 wherein the selected one title of the plurality of titles of the second one of the plurality of content items is selected where the first psychographic tag matches the at least a second psychographic tag. 10. The method of claim 2 wherein at least two titles of the plurality of titles of the second one of the plurality of content items is tagged with a respective psychographic tag that matches the first psychographic tag and the selected one title of the plurality of titles of the second one of the plurality of content items is selected from the least two titles of the plurality of titles of the second one of the plurality of content items where the selected title is a best match. 11. The method of claim 10 wherein the selected title is a best match where the selected title is associated with a greater number of psychographic tags that match psychographic tags associated with the user than any other titles of the plurality of titles of the second one of the plurality of content items. 12. The method of claim 10 wherein the selected title is a best match where the selected title is associated with a psychographic tag that matches a psychographic tag associated with the user that has a greater weight than any other matching psychographic tag associated with the user. 13. The method of claim 2 wherein at least two titles of the plurality of titles of the second one of the plurality of content items is tagged with a respective psychographic tag that matches the first psychographic tag and the selected one title of the plurality of titles of the second one of the plurality of content items is randomly selected from the least two titles of the plurality of titles of the second one of the plurality of content items. 14. The method of claim 1 wherein selected one title of the plurality of titles of the first one of the plurality of content items is selected randomly. 15. The method of claim 1 wherein selected one title of the plurality of titles of the first one of the plurality of content items is selected using a methodology specified by an owner of the first website. 16. The method of claim 2 wherein selected one title of the plurality of titles of the first one of the plurality of content items is selected based, at least in part, on at least a third psychographic tag associated with the user. 17. A machine readable media embodying instructions for a widget embedded in a webpage, the instructions causing a data processing system to perform a method, the method comprising:
generating a respective plurality of titles for each content item of a plurality of content items; tagging, for each of at least a subset of the plurality of content items, at least one of the respective plurality of titles of the respective content item with at least one respective psychographic tag; causing a first link to be displayed to a user on a webpage of a first website in response to a first request for recommended content that matches a first one of the plurality of content items, wherein the link is displayed using a selected one title of the plurality of titles of the first one of the plurality of content items, wherein the selected one title of the plurality of titles of the first one of the plurality of content items is tagged with at least a first psychographic tag; detecting a selection of the first link by the user; associating the user with the at least a first psychographic tag. 18. The machine readable media of claim 17 further comprising:
causing a second link to be displayed to a user on a webpage of a second website in response to a second request for recommended content that matches a selected second one of the plurality of content items, wherein the link is displayed using a selected one title of the plurality of titles of the second one of the plurality of content items, wherein the selected one title of the plurality of titles of the second one of the plurality of content items is tagged with at least a second psychographic tag,
wherein the selected one title of the plurality of titles of the second one of the plurality of content items is selected based on the at least a first psychographic tag and the at least a second psychographic tag. 19. A computer system comprising:
a memory; and at least one processor coupled to the memory to:
generate a respective plurality of titles for each content item of a plurality of content items;
tag, for each of at least a subset of the plurality of content items, at least one of the respective plurality of titles of the respective content item with at least one respective psychographic tag;
causing a first link to be displayed to a user on a webpage of a first website in response to a first request for recommended content that matches a first one of the plurality of content items, wherein the link is displayed using a selected one title of the plurality of titles of the first one of the plurality of content items, wherein the selected one title of the plurality of titles of the first one of the plurality of content items is tagged with at least a first psychographic tag;
detect a selection of the first link by the user;
associate the user with the at least a first psychographic tag. 20. The computer system of claim 19 wherein the processor is further configured to:
cause a second link to be displayed to a user on a webpage of a second website in response to a second request for recommended content that matches a selected second one of the plurality of content items, wherein the link is displayed using a one title of the plurality of titles of the second one of the plurality of content items, wherein the selected one title of the plurality of titles of the second one of the plurality of content items is tagged with at least a second psychographic tag,
wherein the selected one title of the plurality of titles of the second one of the plurality of content items is selected based on the at least a first psychographic tag and the at least a second psychographic tag. | 3,600 |
12,597 | 12,597 | 14,101,290 | 3,649 | A method, system and apparatus for delivering remote healthcare via a communication network. | 1. An apparatus for providing services between a recipient and a provider via a server over a communication network, the apparatus comprising:
a computer implemented processor configured for:
establishing a recipient session connection between a first terminal and said processor, over the communication network;
receiving recipient information from the first terminal, via the session connection;
establishing a provider session connection between a second terminal and said processor, over the communication network
receiving provider information from the second terminal, via the session connection;
establishing an examination session connection by connecting the recipient session connection with the provider session connection;
storing the recipient information in an first database record, as stored recipient information;
storing the provider information in a second database record, as stored participant information;
transmitting recipient information to the second terminal via the examination session connection;
displaying selective recipient information in a first graphical user interface (“GUI”) at the first terminal and in a second GUI at the second terminal; and
displaying selective provider information in the first GUI and in the second GUI,
wherein said recipient information comprises information received at the first terminal including audio-video data,
wherein said provider information comprises information received at the second terminal including audio-video data
wherein the recipient session connection comprises a virtual private network between the processor and the first terminal,
wherein the provider session connection comprises a virtual private network between the processor and the second terminal,
wherein the examination session connection comprises a virtual private network between the first terminal and the second terminal via said processor. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the examination session connection comprises a real-time/live (or near real-time/live) connection. 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein recipient information further comprises one or more of a data received from an input device, information received from one or more instruments. 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein participant information further comprises one or more of a data received from an input device, information received from one or more instruments. 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the communication network comprises one or more of a local area network, a wide area network, a world wide web network, an Intranet network, and an Internet network. 6. A method for providing healthcare delivery services over a communication network, the method comprising steps for:
establishing a recipient session connection between a first terminal and said processor, over the communication network; receiving recipient information from the first terminal, via the session connection; establishing a provider session connection between a second terminal and said processor, over the communication network receiving provider information from the second terminal, via the session connection; establishing an examination session connection by connecting the recipient session connection with the provider session connection; storing the recipient information in an first database record, as stored recipient information; storing the provider information in a second database record, as stored participant information; transmitting recipient information to the second terminal via the examination session connection; displaying selective recipient information in a first graphical user interface (“GUI”) at the first terminal and in a second GUI at the second terminal; and displaying selective provider information in the first GUI and in the second GUI, wherein said recipient information comprises information received at the first terminal including audio-video data, wherein said provider information comprises information received at the second terminal including audio-video data wherein the recipient session connection comprises a virtual private network between the processor and the first terminal, wherein the provider session connection comprises a virtual private network between the processor and the second terminal, wherein the examination session connection comprises a virtual private network between the first terminal and the second terminal via said processor. 7. A system for providing healthcare delivery services over a communication network, the system comprising:
a computer implemented processor unit configured for:
establishing a recipient session connection between a first terminal and said processor, over the communication network;
receiving recipient information from the first terminal, via the session connection;
establishing a provider session connection between a second terminal and said processor, over the communication network
receiving provider information from the second terminal, via the session connection;
establishing an examination session connection by connecting the recipient session connection with the provider session connection;
storing the recipient information in an first database record;
storing the provider information in a second database record;
transmitting recipient information to the second terminal via the examination session connection;
displaying selective recipient information in a first graphical user interface (“GUI”) at the first terminal and in a second GUI at the second terminal; and
displaying selective provider information in the first GUI and in the second GUI,
wherein said recipient information comprises information received at the first terminal including audio-video data,
wherein said provider information comprises information received at the second terminal including audio-video data
wherein the recipient session connection comprises a virtual private network between the processor and the first terminal,
wherein the provider session connection comprises a virtual private network between the processor and the second terminal,
wherein the examination session connection comprises a virtual private network between the first terminal and the second terminal via said processor. a data storage unit configured for:
storing the recipient information in an first database record, as stored recipient information;
storing the provider information in a second database record, as stored participant information; 8.-12. (canceled) 13. The system of claim 7, further comprising an instrument device coupled to the first terminal such that the instrument device receives monitoring data and transmits said monitoring data to the first terminal. 14. The system of claim 13, wherein instrument device receives monitoring data by receiving said monitoring data from the first terminal coupled to the instrument device. 15. The system of claim 13, further comprising receiving at least one control command from said second terminal, and transmitting said control command to the one or more instrument devices via said processor. 16. The system of claim 13, wherein said monitoring data comprises data received from said instrument device. | A method, system and apparatus for delivering remote healthcare via a communication network.1. An apparatus for providing services between a recipient and a provider via a server over a communication network, the apparatus comprising:
a computer implemented processor configured for:
establishing a recipient session connection between a first terminal and said processor, over the communication network;
receiving recipient information from the first terminal, via the session connection;
establishing a provider session connection between a second terminal and said processor, over the communication network
receiving provider information from the second terminal, via the session connection;
establishing an examination session connection by connecting the recipient session connection with the provider session connection;
storing the recipient information in an first database record, as stored recipient information;
storing the provider information in a second database record, as stored participant information;
transmitting recipient information to the second terminal via the examination session connection;
displaying selective recipient information in a first graphical user interface (“GUI”) at the first terminal and in a second GUI at the second terminal; and
displaying selective provider information in the first GUI and in the second GUI,
wherein said recipient information comprises information received at the first terminal including audio-video data,
wherein said provider information comprises information received at the second terminal including audio-video data
wherein the recipient session connection comprises a virtual private network between the processor and the first terminal,
wherein the provider session connection comprises a virtual private network between the processor and the second terminal,
wherein the examination session connection comprises a virtual private network between the first terminal and the second terminal via said processor. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the examination session connection comprises a real-time/live (or near real-time/live) connection. 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein recipient information further comprises one or more of a data received from an input device, information received from one or more instruments. 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein participant information further comprises one or more of a data received from an input device, information received from one or more instruments. 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the communication network comprises one or more of a local area network, a wide area network, a world wide web network, an Intranet network, and an Internet network. 6. A method for providing healthcare delivery services over a communication network, the method comprising steps for:
establishing a recipient session connection between a first terminal and said processor, over the communication network; receiving recipient information from the first terminal, via the session connection; establishing a provider session connection between a second terminal and said processor, over the communication network receiving provider information from the second terminal, via the session connection; establishing an examination session connection by connecting the recipient session connection with the provider session connection; storing the recipient information in an first database record, as stored recipient information; storing the provider information in a second database record, as stored participant information; transmitting recipient information to the second terminal via the examination session connection; displaying selective recipient information in a first graphical user interface (“GUI”) at the first terminal and in a second GUI at the second terminal; and displaying selective provider information in the first GUI and in the second GUI, wherein said recipient information comprises information received at the first terminal including audio-video data, wherein said provider information comprises information received at the second terminal including audio-video data wherein the recipient session connection comprises a virtual private network between the processor and the first terminal, wherein the provider session connection comprises a virtual private network between the processor and the second terminal, wherein the examination session connection comprises a virtual private network between the first terminal and the second terminal via said processor. 7. A system for providing healthcare delivery services over a communication network, the system comprising:
a computer implemented processor unit configured for:
establishing a recipient session connection between a first terminal and said processor, over the communication network;
receiving recipient information from the first terminal, via the session connection;
establishing a provider session connection between a second terminal and said processor, over the communication network
receiving provider information from the second terminal, via the session connection;
establishing an examination session connection by connecting the recipient session connection with the provider session connection;
storing the recipient information in an first database record;
storing the provider information in a second database record;
transmitting recipient information to the second terminal via the examination session connection;
displaying selective recipient information in a first graphical user interface (“GUI”) at the first terminal and in a second GUI at the second terminal; and
displaying selective provider information in the first GUI and in the second GUI,
wherein said recipient information comprises information received at the first terminal including audio-video data,
wherein said provider information comprises information received at the second terminal including audio-video data
wherein the recipient session connection comprises a virtual private network between the processor and the first terminal,
wherein the provider session connection comprises a virtual private network between the processor and the second terminal,
wherein the examination session connection comprises a virtual private network between the first terminal and the second terminal via said processor. a data storage unit configured for:
storing the recipient information in an first database record, as stored recipient information;
storing the provider information in a second database record, as stored participant information; 8.-12. (canceled) 13. The system of claim 7, further comprising an instrument device coupled to the first terminal such that the instrument device receives monitoring data and transmits said monitoring data to the first terminal. 14. The system of claim 13, wherein instrument device receives monitoring data by receiving said monitoring data from the first terminal coupled to the instrument device. 15. The system of claim 13, further comprising receiving at least one control command from said second terminal, and transmitting said control command to the one or more instrument devices via said processor. 16. The system of claim 13, wherein said monitoring data comprises data received from said instrument device. | 3,600 |
12,598 | 12,598 | 12,910,200 | 3,629 | A jewelry system and a method for selling jewelry. The jewelry system includes a piece of jewelry that is associated with an information booklet providing a story of formation of the piece and a website for registration of the piece. The initial story that is included in the information booklet includes history of formation of a gemstone used in the piece and the process of manufacture of the setting that lead to the finished product. The website permits the owners to add their personal story to the initial story of the piece. The method for selling the jewelry provides the jewelry, the information booklet and the website address to the buyer. Information regarding the piece is maintained at a server that is linked to the website and may be made available to future second-hand buyers of the piece and to family and friends of the owner. | 1. A jewelry system comprising:
a piece of jewelry; and an information tag associated with the piece of jewelry, wherein the piece of jewelry includes a setting and a gemstone, wherein the information tag has a unique one to one correlation with the piece of jewelry, the correlation being established by an identification code, wherein the information tag includes a history of formation and processing of the gemstone, a history of design and fabrication of the setting, and a history of manufacture of the piece of jewelry. 2. The jewelry system of claim 1,
wherein the piece of jewelry is selected from a group consisting of a ring, a necklace, a choker, a pendant, a bracelet, an anklet, and a tiara, wherein the ring includes a finger ring and rings used in pierced body parts. 3. The jewelry system of claim 1,
wherein the information tag is physically associated with the piece of jewelry. 4. The jewelry system of claim 1,
wherein the identification code is selected from a number, a name, an alphanumeric string, a bar code and a radio frequency identification code. 5. The jewelry system of claim 1,
wherein the gemstone is selected from a group consisting of one or more diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires, turquoises, and semi-precious stones. 6. The jewelry system of claim 1, further comprising:
a website having an address included on the information tag; and a server serving the website and including storage media for storing information entered at the website, wherein the website permits registration of the piece of jewelry at the website, and wherein additional information regarding the piece of jewelry entered to the website is stored at the server and remains associated with the piece of jewelry. 7. The jewelry system of claim 6,
wherein the registration of the piece of jewelry and the additional information regarding the piece of jewelry are made available to a seller and a buyer of the piece of jewelry and to third parties referring to the website. 8. The jewelry system of claim 7,
wherein the third parties include heirs of the buyer who inherit the piece of jewelry and future buyers who buy from the buyer. 9. The jewelry system of claim 6,
wherein the identification code is placed on a first number of parts forming the piece of jewelry including the setting and the gemstone, the gemstone including one or more gemstones of a same type or of various types, and wherein the registration of the piece of jewelry at the website certifies authenticity of the parts that include the identification code. 10. A method of selling jewelry, the jewelry including a setting and a gemstone, the method comprising:
providing the jewelry to a customer together with an information tag associated with the jewelry, the information tag reciting a story of the jewelry, the story including origins of and processes performed on the gemstone and the setting leading to manufacture of the jewelry as presented to the customer; and providing a website to the customer for registration of the jewelry, the website permitting the customer to enter personal information regarding purchase and use of the jewelry in order to personalize the story, wherein the jewelry and the information tag are associated and have a one to one relationship, the information tag uniquely identifying the jewelry. 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising:
manufacturing the information tag to recite the story. 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising:
manufacturing the jewelry. 13. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
establishing the website and storing the story on a storage medium in communication with the website. 14. The method of claim 10, further comprising:
associating the information tag with the jewelry via an identification code included on the information tag and on the jewelry, wherein the identification code is selected from a number, a name, an alphanumeric string, a bar code and a radio frequency identification code. 15. The method of claim 10, further comprising:
providing access to the story on the website for family and friends of the customer and future buyers of the jewelry from the customer. 16. The method of claim 10, further comprising:
certifying authenticity of the jewelry on the website for future buyers of the jewelry from the customer. 17. The method of claim 15,
wherein the access to the story for the family, the friends and the future buyers is provided via the identification code. 18. The method of claim 15,
wherein the access to the story for the family, the friends and the future buyers is provided via information regarding the gemstone, the setting or a current owner of the jewelry. 19. The method of claim 10,
wherein successive owners of the jewelry are identified on the website, and wherein stories of successive owners of the jewelry is provided on the website. 20. A method of personalized registration of jewelry pieces, the method comprising:
establishing a website for the registration; providing a server accessible from the website, the server for storing information associated with the jewelry pieces; providing access to a purchaser of a piece of jewelry to register the piece at the website; providing permission to the purchaser to add a personal story regarding the piece to the website; providing access to the information associated with the piece to a first group of visitors to the website; and providing access to the personal story to a second group of visitors to the website, wherein the first group includes potential second-hand buyers of the piece, wherein the second group includes friends and family of the purchaser, and wherein the first group and the second group are capable of overlapping. | A jewelry system and a method for selling jewelry. The jewelry system includes a piece of jewelry that is associated with an information booklet providing a story of formation of the piece and a website for registration of the piece. The initial story that is included in the information booklet includes history of formation of a gemstone used in the piece and the process of manufacture of the setting that lead to the finished product. The website permits the owners to add their personal story to the initial story of the piece. The method for selling the jewelry provides the jewelry, the information booklet and the website address to the buyer. Information regarding the piece is maintained at a server that is linked to the website and may be made available to future second-hand buyers of the piece and to family and friends of the owner.1. A jewelry system comprising:
a piece of jewelry; and an information tag associated with the piece of jewelry, wherein the piece of jewelry includes a setting and a gemstone, wherein the information tag has a unique one to one correlation with the piece of jewelry, the correlation being established by an identification code, wherein the information tag includes a history of formation and processing of the gemstone, a history of design and fabrication of the setting, and a history of manufacture of the piece of jewelry. 2. The jewelry system of claim 1,
wherein the piece of jewelry is selected from a group consisting of a ring, a necklace, a choker, a pendant, a bracelet, an anklet, and a tiara, wherein the ring includes a finger ring and rings used in pierced body parts. 3. The jewelry system of claim 1,
wherein the information tag is physically associated with the piece of jewelry. 4. The jewelry system of claim 1,
wherein the identification code is selected from a number, a name, an alphanumeric string, a bar code and a radio frequency identification code. 5. The jewelry system of claim 1,
wherein the gemstone is selected from a group consisting of one or more diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires, turquoises, and semi-precious stones. 6. The jewelry system of claim 1, further comprising:
a website having an address included on the information tag; and a server serving the website and including storage media for storing information entered at the website, wherein the website permits registration of the piece of jewelry at the website, and wherein additional information regarding the piece of jewelry entered to the website is stored at the server and remains associated with the piece of jewelry. 7. The jewelry system of claim 6,
wherein the registration of the piece of jewelry and the additional information regarding the piece of jewelry are made available to a seller and a buyer of the piece of jewelry and to third parties referring to the website. 8. The jewelry system of claim 7,
wherein the third parties include heirs of the buyer who inherit the piece of jewelry and future buyers who buy from the buyer. 9. The jewelry system of claim 6,
wherein the identification code is placed on a first number of parts forming the piece of jewelry including the setting and the gemstone, the gemstone including one or more gemstones of a same type or of various types, and wherein the registration of the piece of jewelry at the website certifies authenticity of the parts that include the identification code. 10. A method of selling jewelry, the jewelry including a setting and a gemstone, the method comprising:
providing the jewelry to a customer together with an information tag associated with the jewelry, the information tag reciting a story of the jewelry, the story including origins of and processes performed on the gemstone and the setting leading to manufacture of the jewelry as presented to the customer; and providing a website to the customer for registration of the jewelry, the website permitting the customer to enter personal information regarding purchase and use of the jewelry in order to personalize the story, wherein the jewelry and the information tag are associated and have a one to one relationship, the information tag uniquely identifying the jewelry. 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising:
manufacturing the information tag to recite the story. 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising:
manufacturing the jewelry. 13. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
establishing the website and storing the story on a storage medium in communication with the website. 14. The method of claim 10, further comprising:
associating the information tag with the jewelry via an identification code included on the information tag and on the jewelry, wherein the identification code is selected from a number, a name, an alphanumeric string, a bar code and a radio frequency identification code. 15. The method of claim 10, further comprising:
providing access to the story on the website for family and friends of the customer and future buyers of the jewelry from the customer. 16. The method of claim 10, further comprising:
certifying authenticity of the jewelry on the website for future buyers of the jewelry from the customer. 17. The method of claim 15,
wherein the access to the story for the family, the friends and the future buyers is provided via the identification code. 18. The method of claim 15,
wherein the access to the story for the family, the friends and the future buyers is provided via information regarding the gemstone, the setting or a current owner of the jewelry. 19. The method of claim 10,
wherein successive owners of the jewelry are identified on the website, and wherein stories of successive owners of the jewelry is provided on the website. 20. A method of personalized registration of jewelry pieces, the method comprising:
establishing a website for the registration; providing a server accessible from the website, the server for storing information associated with the jewelry pieces; providing access to a purchaser of a piece of jewelry to register the piece at the website; providing permission to the purchaser to add a personal story regarding the piece to the website; providing access to the information associated with the piece to a first group of visitors to the website; and providing access to the personal story to a second group of visitors to the website, wherein the first group includes potential second-hand buyers of the piece, wherein the second group includes friends and family of the purchaser, and wherein the first group and the second group are capable of overlapping. | 3,600 |
12,599 | 12,599 | 14,137,710 | 3,685 | Dynamically generated quick response (QR) codes are used for secure communication to/from mobile devices. In one example, a QR code identifies a product or service selected by a user using a mobile device. The mobile device generates the QR code identifying the user's selection, and displays the QR code for reading by a retail kiosk. The retail kiosk, such as movie-rental kiosk, extracts the product or service selection encoded in QR code and provides the identified product or service to the user. The QR code can additionally identify a user account, such that payment for the product or service is automatically charged to the account identified from the QR code. In another example, the QR code is used to transfer money and/or credits between a user and a retailer, or between two users. | 1. A method comprising:
receiving, in a mobile device executing a retail application, selection of a product or service by a user of the mobile device; generating, in the mobile device and based on the received user selection of the product or service, a quick response (QR) code encoding identification of the selected product or service and identification of a user account of the user of the mobile device; displaying, by the mobile device, the generated QR code such that the QR code can be communicated to a retail kiosk associated with the retail application to allow the retail kiosk to provide the selected product or service from the retail kiosk in response to having read the displayed QR code. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the selected product or service is provided by the retail kiosk without the user identifying the product or service through a user interface of the retail kiosk. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the retail application and the retail kiosk are associated with a same retailer. 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
obtaining, in the mobile device from an application server associated with the retail application, information on a plurality of products or services offered by a retailer through the retail kiosk; and displaying, on a display screen of the mobile device, the obtained information on the plurality of products and services offered by the retailer through the retail kiosk, wherein the selection of the product or service by a user of the mobile device is received through a user interface of the mobile device in response to the displaying of the obtained information. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the generating of the QR code in the mobile device comprises executing on a processor of the mobile device an algorithm for encoding an identifier for the user account and an identifier for the selected product or service within the QR code. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the generating of the QR code in the mobile device comprises transmitting, from the mobile device to an application server in communication with the retail application, the received selection of the product or service, and receiving data for generating the QR code encoding identification of the selected product or service from the application server. 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
reading, by a QR reader of the retail kiosk associated with the retail application, the QR code displayed by the mobile device; and processing, by the retail kiosk, the QR code read by the QR reader in order to extract identification of a product or service and identification of a user account encoded in the QR code, wherein the product or service provided by the retail kiosk is the product or service identified by the identification extracted from the QR code. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the generating the QR code comprises generating an encrypted QR code in which at least one of the identification of the selected product or service and the identification of the user account is encrypted. 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising:
receiving, in the mobile device, an encryption key prior to generating the QR code; and generating the QR code in the mobile device using the received encryption key. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the receiving of the encryption key comprises:
reading, using a camera of the mobile device, a second QR code displayed by the retail kiosk and encoding the encryption key; and processing, by the mobile device, the second QR code read using the camera in order to extract the encryption key encoded in the QR code. 11. The method of claim 9, wherein the receiving of the encryption key comprises retrieving, by the retail application executing on the mobile device, the encryption key from an application or authentication server associated with the retail application. 12. A method comprising:
receiving, in a mobile device executing a payment application, user account information; generating, in the mobile device and based on the received user account information, a quick response (QR) code encoding identification of the user account of the user of the mobile device; displaying, by the mobile device, the generated QR code such that the QR code can be read by a QR reader of a device for processing a payment transaction; and receiving, from a payment application server associated with the payment application, a payment confirmation message in response to the device for processing the payment transaction successfully completing a payment transaction based on the user account identification encoded in the generated QR code. 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising:
authenticating, by the mobile device, the received user account information by communicating the received information to a payment application server associated with the payment application, wherein the generating the QR code is performed in response to receiving an authentication confirmation from the payment application server. 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the generating of the QR code in the mobile device comprises executing on a processor of the mobile device an algorithm for encoding an identifier for the user account within the QR code. 15. The method of claim 12, further comprising:
receiving, in the mobile device, selection of a transaction amount by a user of the mobile device, wherein the generating the QR code comprises generating the QR code encoding identification of the user account and identification of the selected transaction amount. 16. A method comprising:
reading, by a quick response (QR) code reader of a device for processing a payment transaction, a QR code displayed by a user's mobile device; processing, by the device for processing the payment transaction, the QR code read by the QR reader in order to extract identification of a user account of the user of the mobile device encoded in the QR code; generating a payment transaction request message in the device for processing the payment transaction, the payment transaction request message including the identification of the user account extracted from the QR code and a transaction amount; transmitting the generated payment transaction request message from the device for processing the payment transaction to a payment application server; and receiving, from the payment application server, a payment confirmation message in response to the payment application server successfully completing a payment transaction based on the user account identification extracted from the QR code. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising:
displaying, by the device for processing the payment transaction for reading by the user's mobile device, a second QR code encoding an encryption key prior to the reading the QR code, wherein the QR code is an encrypted QR code, and wherein the processing the QR code read by the QR reader comprises decrypting information encoded in the QR code using a decryption key corresponding to the encryption key encoded in the second QR code. 18. The method of claim 16, wherein the processing the QR code comprises processing the QR code in order to extract identification of the transaction amount encoded in the QR code, and
wherein the generating the payment transaction request message comprises generating the payment transaction request message including the identification of the transaction amount extracted from the QR code. 19. The method of claim 16, wherein the processing the QR code comprises processing the QR code in order to extract identification of a maximum transaction amount encoded in the QR code,
the method further comprising:
computing, in the device for processing the payment transaction, a transaction amount;
comparing the computed transaction amount to the maximum transaction amount extracted from the QR code; and
upon determining that the transaction amount is less than the maximum transaction amount extracted from the QR code, generating the payment transaction request message including the identification of the user account extracted from the QR code and the computed transaction amount. 20. The method of claim 16, further comprising:
authenticating, by the device for processing the payment transaction, the user account identified by the identification extracted from the QR code by transmitting the extracted identification of the user account to an authentication server, wherein the receiving the payment confirmation message comprises receiving the payment confirmation message only upon the authentication server successfully authenticating the user account. | Dynamically generated quick response (QR) codes are used for secure communication to/from mobile devices. In one example, a QR code identifies a product or service selected by a user using a mobile device. The mobile device generates the QR code identifying the user's selection, and displays the QR code for reading by a retail kiosk. The retail kiosk, such as movie-rental kiosk, extracts the product or service selection encoded in QR code and provides the identified product or service to the user. The QR code can additionally identify a user account, such that payment for the product or service is automatically charged to the account identified from the QR code. In another example, the QR code is used to transfer money and/or credits between a user and a retailer, or between two users.1. A method comprising:
receiving, in a mobile device executing a retail application, selection of a product or service by a user of the mobile device; generating, in the mobile device and based on the received user selection of the product or service, a quick response (QR) code encoding identification of the selected product or service and identification of a user account of the user of the mobile device; displaying, by the mobile device, the generated QR code such that the QR code can be communicated to a retail kiosk associated with the retail application to allow the retail kiosk to provide the selected product or service from the retail kiosk in response to having read the displayed QR code. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the selected product or service is provided by the retail kiosk without the user identifying the product or service through a user interface of the retail kiosk. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the retail application and the retail kiosk are associated with a same retailer. 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
obtaining, in the mobile device from an application server associated with the retail application, information on a plurality of products or services offered by a retailer through the retail kiosk; and displaying, on a display screen of the mobile device, the obtained information on the plurality of products and services offered by the retailer through the retail kiosk, wherein the selection of the product or service by a user of the mobile device is received through a user interface of the mobile device in response to the displaying of the obtained information. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the generating of the QR code in the mobile device comprises executing on a processor of the mobile device an algorithm for encoding an identifier for the user account and an identifier for the selected product or service within the QR code. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the generating of the QR code in the mobile device comprises transmitting, from the mobile device to an application server in communication with the retail application, the received selection of the product or service, and receiving data for generating the QR code encoding identification of the selected product or service from the application server. 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
reading, by a QR reader of the retail kiosk associated with the retail application, the QR code displayed by the mobile device; and processing, by the retail kiosk, the QR code read by the QR reader in order to extract identification of a product or service and identification of a user account encoded in the QR code, wherein the product or service provided by the retail kiosk is the product or service identified by the identification extracted from the QR code. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the generating the QR code comprises generating an encrypted QR code in which at least one of the identification of the selected product or service and the identification of the user account is encrypted. 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising:
receiving, in the mobile device, an encryption key prior to generating the QR code; and generating the QR code in the mobile device using the received encryption key. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the receiving of the encryption key comprises:
reading, using a camera of the mobile device, a second QR code displayed by the retail kiosk and encoding the encryption key; and processing, by the mobile device, the second QR code read using the camera in order to extract the encryption key encoded in the QR code. 11. The method of claim 9, wherein the receiving of the encryption key comprises retrieving, by the retail application executing on the mobile device, the encryption key from an application or authentication server associated with the retail application. 12. A method comprising:
receiving, in a mobile device executing a payment application, user account information; generating, in the mobile device and based on the received user account information, a quick response (QR) code encoding identification of the user account of the user of the mobile device; displaying, by the mobile device, the generated QR code such that the QR code can be read by a QR reader of a device for processing a payment transaction; and receiving, from a payment application server associated with the payment application, a payment confirmation message in response to the device for processing the payment transaction successfully completing a payment transaction based on the user account identification encoded in the generated QR code. 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising:
authenticating, by the mobile device, the received user account information by communicating the received information to a payment application server associated with the payment application, wherein the generating the QR code is performed in response to receiving an authentication confirmation from the payment application server. 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the generating of the QR code in the mobile device comprises executing on a processor of the mobile device an algorithm for encoding an identifier for the user account within the QR code. 15. The method of claim 12, further comprising:
receiving, in the mobile device, selection of a transaction amount by a user of the mobile device, wherein the generating the QR code comprises generating the QR code encoding identification of the user account and identification of the selected transaction amount. 16. A method comprising:
reading, by a quick response (QR) code reader of a device for processing a payment transaction, a QR code displayed by a user's mobile device; processing, by the device for processing the payment transaction, the QR code read by the QR reader in order to extract identification of a user account of the user of the mobile device encoded in the QR code; generating a payment transaction request message in the device for processing the payment transaction, the payment transaction request message including the identification of the user account extracted from the QR code and a transaction amount; transmitting the generated payment transaction request message from the device for processing the payment transaction to a payment application server; and receiving, from the payment application server, a payment confirmation message in response to the payment application server successfully completing a payment transaction based on the user account identification extracted from the QR code. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising:
displaying, by the device for processing the payment transaction for reading by the user's mobile device, a second QR code encoding an encryption key prior to the reading the QR code, wherein the QR code is an encrypted QR code, and wherein the processing the QR code read by the QR reader comprises decrypting information encoded in the QR code using a decryption key corresponding to the encryption key encoded in the second QR code. 18. The method of claim 16, wherein the processing the QR code comprises processing the QR code in order to extract identification of the transaction amount encoded in the QR code, and
wherein the generating the payment transaction request message comprises generating the payment transaction request message including the identification of the transaction amount extracted from the QR code. 19. The method of claim 16, wherein the processing the QR code comprises processing the QR code in order to extract identification of a maximum transaction amount encoded in the QR code,
the method further comprising:
computing, in the device for processing the payment transaction, a transaction amount;
comparing the computed transaction amount to the maximum transaction amount extracted from the QR code; and
upon determining that the transaction amount is less than the maximum transaction amount extracted from the QR code, generating the payment transaction request message including the identification of the user account extracted from the QR code and the computed transaction amount. 20. The method of claim 16, further comprising:
authenticating, by the device for processing the payment transaction, the user account identified by the identification extracted from the QR code by transmitting the extracted identification of the user account to an authentication server, wherein the receiving the payment confirmation message comprises receiving the payment confirmation message only upon the authentication server successfully authenticating the user account. | 3,600 |
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